He's halfway through!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
So it wasn't...
...Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Fun Run Pro Am Race for the Cure....but today I completed the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. Yay, me!
My goal was to finish in under 2.5 hours and my final time was 2:18:05. I am now eating Cheetos in celebration...and later some sort of alcoholic concoction will be had. Who cares how dehydrated I am? :-)
So what can I say about it? I had a BLAST! It has been a long day, but I think a recap is in order. Otherwise, I'll forget the details and I had too much of a good time to lose these memories.
Ok, so the race actually started months ago with preparations. Angela asked if I wanted to do it, and I very nervously said yes. Why nervous? Because I'm not exactly a natural runner...I do it to stay healthy, but generally I only run about 3 miles several days a week. And, turns out my longest run pre-race was only 9 miles...and on a treadmill. How in the world would I ever finish???
Yesterday, a very jet lagged Ben drove me to Nashville and I ran into the convention center to pick up my packet of info. I was a bit nervous....just a bit though. There were so many incredibly fit and tan people - what was I doing here? Yes, I run...but this is a (half) marathon....am I really going to do this?
So, I carb up with some hashbrown casserole from Cracker Barrel and we lay low for the night. Ben taunted me with his beer drinking since I could only drink water for the evening...and it's so true: if you can't have something, it just makes you want it that much more!
The alarm is set for 4:05AM central, but I wake up to thunderstorms and look at the clock to discover it is 3:32AM central....and let me repeat this very key point.... it's thundering. Oh, no! This can't be happening. I have thought about this race several times a day everyday for the last 4 months...no, no, no! No rain! I lay in bed for a bit, and Ben and I discuss logistics, particularly with the rain coming into play.
I get ready, and Paul, Angela and Paul's BIL pick me up. "Guys, can we go back, I forgot my mp3 player?" Oh, gosh...that would have been a tragedy! No way I could run without that darn thing.
Drive in pouring rain to West End, find decent parking spot and sit in car while water continues to drench down on us. What can we do? We've come too far...no turning back now!
Rain eventually pretty much stops...it's misting... so we decide it's time to head out. Angela and I get in Corral 23 while the guys head up to 7 (or some fast runner nonsense like that. :-) ) Hey, there's a really cute dress in even cuter store, why are there two Starbucks in three blocks? And look, there's Kristen Smith!
The sky looks ominous. Just like the sky right before Dorothy was swept up in her little Kansas house. But I am in Nashville, and can't help smiling: there really is no place like home. Seven AM Central...the first group goes....we move forward with excitement and anticipation. Fifty-three minutes later & we're finally at the front....let's get this party started!
Mile 1: Ran down West End/Broadway which was kind of neat. Never seen this stuff from this angle before. Look at Angela and say "1 mile down!" and think, "Did I just listen to "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" through that entire mile? Glad I added that on Thursday night.
Mile 2: This was the mile where I decided that I was already too hot for my long sleeves (and remember that I had described my aqua tank top in combo with yellow ball cap to mom, so really need to look as expected or she and dad will never find me) and removed my race number, shirt then reattached the race number. Ran through the first part of that - how I managed to not get a pin prick, I have no idea.
Mile 3: Where are Mom and Dad? Angela also does the ole long sleeve switheroo. Around 3.5 we see Paul running back (at around mile 7, lucky long legged natural runner) and he says Ben is watching for me around mile 4. Yay! Something to look forward to. Where are Mom and Dad? Oh! I see them!!!! Stop, give hugs and then on my way again.
Mile 4: Where is Ben? Oh, no! Did I miss him? Nah, he's just a bit further on...but on the other side of Belmont Blvd. I wave and flash him a happy smile...there are so many people watching and cheering and this is fun!
Mile 5: Lose Angela...I turn around and I can't see her anymore....there are just so many people. Where are we? I've never been down these Nashville roads before. Decide that I do not care for Accelerade (particularly since I spilled some on my cute workout clothes while trying to run and drink). Water only from here on out.
Mile 6: How are all those walking people on the other side of the road ahead of me? I'm confused. Oh, ri-ight. I'm where Paul was before...I'm the one in the ahead group...yay, me! Man, that sucks for them....because I'm already halfway finished. Ooohhh....if I'm on this road again, then that means I'll see Ben again soon. Is Ben here? Nope, not here. Gosh, I should have paid more attention to exactly where he was standing. Hm. Hope he didn't head over to the finish line already. Nope, that's not the right corner either. There's a Union Jack, I'm surprised he's not hanging out with those people. Cute dog....he's cheering everyone on, too! Oh, maybe that's an angry bark...please don't bite me, buddy. Oh, I think I see Ben! Yes, I do! I'm waving...Ben, babe, look at me, I'm waving at you...and I'm getting closer and still waving at you and you're looking far off into the horizon....babe, look at me, I'm right here...the girl in the yellow cap...you know, yellow...the most eye catching color...that's why I picked it...so you could easily spot me. Hehe. No joke, Ben didn't see me until I was literally right in front of him on my tip-toes wanting a peck. He was so disappointed bec he had wanted to get a closeup photo of me running at him. Shoot. Oh, well, gotta keep running!
Mile 7: I don't really remember this mile much...I think we passed that neat statue. Ew...that was a Gu stop...and now my shoes are sticky. Yuck, yuck. Oh...I completely forgot..my mp3 player has been going this entire time and I haven't paid one bit of attention...too much other stuff to check out. What's this band playing? Oh, fun! They're playing Love Shack...I should add that to my mp3 player sometime. I wonder if Glencliff has a cheer squad here? If so, I'll yell "Go Colts!"
Mile 8: Hm. Only 5 more miles to go...not too bad...and I still feel pretty darn good. What was that? Say, "that's ok" to the girl apologizing to me for accidentally throwing her not quite empty water cup on my ponytail.
Mile 9: Um, are knees supposed to hurt this much?
Mile 10: Entering unknown territory since my longest run was only 9 miles. And wow...my knees really hurt now, but persevere on! Start seeing medical stations alongside the water stops....I hope I won't need one of those!
Mile 11: Ok, perhaps it's a good time for a bit of a walk. I mean, let's not get crazy and insist that we run this whole thing. Oh... break away from the marathoners - and there's a sign that says 1/2 marathon 2.1 miles to go! Wow...I've come so far and 2.1 miles is nothin'. That's like 20 minutes tops at this slow pace. Look at watch and realize that if I stay on track I will beat my goal. Spirits rise, though knees feel not well, and start to run again. Poor marathoners...that really sucks. I can't imagine having to go another 13.1 on top of the 2 I have left. Are they crazy???! What's this lovely place? Oh, I think it's the Bicentennial Mall...I've never been here before...knees hurt so bad, keep running...I wonder what that monument says? Why aren't there any people cheering us on in this place, dangit? Gosh, this is a long, straight stretch. Notice crazy older ladies shaking tambourines while they run. This looks like a fun group, I think I'll run with them!
Mile 12: Oh, my gosh....I only have a little over a mile left. Wow! Look at the Capitol! Isn't it beautiful? I wish I had my camera because this is excellent light. Ok, I'm almost there...I need to give it my all. I wonder where Ben is? I can't wait to see him. How does this thing end? Do we get to run into the stadium? That would be cool. This is like the coolest party I've ever been to...look at all of these people...runners and cheerers alike....everyone is so happy...this is terrific. Yay! I'm getting on the Woodland Street bridge! I'm so close! Paul! Hey, Paul! (Paul thus directs me to Ben on other side of road). Hey, babe! Flash another big smile. Thank goodness this is almost over. Well, sort of 'thank goodness'...this has been a really amazing experience.
Mile 13: Blessed mother of god, I am here. A tenth of a mile to go...that is mere seconds. Knees still feeling not well, so maybe I'll just keep this pace, whatever it may be, instead of my usual last minute sprint. Look at watch...still on track to beating goal. Turn corner and see the end! People start sprinting around me. I cross....I am so proud of myself. What? Why is everyone stopping? I have just learned that that's what happens at the finish line of a 1/2 marathon....run, run, run, run, run, stop. Someone hands me a medal. Slowly trudging along. Wow. I really did it. Ok, what next? I need some fuel....that banana at 4:30 this morning burned off long ago. But what to eat? Ohhhh...there are bottles of water...must have one of those...but don't drink too fast. Still very slowly trudging along among sweaty & tired people. Where do I get rid of this microchip? Oh, over there. Oh, those poor people at the medical station...I hope they're ok. Wow, I'm really hungry, but I'm afraid to eat anything for fear of getting sick. Grab banana. Just can't do it. Oh! There are little snackwell type cookies....I'll try those. Man, my knees hurt. Oh, I should try to make my way back to Ben. How do I get out of here? And more importantly, how do I get to where he was? "Stacey!"
I turn around to see my wonderful husband smiling at me. He told me he was so proud of me and even though I was a complete wreck, he gave me a big hug and kiss. I started jabbering about what all happened to me in the last 2 hours and 18 minutes....oh yeah...and 5 seconds. :-) He very kindly listened.
What a wonderful experience! I'm so glad the storming stopped by the time we started the race. I'm really very thankful that I have wonderful friends who convinced me to do this, and a loving husband who (while 12 hours off from the time he is used to) came out to support me, and proud parents who held a "Go Stacey" sign & cheered me on.
So, what else? After finding the rest of the group, Ben and I went to the hotel and I showered up. We went to Opryland Hotel for lunch and then decided to come on home for the evening. We were both just too beat for anything else.
So, that's a recap of my very random thoughts during my inaugural 1/2 marathon this morning. I hope you all enjoy my rambles as much as I enjoyed the experience!
I'll try to post some pics later. Right now, I'm sleepy. Perhaps I'll forget that alcoholic concoction after all and just get some shuteye.
My goal was to finish in under 2.5 hours and my final time was 2:18:05. I am now eating Cheetos in celebration...and later some sort of alcoholic concoction will be had. Who cares how dehydrated I am? :-)
So what can I say about it? I had a BLAST! It has been a long day, but I think a recap is in order. Otherwise, I'll forget the details and I had too much of a good time to lose these memories.
Ok, so the race actually started months ago with preparations. Angela asked if I wanted to do it, and I very nervously said yes. Why nervous? Because I'm not exactly a natural runner...I do it to stay healthy, but generally I only run about 3 miles several days a week. And, turns out my longest run pre-race was only 9 miles...and on a treadmill. How in the world would I ever finish???
