Check it out--this is like the 84th post from me this week.
THIS one, however, is quite special. Any guesses? Ok, time's up. It is my 100th post--can you believe it? Those of you who have stuck with me from the very beginning (thanks, by the way) have endured 100 little pieces of my life--some good, others cheesy, and some downright ridiculous (Inspector Gadget, anyone?).
Unfortunately for YOU, I do not have insightful news to discuss for this celebratory entry, so you'll have to forgive me for what I do plan on discussing: junk mail.
I have no idea why but my work email gets THE most junk mail I have ever seen. And before you start snickering, I don't visit or subscribe to any inappropriate websites so knock if off. Actually, I think the entire staff gets bogged down with it. On an average day around 50 emails find their way to the junk pile. 50!! Each morning I quickly scan to make sure none ended up in the pile by mistake and then I delete them all. This morning I noticed the typical "Enjoyable steamy nights will come soon" or "Quality watches at 25% discount" emails before I ran across one that made me pause.
"Set your wife on fire."
What the hell!? I actually looked around my office to make sure no one saw this. What if the FBI (or whoever it is) took this moment on this day to read all of my personal emails and here I have Philip Edwards and his sick arsonist email glaring back at me. Who would ever want to murder their wife--especially by setting her on fire? And who would ever read the email to find out how to do it?
Well, my friends, the answer is me. My curiosity was at an all-time high and I wanted to know what this sicko had to suggest. As I read the email I learned that working at a church has turned me into one innocent little girl. The post was definitely not about setting your wife on fire in the literal sense but in other ways (nudge, nudge). I laughed out loud and then deleted the post (because the FBI doesn't really need to know about that stuff either).
So for any of you who were hoping to hear exactly HOW you can set your own wife on fire, my suggestion is to pick up the latest Cosmo magazine.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Pictures!
Pictures from our Staff Retreat!
Check out his nametag ("The Muller Beast"):
Pictures from last weekend when Em and Jake were in town!
Check out his nametag ("The Muller Beast"):
Pictures from last weekend when Em and Jake were in town!
Monday, October 6, 2008
• <-- Underrated
Ohhhh I have so much to write and so little desire to write it. Allow me to re-introduce my best friend, the bullet point: •
Cute little guy, eh?
• I did not have to go to work on Thursday. Instead, the entire staff spent the morning doing team -building exercises at Camp Loughridge. I was hoping for a tall ropes course but our feet never left the ground. I was definitely surprised by the day. I was expecting total ridiculousness but they actually did a very good job--I had a warm and fuzzy feeling when I left. Admittedly, that feeling was partially due to the fact that we did not have to go back to work and it was only 1p. Either way, good times. I work with some great people. :)
• Friday afternoon I met up with Julie! She came by to see our house and then we went shopping for a few hours while we waited for her friend to finish work. The three of us went to Tuccis for dinner and had a fun time catching up. Julie had decided to fly to Fort Smith for the weekend and was kind enough to drive to Tulsa for the day to visit her favorite Oklahomans.
• Drove to Kansas City early Saturday morning to visit Ryan and Ashley! Ashley was at a baby shower when we arrived so the three of us had lunch at a cute wine bar and headed to the Plaza. The boys split up from me and went to the nearest Sports Bar while I was able to shop guilt-free. Met up with them an hour later and ordered the fried twinkie out of protest. I found out Saturday as we were driving that the fair would be over by the time we got back. (No cheese on a stick this year? Are you kidding me?!) Ran into a friend from college and caught up with him--it was a great afternoon! We hung out at Ryan and Ashley's house for a bit, went to dinner and then out to the Power & Light District. It was awesome! Parked ourselves at a fun piano bar and enjoyed the rest of our evening.
• Sunday I had brunch with Summer on the Plaza. It was so great to see her--she wasn't able to come to Tulsa the weekend before so this more than made up for it!
• Sunday afternoon we went to the KC Wizards game before we drove home. I accidentally fell asleep twice during the game. Some might say I was sleepy.
• In 3 hours I will be visiting the doctor. I am dreading it. I think it's a kidney infection but I really have no idea. Going to the doctor apparently gives me anxiety attacks. I did not realize this until this morning when I got on the website from hell: WebMD. Diagnosed myself with four types of cancer (slight exaggeration). I started feeling sick/nauseous so I wandered off to my own personal sanctuary, which just so happens to be THE sanctuary. I was halfway there when my boss found me and asked what I was doing (I guess it did look a bit odd that I was walking towards a dark, uninhabited room). I suddenly got light-headed and had to sit down, all the while telling him I was completely fine (riiiight). Strangely enough he didn't believe me. I finally made it to the sanctuary and discovered four people working on the organ. They heard the door open and immediately started a conversation with me. ARGH! I mumbled a few words, found a hiding place and sat down. Did not move until my breathing steadied and my heart finally decided it did actually belong in my chest. Yes indeed, a fantastic way to start my week.
• It is October!! Normally I would bullet point all of the fabulous happenings that take place this month, but then this post would look eerily familiar to a high school Engligh outline so no thank you. I would like to point out, however, that this month is two of my friends birthdays, our one-year anniversary (WOW!), Oktoberfest, AND hopefully the birth of our niece/nephew. WOOHOO!
• That's it from me!
Cute little guy, eh?
• I did not have to go to work on Thursday. Instead, the entire staff spent the morning doing team -building exercises at Camp Loughridge. I was hoping for a tall ropes course but our feet never left the ground. I was definitely surprised by the day. I was expecting total ridiculousness but they actually did a very good job--I had a warm and fuzzy feeling when I left. Admittedly, that feeling was partially due to the fact that we did not have to go back to work and it was only 1p. Either way, good times. I work with some great people. :)
• Friday afternoon I met up with Julie! She came by to see our house and then we went shopping for a few hours while we waited for her friend to finish work. The three of us went to Tuccis for dinner and had a fun time catching up. Julie had decided to fly to Fort Smith for the weekend and was kind enough to drive to Tulsa for the day to visit her favorite Oklahomans.
• Drove to Kansas City early Saturday morning to visit Ryan and Ashley! Ashley was at a baby shower when we arrived so the three of us had lunch at a cute wine bar and headed to the Plaza. The boys split up from me and went to the nearest Sports Bar while I was able to shop guilt-free. Met up with them an hour later and ordered the fried twinkie out of protest. I found out Saturday as we were driving that the fair would be over by the time we got back. (No cheese on a stick this year? Are you kidding me?!) Ran into a friend from college and caught up with him--it was a great afternoon! We hung out at Ryan and Ashley's house for a bit, went to dinner and then out to the Power & Light District. It was awesome! Parked ourselves at a fun piano bar and enjoyed the rest of our evening.
• Sunday I had brunch with Summer on the Plaza. It was so great to see her--she wasn't able to come to Tulsa the weekend before so this more than made up for it!
• Sunday afternoon we went to the KC Wizards game before we drove home. I accidentally fell asleep twice during the game. Some might say I was sleepy.
• In 3 hours I will be visiting the doctor. I am dreading it. I think it's a kidney infection but I really have no idea. Going to the doctor apparently gives me anxiety attacks. I did not realize this until this morning when I got on the website from hell: WebMD. Diagnosed myself with four types of cancer (slight exaggeration). I started feeling sick/nauseous so I wandered off to my own personal sanctuary, which just so happens to be THE sanctuary. I was halfway there when my boss found me and asked what I was doing (I guess it did look a bit odd that I was walking towards a dark, uninhabited room). I suddenly got light-headed and had to sit down, all the while telling him I was completely fine (riiiight). Strangely enough he didn't believe me. I finally made it to the sanctuary and discovered four people working on the organ. They heard the door open and immediately started a conversation with me. ARGH! I mumbled a few words, found a hiding place and sat down. Did not move until my breathing steadied and my heart finally decided it did actually belong in my chest. Yes indeed, a fantastic way to start my week.
• It is October!! Normally I would bullet point all of the fabulous happenings that take place this month, but then this post would look eerily familiar to a high school Engligh outline so no thank you. I would like to point out, however, that this month is two of my friends birthdays, our one-year anniversary (WOW!), Oktoberfest, AND hopefully the birth of our niece/nephew. WOOHOO!
• That's it from me!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
YES!
So I ordered an iphone last week and it came in yesterday. It is amazing, it is fabulous, it gives me more cool points than I will ever deserve... etc, etc.
I did not do anything last night except play with my new toy and randomly shout out, "This is SO cool" to no one in particular. Michael was polite enough to answer the first 15 times and then he just ignored me.
But! My main reason for writing is to tell you about a free application I downloaded on the phone, which you can also download on i-tunes. It's called "Pandora" and is basically a radio station without commercials. Not only that, you can type in an artist you like and it will play music from that genre. About 30 minutes ago I typed in my second favorite Michael--Michael Jackson--and have been mesmerized ever since. I immediately reminisced to the days where I made mixed tapes, although I could never DREAM of putting one together that was this good. I'm pretty sure most will read the following and think, "eh, it's ok..." But for ME, it is about the greatest mix of music I've ever heard. Please, allow me to share:
Michael Jackson -- Billie Jean
The Police -- Every Breath You Take
Justin Timberlake -- Rock Your Body
Stevie Wonder -- Superstition
George Michael -- Faith
Jackson 5 --ABC
Prince -- Little Red Corvette (Until now I always thought he was singing "Li-ving Collect," meaning he was a cheap-ass and always called his mom Collect from a payphone. I was wrong.)
So you tell me. How amazing is that playlist? I can barely contain myself to hear what the next song will be.
........
Ok, it's been a few minutes. We can now add Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" to the playlist.
Unfortunately, I do have some awkward news. You can click on a button that tells you why it picked this song for the playlist. I expected it to say, "Because YOU, my friend, have amazing taste" but surprisingly enough, it said:
"We're playing this track because it features extensive vamping, minor key tonality, an agressive male vocalist and prominent synth drums."
That kind of made me feel a little sick inside. Now I'm feeling a little sheepish for what I consider "great" music. Prominent synth drums? Aggressive male vocalist? Are we serious here?!
