Monday is no day for a well-written, carefully thought-out entry, now, is it?
I saw a commercial for the animated movie "Bolt" the other day, and this particular line cracked me up: "The impossible can become possible. If. You're. AWESOME!" I think I shall make that my new life slogan. (A close second... Michael Scott's line from "The Office" after he quit: "You have no idea how high I can fly.")
ABC has some interesting new shows coming out. I've heard rave reviews about "Better Off Ted" (and from the bits and pieces I saw the other night, it looks like my kind of show), and I made a point of watching/DVRing "In the Motherhood." But there's a part of me that, every time I hear of or watch a brand-new ABC show, thinks, "Really? You thought THIS show was better than 'Pushing Daisies'?" Yes, I'm a bit bitter. Especially since there are 3 unaired episodes floating out there somewhere.
Is it just me, or are even the commercials for scary movies getting scarier? I know that nowadays, it seems like horror movies are all trying to outdo each other, to be more gory/shocking/horrifying than the previous one. And you all know I'm not a fan of horror movies--but those are (obviously) easy enough for me to avoid. But lately, I swear, I can barely watch the commercials anymore. I end up averting my eyes (only because flat-out covering them would just look silly) and waiting for it to be over. So either I'm a huge baby (which I won't deny), or these commercials are getting creepier.
Every time I use the term "Indian style" (referring to that cross-legged way of sitting), I wonder if it would now be considered politically incorrect. Should it be "Native American style"?
Tony and I were goofing around the other day at my parents' house--I tried to sit on his lap, he blocked me, I pretended to get all huffy and leave, and he grabbed me by the belt loops of my jeans and pulled me down. As he did, he said, "You know these jeans are wearing through, don't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Back here, by the pockets. You're wearing pink underwear, aren't you?"
I checked them out in the mirror and sure enough, at the inner top corner of both back pockets, the material has frayed, and my pink panties were indeed peeking through.
The worst part of this story is that I wore those jeans to work on Friday... with bright lime green panties. *cringe*
I was watching Celebrity Apprentice last night (which, if you don't know, takes place in NYC), and their task was to manage a few rooms in a posh hotel--housekeeping, room service, check-in/-out, concierge service, etc. And all I could think when I saw the hotel was "Oooh, I should have booked my room at THAT hotel!" And then one of the celebs ordered food from the Carnegie Deli and I was all, "Oooh, I totally want to go eat there!"
I am such a sheep. I know.
But ohmygosh, you guys, I'm going to NYC in THREE days! (I'll let you decide for yourself if that exclamation point indicates sheer excitement or mild freaking-out.)
I happened to see Tony's Facebook status update from this morning...
Tony is taking Sara's car in for tires. Her car didn't die yet. It's sick and twisted--just like her. ;)
Oh, isn't he hilarious.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
'Cause everyone's my friend in New York City
So guess what I did a couple nights ago. I booked myself a hotel room. For just me. In New York City. For next week. Next Thursday night, to be exact.
I had this whole big entry written, going on and on about what a big deal this is for me, but it was probably boring anyway. The short version is, yay I'm going on a fun trip, tackling a big item on my "101 in 1,001" List (see this website for more details), conquering a few fears, and belated-ly celebrating my birthday, all at the same time.
So go on and be jealous, while I secretly stress out about getting there without getting lost, driving in the city, finding my hotel, not getting mugged, etc. etc.
Yeh.... you see why I said I have fears to face, huh?
Seriously, though... I have never traveled alone. (And the traveling I did last year to visit my siblings doesn't fully count, because I had people waiting for me on both ends.) I've never driven in the city, never stayed in a hotel room alone... heck, I've never even eaten in a restaurant alone. There will be a lot of "firsts" on this trip, and I'm focusing on being excited about all that, rather than nervous.
Because deep down under all my silly worries, I really am SO excited. As the motto goes, I love New York. It's been over a year since I've been there, and I miss that crazy city. Once I'm there, I will be fine--I know my way around the city well enough by now, and I certainly won't be lacking for things to do.