Yesterday, a very jet lagged Ben drove me to Nashville and I ran into the convention center to pick up my packet of info. I was a bit nervous....just a bit though. There were so many incredibly fit and tan people - what was I doing here? Yes, I run...but this is a (half) marathon....am I really going to do this?
So, I carb up with some hashbrown casserole from Cracker Barrel and we lay low for the night. Ben taunted me with his beer drinking since I could only drink water for the evening...and it's so true: if you can't have something, it just makes you want it that much more!
The alarm is set for 4:05AM central, but I wake up to thunderstorms and look at the clock to discover it is 3:32AM central....and let me repeat this very key point.... it's thundering. Oh, no! This can't be happening. I have thought about this race several times a day everyday for the last 4 months...no, no, no! No rain! I lay in bed for a bit, and Ben and I discuss logistics, particularly with the rain coming into play.
I get ready, and Paul, Angela and Paul's BIL pick me up. "Guys, can we go back, I forgot my mp3 player?" Oh, gosh...that would have been a tragedy! No way I could run without that darn thing.
Drive in pouring rain to West End, find decent parking spot and sit in car while water continues to drench down on us. What can we do? We've come too far...no turning back now!
Rain eventually pretty much stops...it's misting... so we decide it's time to head out. Angela and I get in Corral 23 while the guys head up to 7 (or some fast runner nonsense like that. :-) ) Hey, there's a really cute dress in even cuter store, why are there two Starbucks in three blocks? And look, there's Kristen Smith!
The sky looks ominous. Just like the sky right before Dorothy was swept up in her little Kansas house. But I am in Nashville, and can't help smiling: there really is no place like home. Seven AM Central...the first group goes....we move forward with excitement and anticipation. Fifty-three minutes later & we're finally at the front....let's get this party started!
Mile 1: Ran down West End/Broadway which was kind of neat. Never seen this stuff from this angle before. Look at Angela and say "1 mile down!" and think, "Did I just listen to "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" through that entire mile? Glad I added that on Thursday night.
Mile 2: This was the mile where I decided that I was already too hot for my long sleeves (and remember that I had described my aqua tank top in combo with yellow ball cap to mom, so really need to look as expected or she and dad will never find me) and removed my race number, shirt then reattached the race number. Ran through the first part of that - how I managed to not get a pin prick, I have no idea.
Mile 3: Where are Mom and Dad? Angela also does the ole long sleeve switheroo. Around 3.5 we see Paul running back (at around mile 7, lucky long legged natural runner) and he says Ben is watching for me around mile 4. Yay! Something to look forward to. Where are Mom and Dad? Oh! I see them!!!! Stop, give hugs and then on my way again.
Mile 4: Where is Ben? Oh, no! Did I miss him? Nah, he's just a bit further on...but on the other side of Belmont Blvd. I wave and flash him a happy smile...there are so many people watching and cheering and this is fun!
Mile 5: Lose Angela...I turn around and I can't see her anymore....there are just so many people. Where are we? I've never been down these Nashville roads before. Decide that I do not care for Accelerade (particularly since I spilled some on my cute workout clothes while trying to run and drink). Water only from here on out.
Mile 6: How are all those walking people on the other side of the road ahead of me? I'm confused. Oh, ri-ight. I'm where Paul was before...I'm the one in the ahead group...yay, me! Man, that sucks for them....because I'm already halfway finished. Ooohhh....if I'm on this road again, then that means I'll see Ben again soon. Is Ben here? Nope, not here. Gosh, I should have paid more attention to exactly where he was standing. Hm. Hope he didn't head over to the finish line already. Nope, that's not the right corner either. There's a Union Jack, I'm surprised he's not hanging out with those people. Cute dog....he's cheering everyone on, too! Oh, maybe that's an angry bark...please don't bite me, buddy. Oh, I think I see Ben! Yes, I do! I'm waving...Ben, babe, look at me, I'm waving at you...and I'm getting closer and still waving at you and you're looking far off into the horizon....babe, look at me, I'm right here...the girl in the yellow cap...you know, yellow...the most eye catching color...that's why I picked it...so you could easily spot me. Hehe. No joke, Ben didn't see me until I was literally right in front of him on my tip-toes wanting a peck. He was so disappointed bec he had wanted to get a closeup photo of me running at him. Shoot. Oh, well, gotta keep running!
Mile 7: I don't really remember this mile much...I think we passed that neat statue. Ew...that was a Gu stop...and now my shoes are sticky. Yuck, yuck. Oh...I completely forgot..my mp3 player has been going this entire time and I haven't paid one bit of attention...too much other stuff to check out. What's this band playing? Oh, fun! They're playing Love Shack...I should add that to my mp3 player sometime. I wonder if Glencliff has a cheer squad here? If so, I'll yell "Go Colts!"
Mile 8: Hm. Only 5 more miles to go...not too bad...and I still feel pretty darn good. What was that? Say, "that's ok" to the girl apologizing to me for accidentally throwing her not quite empty water cup on my ponytail.
Mile 9: Um, are knees supposed to hurt this much?
Mile 10: Entering unknown territory since my longest run was only 9 miles. And wow...my knees really hurt now, but persevere on! Start seeing medical stations alongside the water stops....I hope I won't need one of those!
Mile 11: Ok, perhaps it's a good time for a bit of a walk. I mean, let's not get crazy and insist that we run this whole thing. Oh... break away from the marathoners - and there's a sign that says 1/2 marathon 2.1 miles to go! Wow...I've come so far and 2.1 miles is nothin'. That's like 20 minutes tops at this slow pace. Look at watch and realize that if I stay on track I will beat my goal. Spirits rise, though knees feel not well, and start to run again. Poor marathoners...that really sucks. I can't imagine having to go another 13.1 on top of the 2 I have left. Are they crazy???! What's this lovely place? Oh, I think it's the Bicentennial Mall...I've never been here before...knees hurt so bad, keep running...I wonder what that monument says? Why aren't there any people cheering us on in this place, dangit? Gosh, this is a long, straight stretch. Notice crazy older ladies shaking tambourines while they run. This looks like a fun group, I think I'll run with them!
Mile 12: Oh, my gosh....I only have a little over a mile left. Wow! Look at the Capitol! Isn't it beautiful? I wish I had my camera because this is excellent light. Ok, I'm almost there...I need to give it my all. I wonder where Ben is? I can't wait to see him. How does this thing end? Do we get to run into the stadium? That would be cool. This is like the coolest party I've ever been to...look at all of these people...runners and cheerers alike....everyone is so happy...this is terrific. Yay! I'm getting on the Woodland Street bridge! I'm so close! Paul! Hey, Paul! (Paul thus directs me to Ben on other side of road). Hey, babe! Flash another big smile. Thank goodness this is almost over. Well, sort of 'thank goodness'...this has been a really amazing experience.
Mile 13: Blessed mother of god, I am here. A tenth of a mile to go...that is mere seconds. Knees still feeling not well, so maybe I'll just keep this pace, whatever it may be, instead of my usual last minute sprint. Look at watch...still on track to beating goal. Turn corner and see the end! People start sprinting around me. I cross....I am so proud of myself. What? Why is everyone stopping? I have just learned that that's what happens at the finish line of a 1/2 marathon....run, run, run, run, run, stop. Someone hands me a medal. Slowly trudging along. Wow. I really did it. Ok, what next? I need some fuel....that banana at 4:30 this morning burned off long ago. But what to eat? Ohhhh...there are bottles of water...must have one of those...but don't drink too fast. Still very slowly trudging along among sweaty & tired people. Where do I get rid of this microchip? Oh, over there. Oh, those poor people at the medical station...I hope they're ok. Wow, I'm really hungry, but I'm afraid to eat anything for fear of getting sick. Grab banana. Just can't do it. Oh! There are little snackwell type cookies....I'll try those. Man, my knees hurt. Oh, I should try to make my way back to Ben. How do I get out of here? And more importantly, how do I get to where he was? "Stacey!"
I turn around to see my wonderful husband smiling at me. He told me he was so proud of me and even though I was a complete wreck, he gave me a big hug and kiss. I started jabbering about what all happened to me in the last 2 hours and 18 minutes....oh yeah...and 5 seconds. :-) He very kindly listened.
What a wonderful experience! I'm so glad the storming stopped by the time we started the race. I'm really very thankful that I have wonderful friends who convinced me to do this, and a loving husband who (while 12 hours off from the time he is used to) came out to support me, and proud parents who held a "Go Stacey" sign & cheered me on.
So, what else? After finding the rest of the group, Ben and I went to the hotel and I showered up. We went to Opryland Hotel for lunch and then decided to come on home for the evening. We were both just too beat for anything else.
So, that's a recap of my very random thoughts during my inaugural 1/2 marathon this morning. I hope you all enjoy my rambles as much as I enjoyed the experience!
I'll try to post some pics later. Right now, I'm sleepy. Perhaps I'll forget that alcoholic concoction after all and just get some shuteye.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
She regarded writers, artists, and musicians as a species of clever performing animals; she was prepared to feel indulgent towards them, but to wonder privately why they wanted to do what they did.
I thought this was a funny quote from the book I was reading tonight.
Moving on...
If I hear "I'm just trying to say" or some variant of it anymore this week, I am going to go postal.
Isn't it funny that packaging sizes have become so outrageous that it's now a novelty to purchase appropriate sized products?
And no joke...the kid from down the street showed up at past 9PM to cut my yard. Yes, he still doing it. In the dark. I hope my plants and trees make it ok.
How does he think he's going to weed eat?
I thought this was a funny quote from the book I was reading tonight.
Moving on...
If I hear "I'm just trying to say" or some variant of it anymore this week, I am going to go postal.
Isn't it funny that packaging sizes have become so outrageous that it's now a novelty to purchase appropriate sized products?
And no joke...the kid from down the street showed up at past 9PM to cut my yard. Yes, he still doing it. In the dark. I hope my plants and trees make it ok.
How does he think he's going to weed eat?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
And before I kill the dahlias!
Every year I buy them because they're so pretty and every year I kill them...lit's like they contract the black death. It's so sad! Lowe's should probably prohibit me from purchasing them!
Dangit...I can't get the third pic to layout like I want it...
Love the Art District...
Unfortunately the Sculpture Garden was closed by the time I arrived...maybe another day.