I did not do anything last night except play with my new toy and randomly shout out, "This is SO cool" to no one in particular. Michael was polite enough to answer the first 15 times and then he just ignored me.
But! My main reason for writing is to tell you about a free application I downloaded on the phone, which you can also download on i-tunes. It's called "Pandora" and is basically a radio station without commercials. Not only that, you can type in an artist you like and it will play music from that genre. About 30 minutes ago I typed in my second favorite Michael--Michael Jackson--and have been mesmerized ever since. I immediately reminisced to the days where I made mixed tapes, although I could never DREAM of putting one together that was this good. I'm pretty sure most will read the following and think, "eh, it's ok..." But for ME, it is about the greatest mix of music I've ever heard. Please, allow me to share:
Michael Jackson -- Billie Jean
The Police -- Every Breath You Take
Justin Timberlake -- Rock Your Body
Stevie Wonder -- Superstition
George Michael -- Faith
Jackson 5 --ABC
Prince -- Little Red Corvette (Until now I always thought he was singing "Li-ving Collect," meaning he was a cheap-ass and always called his mom Collect from a payphone. I was wrong.)
So you tell me. How amazing is that playlist? I can barely contain myself to hear what the next song will be.
........
Ok, it's been a few minutes. We can now add Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" to the playlist.
Unfortunately, I do have some awkward news. You can click on a button that tells you why it picked this song for the playlist. I expected it to say, "Because YOU, my friend, have amazing taste" but surprisingly enough, it said:
"We're playing this track because it features extensive vamping, minor key tonality, an agressive male vocalist and prominent synth drums."
That kind of made me feel a little sick inside. Now I'm feeling a little sheepish for what I consider "great" music. Prominent synth drums? Aggressive male vocalist? Are we serious here?!
Monday, September 29, 2008
I'm Not In College Anymore...
Emily and Jake came to Tulsa this weekend! I knew it was going to be 2 nights of staying up late so I was a wee bit nervous, but we had a wonderful time.
Friday night we met up at Kreston's house, had a few drinks and headed to In the Raw for sushi. Afterwards we walked across the street to Brookside bar. Kait and Steve rode with us and we had a nice laugh when we left the bar. I unlocked the doors and as we got in all four of us either sighed with relief or groaned from back aches, knee aches, etc. Conclusion: We. Are. Old.
Saturday morning Michael went to a Juvenile Diabetes Fun Walk (a grandiose 1.5 mile walk around a neighborhood) and the rest of us ate at BBD. Afterwards the girls took a tour of the Snider and Haynes residences as well as a nice walk around Utica Square.
And then I experienced my very first TU tailgate (yes, that is sad). We set up around 3p (TU's official tailgate area is amazing!) and spent the rest of the evening under our tent, cheering on the Golden Hurricane (it's so fun to cheer for a team that's actually good)! Around 7:30 we cleaned up, had dinner at El Guapo and walked across the street to McNellies.
A very fun weekend indeed. I spent most of Sunday in bed, lamenting my old age and rickedy bones. Went to the grocery store to pick up some food for the week and dessert for our small group last night. Got a sudden burst of energy around 10:30p and Michael grumbled about what a bear I would be in the morning due to lack of sleep (he was right).
I didn't take one picture this weekend. Others did so I'll post them when I get them.
In other news, Jeremiah (my fish) tried to commit suicide this morning. I was cleaning his bowl and he dived to his death in the sink. I kept trying to throw him back in the bowl but he would not have it. Eventually I was able to grab the little guy and place him in his glass bowl of emotion and he calmed down. What is it with my pets? Jeremiah wants to die, and Thumbs wants to explore the great outdoors. Is this a sign that kids are not for me? I'm not sure I can handle my 5-year-old packing his/her bags and leaving me for greener pastures.
I have bangs now. I didn't have much choice, the straightener had done a number on them so I requested them from the stylist (she does a better job cutting them than the straightener--no surprise there). My right arm is getting strong from constantly pushing them to the side and I'm sure I look like I have some weird disorder with the way I keep shaking my head to get them out of my eyes when the right arm is already in use...as in right now. The best thing about them? They cover my wrinkle between my eyes. So I finally found the answer and it is not botox. Needles might be the creepiest things ever so good riddance to them.
I'm out.
Friday night we met up at Kreston's house, had a few drinks and headed to In the Raw for sushi. Afterwards we walked across the street to Brookside bar. Kait and Steve rode with us and we had a nice laugh when we left the bar. I unlocked the doors and as we got in all four of us either sighed with relief or groaned from back aches, knee aches, etc. Conclusion: We. Are. Old.
Saturday morning Michael went to a Juvenile Diabetes Fun Walk (a grandiose 1.5 mile walk around a neighborhood) and the rest of us ate at BBD. Afterwards the girls took a tour of the Snider and Haynes residences as well as a nice walk around Utica Square.
And then I experienced my very first TU tailgate (yes, that is sad). We set up around 3p (TU's official tailgate area is amazing!) and spent the rest of the evening under our tent, cheering on the Golden Hurricane (it's so fun to cheer for a team that's actually good)! Around 7:30 we cleaned up, had dinner at El Guapo and walked across the street to McNellies.
A very fun weekend indeed. I spent most of Sunday in bed, lamenting my old age and rickedy bones. Went to the grocery store to pick up some food for the week and dessert for our small group last night. Got a sudden burst of energy around 10:30p and Michael grumbled about what a bear I would be in the morning due to lack of sleep (he was right).
I didn't take one picture this weekend. Others did so I'll post them when I get them.
In other news, Jeremiah (my fish) tried to commit suicide this morning. I was cleaning his bowl and he dived to his death in the sink. I kept trying to throw him back in the bowl but he would not have it. Eventually I was able to grab the little guy and place him in his glass bowl of emotion and he calmed down. What is it with my pets? Jeremiah wants to die, and Thumbs wants to explore the great outdoors. Is this a sign that kids are not for me? I'm not sure I can handle my 5-year-old packing his/her bags and leaving me for greener pastures.
I have bangs now. I didn't have much choice, the straightener had done a number on them so I requested them from the stylist (she does a better job cutting them than the straightener--no surprise there). My right arm is getting strong from constantly pushing them to the side and I'm sure I look like I have some weird disorder with the way I keep shaking my head to get them out of my eyes when the right arm is already in use...as in right now. The best thing about them? They cover my wrinkle between my eyes. So I finally found the answer and it is not botox. Needles might be the creepiest things ever so good riddance to them.
I'm out.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Diet Diary
September 24, 2008
Day 3
Dear Diet Diary,
So far the week has gone pretty well. Right now I am enjoying a creamy milk chocolate Slim-Fast. Actually, it's the Wal-Mart brand, so it boldly states, "Compare to Slim-Fast" on the can. It's not very creamy and I'm not sure it really makes me think of chocolate, but who's complaining. Afer I finish the drink, I will have 30% of my daily molybdenum!
I had a great idea the other day. I've tried Diet Coke, Coke Zero, etc., and none of them compared to my first true love: regular Coke. For most of my life, I've had an issue with Dr. Pepper. I've always associated it with ignorance, thanks to "THOSE girls" in junior high who made my life a living hell. Yep, they all drank Dr. Pepper. Anyway, I've never acquired a taste for it. That being said, I recently thought to myself, "Since I don't really know the taste of the REAL thing, maybe the diet version won't taste terrible?!" And do you know what, diary? I was RIGHT! So I'm getting my caffeine fix without 140 empty calories.
I'm quite surprised at how good some of the boxed dinners are. Not that I don't crave a burger every once in awhile, but I still feel full afterwards and I don't spend the entire day thinking about food.
I had a bad night last night. I really wanted a regular Coke. I'd told Michael to not let me falter so he refused to let me have one. I begged, I pleaded, I did awful things (e.g., called his phone and left a 3 minute message--we are not fans of long messages), but he would not let down. He finally, FINALLY opened a coke and let me have a few sips. It was glorious. I figure if you can't splurge every once in awhile, you'll just go crazy.
I walked/ran last night around the neighborhood a few times. Is it bad that I listened to Kate Perry's, "I Kissed a Girl" 3 times? I'm not really into that kind of action but it has an amazing beat. I also found Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" pretty inspiring as I rounded the corner and headed for home.
Sincerely,
Meredith Leigh Besancon Haynes
(Editor's note: While most of the above statements are true--ok, all of them are true--this was not to be taken seriously. Thanks, and happy eating to you all.)
UPDATE: Many thanks to all who have posted or emailed and told me not to do this. I'm not trying to lose 20 pounds, I'm just trying to fit in my pants, which are starting to look mildly inappropriate! So do not fear, sending "get help" brochures is unnecessary. I just want to wear the clothes in my closet (actually, there is nothing I would love more than a shopping spree at the mall but it kind of ruins the excitement when you realize why you're having to buy all new clothes).
Day 3
Dear Diet Diary,
So far the week has gone pretty well. Right now I am enjoying a creamy milk chocolate Slim-Fast. Actually, it's the Wal-Mart brand, so it boldly states, "Compare to Slim-Fast" on the can. It's not very creamy and I'm not sure it really makes me think of chocolate, but who's complaining. Afer I finish the drink, I will have 30% of my daily molybdenum!
I had a great idea the other day. I've tried Diet Coke, Coke Zero, etc., and none of them compared to my first true love: regular Coke. For most of my life, I've had an issue with Dr. Pepper. I've always associated it with ignorance, thanks to "THOSE girls" in junior high who made my life a living hell. Yep, they all drank Dr. Pepper. Anyway, I've never acquired a taste for it. That being said, I recently thought to myself, "Since I don't really know the taste of the REAL thing, maybe the diet version won't taste terrible?!" And do you know what, diary? I was RIGHT! So I'm getting my caffeine fix without 140 empty calories.
I'm quite surprised at how good some of the boxed dinners are. Not that I don't crave a burger every once in awhile, but I still feel full afterwards and I don't spend the entire day thinking about food.