And also... I'm loving the thought of a hotel room all to myself. The whole bed to myself. The TV remote to myself. Even the bathroom to myself. BLISS.
I was talking to a friend about this trip last night, and at one point, she kind of chuckled and said, "I can't believe you're going by yourself," in a tone that seemed to indicate I was slightly crazy. So maybe I am. Not like that's news, right?
For what it's worth, Tony (being the awesome guy that he is) is fully supportive of this, so that has to be a good sign, right? Of course, he's more than used to my insanity by now...
Anyway, want to see where I'm staying? Of course you do... It's The Time Hotel, conveniently located right near Times Square...
So now that the hotel reservation and parking situation are taken care of, it's time to start planning the fun stuff... And I've only got less than a week (!) to do so...
I had this whole big entry written, going on and on about what a big deal this is for me, but it was probably boring anyway. The short version is, yay I'm going on a fun trip, tackling a big item on my "101 in 1,001" List (see this website for more details), conquering a few fears, and belated-ly celebrating my birthday, all at the same time.
So go on and be jealous, while I secretly stress out about getting there without getting lost, driving in the city, finding my hotel, not getting mugged, etc. etc.
Yeh.... you see why I said I have fears to face, huh?
Seriously, though... I have never traveled alone. (And the traveling I did last year to visit my siblings doesn't fully count, because I had people waiting for me on both ends.) I've never driven in the city, never stayed in a hotel room alone... heck, I've never even eaten in a restaurant alone. There will be a lot of "firsts" on this trip, and I'm focusing on being excited about all that, rather than nervous.
Because deep down under all my silly worries, I really am SO excited. As the motto goes, I love New York. It's been over a year since I've been there, and I miss that crazy city. Once I'm there, I will be fine--I know my way around the city well enough by now, and I certainly won't be lacking for things to do.
And also... I'm loving the thought of a hotel room all to myself. The whole bed to myself. The TV remote to myself. Even the bathroom to myself. BLISS.
I was talking to a friend about this trip last night, and at one point, she kind of chuckled and said, "I can't believe you're going by yourself," in a tone that seemed to indicate I was slightly crazy. So maybe I am. Not like that's news, right?
For what it's worth, Tony (being the awesome guy that he is) is fully supportive of this, so that has to be a good sign, right? Of course, he's more than used to my insanity by now...
Anyway, want to see where I'm staying? Of course you do... It's The Time Hotel, conveniently located right near Times Square...
So now that the hotel reservation and parking situation are taken care of, it's time to start planning the fun stuff... And I've only got less than a week (!) to do so...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Cute but kind of strange
^ That's what my Happy Bunny calendar page for today says. So "me," isn't it?
Anyway, this is going to start off kind of random...
Had the following phone conversation with Tony...
Tony: So what do we have going on tonight?
Me: Um... nothing? Well, I need to go to the store.
Tony: What for?
Me: To get more of that Crystal Light energy drink mix stuff.
Tony: Well, I already took care of that for you.
Me: You did? Really? *melts*
Tony: Yeah.
Me: You're awesome.
Tony: Yup.
I love him muchly.
So who wants to hear about my car? Everyone? Awesome. Well, if you follow me on Twitter (and if you don't, you should, and if you're not on Twitter at all, hello, get with it), you already know a little bit. Tony took my car in to the shop yesterday--had a fancy appointment and everything. My car has been leaking oil for a long time, and lately, it's gotten worse. (For the record, it's a 98 Sentra with over 238,000 miles on it.) So, with us getting our tax return and having a little extra cushion of cash, we decided to get that leak fixed once and for all. We'd been told that the oil leak was an issue with the crank seal by the last shop who worked on my car (who we won't be going back to ever again, since they overcharged us for a starter... and for another reason I'll get to in a second).
(Oh, and by the way... I know nothing about cars, which, if it isn't obvious yet, will be, so try not to laugh too hard, kthx.)