Heather took our "engagement" pics in the Art District...there were prom goers with Moms walking around everywhere tonight.
Does anyone know anything about that clock? It's been there as long as I've been in Chattanooga and I wonder why it has never been fixed.
Springtime in Chattanooga
Noticed this dog when I was running across the bridge the other day...and this stretching lady has stood next to the Hunter for years now.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Identity theft is not a joke, Jim...millions of families suffer every year.
So bear with me on this one.
On Thursday, Jessica and I went to Southern Star for lunch. It was quite yummy, I must say. After we paid the tab, Jess wanted to stop by Warehouse Row to look for a necklace because she forgot to put one on that morning. We shop, she finds a necklace (along with a few other items) and goes to the counter to purchase them. She slides her card and types in her pin number....the guy says to try again because it didn't like the pin number for whatever reason. She tries again and once again, the machine doesn't like the pin number. The guy says, "Well, why don't you just run it as credit because it's a good card...it just doesn't like the pin number." She says ok, and we finish up.
We go back to work & finish the day out. I go for a run after work, then head over to Hobby Lobby. I go to the counter to purchase a few things & give the girl my debit card. She asks to see my ID because I don't sign my card & I show it to her. She looks at it, says thanks and I wait for the receipt. She hands it to me, I start to sign when I see Jess's name under the signature line. What? I look at the card and it's Jess's! It had gotten switched at lunch apparently. Now, please don't think we're ditzy blondes...we both belong to the credit union at work, so we have the exact same card...and this has actually happened a couple of times at Southern Star before. So, anyway, I say to the girl, "Oh! This is my friend's card...they must have gotten switched at lunch. Can you rerun it with my credit card so I don't charge to her account?" She looks at me and very reluctantly (and with a huffy sigh) grabs the phone to ask for a manager to come to line whatever. I say, "If it's going to be a lot of trouble, and you don't mind, we can just run it on her card and then I'll pay her back tomorrow." She says ok and I sign Jess's name.
What? How can this happen in today's society? Not only did retailers allow both of us to use the other's card, but both made it even easier for us to do so...the guy at Bass told Jess to run her debit as credit to solve the wrong pin number problem. The girl at Hobby Lobby actually asked for my ID and saw that it was a completely different name, but still allowed the transaction...and then was irritated that she would have to correct the situation, so then allowed me to use a card that I freely admitted wasn't mine. Insane!
So, we all learned a lesson here guys...consider yourself all educated in the ways of stealing someone's debit card!
On Thursday, Jessica and I went to Southern Star for lunch. It was quite yummy, I must say. After we paid the tab, Jess wanted to stop by Warehouse Row to look for a necklace because she forgot to put one on that morning. We shop, she finds a necklace (along with a few other items) and goes to the counter to purchase them. She slides her card and types in her pin number....the guy says to try again because it didn't like the pin number for whatever reason. She tries again and once again, the machine doesn't like the pin number. The guy says, "Well, why don't you just run it as credit because it's a good card...it just doesn't like the pin number." She says ok, and we finish up.
We go back to work & finish the day out. I go for a run after work, then head over to Hobby Lobby. I go to the counter to purchase a few things & give the girl my debit card. She asks to see my ID because I don't sign my card & I show it to her. She looks at it, says thanks and I wait for the receipt. She hands it to me, I start to sign when I see Jess's name under the signature line. What? I look at the card and it's Jess's! It had gotten switched at lunch apparently. Now, please don't think we're ditzy blondes...we both belong to the credit union at work, so we have the exact same card...and this has actually happened a couple of times at Southern Star before. So, anyway, I say to the girl, "Oh! This is my friend's card...they must have gotten switched at lunch. Can you rerun it with my credit card so I don't charge to her account?" She looks at me and very reluctantly (and with a huffy sigh) grabs the phone to ask for a manager to come to line whatever. I say, "If it's going to be a lot of trouble, and you don't mind, we can just run it on her card and then I'll pay her back tomorrow." She says ok and I sign Jess's name.
What? How can this happen in today's society? Not only did retailers allow both of us to use the other's card, but both made it even easier for us to do so...the guy at Bass told Jess to run her debit as credit to solve the wrong pin number problem. The girl at Hobby Lobby actually asked for my ID and saw that it was a completely different name, but still allowed the transaction...and then was irritated that she would have to correct the situation, so then allowed me to use a card that I freely admitted wasn't mine. Insane!
So, we all learned a lesson here guys...consider yourself all educated in the ways of stealing someone's debit card!
Light's Out!
Did anyone participate in last night's Earth Hour?
It was funny...we actually didn't even though we were both very interested in it. We had only one light on all evening and had the tv off...until about 8:15 when Ben decided the internet was no longer fun (we were on laptops, and not plugged in) and turned the tv on. Bad Ben and Stacey.
Anyway, so we installed our first compact flourescent a few weeks ago. Blogger is having problems, so I'll attach a pic of it later.
I'm not sure how I like it so far...it casts such an eerie light on the room...but it did make painting my toenails easier for some reason. What's really funny is that since we've installed it, we have hardly used that lamp, so yes we've made a step towards reducing our load contribution, but it's apparently due to the fact that we don't really care for the light and now only have one lamp on instead of both! Haha. Anyway, I suppose we'll get used to it.
I'm curious - how many of you have heard about the Energy Right program from that big power company I work for? Has anyone taken part in the energy audit?
Demand side management is an important concept...the country's power demand will outweigh capacity in a few short years. So, while doing the audit is helpful in lowering your energy bills, it's also crucial for each of us to be responsible about our usage since together we can reduce energy needs significantly.
I always find it interesting that people attack the power companies for their emissions, yet few do anything to help curb their own emissions influence. Hopefully, this program will help.
PS The compact flourescents contain Hg, so make sure that you carefully dispose of them!
It was funny...we actually didn't even though we were both very interested in it. We had only one light on all evening and had the tv off...until about 8:15 when Ben decided the internet was no longer fun (we were on laptops, and not plugged in) and turned the tv on. Bad Ben and Stacey.
Anyway, so we installed our first compact flourescent a few weeks ago. Blogger is having problems, so I'll attach a pic of it later.
I'm not sure how I like it so far...it casts such an eerie light on the room...but it did make painting my toenails easier for some reason. What's really funny is that since we've installed it, we have hardly used that lamp, so yes we've made a step towards reducing our load contribution, but it's apparently due to the fact that we don't really care for the light and now only have one lamp on instead of both! Haha. Anyway, I suppose we'll get used to it.
I'm curious - how many of you have heard about the Energy Right program from that big power company I work for? Has anyone taken part in the energy audit?
Demand side management is an important concept...the country's power demand will outweigh capacity in a few short years. So, while doing the audit is helpful in lowering your energy bills, it's also crucial for each of us to be responsible about our usage since together we can reduce energy needs significantly.
I always find it interesting that people attack the power companies for their emissions, yet few do anything to help curb their own emissions influence. Hopefully, this program will help.
PS The compact flourescents contain Hg, so make sure that you carefully dispose of them!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
One of the cooks at Fire and Ice
Too much Stella made me whoo-hoo one too many times. Hehe. But he was a cutie.
My hubby really loves food...
Live, love, eat...that's him. Going back for Wolf's Herb French Fries as a second.
At Lake Tahoe...
Why, that's me of course....taking a break from skiing. I've never seen snow on sand before.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
How did I miss...
...O Fortuna & Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves in my last post? Very emotional pieces, as well. There's more classical on the list but I'm at a loss right now.
Actually, I'm sick right now. Of course I am....we went out West to ski! I sincerely do not know why this always happens. Go ski for a week, come home & immediately have sinus infection. :-( Oh, well....I didn't have a zillion things to do at work or anything. hehe.
Yeah, so we made the trek out to Tahoe - I'll post pics in a bit. Skiing at Heavenly was in fact heavenly; it is the darn prettiest ski place I've seen by far. The town was not as cute as Breck expecially since casinos litter the landscape, but it was all right. We ate at an incredible sushi place called the Naked Fish - highly recommended if anyone is planning a trip to Tahoe soon. I would love to go back to do some hiking in the spring....not this year of course, but someday. Emerald Bay looks beautiful & I'd love to hike up to the tea house and the Vikingsholm castle.
All in all it was a great trip - we had such a wonderful time skiing. It was a bit difficult coming home due to Chicago weather, but that's ok.
Actually, I'm sick right now. Of course I am....we went out West to ski! I sincerely do not know why this always happens. Go ski for a week, come home & immediately have sinus infection. :-( Oh, well....I didn't have a zillion things to do at work or anything. hehe.
Yeah, so we made the trek out to Tahoe - I'll post pics in a bit. Skiing at Heavenly was in fact heavenly; it is the darn prettiest ski place I've seen by far. The town was not as cute as Breck expecially since casinos litter the landscape, but it was all right. We ate at an incredible sushi place called the Naked Fish - highly recommended if anyone is planning a trip to Tahoe soon. I would love to go back to do some hiking in the spring....not this year of course, but someday. Emerald Bay looks beautiful & I'd love to hike up to the tea house and the Vikingsholm castle.
All in all it was a great trip - we had such a wonderful time skiing. It was a bit difficult coming home due to Chicago weather, but that's ok.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
As I recall, I know you love to show off...
but i never thought you would take it this far
but what do i know
flashing lights...flashing lights
New Kanye song is pretty sweet.
New Snoop song makes me cringe - it's way too 'sexy' for me... "She gone get hers before I". Hehe. Yeah, I'm gettin' too old for that stuff. Although, sometimes my mp3 player has some crazy stuff on it...and I mouth the words when I run. Some words/phrases I have to skip....or risk losing career opportunities. :-)
Hey, everyone - join linkedin if you haven't already. Ben finally convinced me to tonight. Well, he convinced me to years ago but I lost my account bec I never did anything with it...so I've rejoined. Found some of you, but not all. I didn't put in any specifics, though.
So, let's see. Had a great dinner with Shanon & Dave last night at Nabe - so good to see them, and we finally got to see the amazing New Zealand and Australia pics! They are talking African safari next year and invited us...wouldn't that be fab? They're thinking one year from right now...that might be too soon for me...the next big trip will take quite a bit of my leave - I hope I don't need a year to recover from it & we can join them! I wonder what shots we'd have to get...and if we'd be able to still give blood. Hm.
T minus 201 hours to decide on next career move. Tick-tock, tick-tock....