I had a bad night last night. I really wanted a regular Coke. I'd told Michael to not let me falter so he refused to let me have one. I begged, I pleaded, I did awful things (e.g., called his phone and left a 3 minute message--we are not fans of long messages), but he would not let down. He finally, FINALLY opened a coke and let me have a few sips. It was glorious. I figure if you can't splurge every once in awhile, you'll just go crazy.
I walked/ran last night around the neighborhood a few times. Is it bad that I listened to Kate Perry's, "I Kissed a Girl" 3 times? I'm not really into that kind of action but it has an amazing beat. I also found Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" pretty inspiring as I rounded the corner and headed for home.
Sincerely,
Meredith Leigh Besancon Haynes
(Editor's note: While most of the above statements are true--ok, all of them are true--this was not to be taken seriously. Thanks, and happy eating to you all.)
UPDATE: Many thanks to all who have posted or emailed and told me not to do this. I'm not trying to lose 20 pounds, I'm just trying to fit in my pants, which are starting to look mildly inappropriate! So do not fear, sending "get help" brochures is unnecessary. I just want to wear the clothes in my closet (actually, there is nothing I would love more than a shopping spree at the mall but it kind of ruins the excitement when you realize why you're having to buy all new clothes).
Monday, September 22, 2008
Case Of The Mondays
Ugh.
You know it's bad when you think, "It's been one of those days" and it's 8:30 am. What's worse is I said the same thing last night. I will share these tales with you so you can smile and think to yourself, "Thank God my life is so much better than hers." But first, a brief recap:
2 weeks ago: Karen and Myers came to visit. Had a blast spending time with them!
Last weekend: Drove to Fort Smith to celebrate Michael's bday with my parents. We realized it'd been forever since we'd visited the Fort and it was a lovely weekend as well!
This past weekend: Drove to Coppell for Michael's birthday celebration 3.0. I hate to brag, but what used to cost us $100 to drive to/from Coppell now costs $32. And we hugged the environment the entire time. All are happy!
Ok, so back to why your life is better than mine. Michael and I decided several months ago that we would buy 2 lottery tickets each time the jackpot went over $100 million. On Friday it was at a grand total of $154 million so I bought our tickets at the gas station. I was ridiculously embarrassed so I asked as quietly as possible, "May I please have 2 lottery tickets?" Of course the person couldn't hear me so they yelled, "You want WHAT? Lottery tickets?! OK!!!" I paid my $2, took my 2 tickets, and ran out of there. On our drive home yesterday, Michael and I discussed how we'd spend our newfound millions and it was quite a treat. Got home, high-fived Thumbs, unloaded the car, and checked the lottery website to see where we needed to go to collect our billions. We had 1 number correct (out of 6). Not that I really expected to win, but I'd be lying if I said my shoulders didn't slump just a smidge. Goodbye deserted island, hello many years of house payments.
I decided to go the grocery store to buy some lunch meat and diet foods. Remember the guy who told me my hair looked green? The other day he told me to turn to the side and mentioned how I used to be "this big" (arm gesture) and was now "this big" (larger arm gesture). I was horrified and vowed to never eat cheese again. Sidenote: Is it me or was that highly inappropriate? So I drive to Wal-Mart, park the car and head to the carts. There are 2 left. 2! I am about 3 feet away from the second cart (a young couple has claimed the first), when the lady picks up the trash in her cart and... wait for it... puts it in my cart. My mouth drops and I look down at my body to verify that I did indeed leave my cloak of invisibility at home. Yes, I am clearly standing here next to my cart that is now filled with trash. I quietly shake my head and remove said trash. Strike 1.
I head to the "tasteless aisle" (read: not fried) to pick up some items. Fill my cart and head to the check-out. There are approximately 5 people working in the entire store so the lines are extremely long. I manage to pick the worst. Of course. Strike 2.
15 minutes later (no joke), I am at the front of the line, figuring out how I can protect myself if someone tries to kidnap me in the parking lot since it is now dark outside. She finishes ringing up the groceries and I reach into my purse. And guess what is NOT there? Oh yes, my wallet. I look in every pouch, zipper, etc., and then in a very calm, relaxed voice let the girl know, "Holy shit I left my wallet at home!!!!" (Sudden flashback to me pulling my stupid lottery tickets out of my wallet and leaving the ridiculous wallet on the counter.) STRIKE 3!!! I immediately call my husband and tell him to get here ASAP. I am absolutely mortified. She suspends my order and tells me to wait in the customer service line, which is in front of everyone. I might as well have placed a scarlet I on my shirt (I = Idiot). Michael arrives and we wait another 15 minutes while a man who recently separated from his wife returns his portion of the claimed goods. It was quite tragic. After he left, the lady checked us out and told us to always stay together. Weird.
So that was yesterday. This morning I woke up with a horrendously miserably awful headache so I told Michael to go ahead and drive to work without me and I'd go in an hour late. When I woke up the second time I remembered I was supposed to go to a conference today (not mandatory but I'd asked for a ticket) so I quickly got ready and hopped in the car. As I was leaving, I clicked the garage door opener and nothing happened. I clicked it approx 54 more times before I realized I might need to move to plan B. I walked to the garage and pushed the opener by the door. The garage door did a little jig and stopped. I pushed it again, saw the same jig, and then nothing. I called Michael again (poor Michael) and had him walk me through how to manually close a garage door. We hung up, but not before I said, "I guess I'll just stay home from work and take a vacation day!" (Whimper, pout, etc. etc.) I finally, FINALLY got the door to close. As I drove to work I noticed the traffic was terrible and then figured out it was for the conference that I was supposed to be at, which had already started. When I finally reached the church, it was 8:30a (conference started at 8a).
So there you have it. 2 fabulous days. And to throw one more thing out there, I just had my mid-morning snack and it was the most disgusting thing I've ever eaten. Hooray for diets.
You know it's bad when you think, "It's been one of those days" and it's 8:30 am. What's worse is I said the same thing last night. I will share these tales with you so you can smile and think to yourself, "Thank God my life is so much better than hers." But first, a brief recap:
2 weeks ago: Karen and Myers came to visit. Had a blast spending time with them!
Last weekend: Drove to Fort Smith to celebrate Michael's bday with my parents. We realized it'd been forever since we'd visited the Fort and it was a lovely weekend as well!
This past weekend: Drove to Coppell for Michael's birthday celebration 3.0. I hate to brag, but what used to cost us $100 to drive to/from Coppell now costs $32. And we hugged the environment the entire time. All are happy!
Ok, so back to why your life is better than mine. Michael and I decided several months ago that we would buy 2 lottery tickets each time the jackpot went over $100 million. On Friday it was at a grand total of $154 million so I bought our tickets at the gas station. I was ridiculously embarrassed so I asked as quietly as possible, "May I please have 2 lottery tickets?" Of course the person couldn't hear me so they yelled, "You want WHAT? Lottery tickets?! OK!!!" I paid my $2, took my 2 tickets, and ran out of there. On our drive home yesterday, Michael and I discussed how we'd spend our newfound millions and it was quite a treat. Got home, high-fived Thumbs, unloaded the car, and checked the lottery website to see where we needed to go to collect our billions. We had 1 number correct (out of 6). Not that I really expected to win, but I'd be lying if I said my shoulders didn't slump just a smidge. Goodbye deserted island, hello many years of house payments.
I decided to go the grocery store to buy some lunch meat and diet foods. Remember the guy who told me my hair looked green? The other day he told me to turn to the side and mentioned how I used to be "this big" (arm gesture) and was now "this big" (larger arm gesture). I was horrified and vowed to never eat cheese again. Sidenote: Is it me or was that highly inappropriate? So I drive to Wal-Mart, park the car and head to the carts. There are 2 left. 2! I am about 3 feet away from the second cart (a young couple has claimed the first), when the lady picks up the trash in her cart and... wait for it... puts it in my cart. My mouth drops and I look down at my body to verify that I did indeed leave my cloak of invisibility at home. Yes, I am clearly standing here next to my cart that is now filled with trash. I quietly shake my head and remove said trash. Strike 1.
I head to the "tasteless aisle" (read: not fried) to pick up some items. Fill my cart and head to the check-out. There are approximately 5 people working in the entire store so the lines are extremely long. I manage to pick the worst. Of course. Strike 2.
15 minutes later (no joke), I am at the front of the line, figuring out how I can protect myself if someone tries to kidnap me in the parking lot since it is now dark outside. She finishes ringing up the groceries and I reach into my purse. And guess what is NOT there? Oh yes, my wallet. I look in every pouch, zipper, etc., and then in a very calm, relaxed voice let the girl know, "Holy shit I left my wallet at home!!!!" (Sudden flashback to me pulling my stupid lottery tickets out of my wallet and leaving the ridiculous wallet on the counter.) STRIKE 3!!! I immediately call my husband and tell him to get here ASAP. I am absolutely mortified. She suspends my order and tells me to wait in the customer service line, which is in front of everyone. I might as well have placed a scarlet I on my shirt (I = Idiot). Michael arrives and we wait another 15 minutes while a man who recently separated from his wife returns his portion of the claimed goods. It was quite tragic. After he left, the lady checked us out and told us to always stay together. Weird.
So that was yesterday. This morning I woke up with a horrendously miserably awful headache so I told Michael to go ahead and drive to work without me and I'd go in an hour late. When I woke up the second time I remembered I was supposed to go to a conference today (not mandatory but I'd asked for a ticket) so I quickly got ready and hopped in the car. As I was leaving, I clicked the garage door opener and nothing happened. I clicked it approx 54 more times before I realized I might need to move to plan B. I walked to the garage and pushed the opener by the door. The garage door did a little jig and stopped. I pushed it again, saw the same jig, and then nothing. I called Michael again (poor Michael) and had him walk me through how to manually close a garage door. We hung up, but not before I said, "I guess I'll just stay home from work and take a vacation day!" (Whimper, pout, etc. etc.) I finally, FINALLY got the door to close. As I drove to work I noticed the traffic was terrible and then figured out it was for the conference that I was supposed to be at, which had already started. When I finally reached the church, it was 8:30a (conference started at 8a).
