Nice Weekend

The weekend was good. I got most of my check list items done, the anticipated hangover wasn't too bad, but I still didn't do much on Sunday. I got most of the Halloween decorations up - but didn't get out for any "Leaf Peepeing" unless you count raking the leaves off the porch!

I did manage to keep my worries at bay most of the weekend until I watched this weeks Grey's Anatomy, which featured a Dad that needed a transplant - ah there went the waterworks! But again, all things considered - a good weekend.

On the dad update front, the bad news is that he's still in ICU, the rejection is still quite high, so they are keeping him until it's under control. The good news is pretty good - there is no scarring on the heart, so his heart function should return, they are currently carpet-bombing his immune system to get the rejection under control and they should see results as early as tonight, and the surgical team from Stanford Surgical Team (they did the transplant) is now working on the case as well as his regular Cardiology team - so I'm feeling very good about his prospects.

Armed with a bit of good news I'm trying my damnedest to enjoy my Monday - it's a beautiful fall day and I'm thinking about skating out early to take the dog for a walk (how perky am I?).

Current Music: Hotel Song - Regina Spektor

Weekend Plans

Here's the plan:

Saturday:
Go to the office and get a bit of work done.
Run to market to pick up milk and dinner.
Clean house.
Go out with friends and drink until falling down drunk.

Sunday:
Recover from Hangover.
Drive around and look at fall colors.
Go to Garden Center and pick up mulch to "winterize" garden.
Put up Halloween decorations.

Things not to do:
Worry about state of my liver.
Worry about how behind I am I work.
Worry about my Dad.

Current Music: Better Off - Let's Go Sailing

Spoke Too Soon

Dad's back in ICU, his body is still rejecting the heart. He'll be at least another week in the hospital.

Damn.

Current Music: too late for music, I'm going to bed.

Good News

Just got off the phone with my Dad - things are looking better. He's out of ICU, and they seem to have the rejection in hand (they'll know more after the biopsy results come back late tonight). The only question mark at this point is the effectiveness of the heart - it's down to 30%, but that seems to be on the rise and with medication and exercise should continue to go up.

He's due to be released from the hospital - so friends and family are breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Current Music: La Familia - Mirah

Rainy Days and Tuesdays

I like rainy days - I always have. Even when I was little - I remember hearing rain as I woke up and, before I had even opened my eyes, being happy that it was raining. I woke up that way today, smiling with my eyes shut, listening to the rain - knowing that when I opened them I would see a rainy window.

I sort of wonder how I ended up in Michigan though, with my love of rain I probably should have moved to Seattle or Portland. Maybe we still will, then I can wake up with a smile on my face more often - I think we'd all like that.

We haven't had very many good rainy days this Fall (or even summer for that matter). Don't get me wrong, I like warm sunny days, but I'm pretty much done with them after Labor day. I've been ready and waiting for Fall for a while now, and it's only just arrived - I couldn't be happier.

Scott thinks I'm mad as a hatter, he says he would rather have warm days than cool (I'll have to remind him of that next July when he's complaining about the heat). I'm thrilled to turn the air conditioner and fans off, cuddle up under a down blanket, light some candles, start a fire and drink hot tea. The strange thing is that I hate to be cold, but somehow Fall just appeals to me.

Current Music: Raindrops - Regina Spektor

Told You So (well, sort of)

Ok - I bowed to the peer pressure and just as I feared, the rockin' bangs turned into Peggy Sue (or as my dear friend pointed out, Peg Bundy)!

On the upside, I just watched the Devil Wears Prada, and saw that Anne Hathaway has some pretty rockin' bangs - so I'm trying to work something like this or this. Of course I could also go with the "Lily" look.

So the bad news is that the evil bangs looked like crap for a day or two, the good news is that they are pretty much under control and will grow out again!

Current Music: Short Skirt, Long Jacket - Cake

My World is Crumbing

Eighteen years ago today the earth shook under my feet.

It started off like any other day - going to classes, watching Days of Our Lives, hanging out with friends, not doing homework - you know, normal Freshman year college stuff. After classes a couple of my roommates and I headed downtown to the mall.

At 5:04pm we heard a noise, and then the ground started moving like a bad fun house. Like good California kids, we ducked for cover, I decided to head for the doorway (it was once considered a very safe place in an earthquake). As I ran to the door the glass above me shattered, behind me I heard the ceiling collapsing over the cash register (where I had been standing only moments before).

A few moments later, as I stood shaking on the curb, my roommates and the staff in the store came out of the wrecked door. Down the street someone was screaming, car and building alarms were going off everywhere, on the corner people we gathering, staring, wondering. We could hear sirens in the distance, coming to help, coming to save the ones that were screaming.

Eventually the EMTs (or maybe they were firefighters, it's always been a bit hazy) released us to go back to our car and and return to school. Once we got back to campus, life as a college student began to return to normal.

Today the earth shook again, but only for me. I learned that my Dad has been re-admitted to the hospital, his new heart may be failing. Just one year and two days later and he may need another new heart.

"A muscle as small and as brainless as an apple
that holds the entire difference between this being
an ordinary day and a disaster."
— Ben Dolnick, Zoology

My recent mental state has been precarious at best, and talking to my Dad this morning, sent me right over the edge - I tried to go into work, but ended up crying at my desk. I gave up and ended up going home to collapse.

Hopefully by tomorrow the ground will be more stable.

Current Music: Explosions - The Mary Onettes

A Long Road

This afternoon I stopped at an intersection, I sort of got stuck there for a couple of minutes. I was looking down this incredibly long road - the kind of road that just doesn't seem to end. So I just sat there, looking don that road.

It struck me, what if - instead of turning left like I'm supposed to - I went straight? It seemed so attractive all of a sudden.

Then I got sick to my stomach - the strange thing is that I couldn't really tell if I was feeling that way because I wanted to go straight or because I knew I had to turn left.

Current Music: Home - Barenaked Ladies

Photo Credit: Briemarie

Happy Birthday Boo!

Today seems oddly familiar - I spent the whole day baking (a pretty great coconut cake, if I do say so myself) and cleaning and getting stuff done around the house. Scott spent the day playing golf and going out to lunch with his buddies.

Ok - I realize that it's his birthday and he should get to do something fun. I guess I wouldn't mind so much if the exact same thing hadn't just happened!

Oh well, I suppose it's what you do for the ones you love, but my birthday better ROCK next year.

Current Music: Beautiful Day - Bedouin SoundClash

MHD

I decided to take a page out of Scoober's book and took a mental health day today, well part of Thursday too.

Thursday morning I just felt like I couldn't take any more of the office - I just needed to shut down and do nothing. So I took the afternoon and "worked from home", all things considered, I felt pretty good by Thursday night.

I wasn't exactly looking forward to work today, so when I woke up with some kind of pinched nerve in my shoulder - I took it as a sign, a sign to stay home (well, that and the fact that I couldn't really move when I wasn't connected to the heating pad!).

So one and a half days later and I'm a bit better rested, maybe ready for work again.

Current Music: All Good Things (Come to an End) - Nelly Furtado

Not Much to Say

I've been feeling a bit blue lately, and quite busy at my desk. But I did find a perfect quote:

"Silence is medication for sorrow." — Arab Proverb

That says it all - well till I get wordy again.

