And this:
K, bye.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
weddings
Last night was Emily's wedding. She's an amazing, beautiful and faithful friend of mine from college. She's from Michigan. We lived in a townhouse together senior year and it was fate. Only knowing her barely 2 school years, I asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding. I knew that we would be friends for a very long time. She's one of those pause/unpause friends. Not a lot of maintenance required, you just pick up right where you left off. I love that.
Emily married Tyler. Tyler is so great. I met him just over a year ago when Emily was in town for a wedding. From our first handshake, I knew that he was the perfect fit for her. He is so gracious, caring and just an all-around great guy. I met Tyler's mom in March of '08. I spent time with she and her husband Lee during Nic and Jen's wedding in Michigan in November of '08. They are amazing parents. They have 2 great boys that have been raised by patient, guiding and steadfast people. Between Nic and Jen's wedding and our stay in DC back in January for the inauguration, I've been able to watch the way Tyler is with others but especially Emily. I've never seen someone love someone so obviously. Ugh, he's great.
So yesterday they got married. It was just a moving experience to be a participant in their day. I can't get over it and I can't adequately explain it. I got teary eyed seeing the anticipation on both of their faces and the happiness that both of their parents were exuding watching the ceremony. AH! It was great.
So that's all. I just had to get that out. I love it when people know how to love each other. I also love to be a part of it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
maybe I need this?
I think this is a must have for my backyard.
I think Carl will have to have this in our backyard. Really just because it has a firepit, but it's still a very cute and cozy place to be outside.
basically anything that is awesome hosts great ideas like the ones above.
I sat in our driveway tonight while Carl put his new kayak rack on the Element. It is way too hot and way too humid for June. The heat index at 5pm for Bethany was 108. Are you kidding me? I showered this morning people, must I really twice in one day?! All this to say, go outside!!! 8pm-10pm is ideal. You still get the last of the sun, but the lovely transition into night too. Also it's impossible to not find shade so that is always a plus.
I'm going to Michigan in just 2 days for Emily's wedding! I can't sleep at night I'm so excited.
I think Carl will have to have this in our backyard. Really just because it has a firepit, but it's still a very cute and cozy place to be outside.
basically anything that is awesome hosts great ideas like the ones above.
I sat in our driveway tonight while Carl put his new kayak rack on the Element. It is way too hot and way too humid for June. The heat index at 5pm for Bethany was 108. Are you kidding me? I showered this morning people, must I really twice in one day?! All this to say, go outside!!! 8pm-10pm is ideal. You still get the last of the sun, but the lovely transition into night too. Also it's impossible to not find shade so that is always a plus.
I'm going to Michigan in just 2 days for Emily's wedding! I can't sleep at night I'm so excited.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
oh dear me...
Etsy sellers. Just because you call it something different, doesn't mean it won't still be a fanny pack.
check it: hipster
check it: the hip pouch
check it: the hipshack (what kind of a name is that?)
check it: the hippie sac
check it: the hipster (again)
AND check it: the hip pocket.
This is just funny: For Sale: Rhinestone Cowgirl Black Denim Evening Bag. (There are so many contradictions and yet so many stereotypical words when in front of "evening bag" when talking about the cowgirls. Yikes.
check it: hipster
check it: the hip pouch
check it: the hipshack (what kind of a name is that?)
check it: the hippie sac
check it: the hipster (again)
AND check it: the hip pocket.
This is just funny: For Sale: Rhinestone Cowgirl Black Denim Evening Bag. (There are so many contradictions and yet so many stereotypical words when in front of "evening bag" when talking about the cowgirls. Yikes.
teeth of wisdom
Well. They're gone as of 8am this morning. I'm waiting for the bleeding to stop so I can eat so I can take some much needed medicine. Eeeeeek! Not too bad yet. Much better than I expected. Good news: I get to catch up on some DVR shows and perhaps a movie or 2. I purchased lots of yummy soft things like jell-o (PS, they make OREO jell-o!) Holler. Perhaps I'll lose a few pounds.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
i will be, but i'm not yet
I'm re-posting this that I found on a blog I stalk. I'm not 25 yet, but I can definitely identify with the points being made. You can read the full deal here and the parts I like down here....
I don't necessarily agree with all of the points, but I still like it.
"And now, for those of you who might have misplaced them, marching orders for everyone born before 1980.
1. Remember to write thank-you notes. If you do not know when a thank-you note is appropriate, consult an etiquette book — the older and more hidebound the book, the better. When in doubt, write one anyway; better to err on the side of formality. An email is not sufficient thanks for a physical gift. Purchase stationery and stamps, set aside five minutes, and express your gratitude in writing. Failure to do so implies that you don't care. This implication is a memorable one. Enough said.
2. Do not invite yourself to stay with friends when you travel anymore. Presumably you have a job, and the means to procure yourself a hotel. If so, do so. If not, stay home. Mentioning that you plan a visit to another city may lead to an invitation to stay with a friend or family member, which you may of course accept; assuming that "it's cool if you crash" is not. Wait for the invitation; if it is not forthcoming, this is what we call "a hint," and you should take it and make other arrangements.
3. Do not expect friends to help you move anymore. You may ask for help; you may not expect it, particularly if your move date is on a weekday. Your friends have jobs to go to, and you have accumulated a lot of heavy books by this point in your life. Hire a mover. If you cannot afford a mover, sell your books or put them in storage — or don't move, but one way or another, you will have to cope.
4. Develop a physical awareness of your surroundings. As children, we live in our own heads, bonking into things, gnawing on twigs, emitting random squawks because we don't know how to talk yet. Then, we enter nursery school. You, having graduated college or reached a similar age to that of the college graduate, need to learn to sense others and get out of their way. Walk single file. Don't blather loudly in public spaces. Give up your seat to those with disabilities or who are struggling with small children. Take your headphones off while interacting with clerks and passersby. Do not walk along and then stop suddenly. It is not just you on the street; account for that fact.
5. Be on time. The occasional public-transit snafu is forgivable, but consistent lateness is rude, annoying, and self-centered. If we didn't care when you showed up, we'd have said "any old time"; if we said seven, get there at seven or within fifteen minutes. Do not ditz that you "lost track of time" as though time somehow slipped its leash and ran into traffic. It shows a basic lack of respect for others; flakiness is not cute anymore, primarily because it never was. Buy a watch, wind it up, and wear it everywhere you go.
6. Have enough money. I do not mean "give up your scholarly dreams and join the world of corporate finance in order to keep up with the Joneses." I mean that you should not become that girl or boy who is always a few dollars short, can only cover exactly his or her meal but no tip, or "forgot" to go to the ATM. Go to the ATM first, don't order things you can't afford, and…
7. Know how to calculate the tip. Ten percent of the total; double it; done. You did not have to major in math to know how this works. You are not dumb, but your Barbie-math-is-hard flailing is agonizing and has outstayed its welcome. Ten percent times two. Learn it.
8. Do not share the crazy dream you had last night with anyone but your mental wellness professional. Nobody cares. People who starred in the dream may care, but confine your synopsis to ten words or fewer.
9. Learn to walk in heels. Gentlemen, you are at your leisure. Ladies: If you wear heels, know how to operate them. Clomping along and placing your foot down flat with each step gives the appearance of a ten-year-old playing dress-up, but a pair of heels is like a bicycle — you need momentum to stay up. Come down on the heel and carry forward through the toe, using your regular stride. If you feel wobbly, keep practicing, or get a pair that's better suited to your style of walking. It isn't a once-a-year prom thing anymore for a lot of you, so please learn to walk in them.
10. Have at least one good dress-up outfit. A dress code, or suggested attire on an invitation, is not an instrument of The Man. Own one nice dress, or one reasonable suit, or one sharp pair of pants and chic sweater — something you can clean up nice in for a wedding or a semi-formal dinner. You don't have to like it, but if the invitation requests it, put it on. Every night can't be poker night. Which reminds me…
11. Do as invitations ask you. Don't bring a guest when no such courtesy is extended. Don't blow off an RSVP; it means "please respond," and you should. "Regrets only" means you only answer if you can't come. If the party starts at eight, show up at eight — not at seven-thirty so you can go a "better" party later, not at eleven when dinner is cold. Eight. Cocktail parties allow for leeway, of course, but pay attention and read instructions; your host furnished the details for a reason.
12. Know how. Know how to drive. Know how to read a map. Know how to get around. Know how to change a tire, or whom to call if you can't manage it, or how to get to a phone if you don't have a cell phone. We will happily bail you out, until it becomes apparent that it's what you always need. The possibility of a fingernail breaking or a hairstyle becoming compromised is not grounds for purposeful helplessness.
13. Don't use your friends. It's soulless. It's also obvious. If the only reason you continue to associate with a person is to borrow his or her car, might I remind you that you have now turned 25 and may rent your own.
14. Have something to talk about besides college or your job. College is over. The war stories have their amusements, but not over and over and not at every gathering. Get a library card, go to the movies, participate in the world. Working is not living. Be interested so that you can be interesting.