Anyway, Tony gets the car there yesterday.... but barely. It started dying spectacularly on his way there, and he had to stop and refill the oil and ended up practically limping into the shop. (Yeh, imagine if I'd been driving it to work yesterday... isn't our timing great?) The first thing they told him was that they'd have to degrease (?) the car (or the engine? I don't know.). Then they pointed out that the last place to work on our car had put in the wrong oil filter. So I guess we're lucky it even lasted THIS long. They started spouting off prices, adding that the front axles needed to be replaced to the tune of $450 each. I forget what went down from there, but Tony ended up leaving and taking the car to a friend's dad's shop. (Should have gone there in the first place, I guess, but oh well.) But not before this place changed the oil filter... and went and changed all the oil too (no clue why, since you don't have to do a full oil change to change a filter) and charged an obscene amount of money.
Anyway, Tony made it (uneventfully) to the friend's dad's garage, where friend's dad quickly figured out that the oil leak was in fact a small leak, not a big one--and not an issue with the crank seal at all. He said it was probably nothing worse than the type of leak that's unavoidable in an old car, and the reason for all the leaking recently was probably because of having the wrong oil filter. He agreed about the front axles needing to be fixed, but said he could easily find the parts for about $100 each. (Yeh, apparently there are 2 axles on the front... who knew?) So my car has another appointment on Thursday to get those axles fixed.
So my day yesterday started off with me thinking that my car was done for, for good, and ended with the happy news that my precious little car still has some life left in it. So after Thursday, it should be as good as new (or, as good as it ever was).
Anyway, this is going to start off kind of random...
Had the following phone conversation with Tony...
Tony: So what do we have going on tonight?
Me: Um... nothing? Well, I need to go to the store.
Tony: What for?
Me: To get more of that Crystal Light energy drink mix stuff.
Tony: Well, I already took care of that for you.
Me: You did? Really? *melts*
Tony: Yeah.
Me: You're awesome.
Tony: Yup.
I love him muchly.
So who wants to hear about my car? Everyone? Awesome. Well, if you follow me on Twitter (and if you don't, you should, and if you're not on Twitter at all, hello, get with it), you already know a little bit. Tony took my car in to the shop yesterday--had a fancy appointment and everything. My car has been leaking oil for a long time, and lately, it's gotten worse. (For the record, it's a 98 Sentra with over 238,000 miles on it.) So, with us getting our tax return and having a little extra cushion of cash, we decided to get that leak fixed once and for all. We'd been told that the oil leak was an issue with the crank seal by the last shop who worked on my car (who we won't be going back to ever again, since they overcharged us for a starter... and for another reason I'll get to in a second).
(Oh, and by the way... I know nothing about cars, which, if it isn't obvious yet, will be, so try not to laugh too hard, kthx.)
Anyway, Tony gets the car there yesterday.... but barely. It started dying spectacularly on his way there, and he had to stop and refill the oil and ended up practically limping into the shop. (Yeh, imagine if I'd been driving it to work yesterday... isn't our timing great?) The first thing they told him was that they'd have to degrease (?) the car (or the engine? I don't know.). Then they pointed out that the last place to work on our car had put in the wrong oil filter. So I guess we're lucky it even lasted THIS long. They started spouting off prices, adding that the front axles needed to be replaced to the tune of $450 each. I forget what went down from there, but Tony ended up leaving and taking the car to a friend's dad's shop. (Should have gone there in the first place, I guess, but oh well.) But not before this place changed the oil filter... and went and changed all the oil too (no clue why, since you don't have to do a full oil change to change a filter) and charged an obscene amount of money.
Anyway, Tony made it (uneventfully) to the friend's dad's garage, where friend's dad quickly figured out that the oil leak was in fact a small leak, not a big one--and not an issue with the crank seal at all. He said it was probably nothing worse than the type of leak that's unavoidable in an old car, and the reason for all the leaking recently was probably because of having the wrong oil filter. He agreed about the front axles needing to be fixed, but said he could easily find the parts for about $100 each. (Yeh, apparently there are 2 axles on the front... who knew?) So my car has another appointment on Thursday to get those axles fixed.