So there you have it. 2 fabulous days. And to throw one more thing out there, I just had my mid-morning snack and it was the most disgusting thing I've ever eaten. Hooray for diets.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Birthdays Rule
I have been waiting for this day for 4 long months. It is no secret that I am the older woman in our relationship, which is fine. But I do love it when he finally joins me in years. That being said...
HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!
As luck would have it, Michael's birthday is right in the middle of close at work. He went in a tad early this morning and I will not see him until late tonight. What a ridiculous birthday! We figured this out last week so we celebrated his birthday on Thursday evening. I told him I would happily take him to any restaurant he wanted and I would foot the bill (oh how I LOVE being married). After some consideration, he decided on hot wings. I was staring at his mouth, willing the words, "Polo Grill" or "Melting Pot" to tumble out, but no, he wanted hot wings. If it weren't his birthday, I would have stamped my foot like a child. Instead I put on the brightest smile I could muster and said, "What a great idea! Sounds delicious!" So after opening his presents, we went to "Wings to Go" and did exactly that... Ate some hot wings, chugged some brewskies, and enjoyed each other's (and ESPN's) company.
A birthday isn't fun without some slightly embarrassing/mostly adorable nostalgic memories, right? I thought so too!
I love you, Michael! Can't wait to celebrate 50 more September 15's with you!
If this isn't the best impression of "Blue Steel," I don't know what is...
HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!!
As luck would have it, Michael's birthday is right in the middle of close at work. He went in a tad early this morning and I will not see him until late tonight. What a ridiculous birthday! We figured this out last week so we celebrated his birthday on Thursday evening. I told him I would happily take him to any restaurant he wanted and I would foot the bill (oh how I LOVE being married). After some consideration, he decided on hot wings. I was staring at his mouth, willing the words, "Polo Grill" or "Melting Pot" to tumble out, but no, he wanted hot wings. If it weren't his birthday, I would have stamped my foot like a child. Instead I put on the brightest smile I could muster and said, "What a great idea! Sounds delicious!" So after opening his presents, we went to "Wings to Go" and did exactly that... Ate some hot wings, chugged some brewskies, and enjoyed each other's (and ESPN's) company.
A birthday isn't fun without some slightly embarrassing/mostly adorable nostalgic memories, right? I thought so too!
I love you, Michael! Can't wait to celebrate 50 more September 15's with you!
If this isn't the best impression of "Blue Steel," I don't know what is...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9.11
September 11, 2001
I was a sophomore at TU, rooming with Summer in Suite B in the Delta Gamma house. I vaguely remember Kaitlin waking us up to tell us something big was going on. I went back to sleep. I woke up again to my boyfriend's phone call asking if I'd seen the footage. I'd already forgotten what Kait had said 30 minutes earlier. So when people ask me, "Do you remember where you were when it happened?" I do--I was asleep. It's terrible to realize that sleep was my initial reaction. I'm sure I'd stayed up too late the night before and went to bed thinking, "How can I get out of going to my morning class?" What do you know, the class was cancelled and I got my wish.
I'm portraying myself as a terrible person and I don't think I was, but I was definitely selfish. I think selfishness is a trait that people either have or don't have, and the ones that have it must learn how to control it. When I was a sophomore in college, I didn't know how to control it.
My 20th Century Art class was not cancelled and I grudgingly walked to class. I cursed the professor's selfishness for still meeting with all that had happened that day. I was such a saint! I took my usual seat and spent 75 minutes watching architecture of the Twin Towers. I saw pictures of the tower construction, views of the skyline, blue prints, etc. The screen was flooded with steal beams, hard workers, and a beautiful vision of 2 structures that touched the heavens (or at least the clouds). I remember seeing the proud faces and wondering what those people thought the day they completed the buildings. Who could ever imagine that a tragedy so extraordinary and so blatantly evil would demolish the buildings as well as so many families.
I'm sure I talked to my parents that day. I know I was nervous because my brother was in Chicago and I had no idea if the attacks would continue or where they might hit next. I remember not being able to grasp what the enemy did to our families, what they did to New York, and what they did to Americans in general. It took me the entire day before I was finally, FINALLY able to open my eyes and realize what just happened. And by that point, most people had already gone to bed.
September 11, 2008
I was woken up again this morning, but it was by my husband and not my suitemate. This time I did not go back to sleep. We drove to work and commented on the rude drivers that passed us by. We talked about politics, the election, and our expectations of work today. We briefly mentioned 9.11 but I still find it a little difficult to talk about.
I don't mind flying anymore. I don't anxiously watch every passenger to see if he or she has the capability of harming all of us on the plane. I don't want to be fighting anymore. I know there was a point that I did, but I'm tired of it. I have never been one to say "Don't look back, only look forward" but sometimes I think in order to move forward, you have to be willing to change. There's that word--CHANGE.
As I was getting ready this morning I was thinking about how I've changed in the past 7 years (see--there's that selfishness again). I've grown up. I've matured. I've learned enough about politics to think for myself and not recite what I've heard on the news. I have a library card now. I actually make a point to drive somewhere so I can check out books and learn, rather than spend my day thinking about how I can skip it.
I know the victim's families are having a terrible morning while I sit here typing this post. I hope they know that we are hurting for them also.
I hope if something this tragic ever happens again, I will not go back to bed. But more than that, I hope I never have to decide.
I was a sophomore at TU, rooming with Summer in Suite B in the Delta Gamma house. I vaguely remember Kaitlin waking us up to tell us something big was going on. I went back to sleep. I woke up again to my boyfriend's phone call asking if I'd seen the footage. I'd already forgotten what Kait had said 30 minutes earlier. So when people ask me, "Do you remember where you were when it happened?" I do--I was asleep. It's terrible to realize that sleep was my initial reaction. I'm sure I'd stayed up too late the night before and went to bed thinking, "How can I get out of going to my morning class?" What do you know, the class was cancelled and I got my wish.
I'm portraying myself as a terrible person and I don't think I was, but I was definitely selfish. I think selfishness is a trait that people either have or don't have, and the ones that have it must learn how to control it. When I was a sophomore in college, I didn't know how to control it.
My 20th Century Art class was not cancelled and I grudgingly walked to class. I cursed the professor's selfishness for still meeting with all that had happened that day. I was such a saint! I took my usual seat and spent 75 minutes watching architecture of the Twin Towers. I saw pictures of the tower construction, views of the skyline, blue prints, etc. The screen was flooded with steal beams, hard workers, and a beautiful vision of 2 structures that touched the heavens (or at least the clouds). I remember seeing the proud faces and wondering what those people thought the day they completed the buildings. Who could ever imagine that a tragedy so extraordinary and so blatantly evil would demolish the buildings as well as so many families.
I'm sure I talked to my parents that day. I know I was nervous because my brother was in Chicago and I had no idea if the attacks would continue or where they might hit next. I remember not being able to grasp what the enemy did to our families, what they did to New York, and what they did to Americans in general. It took me the entire day before I was finally, FINALLY able to open my eyes and realize what just happened. And by that point, most people had already gone to bed.
September 11, 2008
I was woken up again this morning, but it was by my husband and not my suitemate. This time I did not go back to sleep. We drove to work and commented on the rude drivers that passed us by. We talked about politics, the election, and our expectations of work today. We briefly mentioned 9.11 but I still find it a little difficult to talk about.
I don't mind flying anymore. I don't anxiously watch every passenger to see if he or she has the capability of harming all of us on the plane. I don't want to be fighting anymore. I know there was a point that I did, but I'm tired of it. I have never been one to say "Don't look back, only look forward" but sometimes I think in order to move forward, you have to be willing to change. There's that word--CHANGE.
As I was getting ready this morning I was thinking about how I've changed in the past 7 years (see--there's that selfishness again). I've grown up. I've matured. I've learned enough about politics to think for myself and not recite what I've heard on the news. I have a library card now. I actually make a point to drive somewhere so I can check out books and learn, rather than spend my day thinking about how I can skip it.
I know the victim's families are having a terrible morning while I sit here typing this post. I hope they know that we are hurting for them also.
I hope if something this tragic ever happens again, I will not go back to bed. But more than that, I hope I never have to decide.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Reason 264 I Do Not Like Fantasy Football
I do not understand Fantasy Football. A few weeks ago Michael spent 6 hours with friends and picked his team. I recently learned you can switch/trade players throughout the competition. Why would you spend 6 hours picking your players if your intent was to discard some? Whatever happened to loyalty, the word I thought was synonomous with football? And SPEAKING of loyalty, I was so confused yesterday...
Sidenote 1: Michael is a HUGE Cowboys fan.
Sidenote 2: I do not know football jargon. If something below is worded funny, it is not intentional (especially if it is Michael who is saying it).
(Scene: Sunday evening; Michael and Meredith in the living room, curled up on the couch watching the Cowboys...)
Michael: I think the Cowboys are going to get a touchdown. Come on Romo... Come on... Dangit Romo!! Nooo!
Meredith: It's ok, they moved forward, Cowboys will score on the next play!
Michael: No, they needed to score with Romo. If they push forward I don't get credit for it. Stupid Romo.
Meredith: (Confused face)
Thumbs: (Confused face)
Announcer: Toooouchdown for the Cowboys!!!
Meredith & Thumbs: Wooohooo!!!
Michael: Damnit!!!
(End of scene. Michael appears frustrated, Meredith throws her hands in the air and leaves to find a good book...)
I never thought I would see the day when Michael would curse the Cowboys for scoring. It was hard enough to learn the rules of football but Fantasy Football is a whole other world.
And I am drawing the line.
Sidenote 1: Michael is a HUGE Cowboys fan.
Sidenote 2: I do not know football jargon. If something below is worded funny, it is not intentional (especially if it is Michael who is saying it).
(Scene: Sunday evening; Michael and Meredith in the living room, curled up on the couch watching the Cowboys...)
Michael: I think the Cowboys are going to get a touchdown. Come on Romo... Come on... Dangit Romo!! Nooo!