Current Music: Million Faces - Paulo Nutini

Just when you thought...

Just when I thought it was safe to grow the evil bangs out - you go and give me three good hair days in a row. It's just not fair!

The burn has hardly healed, I had my decision made, and now I'm thinking about going to get the evil bangs trimmed, so I can keep them for a while. But if I get them trimmed they'll probably just go all "Peggy-Sue" on me again.

Well played bangs, well played...

Current Music: Message from Yuz - Switches

p.s. - I vowed not to have any pictures taken with the evil bangs, but it was a good hair day.

Husband Training

Here's a question, when your husband (or significant other) does something helpful, but something you didn't want done, do you:

a) Yell at him for doing it.

b) Tell him that you didn't really want that done, but it was nice of him to think of it.

c) Thank him for helping out, then go back and fix it later when he's not looking.

I opted for a combination of a) and b), but perhaps that was the wrong answer. Thinking back to puppy kindergarten (oh yes, we had hoped for a well trained pooch), they said to praise the puppy when ever they did something good. So, does the same apply to men? Did I just screw up? Now is he going to pee on the rug next time I'm late getting home?

Current Music: The Truth About Men - Tracy Byrd

September Round-Up

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Summer is a time for reading, but I haven't been doing as much of it as usual. I did start re-reading the Wrinkle in Time series as well as the Dark is Rising series (coming out as a movie in winter). Both quite good, but in my search for a Harry Potter replacement, they both come up lacking.

As for magazines, it's pretty much a broken record there, though I did add Detroit Home to the list.

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
Not much in the way of movies (though I do have a ton sitting in the Tivo from a free HBO and Showtime weekend).

As for TV, well in case you didn't know, the fall premiers are here! I've picked up all my favorites (Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Men in Trees, Ugly Betty, plus all of the crime dramas), plus the new Grey's spin-off Private Practice and I'm trying out Big Shots and Dirty Sexy Money. My sister swears that Reaper is crazy funny, so I'm gonna check that out too.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
I was going to say that September is a quiet month for celebrations, but then I thought about it and there are quite a few special days - here's the run-down:

September 1 - My sister and BIL's anniversary (woo-hoo, six years and two kids later!); Pearl's Birthday; and for the morbid, the anniversary of Purdy's passing (that still gets me...)
September 12 - M's b-day, she's 46 and still one hot mama!
September 28 - my Aunt's b-day, not sure how I always manage to forget it, but I do!
September 29 - our wedding anniversary, that's right - 11 magical years together!

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Nothin' - well my dad did bring out a bunch of goodies (real sourdough bread and some great dry salami - just can find those things out here), but I don't count those as gifts - really I can't survive without them and since I can't get them here...

As for the anniversary, well we bought each other a chai latte at Starbucks, does that count? Is eleven years the "chain coffee store" anniversary?

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Clean bill of health for both, though now that J & M's kids are back in school I'm sure that we'll becoming down with something sooner or later.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Well the big event was Dad's visit. He was here for a week and a half - I think a good time was had by all! We went to the Henry Ford and hung out at the beach, we had a couple of nice dinners with J & M and the kids, we went to the Tiger's game (some what anti-climactic, given that they were already mathematically eliminated.) and went apple picking on a perfect fall day.

Other than the visit it was actually a quiet month, though we did enjoy a dinner out with J & M and the kids for M's birthday.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
Nothin' - I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just don't cook much in the summer. And since it was a quiet month for going out, we didn't try anything new either!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Not much, but I did put 2 great jackets on layaway at TJ Maxx - though maybe that really counts for October? Either way, I'm super excited about them.

What were this month's disappointments and accomplishments?
Nothing more that usual, really.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
While Dad was here he kept busy, building me a cool little shoe rack in the front hall. Also, he and Scott built a really nice little cabinet in the basement. We still have to paint it, but it's a nice display space and I'll put my junk storage cabinets on the back side of it!

Current Music: Baby, It's a Fact - Hellogoodbye

Love Ya Babe!

So it wasn't as magical a day as 11 years ago, but I guess eventually wedding anniversaries just become another day - sad but true.

We started off our anniversary dropping off my Dad at the airport (we had to get up at the crack of dawn - his flight left at 8:30 am, it takes an hour to get to the airport from our house - you do the math). On the way home we treated each other to a Starbuck's Chai Latte (that was the only thing we got each other!).

After we got home, Scott went off to play golf all day (yeah - I thought I was being nice, I didn't think it would turn into an all day event) and I watched TV, ran errands and worked a bit.

Not glamorous, but we both had good days - just not together!

Current Music: Always - Ella Fitzgerald (Sappy? Yes, but it's our wedding song!)

Decision Made

I've come to a decision - the bangs will be grown out!

I have burned myself with the curling iron for the LAST TIME! This morning makes the third time in two weeks that I've burned my forehead. Now I have to explain why I have a Dora the Explorer band-aid on my forehead (yep - it was a doosie of a burn).

So it's my skin or the bangs, the bangs are going!

Current Music: Barbie Girl - Aqua

Anniversaries

A year ago today my dad went into the hospital for a test - the doctors then decided that they wanted to keep him an extra day, for a few more tests. By the time the tests were over, the doctors had decided that he would either be going home with a new heart or never going home at all.

Today he's here visiting with us, picking apples in the beautiful fall weather, watching the Grey's Anatomy premier and chatting away - with his new heart ticking.

Life's interesting isn't it?

Current Music: no music, we're just starting the new show after Grey's, "Big Shots"

I have a Dilemma

So it's been almost a month since my frightening hair cut. And I've finally figured out how to deal with these stinking bangs (I've got sort of a Heidi Klum thing happening now - just the hair though). The problem is this, now they're too long!

The dilemma is this: do I just keep growing them out and hopefully get the look that I originally wanted or do I get them trimmed and wear them as they are for a bit? But this gets to the deeper problem of bangs - growing them out! What a pain that is, and I'm already part of the way there, so maybe my answer lies there?

Why does it have to be so hard to be a girl? Scott's out of bed and out the door in 15 minutes (well 20 if there's a second bathroom stop!). I'm at the whole "beauty" thing for at least an hour - jeesh!

Current Music: If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura

Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Dad

I love my dad - I really do. And I know I was saying that I was looking forward to his visit, but seriously if I have to look at one more mode of transportation any time soon I'll probably go insane!

We spent Saturday at the Henry Ford Museum looking at EVERY car ever invented, then we moved on to the trains and wrapped up with the planes! We spent so long looking at all of the cars that we almost missed some of the other highlights of the museum (the chair Lincoln was shot in, the Rosa Parks bus, etc.). Then yesterday we spent the afternoon on the beach enjoying a beautiful "last gasp of summer" day - and my dad spent it watching the sail boats and freighters go by!

I really shouldn't be all that surprised - his last vacation out here was spent looking at all manner of boats. There was the Tall Ship Festival followed by "Coast Guard Days" - 24/7 boats, old and new. When my mom was out this spring we went to see a re-creation of the Nina. What is it with my family and transportation!?!

On the up side, TV premier week starts tonight so we'll all be plunked down in front of the boob-tube for "How I Met Your Mother" and "Two and a Half Men". Tomorrow we'll head to the Tiger's game to see if they can manage to get into the play-offs (ah yes the tivo will be in control of the premiers tomorrow!).