15. Give and receive favors graciously. If you have agreed to do a favor, you may not 1) remind the favoree ceaselessly about how great a pain it is for you, or 2) half-ass it because the favoree "owes you." It is a favor; it is not required, and if you cannot do it, say so. If you can do it, pretend that nobody is watching, do it as best you can, and let that be the end of it. Conversely, if you ask for a favor and the askee cannot do it, do not get snappish. You can manage.
16. Drinking until you throw up is no longer properly a point of pride. It happens to the best of us, but be properly ashamed the next day; work on your tolerance, or eat something first, but amateur hour ended several years hence.
17. Have a real trash receptacle, real Kleenex, and, if you smoke, a real ashtray. No loose bags on the floor; no using a roll of toilet paper; no plates or empty soda cans. You are not a fierce warrior nomad of the Fratty Bubelatty tribe. Buy a wastebasket and grown-up paper products.
18. Universal quiet hours do in fact apply to you. They are, generally, as follows — midnight to six AM on weekdays, 2 AM to 8 AM on weekends. Mine is a fairly generous interpretation, by the by, so bass practice should conclude, not start, at ten PM. Understand also that just because nobody has complained directly to you does not mean that a complaint is not justified, or pending. Further, get your speakers off the floor. Yes, "now." Yes, a rug is still "the floor."
19. Take care of yourself. If you are sick, visit a doctor. If you are sad, visit a shrink or talk to a friend. If you are unhappy in love, break up. If you are fed up with how you look, buy a new shirt or stop eating cheese. If you have a problem, try to fix it. Many problems are knotty and need a lot of talking through, or time to resolve, but after a few months of all complaining and no fixing, those around you will begin to wonder if you don't enjoy the problems for the attention they bring you. Venting is fine; inertia coupled with pouting is not. Bored? Read a magazine. Mad at someone? Say so — to them. Change is hard; that's too bad. Effort counts. Make one. Your mommy's shift is over.
20. Rudeness is not a signifier of your importance. Rudeness is a signifier of itself, nothing more. We all have bad days; yours is not weightier than anyone else's, comparatively, and does not excuse displays of poor breeding. Be civil or be elsewhere. "
I think I'll round up from 24 to 25 and go ahead and embrace these suggestions now. You're welcome to as well.
I don't necessarily agree with all of the points, but I still like it.
"And now, for those of you who might have misplaced them, marching orders for everyone born before 1980.
1. Remember to write thank-you notes. If you do not know when a thank-you note is appropriate, consult an etiquette book — the older and more hidebound the book, the better. When in doubt, write one anyway; better to err on the side of formality. An email is not sufficient thanks for a physical gift. Purchase stationery and stamps, set aside five minutes, and express your gratitude in writing. Failure to do so implies that you don't care. This implication is a memorable one. Enough said.
2. Do not invite yourself to stay with friends when you travel anymore. Presumably you have a job, and the means to procure yourself a hotel. If so, do so. If not, stay home. Mentioning that you plan a visit to another city may lead to an invitation to stay with a friend or family member, which you may of course accept; assuming that "it's cool if you crash" is not. Wait for the invitation; if it is not forthcoming, this is what we call "a hint," and you should take it and make other arrangements.
3. Do not expect friends to help you move anymore. You may ask for help; you may not expect it, particularly if your move date is on a weekday. Your friends have jobs to go to, and you have accumulated a lot of heavy books by this point in your life. Hire a mover. If you cannot afford a mover, sell your books or put them in storage — or don't move, but one way or another, you will have to cope.
4. Develop a physical awareness of your surroundings. As children, we live in our own heads, bonking into things, gnawing on twigs, emitting random squawks because we don't know how to talk yet. Then, we enter nursery school. You, having graduated college or reached a similar age to that of the college graduate, need to learn to sense others and get out of their way. Walk single file. Don't blather loudly in public spaces. Give up your seat to those with disabilities or who are struggling with small children. Take your headphones off while interacting with clerks and passersby. Do not walk along and then stop suddenly. It is not just you on the street; account for that fact.
5. Be on time. The occasional public-transit snafu is forgivable, but consistent lateness is rude, annoying, and self-centered. If we didn't care when you showed up, we'd have said "any old time"; if we said seven, get there at seven or within fifteen minutes. Do not ditz that you "lost track of time" as though time somehow slipped its leash and ran into traffic. It shows a basic lack of respect for others; flakiness is not cute anymore, primarily because it never was. Buy a watch, wind it up, and wear it everywhere you go.
6. Have enough money. I do not mean "give up your scholarly dreams and join the world of corporate finance in order to keep up with the Joneses." I mean that you should not become that girl or boy who is always a few dollars short, can only cover exactly his or her meal but no tip, or "forgot" to go to the ATM. Go to the ATM first, don't order things you can't afford, and…
7. Know how to calculate the tip. Ten percent of the total; double it; done. You did not have to major in math to know how this works. You are not dumb, but your Barbie-math-is-hard flailing is agonizing and has outstayed its welcome. Ten percent times two. Learn it.
8. Do not share the crazy dream you had last night with anyone but your mental wellness professional. Nobody cares. People who starred in the dream may care, but confine your synopsis to ten words or fewer.
9. Learn to walk in heels. Gentlemen, you are at your leisure. Ladies: If you wear heels, know how to operate them. Clomping along and placing your foot down flat with each step gives the appearance of a ten-year-old playing dress-up, but a pair of heels is like a bicycle — you need momentum to stay up. Come down on the heel and carry forward through the toe, using your regular stride. If you feel wobbly, keep practicing, or get a pair that's better suited to your style of walking. It isn't a once-a-year prom thing anymore for a lot of you, so please learn to walk in them.
10. Have at least one good dress-up outfit. A dress code, or suggested attire on an invitation, is not an instrument of The Man. Own one nice dress, or one reasonable suit, or one sharp pair of pants and chic sweater — something you can clean up nice in for a wedding or a semi-formal dinner. You don't have to like it, but if the invitation requests it, put it on. Every night can't be poker night. Which reminds me…
11. Do as invitations ask you. Don't bring a guest when no such courtesy is extended. Don't blow off an RSVP; it means "please respond," and you should. "Regrets only" means you only answer if you can't come. If the party starts at eight, show up at eight — not at seven-thirty so you can go a "better" party later, not at eleven when dinner is cold. Eight. Cocktail parties allow for leeway, of course, but pay attention and read instructions; your host furnished the details for a reason.
12. Know how. Know how to drive. Know how to read a map. Know how to get around. Know how to change a tire, or whom to call if you can't manage it, or how to get to a phone if you don't have a cell phone. We will happily bail you out, until it becomes apparent that it's what you always need. The possibility of a fingernail breaking or a hairstyle becoming compromised is not grounds for purposeful helplessness.
13. Don't use your friends. It's soulless. It's also obvious. If the only reason you continue to associate with a person is to borrow his or her car, might I remind you that you have now turned 25 and may rent your own.
14. Have something to talk about besides college or your job. College is over. The war stories have their amusements, but not over and over and not at every gathering. Get a library card, go to the movies, participate in the world. Working is not living. Be interested so that you can be interesting.
15. Give and receive favors graciously. If you have agreed to do a favor, you may not 1) remind the favoree ceaselessly about how great a pain it is for you, or 2) half-ass it because the favoree "owes you." It is a favor; it is not required, and if you cannot do it, say so. If you can do it, pretend that nobody is watching, do it as best you can, and let that be the end of it. Conversely, if you ask for a favor and the askee cannot do it, do not get snappish. You can manage.
16. Drinking until you throw up is no longer properly a point of pride. It happens to the best of us, but be properly ashamed the next day; work on your tolerance, or eat something first, but amateur hour ended several years hence.
17. Have a real trash receptacle, real Kleenex, and, if you smoke, a real ashtray. No loose bags on the floor; no using a roll of toilet paper; no plates or empty soda cans. You are not a fierce warrior nomad of the Fratty Bubelatty tribe. Buy a wastebasket and grown-up paper products.
18. Universal quiet hours do in fact apply to you. They are, generally, as follows — midnight to six AM on weekdays, 2 AM to 8 AM on weekends. Mine is a fairly generous interpretation, by the by, so bass practice should conclude, not start, at ten PM. Understand also that just because nobody has complained directly to you does not mean that a complaint is not justified, or pending. Further, get your speakers off the floor. Yes, "now." Yes, a rug is still "the floor."
19. Take care of yourself. If you are sick, visit a doctor. If you are sad, visit a shrink or talk to a friend. If you are unhappy in love, break up. If you are fed up with how you look, buy a new shirt or stop eating cheese. If you have a problem, try to fix it. Many problems are knotty and need a lot of talking through, or time to resolve, but after a few months of all complaining and no fixing, those around you will begin to wonder if you don't enjoy the problems for the attention they bring you. Venting is fine; inertia coupled with pouting is not. Bored? Read a magazine. Mad at someone? Say so — to them. Change is hard; that's too bad. Effort counts. Make one. Your mommy's shift is over.
20. Rudeness is not a signifier of your importance. Rudeness is a signifier of itself, nothing more. We all have bad days; yours is not weightier than anyone else's, comparatively, and does not excuse displays of poor breeding. Be civil or be elsewhere. "
I think I'll round up from 24 to 25 and go ahead and embrace these suggestions now. You're welcome to as well.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
frigid
What a cute idea! Write your meals out for the week and keep track of what you're eating. Plus, who doesn't like doodling.