Oh, since we were talking music...and since we were recently talking movies/scenes that strike me, let's combine the two. So, song/lyrics that make me emotional: first and foremost is definitely Homeward Bound. Dunno why - possibly bec I never really had a true 'home' until I came to Chattanooga? Anyway, this song strikes such a chord with me...a very emotional listen. "Home, where my thoughts escapin', home, where my music's playin', home, where my love lies waiting silently for me." Very nice.
Others:
Film School: Like You Know "But I thought the strongest go alone? Don't you fall for anything. But I thought the best go out alone? You won't fall for anything." We can listen to that song 20 times in a row and not tire of it. Heard it on a boarding video and at that time Film School had no online presence...I googled every lyric and could find nothing. Now, they have a website! Yay, Film School. They must have gotten back together, bec I wrote the boarder video guy to find out their name and he told me they broke up and it was about near impossible to get the download. Whatevs...we finally found the song and it's amazing. San Fran band, I think. Too bad they won't be touring in Tahoe anytime soon.
Guster: Come Downstairs and Say Hello
Eva Cassidy: Fields of Gold
John Mayer: City Love "And I can't remember life before her name." Ben sang this to me shortly after we started dating & we danced to it at the wedding. It's 'our song'.
James Taylor: Something in the Way She Moves "I feel fine anytime she's around me now and she's around me now almost all the time" such a lovely line for when you fall in love, isn't it? Suddenly you're around someone constantly and it's so nice and comfy and fun. I would think of this line while reading the Sunday newspaper at what was then 'Ben's house' while ben did his own thing.
Keane: Everybody's Changing "and I don't feel the same" :-( This song was popular when everyone was getting engaged/married and it just fit bec we were afraid we were losing everyone. (Now it's babies!)
America, the Beautiful
Toad: Walk on the Ocean "where the air makes you choke...and people don't know you...and trust is a joke" I love my hometown, but I do think of it when I hear this line.
Beck: Lost Cause - I always wonder if I'm a lost cause
Gavin DeGraw: Follow Through
The Postal Service: Such Great Heights "It's thoughts like this that catch my troubled head when you're away when I'm missing you to death" I often think of/listen to this song when Ben is away and I am seriously missing him to death.
Dave Clark Five: Because
Jay & the Americans: This Magic Moment - I have always loved this song - so sweet
Norah Jones: Sunrise "looks like morning in your eyes, but the clock's said 9:15 for hours...." a much classier 'sexy' song than the snoop song. I actually won't write on here what that line makes me think of. ;-)
Blood, Sweat and Tears: And When I Die "I can swear there ain't no Heaven but I pray there ain't no Hell...swear there ain't no Heaven and I pray there ain't no Hell...I'll never know by livin', only by dyin' will tell, yes only by dyin' will tell, yeah, only by dyin' will tell" He's not very risk averse, is he?
Stereophonics: Maybe Tomorrow "I'll find my way home"
And yes, probably surprising to those who know me the best: Lee Greenwood: God Bless the USA - "to the hills of Tennessee" It was the grand ending to the 'best' show at Opryland when I was a kid - funny stuff, huh? But, yeah, I might detest country music, and it might be overdone by redneck politicians aiming to scare people into voting for them, but it is a rather nice song. (Plus, Lee G is apparently a nice fellow - he used to bring mom coffee on very cold mornings while she was working.) And fond memories from recent years: Jess and Mom and I watched the fountains at the Bellagio 'dance' to this song....I 'whoo-hooed' the Tennessee line. :-) Hehe...I was the redneck in Vegas.
Again, not a complete list - nowhere near it, but what I could think of at the moment.
Anyway, I think it's time to go to bed. Big day tomorrow.
but what do i know
flashing lights...flashing lights
New Kanye song is pretty sweet.
New Snoop song makes me cringe - it's way too 'sexy' for me... "She gone get hers before I". Hehe. Yeah, I'm gettin' too old for that stuff. Although, sometimes my mp3 player has some crazy stuff on it...and I mouth the words when I run. Some words/phrases I have to skip....or risk losing career opportunities. :-)
Hey, everyone - join linkedin if you haven't already. Ben finally convinced me to tonight. Well, he convinced me to years ago but I lost my account bec I never did anything with it...so I've rejoined. Found some of you, but not all. I didn't put in any specifics, though.
So, let's see. Had a great dinner with Shanon & Dave last night at Nabe - so good to see them, and we finally got to see the amazing New Zealand and Australia pics! They are talking African safari next year and invited us...wouldn't that be fab? They're thinking one year from right now...that might be too soon for me...the next big trip will take quite a bit of my leave - I hope I don't need a year to recover from it & we can join them! I wonder what shots we'd have to get...and if we'd be able to still give blood. Hm.
T minus 201 hours to decide on next career move. Tick-tock, tick-tock....
Oh, since we were talking music...and since we were recently talking movies/scenes that strike me, let's combine the two. So, song/lyrics that make me emotional: first and foremost is definitely Homeward Bound. Dunno why - possibly bec I never really had a true 'home' until I came to Chattanooga? Anyway, this song strikes such a chord with me...a very emotional listen. "Home, where my thoughts escapin', home, where my music's playin', home, where my love lies waiting silently for me." Very nice.
Others:
Film School: Like You Know "But I thought the strongest go alone? Don't you fall for anything. But I thought the best go out alone? You won't fall for anything." We can listen to that song 20 times in a row and not tire of it. Heard it on a boarding video and at that time Film School had no online presence...I googled every lyric and could find nothing. Now, they have a website! Yay, Film School. They must have gotten back together, bec I wrote the boarder video guy to find out their name and he told me they broke up and it was about near impossible to get the download. Whatevs...we finally found the song and it's amazing. San Fran band, I think. Too bad they won't be touring in Tahoe anytime soon.
Guster: Come Downstairs and Say Hello
Eva Cassidy: Fields of Gold
John Mayer: City Love "And I can't remember life before her name." Ben sang this to me shortly after we started dating & we danced to it at the wedding. It's 'our song'.
James Taylor: Something in the Way She Moves "I feel fine anytime she's around me now and she's around me now almost all the time" such a lovely line for when you fall in love, isn't it? Suddenly you're around someone constantly and it's so nice and comfy and fun. I would think of this line while reading the Sunday newspaper at what was then 'Ben's house' while ben did his own thing.
Keane: Everybody's Changing "and I don't feel the same" :-( This song was popular when everyone was getting engaged/married and it just fit bec we were afraid we were losing everyone. (Now it's babies!)
America, the Beautiful
Toad: Walk on the Ocean "where the air makes you choke...and people don't know you...and trust is a joke" I love my hometown, but I do think of it when I hear this line.
Beck: Lost Cause - I always wonder if I'm a lost cause
Gavin DeGraw: Follow Through
The Postal Service: Such Great Heights "It's thoughts like this that catch my troubled head when you're away when I'm missing you to death" I often think of/listen to this song when Ben is away and I am seriously missing him to death.
Dave Clark Five: Because
Jay & the Americans: This Magic Moment - I have always loved this song - so sweet
Norah Jones: Sunrise "looks like morning in your eyes, but the clock's said 9:15 for hours...." a much classier 'sexy' song than the snoop song. I actually won't write on here what that line makes me think of. ;-)
Blood, Sweat and Tears: And When I Die "I can swear there ain't no Heaven but I pray there ain't no Hell...swear there ain't no Heaven and I pray there ain't no Hell...I'll never know by livin', only by dyin' will tell, yes only by dyin' will tell, yeah, only by dyin' will tell" He's not very risk averse, is he?
Stereophonics: Maybe Tomorrow "I'll find my way home"
And yes, probably surprising to those who know me the best: Lee Greenwood: God Bless the USA - "to the hills of Tennessee" It was the grand ending to the 'best' show at Opryland when I was a kid - funny stuff, huh? But, yeah, I might detest country music, and it might be overdone by redneck politicians aiming to scare people into voting for them, but it is a rather nice song. (Plus, Lee G is apparently a nice fellow - he used to bring mom coffee on very cold mornings while she was working.) And fond memories from recent years: Jess and Mom and I watched the fountains at the Bellagio 'dance' to this song....I 'whoo-hooed' the Tennessee line. :-) Hehe...I was the redneck in Vegas.
Again, not a complete list - nowhere near it, but what I could think of at the moment.
Anyway, I think it's time to go to bed. Big day tomorrow.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Woosh, woosh!
So, to alleviate some of the stress of late, Ben and I decided to take a quick weekend trip to sugar for a bit of skiing/boarding. Wow. Was that ever a mistake. First, last minute 'fires' had to be put out - I really hate that phrase - so of course I couldn't leave until late - again - and had to sit through horrific traffic. Whatever. Finally made it to sugar. Saturday - let's go ski! Realize have missed 4 phone calls - oh, no! What's going on at work on Saturday? Check voicemail - mom is sitting at my house waiting on me. Yes, she was supposed to come in for hair appt and I'm so busy that I completely forgot and scheduled a ski trip with my husband. Lovely. Call mom, apologize profusely and make mental note to send nice gift on Monday. (Like I'll ever find the time! Ok, must find someone who can send nice gift to Mom on Monday. I really need a wife.) So, walk outside - it's 60 damn degrees outside! What? This is February. And we're trying to have a weekend ski retreat. Anyway, so off to the mountain (haha - I always seem to forget how tee-iny that place is) where there actually is still snow. I had checked earlier in the week and it looked nice there and of course there was no time for checking weather for the weekend. Yay, there's snow. So, go to rental line for me which is crazy long. Seriously. Stand in crazy long line. Tell Ben, "babe, I don't feel so well." He replies, "You're fine." A few mins later, "Honey, I really don't feel good." "You're fine." Awhile later, "Babe, I think I'm going to pass out." "No, you're not." Wait a bit again. Then things start going black....and I'm down. And shoot, we're next in line! Next thing I know, Ben is picking me up and I hear a guy saying, "I'll hold your things while you take care of her." Ben whisks me outside and sits me down. Ears are ringing but getting better - nice 60 degree cool weather outside is overcoming the black that's still swirling around. Apparently the crazy heat, lack of proper food and extreme CO2 all led to a Stacey collapsed on the ground. How embarrassing.