I really do enjoy seeing my dad, well, mostly anyway...

Current Music: Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

Tired of being tired

Yep that's me, but I am tired. I'm just plain tired, but I'm also:

tired of whining clients
tired of forgetting to do things
tired of bitchy people
tired of the whining husband
tired of being behind at work
tired of my bosses
tired of work
tired of my wardrobe
tired of my shoes
tired of not feeling great

On the positive side, my Dad arrived in town so we've got a week and a half of visiting to do - though, I'll probably be tired of that soon too...

Current Music: Throw it All Away - Brandi Carlile

Can Barely Wait

Happily, I don't have to wait too long - my Dad will be here on Wednesday. Oh, I know that I complain about my family, but I've really been missing my dad lately.

I was on the phone with my sister the other day - and we were talking about talking with Dad, how silly it can get, all the random things that we are bound to talk about with him. Then she said "that's what I'll miss most", like he's going to die any minute - ack! I realize that given his heart transplant, he will (more than likely) have a reduced life span, but I just hate to look at it that way.

I guess the thing that really got me missing him was when I was at the market today - I saw a little old man picking over the butter case - not that my dad was as old as this old gentleman, but it was something he'd do. I nearly broke down in the dairy isle - I hadn't realized how much I miss him. I'm really looking forward to Wednesday afternoon!

Current Music: just the TV, yep Good Eats (seriously, I love that show!)

It's in the Air

I know Summer isn't over yet, but clearly Fall is on it's way! The weather has been cool and breezy, the evenings have been crisp and clear. I love it! I guess I never really appreciated the changes in the seasons till we moved here, Northern California really has only two seasons, warm and dry or cool and rainy.

I went shopping for coats and sweaters yesterday - found two great coats, a leather and a cute puffy down one (don't even get me started on the super red purse or the zebra striped kitten heels)! I may have to get out the sweaters and the Halloween decorations soon!

It's due to warm up into the low 80s next week, so I guess it's back to the the shorts and flip-flops for a bit. Damn - that means I'm going to have to redo my toes...

Current Music: Autumn in New York - Frank Sinatra

Off the Hook

Whew... No visit from the SIL and her kids this weekend! Not that we weren't looking forward to it, but we were seriously behind on the whole clean up thing, not to mention the impromptu dinner invite from J & M. And then there was the question of what to do, with the change in the weather, it wasn't like we were going to hit the beach!

So we'll reschedule and go through the whole tizzy another time - but at least this weekend we've dodged the bullet!

Current Music: Fall Apart Again - Brandi Carlile

Walk Away

Have you ever been told to just "walk away" from a problem? Just walk away, collect yourself and return another time to figure it out. Like that will help!?

But I'm having a "walk away" day - a day filled with so many problems and things to do that I feel the need to walk away and return another time. And I would walk away from today, but I have a feeling that my urge to walk away couldn't be satisfied with just a day. What if my real urge is to walk away from my entire life?

How do you fix that?

Current Music: 9 Crimes - Damien Rice

Remember

I don't mean to be maudlin, but I can never get through today without taking a few moments to remember that morning six years ago. I think we all need to, it's now part of being an American. We need to think of the senseless violence, the heroism, those that lost their lives and those that had their lives changed forever.

This was sent to me by a friend on the 18th of September, 2001, and it still gets me:

Every U down in Uville liked U.S. a lot,But the Binch, who lived Far East of Uville, did not. The Binch hated U.S.! The whole U.S. way! Now don't ask me why, for nobody can say,

It could be his turban was screwed on too tight. Or the sun from the desert had beaten too bright. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

But, whatever the reason, his heart or his turban, he stood facing Uville, the part that was urban. "They're doing their business," he snarled from his perch. "They're raising their families! They're going to church! They're leading the world, and their empire is thriving, I MUST keep the S's and U's from surviving!"

Tomorrow, he knew, all the U's and the S's, would put on their pants and their shirts and their dresses, they'd go to their offices, playgrounds and schools, and abide by their U and S values and rules. And then they'd do something he liked least of all, every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small,would stand all united, each U and each S, and they'd sing Uville's anthem, "God bless us! God bless!"

All around their Twin Towers of Uville, they'd stand, and their voices would drown every sound in the land. "I must stop that singing," Binch said with a smirk, and he had an idea--an idea that might work!

The Binch stole some U planes in U morning hours, and crashed them right into the Uville Twin Towers. "They'll wake to disaster!" he snickered, so sour, "And how can they sing when they can't find a tower?"

The Binch cocked his ear as they woke from their sleeping, all set to enjoy their U-wailing and weeping. Instead he heard something that started quite low, and it built up quite slow, but it started to grow -

And the Binch heard the most unpredictable thing... He couldn't believe it - they started to sing! He stared down at U-ville, not trusting his eyes, what he saw was a shocking, disgusting surprise!

Every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any towers at all! He HADN'T stopped U-Ville from singing! It sung! From down deep in the hearts of the old and the young.

Those Twin Towers were standing, called Hope and called Pride, and you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside. So we circle the sites where our heroes did fall, with a hand in each hand of the tall and the small.

And we mourn for our losses while knowing we'll cope, for we still have inside that U-Pride and U-Hope. For America means a bit more than tall towers, it means more than wealth or political powers, it's more than our enemies ever could guess, so may God bless America! Bless us! God bless...

Current Music: Tragedy - Brandi Carlile

Interview Time

As I was doing my daily blog reading I saw Kimmy's interview - being adventurous (read - stupid) I volunteered to be interviewed as well. These questions were different from what I was expecting, but definitely fun!


Have you noticed a change in the way you write and the person you are now vs. the person who started your blog a year and a half ago?
The way I write is still very much the same - a combination of internal monologue, stream of consciousness and catty girl chat. As far as if I'm a different person, yes - I've become more open, it seems easier to pour my heart out to strangers on the Internet - and that has translated to the real world a bit. I love that I can write things down then send them off into the void - somehow a journal just doesn't do it for me.

You have two choices either (a) stand naked on a street corner holding a sign advertising for a new vagasil product or (b) go to the Michigan/OSU game and sit in the Michigan section wearing scarlet and grey. Whatcha gonna do? [baha!!]
This is such an unfair question!!!! Just last year on the day of the big game I was walking around the mall and everyone was giving me the stink-eye and I couldn't figure out why. I figured it out in the dressing room at Macy's - I was wearing a grey long-sleeved tee and a red puffy vest! Needless to say, I cut my shopping trip short.

So my answer will have to be "(a) stand naked on a street corner holding a sign for vagisil" - I'll have to hope for a nice day and a big sign since I no longer have the best naked body (much better looking clothes - have you noticed how that happens sometime after 30?).


One day you are told "tomorrow you will forget everything you know...but one memory" What memory are you keeping safe?
Not having kids makes this easier, but it was still the hardest question. I guess many people would say "wedding day" or "first kiss" or other obvious ones, but I realized long ago that I can live with out my darling hubby - not that I would want to, but I could. So my answer is this: dancing with my grandmother in her living room when I was little. We'd put on the stereo and we'd dance - sometimes I'd stand on her feet if she was trying to show me a particular step (which wasn't that easy - she used to wear flip-flips with big plastic flowers). I realized as I was thinking about this question that I can find a new love, have another wedding, graduate again - but I only ever got one grandmother and I miss her (thanks for making me cry Kimmy!)