Someday I will have my own house and my own fridge that I can do whatever I want with. That will be an exciting day.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
eeek!
I do not have near enough steady a hand to do latte art. But I wish I did, and I wish I liked coffee because I would get this giraffe latte every day. I absolutely love giraffes.
Friday, May 8, 2009
underrated
I had pancakes for dinner the other night.
I had french toast this morning.
Breakfast foods are really underrated. I wanted muffins or biscuits this morning. Sadly I forgot both in my grocery shopping escapade Monday.
Go eat some breakfast. I guarantee you'll be happy you did.
I had french toast this morning.
Breakfast foods are really underrated. I wanted muffins or biscuits this morning. Sadly I forgot both in my grocery shopping escapade Monday.
Go eat some breakfast. I guarantee you'll be happy you did.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
i don't want to lose my wisdom...
...but you can take my teeth. They hurt.
It's time. Now that I know the jaw pain and now ear pain is caused by these troublesome pests. They must leave.
P.S. Sleepless in Seattle is on TV. I love that movie so much.
P.S.S. Listen to The Rescues. Better yet, buy their album Crazy Ever After. It's totally worth it. (watch this)
It's time. Now that I know the jaw pain and now ear pain is caused by these troublesome pests. They must leave.
P.S. Sleepless in Seattle is on TV. I love that movie so much.
P.S.S. Listen to The Rescues. Better yet, buy their album Crazy Ever After. It's totally worth it. (watch this)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
going on 4 years
In October it will be 4 years since I started boycotting Wal-Mart. You can read my previous post for the reasons why I've chosen to do so.
I'm not going to ask you to join me in my boycott. That's your decision. But I am asking you to watch the video below and consider this other viewpoint from actual Wal-Mart employees. The second video is Obama standing with union workers challenging Wal-Mart to make changes in their company that benefit their employees.
Walmart’s War on Workers | Walmart Workers for Change
http://www.walmartworkersforchange.org
www.wakeupwalmart.com
Soapbox: over.
I'm not going to ask you to join me in my boycott. That's your decision. But I am asking you to watch the video below and consider this other viewpoint from actual Wal-Mart employees. The second video is Obama standing with union workers challenging Wal-Mart to make changes in their company that benefit their employees.
Walmart’s War on Workers | Walmart Workers for Change
http://www.walmartworkersforchange.org
www.wakeupwalmart.com
Soapbox: over.
Monday, April 20, 2009
almost as frustrating
I will be 41 at the rate these stupid school loans are going.
More than that, if I didn't have to be on medication, didn't have COBRA, and didn't have any school loans....there would be an extra $1300 in our account.
How depressing.
If I was able to take the generic medicine, that alone would save us $225.
Erg, Arg, Ugh!
Obama, this is why you need to make healthcare better. The costs are outrageous.
More than that, if I didn't have to be on medication, didn't have COBRA, and didn't have any school loans....there would be an extra $1300 in our account.
How depressing.
If I was able to take the generic medicine, that alone would save us $225.
Erg, Arg, Ugh!
Obama, this is why you need to make healthcare better. The costs are outrageous.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
yay yay yay
WHAT?! A life-sized doll house? This is dreamy for those of us who MUST re-arrange furniture or we just itch inside. Can I please have this? I would get such joy out of it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
my purchased treasures!
A vintage 1949 Kodak Reliant video camera with original case for Carl's collection of cameras. .jpg)
Cheers dart board cabinet.jpg)
$5 olive green blender!!! I used it this morning and it's glorious!.jpg)
Canisters and spaghetti holder! These remind me of home and my grandma's..jpg)
I told you I loved yellow AND orange! This is actually an old school AVON bathroom set. Oh well! It looks lovely on my table..jpg)
I'm very happy with my treasures!
.jpg)
Cheers dart board cabinet
.jpg)
$5 olive green blender!!! I used it this morning and it's glorious!
.jpg)
Canisters and spaghetti holder! These remind me of home and my grandma's.
.jpg)
I told you I loved yellow AND orange! This is actually an old school AVON bathroom set. Oh well! It looks lovely on my table.
.jpg)
I'm very happy with my treasures!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I can't stop...I keep finding jewels!
Ashley, you need this pillow. Heck, I want it too. 
And this lamp...stamped with doilies. What?!I know this is small, but I had the idea of a tree decal with photos on it for a hallway...what a great family tree idea! I like this one.
I've always wanted a corner booth in my house.
I may have a very real crush on the color Orange.
All these jewels can be found below:
http://thethriftychicks.blogspot.com
http://somethingshidinginhere.typepad.com
http://www.elsiemarley.com/ (the kidlet bag, I would totally use...for the pool, for the airplane, for the car...for my room. :)
http://retro-mama.blogspot.com
http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/
Loveyoubye.
Monday, March 23, 2009
okay...more!
I like this bed. Not the powderpuff pillow, but I've always wanted an old bedframe like that.
I think this is a genius way to hang plates. I'm not really a plate hanger person, but I like how they wrapped it onto another wall.
I want this painting.
I think I'm going to start painting again and keep trying until I find what kind of painting I'm good at.
K, bye.
I think this is a genius way to hang plates. I'm not really a plate hanger person, but I like how they wrapped it onto another wall.
I want this painting.
I think I'm going to start painting again and keep trying until I find what kind of painting I'm good at. K, bye.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
ohhhh good.
Love this.
Want this.
Need this.
I will probably make this. :)
thanks to Apartment Therapy and Elsie Cake for showing it to me.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sleepover
I attended a sleepover last Friday night. Emily was here this weekend for 2 wedding showers. (The nice and the naughty.) She came in Friday night and all us b-maids stayed over at Bennett's old school style. It's funny...even just 2 years out of college, staying up late and giggling into the night doesn't play out as well the next day as back in the day. I slept maybe an hour. I don't know. I was monkey in the middle in Bennett's king-sized bed. Burning up. (That is nothing new. It takes 2 fans and light blanket and a thermostat on 66 to help me sleep well.) Anyway, take an hour of sleep, add 2 wedding showers, then a time change and stir it all around. Then you get me. Seizure girl who needs at least 9 if not 10 hours of sleep walking around not speaking in clear sentences. Sunday night I slept about 9.5 hours. I woke up a lot so those hours were interrupted. Last night, I slept 11 hours. I'm still struggling today. Eek!
So, I guess I should've had more sleepovers as a kid to build up my immunity. Too bad.
So, I guess I should've had more sleepovers as a kid to build up my immunity. Too bad.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscar
Jessica Biel, what were you thinking? Are you wearing your bedsheet tucked into another sheet? I can't figure it out.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The West Wing
I am obsessed with The West Wing. I can't even tell you why. I just do. It's so interesting and has inspired me to know more about politics.
Watch it. You'll be hooked. I've finished Season 3 and am waiting for Season 4 from Patrick's private West Wing library.
Any other fans out there?
PS, California in t-minus 5 days. Wooooopdie!
Watch it. You'll be hooked. I've finished Season 3 and am waiting for Season 4 from Patrick's private West Wing library.
Any other fans out there?
PS, California in t-minus 5 days. Wooooopdie!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
things
1) I bite my nails. I haven't for a while, but I ruined my streak tonight. I have that weird feeling when they're too short right now.
2) You've Got Mail is probably the best "in the background" movie. It's also just a nice happy movie. It makes me smile. The way Meg Ryan walks, all the daisies, The Shop Around the Corner, Tom Hanks...it goes on.
3) I got a promise on a job from a manager at Starbucks yesterday. At first, I felt kind of embarrassed because in my mind, working for Starbucks would be taking a "step back" professionally speaking. I'm going from salary to hourly, from sick days and holidays to working days, and from dress code to uniform. All the while, having people I know come by and see me in the black and khaki. The embarrassment was the same post-graduation when I realized I wasn't using my degree. Hello! I guess I felt like since I'd spent 4 years earning the piece of paper, I should use it. Well, anyway, I'm over my embarrassment and I'm ready to work. I need a routine schedule again. I need to be doing something productive (s/a earning money to pay for my ungodly insurance and medication.) Bonus: I've missed the food service industry, honestly. So I'm excited about my return.
4) Real Simple just told me I can use a tennis ball cut in half to help open a stubborn jar. How genius.
2) You've Got Mail is probably the best "in the background" movie. It's also just a nice happy movie. It makes me smile. The way Meg Ryan walks, all the daisies, The Shop Around the Corner, Tom Hanks...it goes on.
3) I got a promise on a job from a manager at Starbucks yesterday. At first, I felt kind of embarrassed because in my mind, working for Starbucks would be taking a "step back" professionally speaking. I'm going from salary to hourly, from sick days and holidays to working days, and from dress code to uniform. All the while, having people I know come by and see me in the black and khaki. The embarrassment was the same post-graduation when I realized I wasn't using my degree. Hello! I guess I felt like since I'd spent 4 years earning the piece of paper, I should use it. Well, anyway, I'm over my embarrassment and I'm ready to work. I need a routine schedule again. I need to be doing something productive (s/a earning money to pay for my ungodly insurance and medication.) Bonus: I've missed the food service industry, honestly. So I'm excited about my return.