Meredith: It's ok, they moved forward, Cowboys will score on the next play!
Michael: No, they needed to score with Romo. If they push forward I don't get credit for it. Stupid Romo.
Meredith: (Confused face)
Thumbs: (Confused face)
Announcer: Toooouchdown for the Cowboys!!!
Meredith & Thumbs: Wooohooo!!!
Michael: Damnit!!!
(End of scene. Michael appears frustrated, Meredith throws her hands in the air and leaves to find a good book...)
I never thought I would see the day when Michael would curse the Cowboys for scoring. It was hard enough to learn the rules of football but Fantasy Football is a whole other world.
And I am drawing the line.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Trench Coats--So Hot Right Now
Do you have a "most favorite" time of day? Are there several? On any given day, I have 3 favorite moments:
1. Picking up Michael from work
2. Opening my one coke of the day (I'm not kidding, fireworks go off in my head when I decide "it is time")
3. 10-15 minutes before I go to sleep
To keep this post from being corny (most favorite #1) or completely boring (most favorite #2), I am going to tell you about #3, and more specifically, last night's #3.
There is something I find SO exciting about the precious minutes before I sleep. Besides the obvious (I adore sleeping), I especially love the feeling of crawling under the covers and knowing for the next 8 hours I don't have to think about anything. And when I wake up, it's a brand new day. Something else, however, happens when it's time to sleep. I get obnoxious. Loud, goofy, and I laugh at anything... It's very awkward. Michael cannot get used to this and still gives me the "What the hell is wrong with you?" look as I contemplate the dumbest things you can imagine. Which brings us to last night.
As he is reading his book, I crawl under the covers and from out of nowhere start singing, "Gooooo Gadget go. Da doot da doot doot, da doot da doot do-oot." He puts his book down, looks at me, and says, "What was that?" So I sing it again. And with his most serious face says, "It doesn't sound like that. It sounds like this: 'doot da doot da doot Inspector Gadget...'"
Yes folks, this really happened.
More importantly, do you know what part I was singing? I can't decide if he's an idiot or if I watched too much television as a child. I start arguing with him, "I KNOW the song starts like that, but I was singing the bridge!" He replies, "Bridge? There's no bridge." So I do the thing I absolutely DESPISE doing--I get out of bed. I walk to the computer, type in "Inspector Gadget theme song" on youtube, and voilà .
I couldn't write an entire entry about Inspector Gadget and leave it at that, so here's the theme song. Please enjoy. Pay special attention when it gets to the 37-second mark and feel free to sing along: "Gooooo Gadget go. Da doot da doot doot, da doot da doot do-oot."
And that, my friends, is why the 10-15 minutes before I go to sleep rounds out my top 3 "most favorite" times of the day. Unfortunately, Michael doesn't agree. :)
1. Picking up Michael from work
2. Opening my one coke of the day (I'm not kidding, fireworks go off in my head when I decide "it is time")
3. 10-15 minutes before I go to sleep
To keep this post from being corny (most favorite #1) or completely boring (most favorite #2), I am going to tell you about #3, and more specifically, last night's #3.
There is something I find SO exciting about the precious minutes before I sleep. Besides the obvious (I adore sleeping), I especially love the feeling of crawling under the covers and knowing for the next 8 hours I don't have to think about anything. And when I wake up, it's a brand new day. Something else, however, happens when it's time to sleep. I get obnoxious. Loud, goofy, and I laugh at anything... It's very awkward. Michael cannot get used to this and still gives me the "What the hell is wrong with you?" look as I contemplate the dumbest things you can imagine. Which brings us to last night.
As he is reading his book, I crawl under the covers and from out of nowhere start singing, "Gooooo Gadget go. Da doot da doot doot, da doot da doot do-oot." He puts his book down, looks at me, and says, "What was that?" So I sing it again. And with his most serious face says, "It doesn't sound like that. It sounds like this: 'doot da doot da doot Inspector Gadget...'"
Yes folks, this really happened.
More importantly, do you know what part I was singing? I can't decide if he's an idiot or if I watched too much television as a child. I start arguing with him, "I KNOW the song starts like that, but I was singing the bridge!" He replies, "Bridge? There's no bridge." So I do the thing I absolutely DESPISE doing--I get out of bed. I walk to the computer, type in "Inspector Gadget theme song" on youtube, and voilà .
I couldn't write an entire entry about Inspector Gadget and leave it at that, so here's the theme song. Please enjoy. Pay special attention when it gets to the 37-second mark and feel free to sing along: "Gooooo Gadget go. Da doot da doot doot, da doot da doot do-oot."
And that, my friends, is why the 10-15 minutes before I go to sleep rounds out my top 3 "most favorite" times of the day. Unfortunately, Michael doesn't agree. :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Laborious Weekend
I received hundreds of emails from all of you begging me to start each blog entry with an ode, so I suppose I shall.
...
Just kidding. I do appreciate you being patient with my last one, it's something I love to do on any given day. Moving on. The weekend (for the most part) was great! We had about 20 people over on Sunday night to meet our new Associate Pastor Ryan and his wife Heather. They are a fantastic couple and I'm really excited to have another YOUNG assoc. pastor at our church! The day started off great with church at 9:30 and a quick lunch. Michael and I lounged around the house until 2p and decided it was time to start the master cleaning. It's a little silly to clean your house only to have to clean it again once everyone leaves, but I'm not really the type to brag about my dust collection. So we cleaned, Michael mowed (I checked but did not need to bring out the trusty scissors), and all was fine and dandy. At about 4:45 I drove to the grocery store to pick up some beverages and gave Michael H. a call to make sure everything was good to go. Told him I'd see him at 6p and he said "Oh the party starts at 5:30p." Scccciiiireeet (that is the sound of the DJ scratching the record and everyone becoming silent). I looked at my watch, realized I still had quite a bit to do at the house and then looked down and realized I still had quite a bit to do with myself as well. Neon pink running shorts with a neon blue DG shirt wasn't really party attire.
So I sped to Wal-mart, sprinted through the aisles to find the drinks, and as luck would have it, I picked the cart with the one bad wheel that constantly wanted to go RIGHT instead of straight. Catch up with Target and their awesome carts, you morons! I grabbed the drinks and headed to the check-out lady. And this was where I got a bit peeved. She looked at me and my neon colored ensemble as I sheepishly muttered "hello." No response. The silent treatment. What happened to the bouncing smiley face they show on the commercials? She scanned my items, gave me a look with the beer (judge away, my friend, judge away...) and then pointed to the credit card machine. Afterwards she handed me my receipt and looked away. Never said a word! I thanked her and said goodbye and still she said nothing. Maybe she had a terrible day. Maybe she lost her voice. Or worse yet, maybe she has a man-voice and didn't want me to know about it. Still. How rude.
Manically drove home, threw the drinks in the fridge and ran to the shower. By the time I finished drying and straightening my hair, I was sweating again. Annoying. As I was putting on my necklace and shoes the doorbell rang (Michael was still in the shower) and the first guests arrived. There was a 10-minute lull and then the rest of the guests arrived at the same time. I had a great time once my breathing slowed down! They all stayed for several hours and when all the guests had left, we were beat. Went to sleep pretty early and both woke up Monday morning to horrible allergies. That being said, I stayed in bed the entire day and read 1.5 books. I mumbled a few times that this was a lousy way to spend our day off but had I been completely well I probably would have done the exact same thing. Such an exciting life I lead.
I'm not going to go into the whole political thing because I've determined it is the black hole of death, but I will say the next few months are going to be extremely exciting. I told Michael the other day that I was looking forward to watching the debates with him and he immediately replied, "Oh I'm not going to watch them with you. Not a chance." "What? But you're my husband!" "Exactly! Not a chance!" So I promised him I would keep all comments of "Dear God you're ancient!" and "Barack you're my boy!" to myself. My only compromise is that I can roll my eyes occasionally (which he will only see if he chooses to see it). I'll let you know how it goes.
Karen and Myers are staying with us this weekend! I am counting on us both being 100% better so we're not sneezing all over our company. I haven't seen them in awhile and I'm really looking forward to it!
Loving the new Prius. I wanted to name it so we put our heads together and decided on "Prius." Aren't you glad my job is to be creative each and every day? Regardless, it's great to drive and I'm already looking forward to the day in the distant future when I fill it up with gas and discover the mpg (glooorious math)! The result might just call for another ode.
...
Just kidding. I do appreciate you being patient with my last one, it's something I love to do on any given day. Moving on. The weekend (for the most part) was great! We had about 20 people over on Sunday night to meet our new Associate Pastor Ryan and his wife Heather. They are a fantastic couple and I'm really excited to have another YOUNG assoc. pastor at our church! The day started off great with church at 9:30 and a quick lunch. Michael and I lounged around the house until 2p and decided it was time to start the master cleaning. It's a little silly to clean your house only to have to clean it again once everyone leaves, but I'm not really the type to brag about my dust collection. So we cleaned, Michael mowed (I checked but did not need to bring out the trusty scissors), and all was fine and dandy. At about 4:45 I drove to the grocery store to pick up some beverages and gave Michael H. a call to make sure everything was good to go. Told him I'd see him at 6p and he said "Oh the party starts at 5:30p." Scccciiiireeet (that is the sound of the DJ scratching the record and everyone becoming silent). I looked at my watch, realized I still had quite a bit to do at the house and then looked down and realized I still had quite a bit to do with myself as well. Neon pink running shorts with a neon blue DG shirt wasn't really party attire.
So I sped to Wal-mart, sprinted through the aisles to find the drinks, and as luck would have it, I picked the cart with the one bad wheel that constantly wanted to go RIGHT instead of straight. Catch up with Target and their awesome carts, you morons! I grabbed the drinks and headed to the check-out lady. And this was where I got a bit peeved. She looked at me and my neon colored ensemble as I sheepishly muttered "hello." No response. The silent treatment. What happened to the bouncing smiley face they show on the commercials? She scanned my items, gave me a look with the beer (judge away, my friend, judge away...) and then pointed to the credit card machine. Afterwards she handed me my receipt and looked away. Never said a word! I thanked her and said goodbye and still she said nothing. Maybe she had a terrible day. Maybe she lost her voice. Or worse yet, maybe she has a man-voice and didn't want me to know about it. Still. How rude.