Do you believe in Heaven? If so, describe your Heaven.
I don't believe in Heaven. Sometimes I wish I did, it would be nice to know that one day you'd be able to join all your dearly departed.

What did you wanna be when you grew up? How close of a reality is that dream?
I seriously wanted to be a high-powered Stock Broker when I grew up - live in New York, work on Wall Street, the whole nine yards. Please keep in mind that I grew up in the early 80s when it was great to be a yuppie - don't hold it against me.

Reality is a bit different (though I was a techie-yuppie at one point). I love designing kitchens, I love helping people design their dream homes - but sometimes I long for a hip SoHo loft.

So these are the rules. [Because there are always rules]
Interview Rules:
1) Leave me a comment saying "interview me" along with your email address.
2) I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3) You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4) You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5) When others comment asking to be interviewed you will ask them five questions.


Current Music: Read My Mind - The Killers

Big Day

My niece started Pre-School today, but I could swear that she was just learning to walk a month ago (or was that the other one!). I can't even imagine what my sister is going through - her baby is off to school (though she still has one baby at home to keep her busy). When I got the picture message that she was off to school I got all teary-eyed - Mer must be a mess!

I do wish I could have been there today - I miss so much being out here, and it's days like today that really make it hit home. I was there a few moments after she was born, I helped feed her her first cereal, I was the reason she made her first cross-country trip (at the ripe old age of 6 months). She's the first person I want to see when I get off the plane at home and the person I want to kiss last before I put them on a plane when they come to visit - she's just got a special spot in my heart I guess.

She called (well, her mom called and put her on the speaker phone) when she got home from school and she told me about her day and her very cute outfit (she's a little fashonista - which I probably why I love her so). I told her how proud we were of her (Uncle Scott couldn't believe it either), and how we couldn't wait to see all her art projects when we come home for Christmas.

After I hung up I cried a while, realizing that everything grows and goes on - even when you live 3000 miles away.

Current Music: Within You - Ray LaMontagne

Bad Bangs

You know how sometimes you go in to get a new hair cut - and you want to do something different, but you're not sure what? I had one of those days last week, and I'm still paying for it! I went in wanting something like this or this or even this and ended up with something like this! Yikes!

I'm not which part is worse:
1. My stylist saying "I won't cut them too short - I don't want to give you 'mall bangs'" and then I got them anyway.
2. Scott saying - "Wow, your hair isn't going to look like that all the time - is it?".
3. J saying "You look just like when we first met you, when you were 19 - only more tired." (On the upside, M came to my defence saying how cute they were and that J would pay later for the comment.)

So the good news is that your hair grows 1/2 inch per month, and my hair tends to grow really fast in the summer - fingers crossed! The other good news is that "Bold Bangs" are in again - now, keep in mind that I do not look anything like any of these fabulous actresses, but it makes me feel better that someone else's stylist had a bad day too!

Current Music: Lost & Found - Adrienne Pierce

August Round-Up

Wow, another month down the tubes! How does it all go by so fast? Maybe it's just all the fun we're having? Ha! Seriously though, how is it that times just flies faster the older you get? Anyway, on to the round up...

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
I read a great book, Swan by Frances Mayes. Actually it wasn't a great story, but it was beautifully written - just amazing. The way she describes things is just beautiful (am I gushing?!). I read a couple of crappy mystery novels. And I still haven't managed to get through The Well of Lost Plots, but I'm working on it.

On the magazine front just the usual suspects: Real Simple, Creating Keepsakes, Entertainment Weekly, Elle Decor - there might have been some others, but I don't remember.

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
We saw the "Break-Up", not nearly as funny as I thought it would be. I saw a very upsetting movie called "Who Killed the Electric Car" - so depressing! And a couple of old classics - "The Women" and "All the King's Men" (the original).

Summer TV is somewhat lacking, mostly just re-runs on the Tivo. Of course, I'm still enjoying some of the summer shows - The Closer, Burn Notice, Mad Men and Damages.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
I was going to go on and on about how we don't have any big events in August - then I remembered that one of our anniversaries is August - d'oh! When I say one of our anniversaries, I mean our dating anniversary. Strange that we celebrate it, but we were dating for so long (five years!) - I figure it should count (think of it as time served).

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Oddly enough, sixteen years of being together doesn't seem to warrant the giving or receiving of gifts (though if I don't get something for our wedding anniversary someone is going to be in big trouble).

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Other than the life-threatening cold that Scott got (please note the sarcasm!) we were fine and dandy!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
A couple of great days on the beach with J & M and the kids (sadly many of the weekends were spent working)! We also enjoyed a Tiger's game with J & M and JC. And we had a great time with JC at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
As before - Summer isn't really a time for cooking. The most I culinarily speaking, was cook with a lot of basil - our basil plant is out of control. So a lot of Bruscetta and Insalata Caprese - the next thing is to start making pesto.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Way too much scrapbooking stuff - as usual! Scott bought a used tractor lawn mower - he's happy about that, but I'm not sure that I really get anything out of it (well I get the lawn mowed in one day rather than three)!

What were this month's disappointments?
Yet again no baby. Work has been overly busy, with no sales, Scott still hasn't had much work either. So it's been a bit of a depressing month from the financial and family perspective.

What were my accomplishments this month?
Strange to count this as an accomplishment, but I actually served on a jury. I've never done it before and it was actually kind of interesting.

I also started a new project - Daily Something. The idea is to do something creative everyday - I've really been enjoying it. It's like my blog, with pictures, paper, glue and paint - very fun. I love my scrapbooking and this is a fun excuse to just play.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
I got a really bad hair cut that I'm still struggling with, but that's a whole other post!

Current Music: Home - Barenaked Ladies

Happy Birthday Pearl!

Happy Birthday Sweet One! It's hard to believe that you are two years old - you're still such a tiny thing, and so crazy and playful!


Not that we actually know Pearl's actual birthday, but since Purdy was put down on the first of September in 2005, and the vet estimated that Pearl was born somewhere around there, we decided to make her birthday on the same day. Bitter-sweet I know, but we figuring we're just balancing out the universe.


Pearl spent her birthday playing in the yard, bouncing around and chasing after bugs, birds and squirrels. A perfect kitten day. Later we gave her some new toys, which she promptly ignored in favor of going back outside! In any event, I think it's safe to say that she had a good day!


Current Music: In My Place - Cold Play

Woman's Work

Why is it that when Scott gets up before me he can just go about his normal business, without any of the furry ones bugging him? Yet the moment that I decide to begin getting out of bed (sometimes it takes a bit!) - they all begin hounding me? How is it that they are all my job - not his?

I was listening to Scott walk around the house this morning (Jake had yet to realize that I was awake). He said good morning to the kittens and Jake - but they didn't ask for breakfast, he pet the pooch and said good morning - but wasn't forced to let her out. Somehow they all cut him slack that I just don't get. The moment I come out of the bathroom I have to maneuver around the cats that are rubbing my legs to get to the dog that is banging at the back door to be let out!