So my day yesterday started off with me thinking that my car was done for, for good, and ended with the happy news that my precious little car still has some life left in it. So after Thursday, it should be as good as new (or, as good as it ever was).
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
There's a sweet little old lady who lives a few doors down from us, and Tony always makes a point of looking out for her (just one of the many reasons I love him). She had called him earlier in the day yesterday (I forget why) so when I got home from work, he headed off to see her. I knew he'd be gone a while, since she loves to talk (and... so does he), and I was right--he didn't get back until just before Ari's bedtime. So Ari and I had a bit of girl time. We ate dinner, goofed around, and even took a few pictures.
I kept asking Ari to smile for the camera, and she didn't want to sit still. So I bribed her with the promise of a cupcake. I'd like to think that in this shot, I simply missed her smile, rather than think that this is a defiant little pseudo-smile. (The pic is in sepia because I suck at photo-editing.) Also, Ari is the one who bestowed the crown on me. But when I asked her if that meant I was a princess, she emphatically said, "No."
I thought asking her for Eskimo kisses would convince her to hold still for a few seconds. And it did.
But as soon as we were done, she bolted for the kitchen for her reward.
Yes, I know she's not wearing pants. I had changed her Pull-Up earlier and she dashed away when I was done, refusing to let me put her pants back on. Of course it turned into a game, and then a full-on wrestling match ensued. I'm pretty sure she won. Don't let those big blue eyes and sweet golden locks fool you... she's a killer.
And that's all I've got for today.
I kept asking Ari to smile for the camera, and she didn't want to sit still. So I bribed her with the promise of a cupcake. I'd like to think that in this shot, I simply missed her smile, rather than think that this is a defiant little pseudo-smile. (The pic is in sepia because I suck at photo-editing.) Also, Ari is the one who bestowed the crown on me. But when I asked her if that meant I was a princess, she emphatically said, "No."
I thought asking her for Eskimo kisses would convince her to hold still for a few seconds. And it did.
But as soon as we were done, she bolted for the kitchen for her reward.
Yes, I know she's not wearing pants. I had changed her Pull-Up earlier and she dashed away when I was done, refusing to let me put her pants back on. Of course it turned into a game, and then a full-on wrestling match ensued. I'm pretty sure she won. Don't let those big blue eyes and sweet golden locks fool you... she's a killer.
And that's all I've got for today.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height
Tony bought Ari a kite a few days ago, and the two of them tried it out the other day while I was at work. Ari loved it, and even flew it herself for a while. So since Saturday was a nice, sunny (though not as warm as we'd hoped, but oh well) kind of day, we went down to the river to try kite-flying again.
Except... there was no wind. Tony made a few valiant attempts, but the kite wasn't having any of it. Which was fine with Ari, who was more interested in throwing rocks in the river anyway.
(Yes, I know her coat is filthy. It was hand-me-down, and it has confirmed my opinion that I will never purposely buy a light-colored coat. Next year's winter coat shall be brown.)
Ari and Tony kept themselves quite occupied with throwing rocks in the river, while I assumed the role of official photographer.
I have a few videos too, but Vimeo is not cooperating with me, so they will have to wait. My apologies.
Saturday was my dad's birthday, so we joined my parents and my brother Dave and SIL Jess for dinner at a nearby steakhouse. I had a bit of a hankering for steak, but ended up ordering chicken, thinking Ari could share it with me. So of course you know that means she wouldn't even touch it. Thank goodness for the salad bar--applesauce was her main course. They brought my dad a free dessert, which he generously shared with all of us. Then my parents wanted to go to Coldstone afterwards, and you all know I can't say no to Coldstone. Plus, when we got back to their house, Mom had made a cake. So needless to say, I ate way too much food on Saturday night.