4) Real Simple just told me I can use a tennis ball cut in half to help open a stubborn jar. How genius.
Friday, February 6, 2009
long awaited D.C. report
We had a great time in D.C.! 1) It was so nice to spend some time with our friends Tyler and Emily for a few days. We haven't seen them in a while! 2) We were able to squeeze in 2 other visits to friends while we were there, the Sandersons and Freshmans. Flying didn't agree with me on the way there and I was very nauseous when we got our rental car and started the 2.5 hour drive to stay with Jake and Maggie in Charlottsville, VA. I got so nauseous that we got a hotel and left the next morning. We had been driving for almost an hour and a half, but had only made it 20 miles. DC is confusing. We met Jake and Maggie Saturday around lunch and had sandwiches at their awesome house. We saw a vineyard/winery that afternoon. I don't remember the name, but it was really cool. We saw the remains of the house Thomas Jefferson designed for the vineyard owner back in the day. It was a cool place to visit. We were able to do some other sightseeing in downtown Charlottsville, VA and saw the University of Virginia. It is huge! It spans multiple blocks and has HUGE buildings! It was quite a sight. We left the next morning, (Sunday,) and met Carl's photo-mentors, the Sandersons to do a family session for them. We had dinner with them at this cool Diner and then returned our car back in DC to stay with Tyler and Emily. We found out that our rental car return was a block from Emily's apartment. We laughed about it. Emily lives just 3 miles from the monuments and capitol. We relaxed for a little bit Sunday night and then went and saw the monuments at night. They said that was the best time to see them and they were right. Everything was all lit up and there were very few other people there. Seeing them in the day just isn't the same. I was looking forward to the Lincoln memorial the most but it was blocked off and had lots of scaffolding and a stage set up from a concert that afternoon. I was a little disappointed. We also saw the WWII memorial and Vietnam memorial as well as the White House that night. Lots of walking! The White House lights were off when we got there. Apparently at 11pm, they "close" for the night. We got there at 11:05. Bummer!
Monday we walked around Georgetown (which is a yuppie neighborhood just outside DC.) Carl is shooting Emily and Tyler's wedding in June. He shot their engagement pictures that afternoon while we walked around. You can see them here. We were able to make it to the Capitol that night. It's HUGE! We relaxed that night and got to bed early to be up at 5am. We left at 5:45am for the mall area. We were able to take the Metro (underground train) to just blocks from the mall. We think so many people thought the train would be packed that they walked. We tried it and there were very few people! We were smooshed between who knows how many people. A water main broke on the street we were walking down so police and fire crews were trying to go against the flow of thousands of people. Needless to say it got very cozy and it was the only point in the day I got very nervous and concerned I would be separated from our friends and get lost in the crowd. Luckily we got out fast and were on the mall before we knew it. We were behind the 3rd jumbo-tron, about 3/4 mile from the Capitol steps. We were very happy with our spot and were surprised we were that close. Considering the crowd spread over 2 miles, we were doing well! We were surrounded by lots of great people. We spent about 6 hours standing. We talked and laughed and had a great time with our new friends. I was standing next to a woman who had been in a segregated school through the 5th grade. It was very neat to be standing next to someone who was able to see a circle completed in history. The man to my right was from Australia and kept asking when we were going to sing the National Anthem. They played several songs over the system before the ceremony started. This Land is Your Land was my favorite. It was very surreal to be with almost 2 million people singing the same song. It also was very cool to say the Lords Prayer with everyone at the close of the ceremony. It gave me chills! There were some frustrating moments...like when this lady stole my spot. She said, "excuse me" like she was trying to pass me. And then she just stood where I was standing. Then I couldn't see. Thanks a lot lady. I went back and forth between seeing about 1/6th of the jumbo-tron to seeing 1/3rd. We had to walk the 3 miles back to Emily's apartment. It was a very tiring walk after standing for nearly 7 hours. We finally made it, grabbed lunch, and then lounged the rest of the day in the apartment. We watched the parade and fell asleep. Emily and Tyler had to work the next day so Carl and I were able to sleep in, relax, and take our time packing for the airport. We went to the airport 3 hours early because we saw on the news that lines were very long and people were missing their flights. We made it to the gate with about 2 hours to spare. We made it home late that night and slept extremely well (as you can imagine.) It was quite a whirlwind trip! We are looking forward to going back. There was so much more we didn't get to see (other monuments, the Smithsonian, the American history museum, Arlington cemetery, etc.)
Carl took pictures of the day and you can see them here
Shew! I think that catches you up on how it was! It's hard to believe it's been just over 2 weeks since we were there. Since being home, our friends have had baby showers, actual babies and I've been tracking down my insurance mess. Good news! Babies are all well and I have insurance again! Hip Hip!
It's nice to be back home and into a routine again. Don't worry, we leave in just 3 weeks for 5 days in California! (Strictly photography business trip...and the beach.) :)
Hopefully a job is in there too! I meet with a manager from Starbucks on Monday. Hip Hip again!
Monday, February 2, 2009
DC cont.
This is a pump fake. But Monica brought to my attention I didn't post the rest of our trip, i.e., inauguration day. I shall do it soon! I've been in the middle of baby showers, superbowling, and helping with new babies! (baby Simon comes TODAY!) Check out my photos on facebook and Carl's blog post of it. That should hold you over.
ps, Is Groundhog Day really that important?
ps, Is Groundhog Day really that important?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
choices
Tonight was small group. It was so great to be back together with most everyone and catch up. We got on the subject of college and if we could do it all over again, would we have the same major, would we still have gone to the school we went too...
I re-realized that the choices we make are chain reactions. If I hadn't gone to school where I went, if I hadn't chosen the major I did, if I had gotten a different job...blah blah blah. Where would I be? Who would I be? What would I be doing? Would I be married? Would I have had a seizure? Would I be living in Ireland? Would I be in grad school? Would I have the friends I have now or have found friends that are like the friends I have now?
I used to believe in a God that knew what my every moment would be. This God who had already planned out my whole life and I believed that whatever happened was "meant to be." How much more powerful it is to believe in a God that allows me to choose. But at the same time, how overwhelming! Should we buy a house? Should I try to work full-time? Should I go back to school? Should we move to Oregon sooner? Should we move at all? Should I, should we...ah! All these choices!
At some point you have to decide and go from there. This could easily spin out of control with anxiety and worry. It's hard to keep from wondering what would be if we had made a different choice. I guess it's about learning to accept the fact that we will never know what could have been and being happy with what is and the choices you have made to lead you where you are. I think I need to work on that.
I re-realized that the choices we make are chain reactions. If I hadn't gone to school where I went, if I hadn't chosen the major I did, if I had gotten a different job...blah blah blah. Where would I be? Who would I be? What would I be doing? Would I be married? Would I have had a seizure? Would I be living in Ireland? Would I be in grad school? Would I have the friends I have now or have found friends that are like the friends I have now?
I used to believe in a God that knew what my every moment would be. This God who had already planned out my whole life and I believed that whatever happened was "meant to be." How much more powerful it is to believe in a God that allows me to choose. But at the same time, how overwhelming! Should we buy a house? Should I try to work full-time? Should I go back to school? Should we move to Oregon sooner? Should we move at all? Should I, should we...ah! All these choices!
At some point you have to decide and go from there. This could easily spin out of control with anxiety and worry. It's hard to keep from wondering what would be if we had made a different choice. I guess it's about learning to accept the fact that we will never know what could have been and being happy with what is and the choices you have made to lead you where you are. I think I need to work on that.
Monday, January 19, 2009
D.C.
Holy crap, D.C. is so amazing. Luckily we're staying with locals who know the scoop so we don't have to carry a tour guide book, or maps, binoculars or stand reading directions for how to use the Metro.
Sunday night: Walked/saw the Washington, Lincoln, WW II and Vietnam Memorials + the White House (flag was up which means B was in the house, and when got up close the lights were off which means the house had "retired." That was kind of bummer, but still cool to stand at the gates and see it up close. Oh, and Tyler showed us the West Wing which isn't actually part of the White House, it's a completely separate building. The West Wing being one of my favorite shows, I felt a little cheated that I didn't already know that. Federal Reserve, US. Treasury, Pentagon, and.....probably other things I don't remember.
Monday: We walked around doing Tyler and Emily's engagement pics in Georgetown (allegedly the yuppie part of town.) They host $4 million dollar condos and Porsches. We saw a white Bentley. Holy cow. Those things look cleeeeeeannnn. Since Beyonce is in town performing for an Inaugural concert on Sunday, I just presumed it was her and Jay-Z's. They own one, you know. Anyway, we saw the Capitol which is giiinoooormous. US Supreme Court, the building where all the congressional offices are, the Library of Congress....I think that's all. We were going to squeeze in Arlington Cemetary, Holocost Memorial, and Iwo Jima memorial but we were tired and ready to sit still. Carl and I will try to do some of that and the American History Museum on Wednesday before we leave to come back. We'll see.