Here's the routine:
1. let dog out
2. feed cats
3. let dog in
4. feed dog
5. check the bird and squirrel feeders and have my "Disney moment"*
6. finally get into the shower

* The "Disney moment" is when I feed the birds and the squirrels and they come and eat what I've tossed out to them - I'm not saying that they sing with (yet) but it's awfully perky for 6:30am.

Of course all of this gets me to thinking about our attempts to get pregnant. In some ways I think I'm happy to be unsuccessful - it's just one more thing that I'd have to do in the morning that Scott could walk by, pat on the head and say "Good Morning".

Current Music: Life in Disguise - The Slip

Love This!

My daily blog ramblings (which have been cut short lately due to all the work I've had to do - working really gets in the way of all the stuff I like to do!) found me here - where I found this:

For some reason I just love it! Fun retro colors and the unexpected kitten - too cute. Too bad I don't sew... Maybe I can come up with something - this might be too cute to pass up.

Anyway, there are a bunch more fun things on the Tonic Living site - more fabulous things I don't need and can't afford!

Current Music: Wreck of the Day - Anna Nalick

Say no more...

Current Music: Bad Day - Daniel Powter

TGIF

Not much time for anything else, so just a quick Feast!

Appetizer: Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
I guess Julia Robert's - I love her voice even though I'm not a big fan of her as an actress.

Soup: Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence.
Can anyone see how everything works?

Salad: If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
I'd say the late 40's - after the war. I love the way everyone dressed, times were a bit simpler. It's also one of my favorite times for movies (though the late 30's were great too).

Main Course: Name a song that brings back memories for you.
Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds, takes me right back to high school.

Dessert: Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
Warm, since I'm cold most of the time it helps warm me up.

Current Music: Fascinating New Thing - Semisonic

Not this time!

Woo-hoo! Managed not to get picked for a jury today!

When I got there I saw a bench full of my former fellow jurors, we chatted and caught up - strange how you can become friendly over something like jury duty. Of course none of us wanted to get called again, since we'd already served, but the judge said that they would be reviewing 6 or 7 cases and might need juries for all of them! Luckily two entered pleas, one was a no show (which lend to a bench warrant) and one was dismissed - so only two cases needed juries. Strangely enough, those juries were only 6 people, instead of 12 - not really sure why.

Anyway, two of the folks from my previous jury were seated in the new juries (even though they tried to get out of it by talking about how the jury was hung) - but the rest of us got off for the rest of the week! I hate to revel in other's misery, but I am sooooo glad not to have to do that again.

The bad news is that I still have one more week I have to call in, but I'm really hoping that my number won't come up again.

Current Music: Ballad of a Bitter End - The Poems

Here we go again - maybe...

Current Music: theme song for Without a Trace (it's too late for music!)

Damn Spots!

Cruella De Ville maybe? Perhaps a dislike of Guernsey cows? Problems with the carpet (well, yes - but that's not it either).

Nope, just AF settling in for a visit! I realize that our timing was off this month, but early signs really made me think we might have done it this month. Oh well, I guess that gives me fodder for the Round-Up. Plus it means I can party on the beach this weekend!

(Karmic retribution happened just as I was about to post! I managed to drop my pen on my sleeve, one more spot to deal with!)

Current Music: Route 66 - Depeche Mode

Check!

Well, I can check another thing off my list of things that "Michiganders Do" (or as my BIL is trying to coin "Michiganeese") - we went to the Woodward Dream Cruise on Saturday. (plus don't you LOVE the Picasa collage?!)

The cruise is described as "the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracts more than 1 million visitors and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles". I would describe it as a huge gathering of scary men and women and cars, but then I'm not a big car buff. Seriously, it was kind of cool, some of the old cars were really great - and there was even a bus that shot fire out of the top!

We met JC at his house, then wandered across Woodward (which isn't that tough, given that everyone goes about 5 miles an hour) to a party at his friend's house. We stopped there long enough for a couple of drinks, a snack and to meet some of JC other friends (he has other friends!?). Then we strolled back down to Woodward to watch everyone go by.

I do feel bad for the people in normal cars that "accidentally" get stuck on Woodward that weekend. The traffic is usually a bit sticky - but that weekend the top speed is probably 5 to 10 mph! Plus if you have a normal car and are in the "cruising lane" you get booed! Glad we took the back streets to JC's place!

Current Music: Little Wonders - Rob Thomas

Too Busy to Blog

Too Busy to blog, sleep, eat, make dinner - just too busy with work! Jury Duty really put a crimp in my style. Plus all these people that need their plans and pricing yesterday (as opposed to all the people I haven't even finished with)!

I know it's a good thing to be this busy at work, and that I'll be sorry later on in the year when I'm sitting on my hands, but in the mean time I'll whine about it...

Current Music: Keep Breathing - Ingrid Michaelson

Violated!

Someone hi-jacked my eBay account!

I open up my email this morning to find the following subject line: "Account Security Notice: eBay Registration Suspension - Possible Unauthorized Account Use". Of course I totally freaked out! I couldn't sign on to eBay, couldn't access anything. I found other email in my in-box that were supposedly from me - trying to sell low-cost electronics. So scary!

I have to give props to eBay though, I went to the site, followed the instructions and chatted with a customer service person and within a matter of minutes she had me back up and running. Apparently they had already figured out exactly what was going on (I guess this is a bit of a common occurrence), notified the other eBay folks that got email from me (supposedly from me anyway), and were just awaiting my reply.

I'm pleased that eBay was so on the ball, but it's freaky that it could happen in the first place! At lease everything is back to normal, but believe me - I'm going to be paying more attention from now on.

Current Music: Jeanette - English Beat

Yard Sale Hell

It's actually called the "Yard Sale Trail", you say potato I say potato. It's an annual pain in my butt, 200 miles of garage sales along a two lane highway for three days. I usually try desperately to avoid this gigantic mess, but this year it was unavoidable.

You just can't put that many idiots on a two lane highway and expect good things! I nearly ran-into or ran-over a half a dozen people - and was nearly rear-ended by nearly the same number. A trip that should have taken no more than one and a half hours took over three!

Next year, no matter what - I am not leaving my house on that weekend!!!!

Current Music: Ackee 1-2-3, English Beat

It's Friday!

Good News - done with Jury Duty!
Bad News - there is sooooooooooooo much work to catch up on!

So, just a quick second to do this Friday's Feast:

Appetizer: What is your favorite kind of pie?
Oh, that's an easy one - cherry!

Soup: Name something that made you smile this week.
Picking George up at the groomer - she was so pretty and clean and happy to see me! It was nice to have someone be so glad to see me after such a crappy week.

Salad: What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?
Does turning up the air conditioner count? Actually the best thing is to take a cool shower, get my hair wet and then sit next to a fan.

Main Course: You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?
Oh jeez - that would be a drop in the home improvement budget! But if I had to do it, I'd probably do a quickie fix up on one of the bathrooms. I'd switch the itty-bitty cabinet for a cool console, replace the scary-crappy tile, put in a new toilet and buy new towels and rugs and paint.

Dessert: Fill in the blank: My _________ says __________, but I __________.
My body says get some sleep, but I have too much to do to go to bed early.

Current Music: Fernando - ABBA (lame, yes, but what can you do)

Crap-tastic!

Jury duty! Wahoo! Does it get much better than that?