Today was church as usual, Taco Bell/KFC for lunch (yeh, they're both in the same building--weird), and then home for Ari to take a nap. We made another kite-flying attempt after she got up from her nap, but didn't have much luck with the wind, again. But, again, she was more excited about throwing rocks in the river. Now I'm just killing time until Celebrity Apprentice starts.
This last picture is from today, and it's one I shall title "What happens when you tell your 2-year-old to pick out clothes and dress herself." You can't totally see all the colors here, but she's got a red and white flowered shirt, pink and gray camouflage pants, green socks, and tan shoes with red flowers. And if you're really paying attention, you'll see she's got her shoes on the wrong feet. When I pointed this out to her, she cheerfully replied, "It's OK, Mommy. Don't worry."
Except... there was no wind. Tony made a few valiant attempts, but the kite wasn't having any of it. Which was fine with Ari, who was more interested in throwing rocks in the river anyway.
(Yes, I know her coat is filthy. It was hand-me-down, and it has confirmed my opinion that I will never purposely buy a light-colored coat. Next year's winter coat shall be brown.)
Ari and Tony kept themselves quite occupied with throwing rocks in the river, while I assumed the role of official photographer.
I have a few videos too, but Vimeo is not cooperating with me, so they will have to wait. My apologies.
Saturday was my dad's birthday, so we joined my parents and my brother Dave and SIL Jess for dinner at a nearby steakhouse. I had a bit of a hankering for steak, but ended up ordering chicken, thinking Ari could share it with me. So of course you know that means she wouldn't even touch it. Thank goodness for the salad bar--applesauce was her main course. They brought my dad a free dessert, which he generously shared with all of us. Then my parents wanted to go to Coldstone afterwards, and you all know I can't say no to Coldstone. Plus, when we got back to their house, Mom had made a cake. So needless to say, I ate way too much food on Saturday night.
Today was church as usual, Taco Bell/KFC for lunch (yeh, they're both in the same building--weird), and then home for Ari to take a nap. We made another kite-flying attempt after she got up from her nap, but didn't have much luck with the wind, again. But, again, she was more excited about throwing rocks in the river. Now I'm just killing time until Celebrity Apprentice starts.
This last picture is from today, and it's one I shall title "What happens when you tell your 2-year-old to pick out clothes and dress herself." You can't totally see all the colors here, but she's got a red and white flowered shirt, pink and gray camouflage pants, green socks, and tan shoes with red flowers. And if you're really paying attention, you'll see she's got her shoes on the wrong feet. When I pointed this out to her, she cheerfully replied, "It's OK, Mommy. Don't worry."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
So much
We went to a friend's house for dinner last night, which meant Ari had two of her favorite little playmates to hang out with. I asked Ari several times if she needed to go potty, and her answer was always no--which didn't surprise me, because she never wants to miss a minute of playtime with friends. Finally, after we'd been there a couple hours, I called her over to me so I could check her Pull-Up, figuring she had to be wet by then. Sure enough, she was, and I launched into the little reminder I've given her hundreds of times now--that she needs to tell me when she has to go potty so she can pee on the toilet, and if she does pee in her Pull-Up, she needs to tell me that too so I can change her. I kept my voice calm and even, but I could hear undertones of frustration and fatigue. I wasn't angry with her--just tired of giving the same old speech, tired of having to change yet another soggy Pull-Up.
She put her hands on my shoulders to brace herself (as usual) as I took off her Pull-Up and helped her into a new one. Then, out of nowhere, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders as far as she could reach, leaned her head onto my shoulder, and enthusiastically declared, "I love you so much!"
I paused, my body freezing right along with my brain for a moment. I can count on one hand the number of times she's said "I love you" to me unprompted, and I've never heard her add "so much." When I collected myself, I hugged her back, squeezing extra tight as I said, "Well, I love you so much too," my voice soft with surprise. Then, to force away the tears, I teasingly added, "You manipulative little beast."