All in all, this city is tight and we don't know the 1/2 of it. Tomorrow is going to be crrraaaaazzzzzyyyyyyy!!!! We're leaving at 5am to head there. Lots of layers and giggles will be in attendance. EEEEK!
Sunday night: Walked/saw the Washington, Lincoln, WW II and Vietnam Memorials + the White House (flag was up which means B was in the house, and when got up close the lights were off which means the house had "retired." That was kind of bummer, but still cool to stand at the gates and see it up close. Oh, and Tyler showed us the West Wing which isn't actually part of the White House, it's a completely separate building. The West Wing being one of my favorite shows, I felt a little cheated that I didn't already know that. Federal Reserve, US. Treasury, Pentagon, and.....probably other things I don't remember.
Monday: We walked around doing Tyler and Emily's engagement pics in Georgetown (allegedly the yuppie part of town.) They host $4 million dollar condos and Porsches. We saw a white Bentley. Holy cow. Those things look cleeeeeeannnn. Since Beyonce is in town performing for an Inaugural concert on Sunday, I just presumed it was her and Jay-Z's. They own one, you know. Anyway, we saw the Capitol which is giiinoooormous. US Supreme Court, the building where all the congressional offices are, the Library of Congress....I think that's all. We were going to squeeze in Arlington Cemetary, Holocost Memorial, and Iwo Jima memorial but we were tired and ready to sit still. Carl and I will try to do some of that and the American History Museum on Wednesday before we leave to come back. We'll see.
All in all, this city is tight and we don't know the 1/2 of it. Tomorrow is going to be crrraaaaazzzzzyyyyyyy!!!! We're leaving at 5am to head there. Lots of layers and giggles will be in attendance. EEEEK!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
bdays are weird
Birthdays are weird.
No, I don't feel older.
No, it's not really any different than 23.
Yes, I still get told that I look like I'm in high school.
Yes, people don't believe I'm married.
No, I didn't ask for anything because I can't think of anything I need.
Yes, I share a birthday with Martin Luther King, Jr. (Haha! No one asks that.)
But seriously, aren't birthdays kind of awkward? You say "thank you" like, 5,000 times for the birthday wishes. People always embarrass you at restaurants. If you get a present (which you don't really get after you're...I don't know, 16, if that?) it's usually something you're like, "Oh...gee...thank you." My favorite part is my grandparents calling and singing to me over the phone in their sweet voices and my mom telling me things about the day I was born. Today it was, "it was a very cold morning when you were born."
I'm a year older. That's weird. I don't think tomorrow will be any different than today. (Except that it means I'll be on a plane to DC to see the inauguration Tuesday!!!!)
No, I don't feel older.
No, it's not really any different than 23.
Yes, I still get told that I look like I'm in high school.
Yes, people don't believe I'm married.
No, I didn't ask for anything because I can't think of anything I need.
Yes, I share a birthday with Martin Luther King, Jr. (Haha! No one asks that.)
But seriously, aren't birthdays kind of awkward? You say "thank you" like, 5,000 times for the birthday wishes. People always embarrass you at restaurants. If you get a present (which you don't really get after you're...I don't know, 16, if that?) it's usually something you're like, "Oh...gee...thank you." My favorite part is my grandparents calling and singing to me over the phone in their sweet voices and my mom telling me things about the day I was born. Today it was, "it was a very cold morning when you were born."
I'm a year older. That's weird. I don't think tomorrow will be any different than today. (Except that it means I'll be on a plane to DC to see the inauguration Tuesday!!!!)
Monday, January 12, 2009
24
I'm turning 24 on Thursday and that's weird.
Milestones used to be 16 (obviously drivers license,) 18 (obviously an adult,) 21 (officially an adult,) and then...crap, I'm graduating college? I'm getting married? Am I old enough to do that? 22 was weird. I graduated, I got married (only 2 weeks apart) and I joined the real working world with a salary and benefits. At 23, I started the new year working a 16 hour day to find my AWOL 17 year old crack addict Ray Ray a place to stay. My job went downhill and was stressing me to the max. I wrote my resignation letter and planned to submit it once I found another job. Seizure. No driving. No working. Lots of couch sitting. Now, I'm about to be 24...which qualifies as mid 20's, right? Carl turns 25 next month. That's 1/2 way to 30. Whaaat? I feel like I've got to get it in gear. A year goes by so fast! Our friends are having babies!
24 is weird.
But the show 24 is not weird. A bit cheesy but I still won't miss an episode. And I still love Jack Bauer.
Milestones used to be 16 (obviously drivers license,) 18 (obviously an adult,) 21 (officially an adult,) and then...crap, I'm graduating college? I'm getting married? Am I old enough to do that? 22 was weird. I graduated, I got married (only 2 weeks apart) and I joined the real working world with a salary and benefits. At 23, I started the new year working a 16 hour day to find my AWOL 17 year old crack addict Ray Ray a place to stay. My job went downhill and was stressing me to the max. I wrote my resignation letter and planned to submit it once I found another job. Seizure. No driving. No working. Lots of couch sitting. Now, I'm about to be 24...which qualifies as mid 20's, right? Carl turns 25 next month. That's 1/2 way to 30. Whaaat? I feel like I've got to get it in gear. A year goes by so fast! Our friends are having babies!
24 is weird.
But the show 24 is not weird. A bit cheesy but I still won't miss an episode. And I still love Jack Bauer.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
home
I tend to enjoy traveling. However, living out of a suitcase in 3 different states, in 4 different places got a little old. I've realized how true it is that you don't know what you've got till it's gone. I miss being home. I miss being somewhere that's familiar to me. I miss my bed (who doesn't.) I have slept really well out here, better than I've been sleeping at home, but still. As materialistic as it sounds, we've missed our couch and the Element and the kitchen. It'll be nice to have dinner with friends around the table again. Oh yea, and we've severely missed our friends! The hardest part of moving will most definitely be that our friends aren't coming with us. (Well...we're still working on them.) It will be hard to start over in a town where I don't know anyone. Carl has friends from his high school days that we see when we're in town, and I guess that means I'm friends with them too, but you know. I'm the one who's sitting there while they laugh about memories and stories and has this look on my face like, "I don't know who that is, where that is, what that means." Haha. I'm sure I look ridiculous.
I'll probably still miss home for a while after we move. I don't mean Oklahoma, I mean the place I've spent the last 23 (almost 24) years of my life. My family is here (or within 3 hours from here,) and I see them often. The tables will be turned. Carl's spent the last 6, almost 7, years out here away from his family. It will be weird I'm sure.
It's very intimating moving to a place I am not familiar with and also because Carl is really familiar with it. Everything here is SE, SW, NE, NW and streets turn into other streets and there seems to be 50 highways. There doesn't seem to be any pattern or reason for all the directions added to the signs. No grid here in Oregon. Public transportation is awesome but that's also going to be intimidating to learn. The MAX (subway-like system), streetcars, buses...yikes! I'm going to look like a tourist for a while and that will be fun.
Now, I'm sitting in the KC airport (ugh...this place is aweful,) and am glad to be experiencing no hitches on our flights home. We'll be back in the familiar in 3 hours. Woo hoo!
We had a lot of fun despite all the travel hiccups. Carl took some pictures so I'm sure those will surface sometime soon. Regardless of familiar vs unfamiliar, the Northwest is one of the most beautiful places I've been to. You should visit. (When we move there, you can visit us AND experience all it has to offer. Perfect!)
For the first time ever, I think I'm looking a year in the face realizing that it could hold many different opportunities. Carl and I are going to witness history in just a few short weeks at the Presidential Inauguration in D.C.. It's going to be mind-blowing. What a cool story to be able to tell our kids someday.
2009 holds a lot of hopes. Hopes for no seizures. Hopes for a job or career or something that makes me wait with anticipation to get out of bed in the morning. Hopes for more travels. Hopes for our new friendships through our small group to only grow deeper. Hopes to grow and support our friends in their new endeavors as parents. Hopes to be closer to debt-free. The list goes on and on.
It looks like it's going to be a great year.
P.S. Carl is laying on the floor of the airport snoring. Bah hahahahahah!
I'll probably still miss home for a while after we move. I don't mean Oklahoma, I mean the place I've spent the last 23 (almost 24) years of my life. My family is here (or within 3 hours from here,) and I see them often. The tables will be turned. Carl's spent the last 6, almost 7, years out here away from his family. It will be weird I'm sure.
It's very intimating moving to a place I am not familiar with and also because Carl is really familiar with it. Everything here is SE, SW, NE, NW and streets turn into other streets and there seems to be 50 highways. There doesn't seem to be any pattern or reason for all the directions added to the signs. No grid here in Oregon. Public transportation is awesome but that's also going to be intimidating to learn. The MAX (subway-like system), streetcars, buses...yikes! I'm going to look like a tourist for a while and that will be fun.
Now, I'm sitting in the KC airport (ugh...this place is aweful,) and am glad to be experiencing no hitches on our flights home. We'll be back in the familiar in 3 hours. Woo hoo!