I got the letters a while back, but didn't have to call in till Monday. So, on my way to the ball game I called in only to find that I was indeed being "called in". Alright, it can't be that bad, right? I'll go in, tell them that I know judges and prosecutors and lawyers, that I work on commission so I can't afford to serve - I'll be in and out.

Tuesday morning I woke up to a torrential down-pour, sure, we need the rain - but we didn't need 6 inches in an hour and a half (I suppose I exaggerate a bit, but only a bit). I got up, dressed as "appropriately" for court as I could in the rain, then headed down town. It took a bit, but I finally managed to find a parking space, then waded through a few pond-sized puddles and forded a stream that had once been a gutter. After all that I reached the courthouse looking like a drowned rat (and I had an umbrella - think of the poor people that didn't!).

Once there, I got a seat, got some instructions and then promptly got called into the jury box! I tried all of my arguments, but to no avail (though if I had known a cop that might have helped) - I was impaneled on a jury for a criminal trial.

So I sat through Tuesday's opening arguments and testimony. By Wednesday afternoon we're were done listening to all the testimony and were sent off to the Jury Room to deliberate. Still, no problem - we'll debate for a few moments, it's a slam dunk, and I'll be off to work.

Nope - no such luck - we're having trouble on the second count and headed back for more deliberations tomorrow! Crap....

Current Music: Why Worry - The All-American Rejects

Addendum - We came to a verdict on one and ended up deadlocked on the other, so we were a hung jury (so v. Law & Order!). The judge declared a mistrial on the second count, not sure what happens next, but I know it doesn't involve me!!!

Another Weekend Gone

Another weekend gone, how do they go so fast? You spend your whole week thinking about it, then once you get there it's over so quickly!

We had a terrific day yesterday - a great day on the beach; sunny, warm, breezy. We started off with beer and boat drinks on the beach and ended with cheese burgers and beer on the deck. It was a great day, the dogs were happy, the kids had a great time, the adults had fun - winners all around.

Then comes the crash - Sunday. All of a sudden the house is really a mess, the dishes need doing, the laundry needs folding - it's like the chore fairy came in the night and left a ton of things for you to do (while hung-over). Worse yet, the Sunday doldrums set in, that little blue feeling you get about having to go back to work tomorrow (not to mention all the things that didn't get done that you had planned on doing over the weekend).

I guess the only thing to do is focus on the good, get as many of the chores done that you can manage, and get started looking forward to the next weekend!

Current Music: too late for music, more Tivo clearing - another Good Eats episode!

July Round-Up

I seriously forgot to get this done and I don't even have time for it now, but I dig it - and it's fun to look back at later! So here's the greatest hits for July:

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Umm, I forget, not sure really ... duh! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows topped my reading list for the month of July. I did manage to read the first three (Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban) and a bit of the fourth before the final book arrived, but I was unable to get through the entire series in time. I finished the Deathly Hallows late on Sunday 22nd - happy and sad.

As for other books, I started the Well of Lost Plots - the most recent in a great series of books by Jasper Fforde, and I picked up a bad mystery novel that I keep trying to read.

On the magazine front - again the usual suspects, EW, Real Simple, Creating Keepsakes, National Geographic - and one new one "Blue", a magazine on Michigan "lake style living".

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
As usually, not a lot of movies, just one REALLY IMPORTANT one, sad but true, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

On the TV side of things, well - it's summer, so it's mostly re-run city. However, the Closer and Burn Notice continue to deliver, I finished watching the new series Traveler and I started the new AMC series Mad Men (not sure how it's going to go - but so far so good). I did finally watch the final episode of Grey's Anatomy, it was good, but a bit sad but now we're on to the next season.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
July is actually a slow month for us - Summer is in full swing, so there's not much time for anything else - of course there was Independence Day and V's Birthday.

For the 4th we went to the Port Sanilac parade and then on to a picnic with D & S and their extended family. With the exception of idiots lighting off fireworks until the wee hours of the morning. V's birthday was interesting - a typical 11 year old's birthday party, but the "entertainment" was a reptile guy who brought over snakes, lizards a turtle and a couple of alligators (babies that is).

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
The only exchange of gifts was for us to give V the slinky dog that she has been bugging us for (for almost a year!) and a copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - she only had the first three.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
A slight case of stomach flu/food poisoning for me and the same heel problem for Scott (though we may have that on the run due to some advice from C's parents).

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Well, it seems that I just have a lot of fun - yet another month of fun! We started off with a fun/drunken evening July 3rd wit J & M, then on to the picnic with D & S on the 4th. There was the R & D's annual Fourth of July weekend bash on the 7th. V's birthday was fun since there were more adults than kids - we waited for all the kids to go home and then it was on to the adult party.

Of course the big end of the month event was the Mackinac Race. Friday afternoon we took the boat out with J & M and the kids to look at all the boats coming into the harbor. Boat night was super fun - we went back and forth from the Vintage Tavern to the Yacht Club Party all night, a good time was had by all. Perhaps to good a time, since some of us were a bit hung-over to see our guys off for the race Saturday morning.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
Hmm, not much. Summer is a slow time for cooking. I did make a new salad with roasted vegetables - pretty good. But still, not a big time for cooking!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Yet again, nothing off the charts in the way of spending - probably more scrapbooking stuff, but since we're trying to keep spending down to a dull roar I'm working on it!

What were this month's disappointments?
Again no more disappointments than usual - again no baby and no money, but that's not so bad is it?

What were my accomplishments this month?
I completed the WOMAN Challenge! The team didn't complete the challenge, but we did our best, and we all got out and exercised and that was the point.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
Nope - summer is about relaxing and having fun, so nope. Just reading, relaxing - summer!

Current Music: Come to Me - Koop

I need some QUIET!

I am so tired of noise! I'm currently listening to Scott yell into the cell phone (he can't manage to have a phone conversation at a normal volume).

I always forget about the noise of summer. At work I sit under a very loud air conditioning unit. At home we have an equally loud unit that cycles on and off, requiring the constant change in TV volume. In addition to the AC unit, we've got two fans running all the time. Then there are the boats, the jet-skiers, the lawn mowers - it's all more noise!

In the dead of winter, there's no noise - the snow muffles everything, even the random snow-mobile. I rarely remember how wonderful that lack of noise is in winter, all I want is a fabulous summer day.

I think a favorite quote applies here: "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." - James Dent.

Next winter somebody please remind me that I really do love winters!

Current Music: watching TV, Men in Trees re-run - still clearing off the tivo.

He's Home!

Current Music: How Am I Doing? - Anna Waronker

They're In!

Ok, I just got a call from Scott (so much for call me as soon as you get in!) - they're on the island. According to the website they finally crossed the finish line around ten to three this morning! The funny thing is that Scott and JR didn't even know who came in when (with the exception of the boat that was right in front of them) or what place they took. I gave them the sad news that they didn't do very well, but at least came in ahead of Griffin! From the looks of things, many of the boats aren't even in yet (the results to date), but at least they aren't the pickle boat and they won't miss the party!

I was on-line all day and all evening watching the results. The first boat in their class came in around 5:30 pm yesterday, and they were only 3 hours behind them at the buoy - so I figured I'd see their finish time pop up any time after 8pm. I was checking until midnight, and still only 3 boats were in - so I gave up and went to bed.