She pulled away and grinned at me, eyes sparkling as if she totally understood me. I'm not saying she didn't mean it when she said she loved me. All I'm saying is that sometimes she seems eerily aware of the power she possesses to charm me.
She put her hands on my shoulders to brace herself (as usual) as I took off her Pull-Up and helped her into a new one. Then, out of nowhere, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders as far as she could reach, leaned her head onto my shoulder, and enthusiastically declared, "I love you so much!"
I paused, my body freezing right along with my brain for a moment. I can count on one hand the number of times she's said "I love you" to me unprompted, and I've never heard her add "so much." When I collected myself, I hugged her back, squeezing extra tight as I said, "Well, I love you so much too," my voice soft with surprise. Then, to force away the tears, I teasingly added, "You manipulative little beast."
She pulled away and grinned at me, eyes sparkling as if she totally understood me. I'm not saying she didn't mean it when she said she loved me. All I'm saying is that sometimes she seems eerily aware of the power she possesses to charm me.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
It's been forever
I know, it's been forever since I've written. Well, "forever" for me, anyway. Just a few random little bits...
So, American Idol last night. No spoilers, I promise... just my comments on the people I can remember...
Lil: *yawn*
Scott: I just adore him. His voice is so calming and soothing. And he seems so real, moreso than any of the other contestants.
Adam: Was it strange? Yes. But you can't deny that boy knows how to work a camera/stage. And his vocals were flawless.
Anoop: It is officially impossible for me to be objective about him anymore. I've got a tiny crush...
Megan: Major props for singing in spite of the flu. But please, girl--stop trying to dance.
So today I'm wearing brown pants, a cream-colored turtleneck sweater, and... sandals. Yes, it was 32 degrees when I left for work this morning, but it's going to warm up. And I am so DONE with socks and shoes, and the resulting stinky feet. I *heart* my sandals.
Hmm. I need another pedicure.
We got our tax return money direct-deposited into our account last Friday. Of course, nearly every penny of it is already spoken for, in the name of paying down debts and such. It makes me ever-so-slightly sad that at this time last year, we were using our tax return money to pay for our cruise, our fabulous cruise.
But paying down debt is good. And mature. And grown-up. And responsible.
But not as much fun.
I took Ari to the bank with me on Saturday. Before we went in, I gave her a small speech about behaving, and let her bring a doll in with her, since I knew it would take awhile. The teller gave her stickers right away, and she amused herself for the first several minutes by sticking them all on me... so I had little teeny stickers all over my hips and my butt, on my right side, since that was where she could reach. When she ran out of stickers, she wandered around with her doll, eventually leaving it on the opposite side of the room and telling me the baby was in time-out. A few minutes later, she was tugging on my hand, asking me to play hide-and-seek with her. When I told her I couldn't, she wasn't fazed... she simply put her doll in a corner, walked away, started counting, and told me the baby was hiding and she was going to find her. Apparently the fact that SHE was the one who hid the baby didn't matter.
She's a nut. But at least she behaved herself.
So, American Idol last night. No spoilers, I promise... just my comments on the people I can remember...
Lil: *yawn*
Scott: I just adore him. His voice is so calming and soothing. And he seems so real, moreso than any of the other contestants.
Adam: Was it strange? Yes. But you can't deny that boy knows how to work a camera/stage. And his vocals were flawless.
Anoop: It is officially impossible for me to be objective about him anymore. I've got a tiny crush...
Megan: Major props for singing in spite of the flu. But please, girl--stop trying to dance.
So today I'm wearing brown pants, a cream-colored turtleneck sweater, and... sandals. Yes, it was 32 degrees when I left for work this morning, but it's going to warm up. And I am so DONE with socks and shoes, and the resulting stinky feet. I *heart* my sandals.
Hmm. I need another pedicure.
We got our tax return money direct-deposited into our account last Friday. Of course, nearly every penny of it is already spoken for, in the name of paying down debts and such. It makes me ever-so-slightly sad that at this time last year, we were using our tax return money to pay for our cruise, our fabulous cruise.