So, after standing in line for a good 45 mins or so, what to do? Apparently grab some lunch. Anyway, after the drama, we did not even get on the slope - haha - until 3. And of course there's a crazy line for the lift. The lift. Why did we go to Sugar again? Ski down. In the mush of melting snow. Got hot! What? You don't get hot skiing. I mean, not like 'oh my god, I wish I were in a bathing suit' hot. Anyway, we do. Afraid of passing out again. No, seriously. Go sit down. This is just ridiculous. Let's just say that it was quite an expensive weekend for very little skiing.
Glad we're home and looking forward to the Tahoe trip. Hopefully, there won't be any passing out drama.
So, after standing in line for a good 45 mins or so, what to do? Apparently grab some lunch. Anyway, after the drama, we did not even get on the slope - haha - until 3. And of course there's a crazy line for the lift. The lift. Why did we go to Sugar again? Ski down. In the mush of melting snow. Got hot! What? You don't get hot skiing. I mean, not like 'oh my god, I wish I were in a bathing suit' hot. Anyway, we do. Afraid of passing out again. No, seriously. Go sit down. This is just ridiculous. Let's just say that it was quite an expensive weekend for very little skiing.
Glad we're home and looking forward to the Tahoe trip. Hopefully, there won't be any passing out drama.
Friday, January 25, 2008
It's been a rough year...
So, how far are we into 2008? 25 or 26 days? Yeah, it has been an extremely stressful 25 or 26 days. Not only has it been extremely stressful but I'm now also faced with a tough decision - it's not a bad thing, no in fact it's a good thing, but still tough nonetheless.
With great risk comes great reward, right? For a risk averse person like me, it's pretty scary to remove myself from my comfort zone. Please think about me, everyone, as I try to decide on my next career move.
Career. That's a big word, isn't it? I still feel so young and 'career' sounds so 'grownup'. Hehe...why can't I just be a Junior League wife and not have to worry with these things? Ben says I'd go insane if I didn't work, interact and think daily, though. I'm not so sure. :-)
Thanks to Somer for the beautiful flowers for my b'day! They were lovely - and such a nice surprise during a very stressful time. Somer, I hope you had a wonderful b'day as well and I'm so sorry that I've not sent your card yet.
With great risk comes great reward, right? For a risk averse person like me, it's pretty scary to remove myself from my comfort zone. Please think about me, everyone, as I try to decide on my next career move.
Career. That's a big word, isn't it? I still feel so young and 'career' sounds so 'grownup'. Hehe...why can't I just be a Junior League wife and not have to worry with these things? Ben says I'd go insane if I didn't work, interact and think daily, though. I'm not so sure. :-)
Thanks to Somer for the beautiful flowers for my b'day! They were lovely - and such a nice surprise during a very stressful time. Somer, I hope you had a wonderful b'day as well and I'm so sorry that I've not sent your card yet.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"I'm shocked! Shocked to find that gambling is going on here!"
"Here are your winnings, sir."
hehe.
So, Casablanca's on and wow...I'm always overcome by that one scene.
Of course I'm talking about the scene where the Germans are singing and the others sing the French national anthem until they outdo the Germans. It's one of those rare moments in fiction that really move me.
Another 'moving' scene - and my favorite scene in any movie ever - is the end to "Wicker Park". What a rush to see such star crossed lovers reuinite - looking, searching, frantic, a mad rush of people about, dramatic Cold Play as he walks, looking around, an opening in the crowd, slowly walking, bags off, and bending down....so close....sitting there taking it in for a moment before she's aware...and a touch , then a kiss....and holding and grasping as people walk all around. Can you tell this is my absolute favorite movie scene ever? Ben and I watch it in utter silence.
Hmmm....what others? Doris Day singing "Que Sera, Sera". Definitely.
Emma Thompson listening to Joanie Mitchell, blotting her eyes and then joining her family though she feels completely betrayed by her husband on Christmas Eve.
Hmmm...what else?
Not particularly moving, but Amelie hurriedly escorting the blind fellow through the Parisian streets, filling him in on the daily activities that he can no longer see always brings a smile.
Well, anyway, I used to hate romances as they made me cringe, but I'm ok with them now and rather enjoy them. So, in conjunction with best scenes, I'll throw out my favorite movies list (they're mostly romance)...here goes, in no particular order and in addition to those mentioned above:
The Graduate
Rear Window
Wimbledon
I'm With Lucy
Lost in Translation
Vertigo
Garden State
Murder on the Links (haha -most people would have no clue on this one and ben always makes fun)
Pride and Prejudice
There are others but those are the first ones that come to mind. Sappy? Yes, most 'em, but they keep me entertained. :-)
hehe.
So, Casablanca's on and wow...I'm always overcome by that one scene.
Of course I'm talking about the scene where the Germans are singing and the others sing the French national anthem until they outdo the Germans. It's one of those rare moments in fiction that really move me.
Another 'moving' scene - and my favorite scene in any movie ever - is the end to "Wicker Park". What a rush to see such star crossed lovers reuinite - looking, searching, frantic, a mad rush of people about, dramatic Cold Play as he walks, looking around, an opening in the crowd, slowly walking, bags off, and bending down....so close....sitting there taking it in for a moment before she's aware...and a touch , then a kiss....and holding and grasping as people walk all around. Can you tell this is my absolute favorite movie scene ever? Ben and I watch it in utter silence.
Hmmm....what others? Doris Day singing "Que Sera, Sera". Definitely.
Emma Thompson listening to Joanie Mitchell, blotting her eyes and then joining her family though she feels completely betrayed by her husband on Christmas Eve.
Hmmm...what else?
Not particularly moving, but Amelie hurriedly escorting the blind fellow through the Parisian streets, filling him in on the daily activities that he can no longer see always brings a smile.
Well, anyway, I used to hate romances as they made me cringe, but I'm ok with them now and rather enjoy them. So, in conjunction with best scenes, I'll throw out my favorite movies list (they're mostly romance)...here goes, in no particular order and in addition to those mentioned above:
The Graduate
Rear Window
Wimbledon
I'm With Lucy
Lost in Translation
Vertigo
Garden State
Murder on the Links (haha -most people would have no clue on this one and ben always makes fun)
Pride and Prejudice
There are others but those are the first ones that come to mind. Sappy? Yes, most 'em, but they keep me entertained. :-)
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Oh, gosh...I've been a bad "Aunt" Stacey!
I just realized that I failed to put on here that Jess had the twins...I'm so bad! She had them 2 months ago. Josh and Rachel came into the world on November 4th, 2007. They were so very tiny, but perfect in every way. I got the opportunity to *try* to feed Rachel the Saturday before Christmas - unfortunately Aunt Stacey doesn't quite have a knack for keeping her awake! Attached are some pics of the beauties at 1 week old. Have I not taken anymore since? Very bad, Aunt Stacey!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Oops...we didn't eat our black eyed peas.
So, we had a good NYE. Got a last minute invite to some black tie party and it was a rather good time....thankfully I had bought the cute little LBD.
Oh! Also, I got to wear the amazing pashmina that Ben's employee sent back from Shanghai - it is absolutely gorgeous.
Lesson learned, though: When celebrating NYE as a couple, do it with other couples - not a group of people in which the individuals are all trying to hook up with one another.
We made a spontaneous trip to Nashvillage for a Preds game on Saturday evening...that was a blast. Bar hopped a bit after the game and ran into a girl I went to high school with and then also ran into my best friend from middle school which was awesome - she's so cool - comes from an even worse background than me but is now a lawyer - such a good story. We somehow started talking to a writer for ESPN magazine - he was a really cool guy - and he tagged along for the night. Anyway, all in all a great night except for the fact that the Preds lost.
Will post pics of NYE in a moment.
Happy New Year, everyone! Good luck with those resolutions!
Oh! Also, I got to wear the amazing pashmina that Ben's employee sent back from Shanghai - it is absolutely gorgeous.
Lesson learned, though: When celebrating NYE as a couple, do it with other couples - not a group of people in which the individuals are all trying to hook up with one another.
We made a spontaneous trip to Nashvillage for a Preds game on Saturday evening...that was a blast. Bar hopped a bit after the game and ran into a girl I went to high school with and then also ran into my best friend from middle school which was awesome - she's so cool - comes from an even worse background than me but is now a lawyer - such a good story. We somehow started talking to a writer for ESPN magazine - he was a really cool guy - and he tagged along for the night. Anyway, all in all a great night except for the fact that the Preds lost.
Will post pics of NYE in a moment.
Happy New Year, everyone! Good luck with those resolutions!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
My first Christmas!
This first pic was from October. The last two with Mom are from today. Hannah is such a cutie!
Love actually...is...all around.
Merry Christmas, everyone! Ahem. Excuse me. Happy Christmas, everyone!
We've had a pleasant holiday. We returned home this evening and opened presents. Ben gave me the biggest surprise. I said to him a few weeks ago in my 500 mph way, "I want this bag - it's Vera Bradley, you can get it at the grapevine in the mall, it's the diaper bag in the navy and green paisley - I want it to replace my gym bag." Somehow, even tho I was going at full throttle and said that all in approimately 1.3 seconds, my amazing husband remembered...and I opened (amongst other things) my navy and green paisley vera bradley diaper (new gym) bag. yay! he's so cool. love the hubby.
Pre Vera Bradley gym bag, we made a big triangle. Went to Nashvillage on Sunday afternoon. Somehow managed to hurt the knee in a furniture store - have no idea how - and hope will be able to run tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed. Anyway - so played games with the fam which was fun. Xmas eve did lunch with the fam and ben and dad dorked out to Forbidden Planet. Then we made our way to M-town. Had lunch with the in laws today before coming home. All around a fairly good christmas.
Oh, yeah, ben and i bought an rc helicopter and rc truck on Saturday night - ben has had so much fun with the new toys. Mika is not pleased. :-)
So, yeah, the christmas Love Actually watching ritual once again took place this evening. We can almost recite it by heart now.
Anyway, should post some pics of the lovely Hannah! She is so incredibly cute now. We saw her back in October for the anniversary celebration for Mac'r and she was starting to walk behind rolly toys at that point. She's still trying now...tip-toeing and needing finger support but getting there. She'll be on her way soon.
So there you have it - a summary of xmas festivities in the life of the S-C household.