We had a lot of fun despite all the travel hiccups. Carl took some pictures so I'm sure those will surface sometime soon. Regardless of familiar vs unfamiliar, the Northwest is one of the most beautiful places I've been to. You should visit. (When we move there, you can visit us AND experience all it has to offer. Perfect!)
For the first time ever, I think I'm looking a year in the face realizing that it could hold many different opportunities. Carl and I are going to witness history in just a few short weeks at the Presidential Inauguration in D.C.. It's going to be mind-blowing. What a cool story to be able to tell our kids someday.
2009 holds a lot of hopes. Hopes for no seizures. Hopes for a job or career or something that makes me wait with anticipation to get out of bed in the morning. Hopes for more travels. Hopes for our new friendships through our small group to only grow deeper. Hopes to grow and support our friends in their new endeavors as parents. Hopes to be closer to debt-free. The list goes on and on.
It looks like it's going to be a great year.
P.S. Carl is laying on the floor of the airport snoring. Bah hahahahahah!
Monday, December 29, 2008
holiday games
We spent since Tuesday in Seattle with Carl's dad. I learned to play Yahtzee. I was really bad at first because I'd never played before. I learned though and eventually did really well. Yahtzee!
If you haven't played, you should learn. It's barrels of fun!
PS, barrels makes me think of Barrel of Monkeys which was a dumb game to me. You always lose monkeys and then the game's worthless.
If you haven't played, you should learn. It's barrels of fun!
PS, barrels makes me think of Barrel of Monkeys which was a dumb game to me. You always lose monkeys and then the game's worthless.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
continued
Okay. Oakland is scary.
We walked to In-and-Out burger which was roughly a mile from our hotel. No big deal. It'll be nice to get out of our hotel. Well, okay. I almost got hit by a car on the way there. Then while we were waiting for our food, I have my arm on the back of my seat and this creeeeepy man puts his hand on my arm and isn't moving it. I'm instantly like, what are you doing, and take his hand off my arm. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of ways to defend myself and then run. This guy says, "Oh I'm sorry. I thought you were my grand-daughter." I say, "Okay." And this dude continues to explain why he thought I was his grand-daughter. Dude, I don't care, just get away from me. I was completely freaked out. It totally ruined my meal. Then I see him outside with his family pointing at me and explaining what happened and they're laughing. Sir, I don't think it's funny. Go away.
There's a fight outside when we leave. We walk quickly. This is going to sound so horrible and I know that and I'm disappointed in myself for thinking it, but it's honest. We were 2 of 10 white people we saw on our outing. I felt really unsafe. Part of this may be because Josh (our new friend) told us that Oakland is the murder capitol of the US. Gee wiz dude, don't tell me that. So then I'm paranoid our entire walk and wondering if everyone has a gun. That's awful. I know. But it was my reaction to our situation. We walked quickly back to our hotel as it was getting colder, starting to drizzle and get dark. I feel really bad that the main reason I felt unsafe was because of someone's skin color and the way they were dressed. We almost got hit by a garbage truck on the walk back. It seemed like he sped up when we crossed the street.
Okay. We spent the night in our hotel room and ate in the restaurant downstairs again and then watched A&E shows. I love my Intervention and stumbled on a new show, Manhunters. It's tight. I slept SOOO great (which was nice for a change) and woke up to blueberry muffins we purchased on our walk.
We're packing up to leave, take the shuttle, and chill in the airport. Wait. Wait. Wait. The zipper on my luggage just broke. The broke where it comes off track you know? And then it starts opening....ah! What am I going to do! It was on the bottom of my bag too. Great. So we go downstairs, ask the front desk when the shuttle will be here and if they can take us to WalMart to get a new bag. They say sure. Shew! While I had to sell my soul to WalMart (my first purchase at WM in 3 years) to freaking TRY to fly for the 4th time, it was worth it.
Now we're sitting at our gate, crossed fingers and toes that we're leaving for real this time. So far, so good.
PS-plan update. We're flying into Seattle to stay with Carl's dad and step-mom till Monday (so great!) and then taking the Amtrak to Portland on Monday morning. Now if everything will just not cancel, we'll be good. New Years in Portland wasn't planned, but is happenin'. We'll make the best of 7 extra days in the Northwest. It probably won't be that hard.
Bless you for thinking of us as we travel this journey. It's been CRAAAZY! If I don't get to talk to you again,
Merry Chrismahannahquanica to you and Happy Festivas for the rest of us.
We walked to In-and-Out burger which was roughly a mile from our hotel. No big deal. It'll be nice to get out of our hotel. Well, okay. I almost got hit by a car on the way there. Then while we were waiting for our food, I have my arm on the back of my seat and this creeeeepy man puts his hand on my arm and isn't moving it. I'm instantly like, what are you doing, and take his hand off my arm. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of ways to defend myself and then run. This guy says, "Oh I'm sorry. I thought you were my grand-daughter." I say, "Okay." And this dude continues to explain why he thought I was his grand-daughter. Dude, I don't care, just get away from me. I was completely freaked out. It totally ruined my meal. Then I see him outside with his family pointing at me and explaining what happened and they're laughing. Sir, I don't think it's funny. Go away.
There's a fight outside when we leave. We walk quickly. This is going to sound so horrible and I know that and I'm disappointed in myself for thinking it, but it's honest. We were 2 of 10 white people we saw on our outing. I felt really unsafe. Part of this may be because Josh (our new friend) told us that Oakland is the murder capitol of the US. Gee wiz dude, don't tell me that. So then I'm paranoid our entire walk and wondering if everyone has a gun. That's awful. I know. But it was my reaction to our situation. We walked quickly back to our hotel as it was getting colder, starting to drizzle and get dark. I feel really bad that the main reason I felt unsafe was because of someone's skin color and the way they were dressed. We almost got hit by a garbage truck on the walk back. It seemed like he sped up when we crossed the street.
Okay. We spent the night in our hotel room and ate in the restaurant downstairs again and then watched A&E shows. I love my Intervention and stumbled on a new show, Manhunters. It's tight. I slept SOOO great (which was nice for a change) and woke up to blueberry muffins we purchased on our walk.
We're packing up to leave, take the shuttle, and chill in the airport. Wait. Wait. Wait. The zipper on my luggage just broke. The broke where it comes off track you know? And then it starts opening....ah! What am I going to do! It was on the bottom of my bag too. Great. So we go downstairs, ask the front desk when the shuttle will be here and if they can take us to WalMart to get a new bag. They say sure. Shew! While I had to sell my soul to WalMart (my first purchase at WM in 3 years) to freaking TRY to fly for the 4th time, it was worth it.
Now we're sitting at our gate, crossed fingers and toes that we're leaving for real this time. So far, so good.
PS-plan update. We're flying into Seattle to stay with Carl's dad and step-mom till Monday (so great!) and then taking the Amtrak to Portland on Monday morning. Now if everything will just not cancel, we'll be good. New Years in Portland wasn't planned, but is happenin'. We'll make the best of 7 extra days in the Northwest. It probably won't be that hard.
Bless you for thinking of us as we travel this journey. It's been CRAAAZY! If I don't get to talk to you again,
Merry Chrismahannahquanica to you and Happy Festivas for the rest of us.
Monday, December 22, 2008
jinx
Okay, here's been the adventure since Saturday morning.
1st-We were supposed to leave Thursday and were cancelled due to fog in OKC. No worries, there's only the worst snow/ice storm ever to hit the Northwest starting Friday.
2nd-Saturday. We get to the airport early, check-in, security, on the plane to KC connecting to Denver. We land in Denver. Sweet. Hardly any snow on the ground. Okay, for all of us staying on the plane to go to PDX they tell us there will be about an hour delay. Carl goes and grabs us some lunch while I stay on the plane. I ask our flight attendant, "Is there any way this flight will be cancelled?" She says, "Oh no, this is a full-flight, they won't do that." I'm fairly confident in her answer. They say it may be up to a 2 hour delay. Okay...as long as we get there. I'll wait all day. Okay, about 5 bites into lunch, the guy comes on again and says, "I hate to make you move your lunch." I look at him like, "What do you mean?" And then I know. "It's cancelled isn't it." "Yes." Great. We get off the plane, there's already a line of about 75 people. We get in line, Carl goes to talk to a flight attendant from our flight to ask what the best option is. He says to call the 1-800 number. Okay. We stay in line, call the number, end up rescheduling our flight for the next day from Denver, to Oakland, to PDX. Luckily, I have family in Co. Springs. We rented a car for only $20!!! and drove to stay with them. They have a small BBQ business so we had brisket and ribs and fixings. We were soooo full and sit by the fire and go to bed early.