But paying down debt is good. And mature. And grown-up. And responsible.
But not as much fun.
I took Ari to the bank with me on Saturday. Before we went in, I gave her a small speech about behaving, and let her bring a doll in with her, since I knew it would take awhile. The teller gave her stickers right away, and she amused herself for the first several minutes by sticking them all on me... so I had little teeny stickers all over my hips and my butt, on my right side, since that was where she could reach. When she ran out of stickers, she wandered around with her doll, eventually leaving it on the opposite side of the room and telling me the baby was in time-out. A few minutes later, she was tugging on my hand, asking me to play hide-and-seek with her. When I told her I couldn't, she wasn't fazed... she simply put her doll in a corner, walked away, started counting, and told me the baby was hiding and she was going to find her. Apparently the fact that SHE was the one who hid the baby didn't matter.
She's a nut. But at least she behaved herself.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Joyeux anniversaire, Tony
Yesterday was Tony's birthday, but in a way, it seemed like we spent the whole weekend celebrating. Saturday morning, Ari helped me make Tony's cake--red velvet, of course. (I had found the mix at Target the night before and since it's hard to find, I stocked up and bought 4.) I arranged for my friend Dawn to watch Ari on Saturday afternoon so that Tony and I could go out to lunch alone--he picked Carrabba's Italian Grill. We had a gift card too, which made it even better.
After that, we went to Kohl's, and came away with a new bedding set--comforter, 2 shams and a bedskirt. It was originally $240 but with the sale price plus my coupon, it came to only $70. You have to love a good deal like that. And we desperately needed a new comforter.
Our next stop was Coldstone so Tony could redeem his coupon for free ice cream (and of course, I got some too). Then it was time to pick up Ari. Tony had already made plans with the guys to go see "Watchmen" in the evening, so Ari and I headed to my parents' house for dinner. Dave, Jess and Micah were there, and Ari was thrilled to get to hang out with her newest cousin.
Yesterday was Tony's actual birthday--Pastor made everyone sing to him in the church service. After church, we went out to a Chinese buffet with the teens and their parents. When we were done there, we went to one of the teen's homes to play board games and hang out. We did adults vs. teens in Pictionary, and us adults killed the teens. And of course I rubbed it in like the notoriously sore winner that I am. Then they surprised Tony with a little cake--they had even written "Happy Birthday, Tony" on it.
When we got home, I gave Tony a hard time about how he hadn't even touched the red velvet cake (complete with homemade frosting) that I made for him. (Of course, it's not like he had really had a chance, but that's beside the point.) He harassed me right back, saying he didn't know it was for him because it didn't have his name on it. "Oh, I'll write on it for you," I said, with an evil glint in my eye.
When I was done, I announced, "Hey, I wrote on your cake."
"Yeh? What did you write? Something mean?"
"I was going to. But I just wrote your real name was because it was shorter."
See, we balance out our sappiness with routine harassment and name-calling.
So as you can see, it was a busy weekend. I'll just end with a couple pictures of Ari. I took these before church yesterday, and no, those pigtails did not stay in. She had one yanked out before we even got to church... *sigh*
After that, we went to Kohl's, and came away with a new bedding set--comforter, 2 shams and a bedskirt. It was originally $240 but with the sale price plus my coupon, it came to only $70. You have to love a good deal like that. And we desperately needed a new comforter.
Our next stop was Coldstone so Tony could redeem his coupon for free ice cream (and of course, I got some too). Then it was time to pick up Ari. Tony had already made plans with the guys to go see "Watchmen" in the evening, so Ari and I headed to my parents' house for dinner. Dave, Jess and Micah were there, and Ari was thrilled to get to hang out with her newest cousin.
Yesterday was Tony's actual birthday--Pastor made everyone sing to him in the church service. After church, we went out to a Chinese buffet with the teens and their parents. When we were done there, we went to one of the teen's homes to play board games and hang out. We did adults vs. teens in Pictionary, and us adults killed the teens. And of course I rubbed it in like the notoriously sore winner that I am. Then they surprised Tony with a little cake--they had even written "Happy Birthday, Tony" on it.