We've had a pleasant holiday. We returned home this evening and opened presents. Ben gave me the biggest surprise. I said to him a few weeks ago in my 500 mph way, "I want this bag - it's Vera Bradley, you can get it at the grapevine in the mall, it's the diaper bag in the navy and green paisley - I want it to replace my gym bag." Somehow, even tho I was going at full throttle and said that all in approimately 1.3 seconds, my amazing husband remembered...and I opened (amongst other things) my navy and green paisley vera bradley diaper (new gym) bag. yay! he's so cool. love the hubby.
Pre Vera Bradley gym bag, we made a big triangle. Went to Nashvillage on Sunday afternoon. Somehow managed to hurt the knee in a furniture store - have no idea how - and hope will be able to run tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed. Anyway - so played games with the fam which was fun. Xmas eve did lunch with the fam and ben and dad dorked out to Forbidden Planet. Then we made our way to M-town. Had lunch with the in laws today before coming home. All around a fairly good christmas.
Oh, yeah, ben and i bought an rc helicopter and rc truck on Saturday night - ben has had so much fun with the new toys. Mika is not pleased. :-)
So, yeah, the christmas Love Actually watching ritual once again took place this evening. We can almost recite it by heart now.
Anyway, should post some pics of the lovely Hannah! She is so incredibly cute now. We saw her back in October for the anniversary celebration for Mac'r and she was starting to walk behind rolly toys at that point. She's still trying now...tip-toeing and needing finger support but getting there. She'll be on her way soon.
So there you have it - a summary of xmas festivities in the life of the S-C household.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sooooo...
...Nothin' much goin' on. Got to hang out with my MIL yesterday which was cool. She got us a gift certificate to an art gallery last year for Christmas and we hadn't been able to use it so she and I went yesterday.
Had lunch at a cute teahouse.
Is it scary that I'm really liking the Miley Cyrus song? :-) I have xm so I don't know what gets played on the regular stations, so it may be another Miley song by now (sometimes XM is really ahead of everyone else and sometimes it's really behind.) So, yeah, anyway, "See You Again" is the one I like...putting it on my mp3 player today I think.
Also love "Dream Catch Me" (Newton Faulkner), "Flourescent Adolescent" (Arctic Monkeys), "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" (Rooney), "Shadow of the Day" (Linkin Park), and "No One" by Alicia Keys. All good stuff. AK's voice is just amazing.
So, yeah, it's Christmas and I'm not sure if we'll do a tree or not this year. Ben comes home today (YAY!) - this was a surprise early return, so I'm super excited. We hadn't planned on doing one since he was not supposed to be back for some time, but maybe now we will. We're not going to be selfish this christmas - we're actually going to be with family this year and not on some trip somewhere like we had originally planned (we were thinking Whistler Blackcomb - just north of Vancouver since we've never been but maybe another time). I think it has made both sides very happy which is cool....but it will be a lot of driving in a very short amt of time. Ben and I had both experienced the craziness of trying to accomodate 2 families in past relationships and neither of us was keen on it in our relationship together. But, this year there are special circumstances.
Work is crazy right now...and so is regular life...there is so much on the "to do" list for both...and I have no clue how to get it all accomplished. I really need to hire some help for my regular life. Especially since something always seems to go wrong and it just puts me even more behind. I had this one weird week a couple of weeks ago where everything broke all at once. First it was the iron....then my hairdryer. Then I ripped the silk lining in the sleeve of my black jacket. 20 seconds later, I picked up my carryon bag and the handle broke off. It continued on all week...I can't even remember all of the things that broke. So, that really set me back...trying to replace things. Also, had to take Mika to the vet to get his teeth cleaned...really scheduled that at the worst time. Poor guy...he was a cheap drunk and had to stay the night to get off the drugs. I was so lonely without him. :-( Thankfully this past week went much better, but I'm still so behind on things. And loads to do today and what am I doing? Blogging. Silly Stacey.
Oh, so I bought the most amazing LBD so I hope we have a formal Christmas party to attend or New Year's...or something! If not, we'll just have a dress uppy Stacey's birthday, I guess.
So, yeah...Wow. Birthday. Hm. Not sure what I think about this one yet. I was cool about it, but then I went out last weekend. Hehe. That changed my mind about things. But, oh, maybe we'll get to go skiing...that would be cool. I'm just itching to go. Must discuss with husband. Always hated the day that is my b'day since it's always so cold (and that total lack of enthusiasm from friends and family since it's so close to the holidays doesn't really help), but since we love to ski it has become a good reason to make a trip somewhere. Which in turn might help the segueway. So, maybe I'm not a cute 24 year old anymore, but I can afford so much more, including last minute ski trips. Hehe. That's consolation isn't it?
So glad Ben is coming home....I've missed him...
Had lunch at a cute teahouse.
Is it scary that I'm really liking the Miley Cyrus song? :-) I have xm so I don't know what gets played on the regular stations, so it may be another Miley song by now (sometimes XM is really ahead of everyone else and sometimes it's really behind.) So, yeah, anyway, "See You Again" is the one I like...putting it on my mp3 player today I think.
Also love "Dream Catch Me" (Newton Faulkner), "Flourescent Adolescent" (Arctic Monkeys), "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" (Rooney), "Shadow of the Day" (Linkin Park), and "No One" by Alicia Keys. All good stuff. AK's voice is just amazing.
So, yeah, it's Christmas and I'm not sure if we'll do a tree or not this year. Ben comes home today (YAY!) - this was a surprise early return, so I'm super excited. We hadn't planned on doing one since he was not supposed to be back for some time, but maybe now we will. We're not going to be selfish this christmas - we're actually going to be with family this year and not on some trip somewhere like we had originally planned (we were thinking Whistler Blackcomb - just north of Vancouver since we've never been but maybe another time). I think it has made both sides very happy which is cool....but it will be a lot of driving in a very short amt of time. Ben and I had both experienced the craziness of trying to accomodate 2 families in past relationships and neither of us was keen on it in our relationship together. But, this year there are special circumstances.
Work is crazy right now...and so is regular life...there is so much on the "to do" list for both...and I have no clue how to get it all accomplished. I really need to hire some help for my regular life. Especially since something always seems to go wrong and it just puts me even more behind. I had this one weird week a couple of weeks ago where everything broke all at once. First it was the iron....then my hairdryer. Then I ripped the silk lining in the sleeve of my black jacket. 20 seconds later, I picked up my carryon bag and the handle broke off. It continued on all week...I can't even remember all of the things that broke. So, that really set me back...trying to replace things. Also, had to take Mika to the vet to get his teeth cleaned...really scheduled that at the worst time. Poor guy...he was a cheap drunk and had to stay the night to get off the drugs. I was so lonely without him. :-( Thankfully this past week went much better, but I'm still so behind on things. And loads to do today and what am I doing? Blogging. Silly Stacey.
Oh, so I bought the most amazing LBD so I hope we have a formal Christmas party to attend or New Year's...or something! If not, we'll just have a dress uppy Stacey's birthday, I guess.
So, yeah...Wow. Birthday. Hm. Not sure what I think about this one yet. I was cool about it, but then I went out last weekend. Hehe. That changed my mind about things. But, oh, maybe we'll get to go skiing...that would be cool. I'm just itching to go. Must discuss with husband. Always hated the day that is my b'day since it's always so cold (and that total lack of enthusiasm from friends and family since it's so close to the holidays doesn't really help), but since we love to ski it has become a good reason to make a trip somewhere. Which in turn might help the segueway. So, maybe I'm not a cute 24 year old anymore, but I can afford so much more, including last minute ski trips. Hehe. That's consolation isn't it?
So glad Ben is coming home....I've missed him...
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Bienvenido a Miami!
So, we had a great (warm!!!) Thanksgiving trip to Miami this weekend. Thankfully, we had excellent weather - sunny & low 80's daily. But, wow...travel today out of MIA was insane. Insane. I don't know if I want to do a return on the Sunday post T-giving again (Denver last year was nowhere near as crazy). 2.5 hrs early and was pretty much darting up to the very last moment. Big sigh when I sat down on that plane. Ugh. Turbulence on flight to Chatty was pretty creepy. Glad to be on ground again - and I'm not usually a frightened flyer by any means.
Didn't take many pics this trip, but might post one or two when I have a chance.
Oh! We had sad news over the trip...the Elph has kicked the bucket. That poor camara has really gotten an insane amount of use over the years and deserves a good rest. :-) Thankfully, I bought the awesome Sony for the UK trip...but may buy another Elph. I love having a tiny camara in my purse at all times...you never know what you'll come across that's just dying to have its photo taken. (Or when you just have to sneak a pic of Ben drinking coffee on the tube like a proper Londoner without anyone noticing :-) )
Sad news in Miami - Kimora, the singer at the National, moved to Turkey. We were sad...we really enjoyed her last time we were there.
Walking down the boardwalk we came across a gay guy bash. It was funny. Very cut men in very small speedos running around everywhere. There were hundreds in one big group dance session (the music was quite good actually) towards the center - all moving in one semi naked wavelike motion. Quite interesting. We didn't see anything like that in Key West (or Brighton).
Other than that, we mostly just hung out on the beach and at the tiki bar. It was such a good time...relaxing. People in Miami are nice...and beautiful. Hehe. Must go for a run tomorrow.
Didn't take many pics this trip, but might post one or two when I have a chance.
Oh! We had sad news over the trip...the Elph has kicked the bucket. That poor camara has really gotten an insane amount of use over the years and deserves a good rest. :-) Thankfully, I bought the awesome Sony for the UK trip...but may buy another Elph. I love having a tiny camara in my purse at all times...you never know what you'll come across that's just dying to have its photo taken. (Or when you just have to sneak a pic of Ben drinking coffee on the tube like a proper Londoner without anyone noticing :-) )
Sad news in Miami - Kimora, the singer at the National, moved to Turkey. We were sad...we really enjoyed her last time we were there.
Walking down the boardwalk we came across a gay guy bash. It was funny. Very cut men in very small speedos running around everywhere. There were hundreds in one big group dance session (the music was quite good actually) towards the center - all moving in one semi naked wavelike motion. Quite interesting. We didn't see anything like that in Key West (or Brighton).
Other than that, we mostly just hung out on the beach and at the tiki bar. It was such a good time...relaxing. People in Miami are nice...and beautiful. Hehe. Must go for a run tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
An unlucky week...
First a sprained ankle & now a sinus infection. :-(
I guess I'm just going to put the treat bags outside as I don't want to make the entire neighborhood of children sick tonight. That also gets a :-( since I love seeing the kids in their costumes. Oh, well, there's always next year.