Manically drove home, threw the drinks in the fridge and ran to the shower. By the time I finished drying and straightening my hair, I was sweating again. Annoying. As I was putting on my necklace and shoes the doorbell rang (Michael was still in the shower) and the first guests arrived. There was a 10-minute lull and then the rest of the guests arrived at the same time. I had a great time once my breathing slowed down! They all stayed for several hours and when all the guests had left, we were beat. Went to sleep pretty early and both woke up Monday morning to horrible allergies. That being said, I stayed in bed the entire day and read 1.5 books. I mumbled a few times that this was a lousy way to spend our day off but had I been completely well I probably would have done the exact same thing. Such an exciting life I lead.
I'm not going to go into the whole political thing because I've determined it is the black hole of death, but I will say the next few months are going to be extremely exciting. I told Michael the other day that I was looking forward to watching the debates with him and he immediately replied, "Oh I'm not going to watch them with you. Not a chance." "What? But you're my husband!" "Exactly! Not a chance!" So I promised him I would keep all comments of "Dear God you're ancient!" and "Barack you're my boy!" to myself. My only compromise is that I can roll my eyes occasionally (which he will only see if he chooses to see it). I'll let you know how it goes.
Karen and Myers are staying with us this weekend! I am counting on us both being 100% better so we're not sneezing all over our company. I haven't seen them in awhile and I'm really looking forward to it!
Loving the new Prius. I wanted to name it so we put our heads together and decided on "Prius." Aren't you glad my job is to be creative each and every day? Regardless, it's great to drive and I'm already looking forward to the day in the distant future when I fill it up with gas and discover the mpg (glooorious math)! The result might just call for another ode.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hooray!
I'm right in the middle of cleaning up for a small group party tonight, but thought I'd share some news. But first, an ode:
Oh Jeep Liberty with your dark blue hue,
Through thick or thin, I've always had you.
Your poor gas mileage, your dark interior,
Always made your owner feel a bit inferior.
You drove 60,000 without ever sputterin'
Although that flat tire had me mutterin'.
First one chip, then two, and finally three,
Yet your windshield stayed true to its owner (that's me)!
It's time I bid you one last farewell,
As you sit in your space in used car lot hell.
I know you will find a new owner in time,
But I doubt that new owner has my kind of rhyme.
They're also pretty dumb since your mpg is 17,
Nevermind that, because to them you're supreme.
My new little friend has moved in rather quickly,
But I shan't say much as it might make you sickly.
So goodbye, take care, and know with elation,
I'll think of you each time I pass the gas station.
RIP Jeep Liberty: November 2002 - August 29, 2008
Say hello to my new friend! Dark grey Prius!
Oh Jeep Liberty with your dark blue hue,
Through thick or thin, I've always had you.
Your poor gas mileage, your dark interior,
Always made your owner feel a bit inferior.
You drove 60,000 without ever sputterin'
Although that flat tire had me mutterin'.
First one chip, then two, and finally three,
Yet your windshield stayed true to its owner (that's me)!
It's time I bid you one last farewell,
As you sit in your space in used car lot hell.
I know you will find a new owner in time,
But I doubt that new owner has my kind of rhyme.
They're also pretty dumb since your mpg is 17,
Nevermind that, because to them you're supreme.
My new little friend has moved in rather quickly,
But I shan't say much as it might make you sickly.
So goodbye, take care, and know with elation,
I'll think of you each time I pass the gas station.
RIP Jeep Liberty: November 2002 - August 29, 2008
Say hello to my new friend! Dark grey Prius!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Whirlwind Weekend
We're back from Wauconda! I am busy at work this week so this post will be a lot of pictures and not so many words. Mom and I left Tulsa at about 1p on Friday and drove to St. Louis. Spent the evening with Melissa, Michael, and Maddilyn. It was great to see them and hold little Maddi! (I've decided I can handle seven month olds--it's the newborns that terrify me!) We left early Saturday morning and drove to Pontiac, IL for Michelle's family baby shower. Mom was nice enough to rent a few books on cd so we listened to David Baldacci's The Collectors. It took the entire trip there and back to complete the book--quite the doozy.
Below are pictures from the shower. There were so many kids (three of them were under two months old)! I was a little frustrated because I felt the attention was on the kids at times and not Michelle. She, however, was thrilled that so many of them came. I guess that's a good sign since she will have one of her own in a few months. :) She received some great gifts and it was nice to see everyone. She did not receive many clothes (because there are ZERO cute unisex clothes) so Michael and I were given permission to spend all of our money on clothes once the baby was born and not worry about buying the boring stuff... like strollers. :)
After the shower we drove to Wauconda (another two hours) and had dinner at an adorable restaurant. It looked like an old house and we ate on the front porch. Wauconda is a lake town (found out this weekend it used to be a vacation resort) so their neighborhood is right next to water. It's beautiful. Sunday was spent lounging around the house and catching up with the future parents. We went out again for dinner at another great restaurant, which was right on the water and gave us a great view of several boats! Before we went to dinner we took the traditional Besancon family pictures (I'm not sure we could function without a camera)...
Being weird Aunt Merdi...
SHOCKED!
SAD (Justin's face looks absolutely pitiful):
How we felt after the 37 day trip from hell:
Unfortunately, Monday was spent entirely on the road. 12 hours total. It was pretty brutal but mom and I still managed to have a great time. Michael was at a fantasy football draft when we arrived home (I thought those only happened in the movies. Nope, turns out they're real) but he'd left me an adorable "welcome back" gift. How cute is this little guy? I believe he thinks this will be enough to keep me from moving to San Diego and working at the zoo. Not a chance, sucka!!!! :)
That's it from me! Wish I could write more but unfortunately my to-do list keeps growing.
Below are pictures from the shower. There were so many kids (three of them were under two months old)! I was a little frustrated because I felt the attention was on the kids at times and not Michelle. She, however, was thrilled that so many of them came. I guess that's a good sign since she will have one of her own in a few months. :) She received some great gifts and it was nice to see everyone. She did not receive many clothes (because there are ZERO cute unisex clothes) so Michael and I were given permission to spend all of our money on clothes once the baby was born and not worry about buying the boring stuff... like strollers. :)
After the shower we drove to Wauconda (another two hours) and had dinner at an adorable restaurant. It looked like an old house and we ate on the front porch. Wauconda is a lake town (found out this weekend it used to be a vacation resort) so their neighborhood is right next to water. It's beautiful. Sunday was spent lounging around the house and catching up with the future parents. We went out again for dinner at another great restaurant, which was right on the water and gave us a great view of several boats! Before we went to dinner we took the traditional Besancon family pictures (I'm not sure we could function without a camera)...
Being weird Aunt Merdi...
SHOCKED!
SAD (Justin's face looks absolutely pitiful):
How we felt after the 37 day trip from hell:
Unfortunately, Monday was spent entirely on the road. 12 hours total. It was pretty brutal but mom and I still managed to have a great time. Michael was at a fantasy football draft when we arrived home (I thought those only happened in the movies. Nope, turns out they're real) but he'd left me an adorable "welcome back" gift. How cute is this little guy? I believe he thinks this will be enough to keep me from moving to San Diego and working at the zoo. Not a chance, sucka!!!! :)
That's it from me! Wish I could write more but unfortunately my to-do list keeps growing.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Who Knew?
I am still sticking to my New Year's resolution of reading the entire Bible. It's very tough at times since I have the attention span of a 3-year-old boy with severe ADD. Sometimes the Bible reminds me of a 4 hour movie that should have been 2 (including previews and credits). Or the person in your business meeting who clearly made his point the first time he spoke, yet feels the need to say the same thing 42 different ways just to make SURE everyone knows what he is trying to say.
Regardless, I'm really enjoying it. I tend to stick to the NIV version but sometimes like to mix things up. Have you ever read The Message version by Eugene Peterson? I believe it is for my generation and can be a little bizarre--at times it is borderline Ebonics. I may not fill my vocab with 4 and 5 syllable words, but slang and the Bible are an odd mix. They DO, however, provide massive amounts of entertainment.
For instance, here are a few verses from NIV:
They will say, Get up, let us go back to our own people and our native lands, away from the sword of the oppressor. There they will exclaim, Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise; he has missed his opportunity.'
Same verses but interpreted by The Message:
Let's get out of here while we still can. Let's head for home and save our skins.' When they get home they'll nickname Pharaoh "Big-Talk-Bad-Luck.'"
Perhaps my imagination is sub-par, but picturing anyone calling Pharoah, "Big-Talk-Bad-Luck" just cracks me up.
My favorite, however, is the following:
NIV version: Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? O unfaithful daughter, you trust in your riches and say, 'Who will attack me?' "I will bring terror on you from all those around you," declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. "Every one of you will be driven away, and no one will gather the fugitives."
Aaaand The Message: Why do you brag of your once-famous strength? You're a broken-down has-been, a castoff!
A broken-down has-been. YES! I actually laughed out loud. I DO love how he managed to write the same thing in 1/3 of the words. Eugene Peterson, I think we could be friends.
Regardless, I'm really enjoying it. I tend to stick to the NIV version but sometimes like to mix things up. Have you ever read The Message version by Eugene Peterson? I believe it is for my generation and can be a little bizarre--at times it is borderline Ebonics. I may not fill my vocab with 4 and 5 syllable words, but slang and the Bible are an odd mix. They DO, however, provide massive amounts of entertainment.
For instance, here are a few verses from NIV:
They will say, Get up, let us go back to our own people and our native lands, away from the sword of the oppressor. There they will exclaim, Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise; he has missed his opportunity.'
Same verses but interpreted by The Message:
Let's get out of here while we still can. Let's head for home and save our skins.' When they get home they'll nickname Pharaoh "Big-Talk-Bad-Luck.'"