When we got home, I gave Tony a hard time about how he hadn't even touched the red velvet cake (complete with homemade frosting) that I made for him. (Of course, it's not like he had really had a chance, but that's beside the point.) He harassed me right back, saying he didn't know it was for him because it didn't have his name on it. "Oh, I'll write on it for you," I said, with an evil glint in my eye.
When I was done, I announced, "Hey, I wrote on your cake."
"Yeh? What did you write? Something mean?"
"I was going to. But I just wrote your real name was because it was shorter."
See, we balance out our sappiness with routine harassment and name-calling.
So as you can see, it was a busy weekend. I'll just end with a couple pictures of Ari. I took these before church yesterday, and no, those pigtails did not stay in. She had one yanked out before we even got to church... *sigh*
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A hip hippo
So, there was a weekend. Friday night, we went to get our taxes done. We were super-psyched with the amount they told us we were getting back... until they called the next morning to tell us they'd made an error and we'd actually be getting back only about half of what they originally told us. I mean, it's a little more than last year, and it sure is better than owing, but I'm still a smidge bitter about it. Whatever. It's done.
Ari was sick all weekend. Nothing major, I don't think. She had a runny nose and this horribly juicy cough, and ran a fever a couple times, but other than that, she seemed fine--her usual goofy self. She's still a bit drippy and coughy, but is on the mend. And so far, it doesn't seem like she's passed it on to me or Tony, which is a bonus.
Celebrity Apprentice started Sunday night, much to my delight. It's sad how much I love that show. Looks like it's going to be another great season.
And then... snow. We have it. Tons of it. It started Sunday night and snowed all night long, accumulating several inches by the time I woke up Monday morning. And it continued all day, leaving us with a total of 10-12". So I stayed home from work in my nice, cozy apartment.
One of the productive things I did yesterday was to make chocolate chip cookie dough brownies. I'm planning to cut them up and send half of them to my brother at college for his birthday. Of course, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, so if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, and he'll be none the wiser. Man, I'm a horrible sister. But if you could smell/see these brownies, you would understand my temptation.
One final thing... just a couple Ari pics. The pink pillow she's laying on was a gift from Steve, Eden and Olyvia... it's a hippo pillow with a blanket inside. She hasn't used the blanket yet, but she loves the pillow. You can see that she has a regular pillow underneath it--but I think she likes having an Ari-sized pillow now.
And yes, I am aware she has way too much junk in her bed. Try telling her that.
Ari was sick all weekend. Nothing major, I don't think. She had a runny nose and this horribly juicy cough, and ran a fever a couple times, but other than that, she seemed fine--her usual goofy self. She's still a bit drippy and coughy, but is on the mend. And so far, it doesn't seem like she's passed it on to me or Tony, which is a bonus.
Celebrity Apprentice started Sunday night, much to my delight. It's sad how much I love that show. Looks like it's going to be another great season.
And then... snow. We have it. Tons of it. It started Sunday night and snowed all night long, accumulating several inches by the time I woke up Monday morning. And it continued all day, leaving us with a total of 10-12". So I stayed home from work in my nice, cozy apartment.
One of the productive things I did yesterday was to make chocolate chip cookie dough brownies. I'm planning to cut them up and send half of them to my brother at college for his birthday. Of course, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, so if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, and he'll be none the wiser. Man, I'm a horrible sister. But if you could smell/see these brownies, you would understand my temptation.
One final thing... just a couple Ari pics. The pink pillow she's laying on was a gift from Steve, Eden and Olyvia... it's a hippo pillow with a blanket inside. She hasn't used the blanket yet, but she loves the pillow. You can see that she has a regular pillow underneath it--but I think she likes having an Ari-sized pillow now.
And yes, I am aware she has way too much junk in her bed. Try telling her that.
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