Oh. I almost forgot...as Kenny whatever his name said last night, Sabrina got Cheet-tahed. There's no point in even watching dancing now...no one else is any good.
I guess I'm just going to put the treat bags outside as I don't want to make the entire neighborhood of children sick tonight. That also gets a :-( since I love seeing the kids in their costumes. Oh, well, there's always next year.
Oh. I almost forgot...as Kenny whatever his name said last night, Sabrina got Cheet-tahed. There's no point in even watching dancing now...no one else is any good.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Shower for the twins!
I was having camara malfunctions, so unfortunately, these aren't the best pics. :-( But we did have a great time and the cake from Vine Street was sinfully good.
My crazy weekend...
Ok. So. I decided that since the house hasn't sold and it didn't look as though the house would be selling anytime soon, that I wanted to make the house the way I want it to be - have always wanted it to be. For some reason, the lovely builder of the house put wallpaper in the baths. Hello. Who puts wallpaper in a house that is built in the 2000's? Geez. Anyway, it never bothered Ben but has always aggravated me...so I finally convinced him that if we are going to stay in the house since it hasn't sold, we should at least improve it to our standards. So...we hired the fellows that pressure washed the house in the spring to come remove the wallpaper. I also decided to have the baths tiled while we're at it. So, yeah - maybe not the most brilliant thing to do all at once...especially for someone who is as insanely crazy about the house being *perfect* at all times as I am.
So. They show up on Monday afternoon 1 hour late of course. Take down some wallpaper in 1 bath. Leave and can't come back until Saturday. They say they'll show up at 9 and again are EXTREMELY late...but I'm still ok....even though this is now the 4th time they have been late to my house. They start working. What happened first? Hm. I believe it was every smoke detector in my entire house going off all at once bec they were using some equipment in the house that apparently produced too much smoke. Finally get those to stop. Whew. That was loud. And obnoxious. Then, a neat thing happened while on the phone with Mom. An older fellow showed up who was interested in the house who thought that we had moved out and that he could just walk in while some workers were there...but he ran into me instead. (He said, "I finally found your house again! I've been searching for it for weeks now." Apparently, he had driven by and when he tried to bring his wife back, couldn't find it again.) Anyway, his wife was in the car and I let them look around - they were very sweet and seemed enthusiastic about the house...but they said they had to sell theirs first, though, so we'll see. We might be here for another year with the way the market is right now. So back to tiling. Suddenly, everything comes to a halt. I ask - through a difficult language barrier - what's going on. They can't find the tile I picked out. Right. No reason to ensure that they have access to it when I pick it out. Makes total sense. Hand me some tile and say "pick one", then discover you have no access to it. Brilliant. So, I have the smart idea that we don't have to use the specific tile that I picked out - and say I'll meet the one searching for it and pick another. Leave tilers & huge mess at house while go out to pick new tile. Chemistry with the tile seller thankfully got us a discount, bec picked new tile that goes very well but more expensive. Return home. Bird in house. (Poor thing, it was so scared). Get bird out of house and clean up bird poop. Things calm down. Finally they all leave around 7pm, house still a wreck, tile laid but not grouted & walls still a huge mess. Unsure if I can walk on tile that isn't grouted. Oh, yeah. They were actually going to leave without putting a toilet back in place...I almost forgot about that part...so I made them put one back in and then they left. Thanfully, I noticed it. Hehe. That would have been interesting.
Today things are looking up. They have just about completed one bath and I have to say that the tile is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait until the room is painted. I only wish we had done this a year ago like I wanted.
They did show up about 30 mins late again today. I was very disappointed in them bec I had made it a point to keep reiterating that they would be here at the specified time. One fellow showed up on time, but the rest came rolling in much later. I was not pleased. So, I actually told the ringleader that he needed to come when he said he was going to come and that customers expect and appreciate punctuality. I was shocked that I had to tell someone older than me these things.
Sometimes the language barrier is cute. One fellow asked me, "How many years do you have?" and made a wide gesture. I said, "Oh, we've owned the house for about 4 years." hehe. Then he said, "No, how many years do you have?" and pointed at me. That was cute. He told me he had 33 years.
I was hoping that this whole thing would be done before next weekend as we have some events to attend, but I'm not sure it will. I CANNOT wait for this warzone to get cleaned up. Poor Mika hasn't eaten anything in 2 days and hid under the chair for most of yesterday afternoon - I felt so bad for him. But he'll appreciate the beauty of the tile, right? :-)
So not a good writer - was telling Ben the whole story and we were just "hee-hawing" as he always says...but I just reread through this and it sounds rather bitchy (plus I left out the funny stories I have from my conversation with mom). I don't really mean for it to - the whole thing was rather comical, except for the not having access to the tile issue (and thus having to pay more - but not as much as we would have without friendly tile guy who pinky swore with me on the tile that I picked). And the tile and walls do look lovely. I just can't wait to be able to enjoy my new & improved house (and not feel like an outsider in it!) We're not going to want to move.
So. They show up on Monday afternoon 1 hour late of course. Take down some wallpaper in 1 bath. Leave and can't come back until Saturday. They say they'll show up at 9 and again are EXTREMELY late...but I'm still ok....even though this is now the 4th time they have been late to my house. They start working. What happened first? Hm. I believe it was every smoke detector in my entire house going off all at once bec they were using some equipment in the house that apparently produced too much smoke. Finally get those to stop. Whew. That was loud. And obnoxious. Then, a neat thing happened while on the phone with Mom. An older fellow showed up who was interested in the house who thought that we had moved out and that he could just walk in while some workers were there...but he ran into me instead. (He said, "I finally found your house again! I've been searching for it for weeks now." Apparently, he had driven by and when he tried to bring his wife back, couldn't find it again.) Anyway, his wife was in the car and I let them look around - they were very sweet and seemed enthusiastic about the house...but they said they had to sell theirs first, though, so we'll see. We might be here for another year with the way the market is right now. So back to tiling. Suddenly, everything comes to a halt. I ask - through a difficult language barrier - what's going on. They can't find the tile I picked out. Right. No reason to ensure that they have access to it when I pick it out. Makes total sense. Hand me some tile and say "pick one", then discover you have no access to it. Brilliant. So, I have the smart idea that we don't have to use the specific tile that I picked out - and say I'll meet the one searching for it and pick another. Leave tilers & huge mess at house while go out to pick new tile. Chemistry with the tile seller thankfully got us a discount, bec picked new tile that goes very well but more expensive. Return home. Bird in house. (Poor thing, it was so scared). Get bird out of house and clean up bird poop. Things calm down. Finally they all leave around 7pm, house still a wreck, tile laid but not grouted & walls still a huge mess. Unsure if I can walk on tile that isn't grouted. Oh, yeah. They were actually going to leave without putting a toilet back in place...I almost forgot about that part...so I made them put one back in and then they left. Thanfully, I noticed it. Hehe. That would have been interesting.
Today things are looking up. They have just about completed one bath and I have to say that the tile is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait until the room is painted. I only wish we had done this a year ago like I wanted.
They did show up about 30 mins late again today. I was very disappointed in them bec I had made it a point to keep reiterating that they would be here at the specified time. One fellow showed up on time, but the rest came rolling in much later. I was not pleased. So, I actually told the ringleader that he needed to come when he said he was going to come and that customers expect and appreciate punctuality. I was shocked that I had to tell someone older than me these things.
Sometimes the language barrier is cute. One fellow asked me, "How many years do you have?" and made a wide gesture. I said, "Oh, we've owned the house for about 4 years." hehe. Then he said, "No, how many years do you have?" and pointed at me. That was cute. He told me he had 33 years.
I was hoping that this whole thing would be done before next weekend as we have some events to attend, but I'm not sure it will. I CANNOT wait for this warzone to get cleaned up. Poor Mika hasn't eaten anything in 2 days and hid under the chair for most of yesterday afternoon - I felt so bad for him. But he'll appreciate the beauty of the tile, right? :-)
So not a good writer - was telling Ben the whole story and we were just "hee-hawing" as he always says...but I just reread through this and it sounds rather bitchy (plus I left out the funny stories I have from my conversation with mom). I don't really mean for it to - the whole thing was rather comical, except for the not having access to the tile issue (and thus having to pay more - but not as much as we would have without friendly tile guy who pinky swore with me on the tile that I picked). And the tile and walls do look lovely. I just can't wait to be able to enjoy my new & improved house (and not feel like an outsider in it!) We're not going to want to move.
For Amber!
1. Who is your man? Ben
2. How long have you been together? nearing 4 years
3. How long dated? Just under 2 years of dating before 9 mo's of being engaged & 1 year married - whoohoo! Go us! I'm so proud. There were times I didn't think we'd get this far, but things are WONDERFUL now. I really do <3 my husband.
4. How old is your man? Will turn the big 3-0 shortly...like we can seriously start counting the hours it's so close
5. Who eats more? Me probably. But who takes in more calories via alcohol is another question altogether :-)
6. Who said "I love you" first? I don't remember - is that bad? hehe. Probably me. But Ben told me he wanted to marry me about 3 or 4 mo's into it.
7. Who is taller? Ben (see the pic for the blog...I'm a shorty)
8. Who sings better? BEN! heehe. I'm the worst singer ever.
9. Who is smarter? Um...this is a tricky question to answer. We'll just say that I've always performed better on tests, but I have no mechanical sense whatsoever. "babe...can you fix this for me?" is a common question in our household. But I teach him about the Revolutionary War, art and even finance sometimes. :-)
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine - poor ben. But I'm getting better...marriage teaches you to not sweat the small stuff
11. Who does the laundry? If my husband knew that certain items didn't need to be dried, he could go for it...however, he refuses to learn what doesn't need to be dried so that he doesn't ever have to do it. hehe. Maybe he's smarter than I give him credit for. :-)
12. Who takes out the garbage? Ew. Ben. Unless he's in that other country, then I'm forced to
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me! But Ben says i'm in the middle. :-)
14. Who pays the bills? Ben pays the shared ones and we have individual ones - even though we're married we still have separate accounts. We're looking into this whole thing - maybe we should work toward big goals together. Must hire financial planner soon.