Perhaps my imagination is sub-par, but picturing anyone calling Pharoah, "Big-Talk-Bad-Luck" just cracks me up.
My favorite, however, is the following:
NIV version: Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? O unfaithful daughter, you trust in your riches and say, 'Who will attack me?' "I will bring terror on you from all those around you," declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. "Every one of you will be driven away, and no one will gather the fugitives."
Aaaand The Message: Why do you brag of your once-famous strength? You're a broken-down has-been, a castoff!
A broken-down has-been. YES! I actually laughed out loud. I DO love how he managed to write the same thing in 1/3 of the words. Eugene Peterson, I think we could be friends.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Green Yards Are Prettier Than Brown Yards
A few highlights from the weekend...
1. Watched multiple hours of the Olympics. I know everyone says Michael Phelps is their hero, and yes, the boy (man?) is magnificent. However, I am uber impressed with Dara Torres. She is incredible! And it's not just her age, she appears to be a nice, GOOD lady. I love that type of athlete (I should, I live with one). In other Olympic news, let's all say it together...
Feel the rhythm!
Feel the rhyme!
Get on up!
It's bobsled (er... running) time!
Of course I wanted us to win but way to go Jamaica!! Most of you know my love for that country, which can be credited to the movie Cool Runnings. I do not think the men and women need to concern themselves with a bobsled this time around!
2. After staying up pretty late on Friday night, I slept in until 11a. WHAT?! I think I could have slept longer but that would have been rude. It was magnificent.
3. Michael and I had "date night" on Saturday. Went to Ale House on the Riverwalk (delicious!) and then saw Pineapple Express. Probably shouldn't have seen it. And probably shouldn't have laughed out loud multiple times. Oops.
4. Went to church yesterday morning and spent the afternoon at Utica Square as well as running some errands. Evening was spent putting together some newly purchased bookcases. Our office is the eyesore in our home and we're doing our best to remedy the situation.
5. Saturday afternoon Michael mowed the yard and I cut the grass... with scissors. Yes, scissors. We don't have a true edger and it was getting a little jungle-ish around our flowerbed. Michael couldn't reach the area with the lawn mower so I gave our yard a haircut. Each time I heard a car turn on our street I immediately dropped the scissors and acted like I was pulling weeds. One of the cars stopped in front of our yard and I knew I'd been caught. I turned around with a sheepish grin and the friendly couple asked me my thoughts on our neighborhood. Turns out they're wanting to put an offer on the house next to us! Hooray for neighbors! The home has been for sale for as long as we've lived here and it's about time it had some occupants! We had a friendly chat and then they drove away. The cutting resumed.
6. Speaking of, I know you've been dying for another yard update. Below are 6 pictures. First 3 were taken the first week of May. Last 3 were taken this weekend. It's pretty incredible what 3 months of TLC and professional lawncare can do to your yard. My favorite part is the back. When the first pictures were posted on the blog, I mentioned how easy it was to tell where our yard stopped and theirs began. You can still see the line but only because our lawn is now GREENER than our neighbors. Victory!!
Time to wrap things up. After my last post, I received zero comments and a worried phone call from my mom. Hope I didn't scare you, it really was more of an "I'm so happy with my life as it is" and not a "Memoirs of an unhappy adolescent" post. Perhaps I should wait until I've eaten before I ever write again.
1. Watched multiple hours of the Olympics. I know everyone says Michael Phelps is their hero, and yes, the boy (man?) is magnificent. However, I am uber impressed with Dara Torres. She is incredible! And it's not just her age, she appears to be a nice, GOOD lady. I love that type of athlete (I should, I live with one). In other Olympic news, let's all say it together...
Feel the rhythm!
Feel the rhyme!
Get on up!
It's bobsled (er... running) time!
Of course I wanted us to win but way to go Jamaica!! Most of you know my love for that country, which can be credited to the movie Cool Runnings. I do not think the men and women need to concern themselves with a bobsled this time around!
2. After staying up pretty late on Friday night, I slept in until 11a. WHAT?! I think I could have slept longer but that would have been rude. It was magnificent.
3. Michael and I had "date night" on Saturday. Went to Ale House on the Riverwalk (delicious!) and then saw Pineapple Express. Probably shouldn't have seen it. And probably shouldn't have laughed out loud multiple times. Oops.
4. Went to church yesterday morning and spent the afternoon at Utica Square as well as running some errands. Evening was spent putting together some newly purchased bookcases. Our office is the eyesore in our home and we're doing our best to remedy the situation.
5. Saturday afternoon Michael mowed the yard and I cut the grass... with scissors. Yes, scissors. We don't have a true edger and it was getting a little jungle-ish around our flowerbed. Michael couldn't reach the area with the lawn mower so I gave our yard a haircut. Each time I heard a car turn on our street I immediately dropped the scissors and acted like I was pulling weeds. One of the cars stopped in front of our yard and I knew I'd been caught. I turned around with a sheepish grin and the friendly couple asked me my thoughts on our neighborhood. Turns out they're wanting to put an offer on the house next to us! Hooray for neighbors! The home has been for sale for as long as we've lived here and it's about time it had some occupants! We had a friendly chat and then they drove away. The cutting resumed.
6. Speaking of, I know you've been dying for another yard update. Below are 6 pictures. First 3 were taken the first week of May. Last 3 were taken this weekend. It's pretty incredible what 3 months of TLC and professional lawncare can do to your yard. My favorite part is the back. When the first pictures were posted on the blog, I mentioned how easy it was to tell where our yard stopped and theirs began. You can still see the line but only because our lawn is now GREENER than our neighbors. Victory!!
Time to wrap things up. After my last post, I received zero comments and a worried phone call from my mom. Hope I didn't scare you, it really was more of an "I'm so happy with my life as it is" and not a "Memoirs of an unhappy adolescent" post. Perhaps I should wait until I've eaten before I ever write again.
Friday, August 15, 2008
What Thinking Too Much Will Do To You...
I know I've posted several times about songs I hear on the radio stations. Bear with me as I do it again...
Michael and I have been driving separately all week because he has been busy at work. When we drive together in the morning, we rarely turn on the radio. I've noticed lately that I always listen to the radio if I'm in the car alone. I think I just like the company and if I can't have Michael's voice, I need something. Oh it is a curse to be so dependent.
As I drove to work yesterday a song came on the radio that always makes me smile: Living on a Prayer. I have a GREAT high school memory of several of us driving together in my fabulous Geo Tracker and singing that song at the tops of our lungs. I love having flashbacks because the feeling I get is one of comfort and relief. Relief because I'm so grateful the memory is still a part of me, and because I know that when that exact moment happened, I was on top of the world. There are other memories that can send me crashing to the floor or can consume me with fear, apprehension, or overwhelming sadness. Understandably, I try to keep those thoughts in the very back of my memory bank, praying one day they will disappear like so many others I have been able to will away.
Growing up can be so hard. When I was driving in the car that day, I hadn't experienced much. I'd never lost a friend, never had my heart broken, never moved to a new city, never passed out on the bathroom floor from drinking too much (sad but true), never called my mom at 2a in the morning begging her to tell me the next day would be better. Why did I ever wish to be older? Probably because at that moment I'd never experienced a new city, never danced till I couldn't dance anymore, never walked across a stage to receive my diploma, never recited vows in front of 200 friends and family, and never woken up to Michael sleeping next to me.
It's such a tricky thing. Ever had one of those moments where someone knew this great secret and you wanted so very badly to know what it was, and the second they finally told you you wish you'd never asked? How many times has anticipation for an event been more fun than the event itself? At the same time, how many times has anticipation been great and then the event absolutely blew you away? Sometimes I wish I could just pause my life where it is right now and never learn anything new. I know as I get older I will experience many wonderful things, but only at the expense of learning bad things as well. I'm sure it's worth it, but right now I just don't know if I'm that brave.
Sorry for the atypical post from me, but this is my "diary" and these are my thoughts. I know I'll look back on this post when I have kids and will be so angry at myself for ever wanting to hit the pause button now. I am confident there are great times to be had and I know I will love life more tomorrow than I do today. I'm just not sure I want to use the phrase, "I can't wait" anymore because really, I can. And I want to wait... so badly.
Michael and I have been driving separately all week because he has been busy at work. When we drive together in the morning, we rarely turn on the radio. I've noticed lately that I always listen to the radio if I'm in the car alone. I think I just like the company and if I can't have Michael's voice, I need something. Oh it is a curse to be so dependent.
As I drove to work yesterday a song came on the radio that always makes me smile: Living on a Prayer. I have a GREAT high school memory of several of us driving together in my fabulous Geo Tracker and singing that song at the tops of our lungs. I love having flashbacks because the feeling I get is one of comfort and relief. Relief because I'm so grateful the memory is still a part of me, and because I know that when that exact moment happened, I was on top of the world. There are other memories that can send me crashing to the floor or can consume me with fear, apprehension, or overwhelming sadness. Understandably, I try to keep those thoughts in the very back of my memory bank, praying one day they will disappear like so many others I have been able to will away.
Growing up can be so hard. When I was driving in the car that day, I hadn't experienced much. I'd never lost a friend, never had my heart broken, never moved to a new city, never passed out on the bathroom floor from drinking too much (sad but true), never called my mom at 2a in the morning begging her to tell me the next day would be better. Why did I ever wish to be older? Probably because at that moment I'd never experienced a new city, never danced till I couldn't dance anymore, never walked across a stage to receive my diploma, never recited vows in front of 200 friends and family, and never woken up to Michael sleeping next to me.
It's such a tricky thing. Ever had one of those moments where someone knew this great secret and you wanted so very badly to know what it was, and the second they finally told you you wish you'd never asked? How many times has anticipation for an event been more fun than the event itself? At the same time, how many times has anticipation been great and then the event absolutely blew you away? Sometimes I wish I could just pause my life where it is right now and never learn anything new. I know as I get older I will experience many wonderful things, but only at the expense of learning bad things as well. I'm sure it's worth it, but right now I just don't know if I'm that brave.