I guess I can breath easy now - he's arrived in one piece and getting ready to party (grr, wish I were there) and he'll be coming home tomorrow!

Current Music: Into Your Arms - The Lemonheads

Thanks Harry, it was fun.

I read the first two books in '98 or '99, because my Aunt was wild for them and I "just had to read them". It's a rare occurrence, but she was right - I loved them. I couldn't wait for the third book to come out after I'd read those first two. I was hooked.

And so, almost ten years later, it's all over for my love affair with the boy wizard - the tale has been told. I finished the book around 2 am last night, a box of Kleenex at my side. It ended much as I expected, but with a couple of twists that I did not. All in all, a good ending to the series.

So, I'm happy, sad and a little exhausted.

Current Music: Thanks That Was Fun - Barenaked Ladies

So far, so good

I got home Saturday after seeing Scott off for the race, and I didn't see my copy of Harry Potter in the mail box. I got down to the front door, still no book. I decided not to freak out, I would just sit down and have a bit of lunch and then I'd check on line - then I'd freak out! Just as I was getting on to the Amazon website I heard the pup start barking, and someone coming down the driveway. It was here!

So, after getting the box open, and getting situated to sit down for a nice long read - I began. At this point I'm about half-way through, and so far so good. It's been interesting, exciting, happy and sad. I've been talking back and forth with my BIL and good friend R - both HP fans, we keep checking up on each other, discussing the book to our respective points.

I have been taking periodic breaks to clean, allow my eyes to rest, shower and of course - check on the race! At this point, our guys haven't rounded the buoy according to the website, but apparently there are a few boats on the horizon (of course they're all the big/multi-hulled boats). The committee hasn't heard from very many boats yet, so hopefully the guys are just stuck out there with everyone else and no wind! JR is a great tactician, so maybe he'll be able to find some wind that the others won't.

Current Music: taking an HP break, and trying to clear off the tivo (again!) since I haven't been watching anything for the last 2 days - currently another episode of Good Eats (again, I know, but I've got a ton for some reason).

Boat Night!

Big party tonight! It's the night before the big Port Huron to Mackinac Race, and this is the night that everyone lets loose (though I seriously wonder how all those sailors can manage in the morning - some of them will be out till the wee hours of the night)! But this year is a bit different, we're gaining a designated driver - Scott is joining the race! J's boat is down a crew member, so Scott jumped into the breach. It's been 20 years since he's raced, but he's pretty stoked. So we'll need to make it a bit of an early evening so that Scott isn't too bleary eyed or hung-over tomorrow (though there's no reason why I can't be!).

At this point our schedule is totally booked for the day and evening. We're going to take the boat out with J & M and the kids and look at all the boats this afternoon, then we're hitting the parties around 6:30 (I know we'll be hitting the Yacht Club and the Vintage Tavern - I'm not sure what else!). It should be a bit chilly, but it will be a fun evening - looking forward to it!

My mom just called - apparently they were awakened by an earthquake this morning! The last two times I've been home there have been small quakes, wonder if this means I need to go home?

Oh yeah - and it's Friday - so here's a Friday's Feast:
Appetizer: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?
3, there are very few sports that translate well to TV - I am a fan of going to the game

Soup: If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?
Hmmm, this is a tough one - the thing that first came to mind was T.S. Elliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. It's a collection of poems about cats that they based the musical Cats on. I'm not a huge fan of T.S. Elliot or Cats, though I love my cats, but they are wonderful poems and I can't really see the use of memorizing a novel. Somehow it just seems right to memorize poetry.

Salad: What is your favorite breakfast food?
That one is easy - my favorite would be Eggs Benedict.

Main Course: Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.
Jeeze, there's not much - but I guess go to the movies (as long as you don't buy popcorn). I like to go to our local paper store and crop - that only costs $10, but it's not for everyone!

Dessert: How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
Usually about a half an hour, I've got to read for a while. It's a rare night that I just lay down and sleep.

Current Music: California Sun - Jem

Menial Task #342

That's what I've just completed - that's all I've been doing this morning. I have a TON of designs to do and as well as pricing and follow-up calls and orders to place, but I've chosen the menial, mind numbing tasks instead.

With as much work as I've got I'm not really sure what brought on this particular case of the "fuck-its" (as my friend calls them). Though I did wake up this morning thinking that it was Saturday, and that can lead to instant early-morning depression! I'm also slightly PMS-y and I still can't figure out what to wear out tomorrow night. Well it could be the fact that Scott gets to race and then party on Mackinac for a couple of days, while I sit at home for the weekend (I will have Harry Potter to keep me company!). Actually - now that I think about it, I can totally see why I'm bummed!

So I realize that this is just a barely disguised post on procrastination, but as I've said before - I'm very good at it.

Current Music: You Sent Me Flying - Amy Winehouse

Not... going... to... make it.

Yes, I am a super geek when it comes to Harry Potter (though I am not alone!). I get all excited when a new book or movie comes out - so imagine my current state this month with a new movie AND the final book coming out - WAY past excitement (bordering on apoplectic)!

In advance of the final book release, I thought I would re-read the entire series (just to get all pumped and ready!). I was doing okay - starting on the first of July, I managed to get through a fair amount of the first book, then managed to finish one, two and three on the 8th (yep all in one day), got started on the fourth and that's where I fell short. Now I'll be the first to admit that the Goblet of Fire is not my favorite book of the bunch, and maybe it's the 700 some-odd pages that got to me, but I just could not make any head way.

So, after talks with my BIL (who is only slightly less insane when it comes to HP) and Scott (who enjoys HP) I decided that the best plan of action was just to re-read the sixth book so that I was as up to date as on the current goings on. Then after I've read the seventh, I can re-read everything at a more leisurely pace.

Which brings me to another question - how quickly should I read the final book? I realize that if I don't read it all in one sitting on the weekend that it's released, I will probably have the ending spoiled for me by the time that I get back to work on Monday. But if I fly through it, I'll be done, really done - no more Harry Potter. It's a hard decision to make - and worse yet I know that, since I really don't want the story spoiled, I will be sitting on the couch (probably with a box of Kleenex) all weekend and plowing through it. Even if that does happen - I'll savor every last word of it.

Current Music: Alfie - Lily Allen

UPDATE: Saw the Order of the Phoenix tonight, it was quite good. They made some changes, but still stayed true enough to the story - well done!

New Nail Polish!

Shallow I know, but I do love a new bottle of nail polish - calorie free happiness in a jar, all for just $8! I picked up "20 Candles on My Cake" and "OPI Ink". And I bought them even though I'm still totally in love with "Licoln Park After Dark" and "Oh...To Be 25 Again!" - it's an illness really.

So far I'm liking the 20 Candles, it's a bit grown up (but then so am I sometimes), it's a nice pinky-red or redy-pink it's a good nail and toe color - who could ask for more! I haven't tried on the Ink yet - it's super shimmery dark, should be a good toe color, but I only just put on my "Romeo & Joliet" - and I haven't even pulled out the rest of my super fun summer toe colors! The good thing is there's a fair amount of summer left.

In my next life I want to be a color namer for OPI or Benefit - that would be crazy fun! I actually have a polish color called "Who Comes Up With These Names?" - but seriously, how do they do it?

Current Music: Brown Eyed Girl - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

Karma

Yep, it's a bitch! I talked about random bruising and clumsy people and low and behold - I go ass over tea kettle last night.