15. Who is better with the computer? I wouldn't have this blog without ben's help :-)
16. Who mows the lawn? The kid down the street
17. Who cooks dinner? Um, people cook? Hehe. We used to do Sunday dinners together, but that has fallen by the wayside with our erratic schecules
18. Who drives when you are together? Ben - except for when I pick him up at the airport - poor baby, he's usually too tired
19. Who pays when you go out? This has flipflopped over the years, but my wonderful husband usually does now
20. Who is most stubborn? Oh, boy, that's a dead tie right there. But I have to admit that usually it's ben that says, "I don't want to fight about this, let's talk it over." I'm learning.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me! Ben would NEVER admit he is wrong, even when I show him the proof!
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Um...I'm not sure...that's probably about even...we usually independently see our folks without the other just because that's how it works out.
23. Who kissed who first? Good lord I hate to admit this, but I think I kissed ben...although he says that it was a mutual thing. At Big River while playing pool. Hehe. So. Tacky.
24. Who asked who out? Ben asked me out - I thought he was a jerky frat guy and wasn't expecting the phone call. Actually, when he said, "This is Ben", I thought it was another Ben I knew..hehe...I couldn't figure out why that Ben was asking me out.
25. Who proposed? Ben. Boston. NYE. In the Westin Copley Place Bar. To cheers & free drinks. :-) Good memory.
26. Who is more sensitive? Me - I'm an ESFP, Ben's a INTJ - the Myers Briggs tester told us we would never make it! (notice that we share no letters)
27. Who has more friends? Me - Ben is pretty introverted normally, hence the INTJ
28. Who has more siblings? Ben - his 2 versus my 1
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Ummmm...I guess it's an ebb and flow kind of thing - one day I'm being chastised but the next it's ben who's screwing up.
Thanks, Amber for "tagging" me! Hope you guys had a great time at the wedding last night - I hate it that I couldn't go (see future blog for explanation). Email me (do you have it?) and let's all hang out again so I can lust over you & Shanon's houses! :-)
2. How long have you been together? nearing 4 years
3. How long dated? Just under 2 years of dating before 9 mo's of being engaged & 1 year married - whoohoo! Go us! I'm so proud. There were times I didn't think we'd get this far, but things are WONDERFUL now. I really do <3 my husband.
4. How old is your man? Will turn the big 3-0 shortly...like we can seriously start counting the hours it's so close
5. Who eats more? Me probably. But who takes in more calories via alcohol is another question altogether :-)
6. Who said "I love you" first? I don't remember - is that bad? hehe. Probably me. But Ben told me he wanted to marry me about 3 or 4 mo's into it.
7. Who is taller? Ben (see the pic for the blog...I'm a shorty)
8. Who sings better? BEN! heehe. I'm the worst singer ever.
9. Who is smarter? Um...this is a tricky question to answer. We'll just say that I've always performed better on tests, but I have no mechanical sense whatsoever. "babe...can you fix this for me?" is a common question in our household. But I teach him about the Revolutionary War, art and even finance sometimes. :-)
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine - poor ben. But I'm getting better...marriage teaches you to not sweat the small stuff
11. Who does the laundry? If my husband knew that certain items didn't need to be dried, he could go for it...however, he refuses to learn what doesn't need to be dried so that he doesn't ever have to do it. hehe. Maybe he's smarter than I give him credit for. :-)
12. Who takes out the garbage? Ew. Ben. Unless he's in that other country, then I'm forced to
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me! But Ben says i'm in the middle. :-)
14. Who pays the bills? Ben pays the shared ones and we have individual ones - even though we're married we still have separate accounts. We're looking into this whole thing - maybe we should work toward big goals together. Must hire financial planner soon.
15. Who is better with the computer? I wouldn't have this blog without ben's help :-)
16. Who mows the lawn? The kid down the street
17. Who cooks dinner? Um, people cook? Hehe. We used to do Sunday dinners together, but that has fallen by the wayside with our erratic schecules
18. Who drives when you are together? Ben - except for when I pick him up at the airport - poor baby, he's usually too tired
19. Who pays when you go out? This has flipflopped over the years, but my wonderful husband usually does now
20. Who is most stubborn? Oh, boy, that's a dead tie right there. But I have to admit that usually it's ben that says, "I don't want to fight about this, let's talk it over." I'm learning.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me! Ben would NEVER admit he is wrong, even when I show him the proof!
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Um...I'm not sure...that's probably about even...we usually independently see our folks without the other just because that's how it works out.
23. Who kissed who first? Good lord I hate to admit this, but I think I kissed ben...although he says that it was a mutual thing. At Big River while playing pool. Hehe. So. Tacky.
24. Who asked who out? Ben asked me out - I thought he was a jerky frat guy and wasn't expecting the phone call. Actually, when he said, "This is Ben", I thought it was another Ben I knew..hehe...I couldn't figure out why that Ben was asking me out.
25. Who proposed? Ben. Boston. NYE. In the Westin Copley Place Bar. To cheers & free drinks. :-) Good memory.
26. Who is more sensitive? Me - I'm an ESFP, Ben's a INTJ - the Myers Briggs tester told us we would never make it! (notice that we share no letters)
27. Who has more friends? Me - Ben is pretty introverted normally, hence the INTJ
28. Who has more siblings? Ben - his 2 versus my 1
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Ummmm...I guess it's an ebb and flow kind of thing - one day I'm being chastised but the next it's ben who's screwing up.
Thanks, Amber for "tagging" me! Hope you guys had a great time at the wedding last night - I hate it that I couldn't go (see future blog for explanation). Email me (do you have it?) and let's all hang out again so I can lust over you & Shanon's houses! :-)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Can you believe it's been a year already?
So we did our anniversary in Chi-town this weekend. Did one of those Brazilian meat places for dinner last night - I had never done that before, although Ben had tried it in Shanghai. Brazzaz or some such. I've seen Fogo in Buckhead and always wanted to try it, but never have. I dunno if Brazzaz is a chain or not. Anyhoo, we had amazing weather so that was cool and did a piano bar...which was, um, interesting. Very smoky. Yuck. Dry cleaner's dream as Ben called it. This was not the most interesting or fun trip we have taken. I know that sounds bratty to those who don't know me (and only two people in this world know why I wasn't keen on this trip, Ben being one) but we'll just say it was the equivalent of "I'm sorry" flowers for broken promises and general insensitivity.
So, anyway, happy 1 year to us. I guess we're not "newlyweds" any longer.
Oh...I had the top tier of our wedding cake remade and they actually let me carry it on. I wasn't aware that you could bring food on like that. Anyway, so the cake made it safely and I even remembered the cake "jewelry" (although, the flowers were all broken off of their stems in my checked luggage, damn AA) and I had the Anna Griffen plates and napkins that matched our invites (the prettiest ever, of course) for us to eat it on. It was sweet.
Ben is watching Ken Burn's WWII documentary and I just can't take it. I just can't. Anything WWII horrifies me. And they're not even showing anything about the concentration camps. I grew up with a mother who has some sick interest in concentration camps and I have seen too many images of naked frames thrown in pits for burning. Too many.
So, anyway, happy 1 year to us. I guess we're not "newlyweds" any longer.
Oh...I had the top tier of our wedding cake remade and they actually let me carry it on. I wasn't aware that you could bring food on like that. Anyway, so the cake made it safely and I even remembered the cake "jewelry" (although, the flowers were all broken off of their stems in my checked luggage, damn AA) and I had the Anna Griffen plates and napkins that matched our invites (the prettiest ever, of course) for us to eat it on. It was sweet.
Ben is watching Ken Burn's WWII documentary and I just can't take it. I just can't. Anything WWII horrifies me. And they're not even showing anything about the concentration camps. I grew up with a mother who has some sick interest in concentration camps and I have seen too many images of naked frames thrown in pits for burning. Too many.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Someone asked..
..what I'm running to these days...so here's the latest playlist (in no particular order):
Amy Winehouse, You Know I'm No Good, Rehab
Carrie Underwood, I'll Stand By You
Bjork, It's Oh So Quiet
Everything But the Girl, Missing
Dashboard Confessional, Stolen
Corinne Bailey Rae, Put Your Records On
Lily Allen, Alfie
Mika, Love Today
Quietdrive, Time after Time
Ok Go, Here it Goes Again
Fleming and John, That's All I Know
Christina Aguilara, Candyman
Dixie Chicks, Sin Wagon
Timbaland, The Way I Are
John Legend, PDA (We Just Don't Care)
Cake, Stickshifts and Safety Belts
Various Shins & Postal Service
Anyway, these are what's getting me through runs these days.
Amy Winehouse, You Know I'm No Good, Rehab
Carrie Underwood, I'll Stand By You
Bjork, It's Oh So Quiet
Everything But the Girl, Missing
Dashboard Confessional, Stolen
Corinne Bailey Rae, Put Your Records On
Lily Allen, Alfie
Mika, Love Today
Quietdrive, Time after Time
Ok Go, Here it Goes Again
Fleming and John, That's All I Know
Christina Aguilara, Candyman
Dixie Chicks, Sin Wagon
Timbaland, The Way I Are
John Legend, PDA (We Just Don't Care)
Cake, Stickshifts and Safety Belts
Various Shins & Postal Service
Anyway, these are what's getting me through runs these days.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
I don't need the cheese or the car keys, boy I like you just the way you are!
So. Not much going on around these parts. Well, work has been incredibly busy and somewhat stressful as of late and not looking to let up until around Christmas.
Oh, yeah - I've been working with a physical trainer. Wow. In only a few short weeks, there has been a remarkable change.
This is why I'm so busy these days - I've gone from 3 workouts per week to 6.
Jess's shower is coming up! Yay!
Oh....and we're going to Chicago. And maybe another trip to the UK (a short one for me).
Um. I like silence in the house. Ben likes NPR. I'm ok with NPR when I'm driving, but I like silence in the house. We must compromise.
Ok...should probably get moving - always tons to do on Saturdays and Sundays, isn't there?
Oh, yeah - I've been working with a physical trainer. Wow. In only a few short weeks, there has been a remarkable change.
This is why I'm so busy these days - I've gone from 3 workouts per week to 6.
Jess's shower is coming up! Yay!
Oh....and we're going to Chicago. And maybe another trip to the UK (a short one for me).
Um. I like silence in the house. Ben likes NPR. I'm ok with NPR when I'm driving, but I like silence in the house. We must compromise.
Ok...should probably get moving - always tons to do on Saturdays and Sundays, isn't there?
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