Sorry for the atypical post from me, but this is my "diary" and these are my thoughts. I know I'll look back on this post when I have kids and will be so angry at myself for ever wanting to hit the pause button now. I am confident there are great times to be had and I know I will love life more tomorrow than I do today. I'm just not sure I want to use the phrase, "I can't wait" anymore because really, I can. And I want to wait... so badly.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
6 Things About Me
I found this on my friend Emily's blog and thought it sounded like fun.
The rules: Link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell six quirky, yet boring unspectacular things about yourself, tag six other bloggers by linking to them, and then go to each person's blog and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged. (I think I will just list them at the bottom and leave it at that. If they see it, great.)
6 random things about me:
1. I was originally left-handed and at some point switched to my right hand. I wear my watch on my right hand, kick with my left foot, and (when i used to do them) cartwheel with my left hand.
2. I read really, really fast. Other thing I do really fast: eat.
3. I do not like to have more than 4 emails in my gmail inbox. All others must be archived. In my work inbox, I can allow up to about 10 before I start getting edgy.
4. I do NOT like the color pink. In my entire wardrobe, I have 2 pink shirts and only 1 do I ever actually wear. Color I have the most in my wardrobe: dark grey. LOVE IT.
5. If we could afford it and I knew I wouldn't gain 500 lbs, I would eat out every meal. It's not that I hate to cook, I just LOVE going to restaurants.
6. I don't like socked feet. If you're going to put your feet on me, take your socks off. And really, no need to put your feet on me at all.
I tag: Aubrey, Chris, Heather, Leslie, Lisa, Melissa
The rules: Link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell six quirky, yet boring unspectacular things about yourself, tag six other bloggers by linking to them, and then go to each person's blog and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged. (I think I will just list them at the bottom and leave it at that. If they see it, great.)
6 random things about me:
1. I was originally left-handed and at some point switched to my right hand. I wear my watch on my right hand, kick with my left foot, and (when i used to do them) cartwheel with my left hand.
2. I read really, really fast. Other thing I do really fast: eat.
3. I do not like to have more than 4 emails in my gmail inbox. All others must be archived. In my work inbox, I can allow up to about 10 before I start getting edgy.
4. I do NOT like the color pink. In my entire wardrobe, I have 2 pink shirts and only 1 do I ever actually wear. Color I have the most in my wardrobe: dark grey. LOVE IT.
5. If we could afford it and I knew I wouldn't gain 500 lbs, I would eat out every meal. It's not that I hate to cook, I just LOVE going to restaurants.
6. I don't like socked feet. If you're going to put your feet on me, take your socks off. And really, no need to put your feet on me at all.
I tag: Aubrey, Chris, Heather, Leslie, Lisa, Melissa
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Time To Win The Lottery
Aaaaaand we're back.
I am in day 2 of my post-vacation depression. It typically lasts about a week and then I begin looking forward to whatever trip is next. It's not that I hate my job, I just LOVE vacations. :)
California was fantastic. I could move there and I WOULD move there if I was (a) rich and (b) given permission by the in-laws (which, unfortunately, I was not). I'm going to give a QUICK re-cap because a long post about my glorious vacation seems a bit rude, don't you think?
As we have come to expect, the trip started out a little rough. We woke up at 3:30, made it to the airport at 5 (thank you Kait & Steve), and found out our first flight was delayed. How is a 6a flight delayed? Apparently the crew's last flight came in late and they are required to have 8 hours of down time. I ask you, where was MY 8 hours of down time? Whatev. The delay in the first flight caused us to miss our second flight so we ended up arriving in San Diego 2 hours later than scheduled. A bit of a bummer, but not terrible. We spent the first day in La Jolla (anyone else read it as "Jolla"? Good.) and it was gorgeous. We were able to visit a Peter Lik gallery (a fantastic photographer) and had a great time touring the town.
The next day was the SAN DIEGO ZOO! I put it in all caps because it was that fantastic. If I lived in San Diego (hell, if I lived in California), I would have a pass to the zoo and would visit daily. It was so much fun. The animals were adorable (most of them sleep as much as Thumbs!) and I fell in love with the koalas. I wanted to grab one and cuddle with it but that is not allowed. We spent most of the day at the zoo and wore Michael's parents out. Took a quick break at the hotel and then Michael and I went to the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego for a few hours. It is several blocks and has awesome shops, restaurants, and bars.
So I've covered Tuesday and Wednesday. We spent Thursday morning in Balboa park (some of the biggest trees I have ever seen), and then went to Coronado Island to check out the hotel and beach. The beach was beautiful but the water was ridiculously cold. The highlight of the beach was the 9-month pregnant girl in the string bikini. I was astounded. And I couldn't stop staring. All of my friends belly pictures did not prepare me for such a sight. She was actually very cute and kudos to her for being that brave but my God.
Thursday night we went back to the Gaslamp District and had SUSHI! I ate fish almost every meal while we were there (because really, why not?) and enjoyed all of it thoroughly. Friday morning we took off for Laguna Beach and spent time at an outdoor mall. The rehearsal was that evening and a good time was had by all (can you tell I'm trying to fly through this trip for you)?
Saturday morning we woke up early, went to Huntington beach (I met up with Chris Lastrapes for about 30 minutes!) and played around until it was time to get ready for the wedding. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous, beautiful views from the front (cliff overlooking the ocean) and back (town of Laguna set on the hillside) and the reception was fantastic.
I apologize for the ridiculous amount of descriptive words: fantastic, gorgeous, beautiful, fabulous, etc., etc.
We were there until 10p that night so we were able to watch the Gipsons take off and then we all headed back to the hotel. Had a drink downstairs and then crashed. Sunday morning we drove back to San Diego and flew home. Boooooo.
Below are 2 albums I posted on facebook. If you would like to see the unedited version (approx 250 pictures instead of 95), let me know and I'll be happy to send you the link. :)
Album 1 (La Jolla, San Diego, Laguna Beach)
Album II (Craig & Jessie's Wedding)
We came back to rainy weather, which we weren't too upset about since it meant our yard was watered (yes, we are 84 years old) and we weren't hit with 100+ temps. We were also really excited to be back in our home--we both really missed it while we were gone. Monday morning I got in my car only to realize the gas light was on and my tank was empty. Seriously? I felt a little odd as I yelled at my last week's selfish self, but really. What was I thinking? How rude.
Great trip, can't wait to do it again!
I am in day 2 of my post-vacation depression. It typically lasts about a week and then I begin looking forward to whatever trip is next. It's not that I hate my job, I just LOVE vacations. :)
California was fantastic. I could move there and I WOULD move there if I was (a) rich and (b) given permission by the in-laws (which, unfortunately, I was not). I'm going to give a QUICK re-cap because a long post about my glorious vacation seems a bit rude, don't you think?
As we have come to expect, the trip started out a little rough. We woke up at 3:30, made it to the airport at 5 (thank you Kait & Steve), and found out our first flight was delayed. How is a 6a flight delayed? Apparently the crew's last flight came in late and they are required to have 8 hours of down time. I ask you, where was MY 8 hours of down time? Whatev. The delay in the first flight caused us to miss our second flight so we ended up arriving in San Diego 2 hours later than scheduled. A bit of a bummer, but not terrible. We spent the first day in La Jolla (anyone else read it as "Jolla"? Good.) and it was gorgeous. We were able to visit a Peter Lik gallery (a fantastic photographer) and had a great time touring the town.
The next day was the SAN DIEGO ZOO! I put it in all caps because it was that fantastic. If I lived in San Diego (hell, if I lived in California), I would have a pass to the zoo and would visit daily. It was so much fun. The animals were adorable (most of them sleep as much as Thumbs!) and I fell in love with the koalas. I wanted to grab one and cuddle with it but that is not allowed. We spent most of the day at the zoo and wore Michael's parents out. Took a quick break at the hotel and then Michael and I went to the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego for a few hours. It is several blocks and has awesome shops, restaurants, and bars.
So I've covered Tuesday and Wednesday. We spent Thursday morning in Balboa park (some of the biggest trees I have ever seen), and then went to Coronado Island to check out the hotel and beach. The beach was beautiful but the water was ridiculously cold. The highlight of the beach was the 9-month pregnant girl in the string bikini. I was astounded. And I couldn't stop staring. All of my friends belly pictures did not prepare me for such a sight. She was actually very cute and kudos to her for being that brave but my God.
Thursday night we went back to the Gaslamp District and had SUSHI! I ate fish almost every meal while we were there (because really, why not?) and enjoyed all of it thoroughly. Friday morning we took off for Laguna Beach and spent time at an outdoor mall. The rehearsal was that evening and a good time was had by all (can you tell I'm trying to fly through this trip for you)?
Saturday morning we woke up early, went to Huntington beach (I met up with Chris Lastrapes for about 30 minutes!) and played around until it was time to get ready for the wedding. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous, beautiful views from the front (cliff overlooking the ocean) and back (town of Laguna set on the hillside) and the reception was fantastic.
I apologize for the ridiculous amount of descriptive words: fantastic, gorgeous, beautiful, fabulous, etc., etc.
We were there until 10p that night so we were able to watch the Gipsons take off and then we all headed back to the hotel. Had a drink downstairs and then crashed. Sunday morning we drove back to San Diego and flew home. Boooooo.
Below are 2 albums I posted on facebook. If you would like to see the unedited version (approx 250 pictures instead of 95), let me know and I'll be happy to send you the link. :)
Album 1 (La Jolla, San Diego, Laguna Beach)
Album II (Craig & Jessie's Wedding)
We came back to rainy weather, which we weren't too upset about since it meant our yard was watered (yes, we are 84 years old) and we weren't hit with 100+ temps. We were also really excited to be back in our home--we both really missed it while we were gone. Monday morning I got in my car only to realize the gas light was on and my tank was empty. Seriously? I felt a little odd as I yelled at my last week's selfish self, but really. What was I thinking? How rude.
Great trip, can't wait to do it again!
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