3rd-Sunday. Wake up, eat more great food (omelets and biscuits and gravy) and hit the road back to Denver. We were told to get there early because we would have to go through additional security measures. No prob. We get there and are told that there is a weather advisory and are risking not making it to PDX. Duh dude, like we haven't learned that yet. Okay, through security, no problem, plenty of time to go pee-pee, grab a snack, and hang out. Board the plane, we check SW's website, our flight to PDX says it's On Time. We luck out with an exit row, a nice row companion from Oakland, and land. Okay, we make it off the plane. Cancelled. &@*#(@!*!@#&$&*@&!*2!!!! We got in line (short this time) and asked to re-schedule. She doesn't know what she's doing so we go to get on the 1-800 number again. Bless the sweet grandma lady that has been on our flights since KC. We'd talked about driving in line in Denver that morning. She offers to pay for a rental car if we decide to drive to Portland. It was awkward. We tell her we're going to go make some calls and get road conditions. We talk to Carl's family, they offer to come pick us up. It's a 10 hour drive. We think, maybe we'll drive 1/2 way so it's not as bad. Then, we find out 2 mountain passes on the way are closed. Great. We go tell the grandma lady, give her a number we'd gotten from another traveler that morning who was going to drive and our number. I guess she made a plan. We get a flight to Seattle for Tuesday morning, (Portland, the soonest was Christmas Day.) Okay, we go to get a rental car. Enterprise has no cars. We love Enterprise. The cheapest rental car for just 1.5 days is $412 with National. Ohhhh, gosh. And we have to get a hotel on top of that. No thanks. We met another traveler named Josh in the rental place who's in the same position. We decide we're going to get a hotel room. We go to the same hotel. He'd gotten a rental car already and was going to drive the 101 up the coast to his parents which is a 16-18 hour drive. He offered to take us. We decide we'd rather take a day off to rest and re-group and try to fly out Tuesday. We all ate together in the hotel restaurant and chatted a while. He even paid for our meal. What a saint! Turns out he's a pretty interesting guy and a fellow "believer" as he put it. It was a great break in the clouds to make a friend on this crazy journey.
4th-Monday Wake up. I'm hungry. I call the front desk to ask how long the continental breakfast is. She says, "We don't have a continental breakfast." WHAAAATTT? Okay, re-group. Vending machine. Yes, it'll have something. I find only a soda machine. I ask a cleaning lady. She says, "There isn't one....but I think there's something by the front desk." I go to the front desk. I find juice....and candy. I get juice. I find a granola bar in my bag. Score! Now we're sitting in our bed watching CNN and listening to how bad it is in the Northwest and trying to keep our already shattered hopes high of making it out tomorrow.
So help me...I don't know what we'll do if we can't get out of here. One more night in Oakland. Luckily we have some brisket and ribs in a goodie bag from my family in Co. Springs. LUNCH!
Click your heels for us. We are nearing the end of our positive attitudes.
1st-We were supposed to leave Thursday and were cancelled due to fog in OKC. No worries, there's only the worst snow/ice storm ever to hit the Northwest starting Friday.
2nd-Saturday. We get to the airport early, check-in, security, on the plane to KC connecting to Denver. We land in Denver. Sweet. Hardly any snow on the ground. Okay, for all of us staying on the plane to go to PDX they tell us there will be about an hour delay. Carl goes and grabs us some lunch while I stay on the plane. I ask our flight attendant, "Is there any way this flight will be cancelled?" She says, "Oh no, this is a full-flight, they won't do that." I'm fairly confident in her answer. They say it may be up to a 2 hour delay. Okay...as long as we get there. I'll wait all day. Okay, about 5 bites into lunch, the guy comes on again and says, "I hate to make you move your lunch." I look at him like, "What do you mean?" And then I know. "It's cancelled isn't it." "Yes." Great. We get off the plane, there's already a line of about 75 people. We get in line, Carl goes to talk to a flight attendant from our flight to ask what the best option is. He says to call the 1-800 number. Okay. We stay in line, call the number, end up rescheduling our flight for the next day from Denver, to Oakland, to PDX. Luckily, I have family in Co. Springs. We rented a car for only $20!!! and drove to stay with them. They have a small BBQ business so we had brisket and ribs and fixings. We were soooo full and sit by the fire and go to bed early.
3rd-Sunday. Wake up, eat more great food (omelets and biscuits and gravy) and hit the road back to Denver. We were told to get there early because we would have to go through additional security measures. No prob. We get there and are told that there is a weather advisory and are risking not making it to PDX. Duh dude, like we haven't learned that yet. Okay, through security, no problem, plenty of time to go pee-pee, grab a snack, and hang out. Board the plane, we check SW's website, our flight to PDX says it's On Time. We luck out with an exit row, a nice row companion from Oakland, and land. Okay, we make it off the plane. Cancelled. &@*#(@!*!@#&$&*@&!*2!!!! We got in line (short this time) and asked to re-schedule. She doesn't know what she's doing so we go to get on the 1-800 number again. Bless the sweet grandma lady that has been on our flights since KC. We'd talked about driving in line in Denver that morning. She offers to pay for a rental car if we decide to drive to Portland. It was awkward. We tell her we're going to go make some calls and get road conditions. We talk to Carl's family, they offer to come pick us up. It's a 10 hour drive. We think, maybe we'll drive 1/2 way so it's not as bad. Then, we find out 2 mountain passes on the way are closed. Great. We go tell the grandma lady, give her a number we'd gotten from another traveler that morning who was going to drive and our number. I guess she made a plan. We get a flight to Seattle for Tuesday morning, (Portland, the soonest was Christmas Day.) Okay, we go to get a rental car. Enterprise has no cars. We love Enterprise. The cheapest rental car for just 1.5 days is $412 with National. Ohhhh, gosh. And we have to get a hotel on top of that. No thanks. We met another traveler named Josh in the rental place who's in the same position. We decide we're going to get a hotel room. We go to the same hotel. He'd gotten a rental car already and was going to drive the 101 up the coast to his parents which is a 16-18 hour drive. He offered to take us. We decide we'd rather take a day off to rest and re-group and try to fly out Tuesday. We all ate together in the hotel restaurant and chatted a while. He even paid for our meal. What a saint! Turns out he's a pretty interesting guy and a fellow "believer" as he put it. It was a great break in the clouds to make a friend on this crazy journey.
4th-Monday Wake up. I'm hungry. I call the front desk to ask how long the continental breakfast is. She says, "We don't have a continental breakfast." WHAAAATTT? Okay, re-group. Vending machine. Yes, it'll have something. I find only a soda machine. I ask a cleaning lady. She says, "There isn't one....but I think there's something by the front desk." I go to the front desk. I find juice....and candy. I get juice. I find a granola bar in my bag. Score! Now we're sitting in our bed watching CNN and listening to how bad it is in the Northwest and trying to keep our already shattered hopes high of making it out tomorrow.
So help me...I don't know what we'll do if we can't get out of here. One more night in Oakland. Luckily we have some brisket and ribs in a goodie bag from my family in Co. Springs. LUNCH!
Click your heels for us. We are nearing the end of our positive attitudes.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
people watchery
So, we get to the airport, get our bags, go inside. OH NO. Where does the line for Southwest start and stop? We start walking, keep walking, still walking, "Sir, is this the line for Southwest?" Yes. Keep walking...finally, but the United desk, the end of the line. (The line grows to the next airline counter...masses of people.)
By this point, I'm facing the fact that we're not making our flight. I figure our flight is delayed. We made it up to the actual posts where the line starts and then it happens, "Unless you are on flight @#*$ to Dallas, your flight has been cancelled. Please call the 1-800 number to reschedule your flight." Oh great. We get out of line, kind of laughing at everyone, call the number, on hold for a few minutes, flight rescheduled for Saturday morning. Not ideal, but it works.
Okay, so the couple in line behind us was already fighting when they got in line. Something about their boarding passes which she had printed offline or something. Then we find out our respective flights are canceled, the husband loses it. He starts off with the cussing and how they'll have to wait forever for a ride since they're from out of town, they won't get to Phoenix, this is the worst thing ever, blah blah blah. He keeps walking off and then coming back and saying something to his wife dramatically and then does it again. We are trying not to laugh because he's acting like a 4 year old. We move outside to wait for Thomas to pick us up, and watch as TSA employees inform those getting out of their cars that all flights have been canceled. We told a guy as we were getting in our car as he was saying goodbye to his friends and the disappointment on his face was priceless. We watched this again and again while inside and outside. I don't know why I found hilarity in others misery today, but it was glorious.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
And now, this is happening.
We leave in 52 hours for 11 days in the Northwest. I know 4 of the 3 pictures are from the beach, but I'm the most excited about seeing the ocean again. After all, it's only my 3rd time to see it. We've got lots of fun things planned and I'm looking forward to getting more acquainted with Portland and Seattle. We may luck into a white Christmas which would be great.
Here's to festivus, family, friends, and food! I hope your holiday is one with lots of memories and that we all remember that the only reason we have what we have is by the grace of God.
PS, watch the video at the bottom. It has been inspirational in my family's life over the last 2 years.
Here's to festivus, family, friends, and food! I hope your holiday is one with lots of memories and that we all remember that the only reason we have what we have is by the grace of God.
PS, watch the video at the bottom. It has been inspirational in my family's life over the last 2 years.
Friday, December 12, 2008
irony?
"Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you think everything's okay and everything's going right."
So, I went to the Neuro yesterday. He was very pleased with my progress. I was cleared to drive. He encouraged me to go back to work. (I'm going to start part-time somewhere, I think full-time is still risky.)
And then...