I was sitting on the floor wrestling a kitten (trying to put a new collar on) when Scott yelled out for help. Since he was hollering at the top of his lungs, I figured there was something really wrong. So I got up, dropping the kitten, and ran for the baby gate that we use to keep the dog contained. As I got to the gate, actually half way over the gate, Jake ran right out in front of me - so in an effort to not kill the cat I went head long into the baby gate and the fireplace. A couple of bumps, scrapes, and ice packs later I finally got to the back yard to see what all the fuss was about - apparently our resident bunny had infiltrated the fence and George had it on the run. So not worth it!

Current Music: watching TV, trying to clear some stuff off the Tivo - currently it's an episode of Good Eats

Clumsy

There's all kinds of clumsy - there's the person that drops stuff regularly (I have a few friends that could do with an adult sippy cup, specially after a few drinks), there's the person that can't manage to stay on their feet, constantly tripping and falling, and there's the person that randomly runs into stuff. That would be me.

It amazes me how many things I run into on a given day - I just managed to swing my hand into the corner of a cardboard box. What I really love are the random bruises, I usually get a couple "mystery" bruises a week (and that's not including any that I end up with after a party night!). This week's mystery bruises included a strange one on my hand - at first I thought it was just a spot of tan in a can that I forgot to wash off, and a vivid purple number that I found on my knee this morning. And that's just the stuff that I can see easily - I fear for my back side and any other regions I can't see!

How is it that I can do myself enough damage that I can bruise (or better yet are the random cuts and scrapes) and NOT remember?! I can't say that I bruise easily, since it usually takes a pretty serious bump, but if it takes something so noticeable, why am I constantly surprised by new injuries?

Current Music: Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse

So very HOT!

It is crazy hot here today. Happily I'm here parked next to the air conditioner, but the guys in back have to be baking! It's currently 90 degrees, but with the humidity it feels like 95 or more.

The heat index is something new to me - being from California humidity isn't really something you deal with. I was somewhat prepared for Wind Chill - I knew what it was and how it affected the weather - and I knew how to prepare myself for it (more clothes). But the heat index - whew, that just means it's bloody hot out and it's muggy - and there's nothing you can do about it till the humidity breaks.

I suppose that's one thing I really miss about California - dry summers and wet winters. Here in Michigan you get dry (but snowy and pretty) winters and wet (but warmer than California) summers.

There's no doubt that it's hot here, but I just noticed that the weather in Beaverton, Oregon is just as bad! Who knew - I thought Oregon was cold and grey and rainy all the time. A good friend of mine is out there melting away - when you live in a temperate climate you forget about little things like air conditioning!

Current Music: You're So Damn Hot - Ok Go

Itchy

I am soooooooooooooooooo itchy! I have a ton of bug bites, all over my legs, feet and ankles and I itch!!!! I've taken allergy medicine, but still no relief. Everyone is suggesting calamine lotion or cortisone cream, but I'm far too vain - the calamine lotion is ugly and rubs off on your clothes and the cortisone messes up my tan in a can lotion (and apparently I need my tan more than I need to stop itching). I tried a Benedryl last night and that seemed to work, but if I take one of those during the day time I'll be face down on my keyboard in no time.

Have you noticed how when you get itchy on one spot others start itching too? I'm now getting itches where I don't even have bites - grr!

I'm not completely positive how I got all these bug bits either. I was at a picnic for the 4th, and I remember my ankles itching - so obviously something in the grass was getting me. But I'm still a bit baffled on the upper legs and the few random arm ones. We were all commenting at the party how few mosquitoes seem to be out this year - hmm maybe it's because they were all on my butt!!!

Well, off to work and scratch, but maybe not in that order.

Current Music: A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door - Bill Ricchini

June Round-Up

It's that time again! Here's the round-up for June

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Hmm, the usual suspects when it comes to magazines. As for books, I read a particularly bad mystery book about talking cats - and just finished another average mystery that I can't even remember the name of (it was that memorable). I am thinking about starting the Harry Potter series again, gotta get prepared for the final book!

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
The Closer started - love that show! Also watched the Starter Wife and started watching Burn Notice - looks like it should be good. Loved the Started Wife, but I think it's over, I sort of thought it was a real series. Other than that it was re-run city.
As far as movies go we finally got out to see Pirates 3, it was good, but I was a bit disappointed. It could have been better, and it did wrap everything up - but I still feel like they left a big opening for more movies.

What special days did I celebrate and how?
There were lots again this month! My dad's birthday, my BIL's half-birthday (we celebrate a half b-day since his real one is right around Christmas and he always gets jipped!), my parent's anniversary, both of my parent's dogs are born in June and of course Father's day. The only thing we really celebrated was Father's day - since the family is all out on the left coast, I just sent presents. We celebrated Father's day much in the same way we celebrated Mother's day, quiet and uneventful.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
I gave my BIL the new Harry Potter book (well I pre-ordered it for him, so it will arrive on his door step on the day of release and then he'll call me and we'll geek-out over it). I gave my dad an interesting book about Oak trees and a handmade picture frame with a picture of the two of us at a ball game. We (the pets and I) gave Scott some shorts for Father's day, but then he really liked them so I had to go back and buy a second pair (so I think that counts toward his present).

Since my mom was out visiting we got some extra goodies - chili, bread and cookies from home (I just can't find it out here!). She also brought out a few random presents from my sister - scrapbooking paper, a cute hand bag and a funny cat calendar.

Super props for my sis - she managed to find the white wing rub-ons that I really need to do the scrapbook page of my nieces in the snow!

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
We were in good health again this month, Scott's still having trouble with his hell hurting, and we both had a wicked case of hay-fever, but all in all we are well.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Yet again, we had another fun month, we went to the Barenaked Ladies concert, had a BBQ at D & R's house (their sons were in town too), my mom was in town for a week, we took mom to see a recreation of the Nina (you know, Columbus' ship), strolled the St. Clair Art Fair with mom, went out to dinner with J & M and mom and went down to have dinner with JC.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
Not much in the cooking department - printed off a bunch of recipes I wasn't to try, but haven't tried them yet. I did try a new stuffed shell recipe that was pretty good and also made a very disappointing tomato and chicken pasta. But since it's summer and we had mom in town there's not a lot of cooking going on.

We did try a good Italian place when we went out with JC, but other than that it was just take out, salads and quick fix eating.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Happily, there were no special purchases - as usual I bought scrapbooking stuff I didn't need and a few clothes that I did need, but nothing out of the ordinary.

What were this month's disappointments?
No disappointments this month (well no more than usual) - still no baby and money is an ongoing concern, but no major problems this month.

What were my accomplishments this month?
Still doing really well on the WOMAN Challenge - this is the last week and I've already met my goal for the whole challenge! The group is doing well too - I think everybody had fun with it.

Our company was featured in a local magazine, and my interior design article was in it!

Anything else noteworthy to record?
Scott's class was featured in the quarterly College newsletter - complete with a picture of the guys working in class (Scott's not in it though).

Of course a thing to mention is my mom's visit - I know I wasn't very nice in the other posts, but we love summer visitors and it's good to see our family. We look forward to the next invasion in August/September when dad arrives.

Current Music: All That We Needed - Plain White T's