I woke up to a partial seizure. It was followed by 5-6 (I couldn't keep track) within a few minutes. This is a huge and devastating disappointment. More so because I had the majority awake. This hasn't happened since June. 6 months ago. Great. Just when I was getting more comfortable with the idea of driving and actually driving...BAM. Why must the moon and tides torment me so! (That's for you, Maggie.) But seriously. It seems that I get over small and big hurdles and then there is a setback.
Honestly. It was not even 24 hours ago that I was in his office and happy and felt like things couldn't be better.
"Isn't it ironic; Don't you think?"
So, I went to the Neuro yesterday. He was very pleased with my progress. I was cleared to drive. He encouraged me to go back to work. (I'm going to start part-time somewhere, I think full-time is still risky.)
And then...
I woke up to a partial seizure. It was followed by 5-6 (I couldn't keep track) within a few minutes. This is a huge and devastating disappointment. More so because I had the majority awake. This hasn't happened since June. 6 months ago. Great. Just when I was getting more comfortable with the idea of driving and actually driving...BAM. Why must the moon and tides torment me so! (That's for you, Maggie.) But seriously. It seems that I get over small and big hurdles and then there is a setback.
Honestly. It was not even 24 hours ago that I was in his office and happy and felt like things couldn't be better.
"Isn't it ironic; Don't you think?"
Thursday, December 11, 2008
driver's ed.
So, I've been driving in little spurts since the last week of November. Yesterday I drove on the highway for the first time. It went pretty well. I stayed in the outside lanes just in case I would need to get off. (That was Bennett's idea since she would have to navigate if something happened.) Nothing happened, but you can't have too many safety plans...well, that's not really true, but you know what I mean.
It's been nerve-racking. I'm having to get used to the stimulation driving brings since I can get overstimulated easily sometimes. I've only driven at night a few times...it's a little harder because there's lots of lights and flashing signs. I'm getting more comfortable with it. It will just take time like everything else does with Epilepsy.
In other news I go to the doctor today for my 3-month check-up. Not expecting anything major.
P.S. I would light my whole house with white lights if it was possible. I'm in love with our Christmas tree at night.
It's been nerve-racking. I'm having to get used to the stimulation driving brings since I can get overstimulated easily sometimes. I've only driven at night a few times...it's a little harder because there's lots of lights and flashing signs. I'm getting more comfortable with it. It will just take time like everything else does with Epilepsy.
In other news I go to the doctor today for my 3-month check-up. Not expecting anything major.
P.S. I would light my whole house with white lights if it was possible. I'm in love with our Christmas tree at night.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
pipes
I'm a pseudo fan of country music...more alternative country, folk, not whine-y or twangy. Anyway, I am watching a re-run of the CMA awards while I'm cleaning out my email inbox. I don't care what your feelings are about country music, you have got to give props to Carrie Underwood. She has got serious pipes. It looks so effortless for her. When she sings live, it's as good if not better than on her records. From a musical perspective, she has amazing control and stamina...for goodness sake, she sings at full voice higher than many can sing, period. Gee Wiz Carrie. You are #1 on my list of voices I wish I had. Here's her performance. PS, Taylor Swift, you could take a lesson from her.
Oh, and Vince Gill has packed on more pounds.
PS, I would take Allison Krauss or Martina any day too.
Oh, and Vince Gill has packed on more pounds.
PS, I would take Allison Krauss or Martina any day too.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
brilliance
Frank Warren is the founder of the Post Secret art project that has turned into an international phenomenon where anonymous people submit secrets on 4x6 postcards to Warren's house. Frank Warren tours the country speaking at college campuses as well as touring with the traveling art exhibit that displays hundreds of secrets. There are 4 books that are a compilation of secrets collected over the years.
Last night, Frank made his first trip to Oklahoma and spoke at OU. He showed secrets that didn't make it in the books for various reasons (mostly because they contained copyrighted material.) He spoke about how and why he started the project and how it's evolved since. The man is brilliant. He narrated everything so well. The main theme was how sharing/displaying secrets is so powerful because it connects and unifies us as humanity. Everyone has something or somethings that they keep to themselves and we have a choice; to keep it or to share it. With PostSecret, people have seen that they are not alone in their secret. Warren believes that loneliness is the greatest obstacle for all of us to overcome and by sharing secrets we find out that we are not alone.
At the close of the night, Warren opened it up for questions and secret sharing. There were some funny secrets and some serious ones and a few questions. These are 2 that stuck out to me.
"My parents divorced when I was 10 and I've lived with my dad since. My mom is on her 4th marriage and I avoid seeing or staying with her because she has ruined the idea of marriage for me."
"My mom died when I was 10 and her name was Penny. Every time I see a penny I turn it face-up."
I'd highly recommend you go to one of the PostSecret events. It was brilliant.
Last night, Frank made his first trip to Oklahoma and spoke at OU. He showed secrets that didn't make it in the books for various reasons (mostly because they contained copyrighted material.) He spoke about how and why he started the project and how it's evolved since. The man is brilliant. He narrated everything so well. The main theme was how sharing/displaying secrets is so powerful because it connects and unifies us as humanity. Everyone has something or somethings that they keep to themselves and we have a choice; to keep it or to share it. With PostSecret, people have seen that they are not alone in their secret. Warren believes that loneliness is the greatest obstacle for all of us to overcome and by sharing secrets we find out that we are not alone.
At the close of the night, Warren opened it up for questions and secret sharing. There were some funny secrets and some serious ones and a few questions. These are 2 that stuck out to me.
"My parents divorced when I was 10 and I've lived with my dad since. My mom is on her 4th marriage and I avoid seeing or staying with her because she has ruined the idea of marriage for me."
"My mom died when I was 10 and her name was Penny. Every time I see a penny I turn it face-up."
I'd highly recommend you go to one of the PostSecret events. It was brilliant.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
different name, same thing
"A stylish hands-free way to carry all your essentials! This textured faux leather waist purse features decorative antique finish metal studs on one of the exterior pockets, an adjustable waist strap, and a lined interior with 2 slip pockets and a single zip pocket."
Really? A waist purse? Don't you mean fanny pack? And last time I checked those were for 60+ who wear some form of a neon windsuit. And tourists.
Monday, December 1, 2008
shoppie
I really enjoy grocery shopping. I don't really know why...maybe because I love food. Maybe because I get a freakish joy out of deals and figuring out if it's cheaper to the family size or 2 of the regular.
Maybe it's also because I love the music played in grocery stores. It makes me dance. And lip sync.
I also like talking to my checker. Probably because when I was little my mom let us put away the groceries and we always pretended to be a checker before putting everything away.
I also enjoy putting everything away. It's like an organizing puzzle that I like figuring out.
I'm weird.
Maybe it's also because I love the music played in grocery stores. It makes me dance. And lip sync.
I also like talking to my checker. Probably because when I was little my mom let us put away the groceries and we always pretended to be a checker before putting everything away.
I also enjoy putting everything away. It's like an organizing puzzle that I like figuring out.
I'm weird.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
revealed
That's right. It's a 2006 Honda Element and it's ours and it's mostly paid for. We got a killer deal on it and couldn't have had a better car purchase experience.
Why this is so great is because we haven't had a reliable vehicle for most of the time we've been married. The blessed Buick was a nice car that served Carl well (and myself for about the last 6 months of my driving career,) but it has cost us lots of money. While we haven't had any car payments (his parents bought his, I purchased the Toyota in high school) for years, the Buick was sucking our pockets dry every 2 months with some new expensive hitch.
We finally reached our breaking point last week when the Buick started making new sounds (only 1 months after getting it out of the shop, mind you.) We didn't feel like we could look someone in the eye and tell them the Buick was a great car or hand them the maintenance records with confidence. So, we took less money for it than we could've if we'd sold it ourselves, but we got a great deal on the Element and we didn't have to feel bad about the Buick. That's what they call "win/win."
I'm working through some anger and control issues since I can't drive it and it's been my dream car for the last 4 years...I guess I'll forget all that when I have the clear from my Doc and I get to drive it.
I couldn't reveal until today because we're driving it to my sister's for T-Give and have been keeping it a secret from my family.
That's all! I hope the mystery was worth the wait!
Monday, November 24, 2008
the year was 2006...
...and great things were made that year.
I cannot fully divulge the contents of what was made that year that was so great but I can tell you that we are proud owners of something. I can tell you that it was the greatest day with no hiccups and no difficulties. I can also tell you that what has happened has been one of my greatest dreams and it has come true. (Please excuse the disney in that last sentence.)
No, I'm not pregnant. (Just in case you were trying to find a way to make that be what this is about.)
And no, it's not my coffee shop/art gallery/ music venue "Cup of Joe."
Keep guessing!
I cannot fully divulge the contents of what was made that year that was so great but I can tell you that we are proud owners of something. I can tell you that it was the greatest day with no hiccups and no difficulties. I can also tell you that what has happened has been one of my greatest dreams and it has come true. (Please excuse the disney in that last sentence.)
No, I'm not pregnant. (Just in case you were trying to find a way to make that be what this is about.)
And no, it's not my coffee shop/art gallery/ music venue "Cup of Joe."
Keep guessing!
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