Weirdness

Work this week has been....weird. There were wind and ice storms here near the office this weekend, and it had a lot of people out of power and screwed up the phones and such. We have power at the office, but the phones in the entire building are not working. And have not been since late Saturday night. The calls all go through to voice mail. So, I can call and get messages by using my cell, but cannot receive or make calls from the office phones. Which is a slight pain. Half of me is happy to not hear the phone ring excessively, the other half is annoyed I can't conduct business as normal. I am using my cell, but the reception is not fabulous in the office like the landline.

Kurt and I are staying in for New Years Eve, and I can't wait. New Years Eve is just not my holiday. I have had fun in prior years going out, but have not formally gone out in several years. It kinda annoys me how everything is overpriced, the menu selections are limited, and crowds and drunks are everywhere.....So, Kurt and I are staying in, making dinner, playing cards, and hanging with the pugs. It will rock! I will then sleep in on New Years Day, and proceed to do not much of anything that day. If I am feeling productive, I will finish unpacking from vacation. I have done about half of it, but still need to throw all the clothes in the washer.

I am currently planning Kurt's surprise day trip for February. If I had more time, I would join Mindy and Craig in London/Paris, but our trip is more like a 4 day weekend. I think I have chosen a place, but I cannot really talk about it because Kurt reads my blog and my secret blog sometimes. Bastard....I looked at flights today though, and I am pretty sure I can use miles to get the airfare free, which rocks. Will have to look into hotels and ffood dand stuff next. I ordered a book about the place online today, so when it comes, I will think more about all of that. Also ordered a book on Guyana, because I think that is where our May "lori bday trip" may be too. (If you are wanting to shoot me because I am not disclosing details on Kurt's trip here, email me and I will spill).

Livid

What happens when you try to be nice.....

Messages

I came upstairs from working out last night and saw I had like three missed calls, including two voice mails on my phone, from my Dad and my Aunt Marlene. I immediately freaked out, thinking something was wrong with my Grama. So, I called my Aunt back and found out that my Aunt Karen (the one I was just on vacation with), was in the hospital. Of course, nobody knew anything, and was asking me how she was on vacay, to which I responded, fine, until the last day. On the way home, she was coming down with a cold, but that was about it. Well, apparently, her cold escalated into a 106 degree fever and pneumonia! I finally got a hold of her friend, Carl, who had taken her to the clinic and then hospital, who told me that they were releasing her and that she had pneumonia. Still have not talked to her directly, so I don't know more than that.........Then, my Aunt Marlene and Dad were stressing out because they both were trying to call my Grama to tell her about my Aunt Karen, and my Grama was not answering her phone. They ended up calling the apartment she lives in and the front desk told them that there was a leak in her apartment that had screwed up here phone line. Phew. I was like "NO MORE ANYONE GETTING SICK!!!"

So, Kurt and I went into the office on Friday morning, since we had appointments. We totally did not want to be there. Met with the appointments, and decided to come home for a couple hours to nap. While home, a horrible snow and ice storm started. We saw a mail truck in a ditch on the main road near our house. We were supposed to be back in around 2 p.m. Walked outside and saw a car in the ditch right outside our house, and I told Kurt that I did not want to chance the drive in. So, we called Amanda and told her to call all appointments and reschedule, leave, and put up a sign that we were closing for the weather. I was thrilled to not to back in, even though I really need to finish going through the mail......Only got about three quarters through, but I did respond to all emails. The remainder of the weekend, we stayed home with the exception of one trip out to buy some groceries and buy calendars at the mall (since they are now 50% off). I finished another book, did my trip report and pics (which took forever), worked out all three nights, finished another Gilmore Girls disc, and lounged with the pugs.......

It is crazy how long it takes me to get back to normal after a vacation. the time difference was only an hour, but I am exhausted........Not looking forward to work tomorrow, but because of New Years Eve, it is another short work week, which rocks.....For New years Eve, Kurt and I are staying in and doing NOTHING and I can't wait!

Trip Report and Pics

As most of you know, Kurt and I generally take a trip each December, over the holidays, which lasts around 10 days, give or take. This year, it was to the Galapagos Islands, off of Ecuador. While travelling, I try to take notes about what we do and see, so I can remember when I get back. Below is what I typed out while travelling, with some additions upon our return.....



Day 1
Today was mostly travel to Quito. We flew American Airlines through Miami and had a really long layover. We got there at like 9 a.m. and our plane was scheduled to leave again at 330 p.m. We boarded on time, but then, there was a mechanical issue with the plane, so we had to sit in the plane for about an hour and a half while they fixed it. Finally got flying and arrived in Quito around 900 p.m. Went easily through customs and got our luggage. Went outside, and our driver, Alfredo, was there. We were driven to the hotel, Nu House. Very kewl hotel.



Everything is very modern. We were in room 202. We were all starving by this point, so we headed to a place next to the hotel called El Atrio. The food was amazing. Kurt and I both had the sea bass, which was served atop guacamole filled yucca (I had never had yucca before, and I have to say YUM). I started off with a crab mousse, which was interesting…..Not like anything else I have ever had. Kurt started with a ceasar salad that looked amazing. Auntie had onion soup and a roast beef sandwich. She loved the soup, but said the beef was tough……..Headed to bed after that.

Day 2
Got up and head to breakfast at about 8 a.m. Free with our room at a place called Q next door to the hotel. I had fried eggs and toast with orange juice.



After that, walked around a little near the hotel to check out the scenery.



Met our driver, Alfredo, at the hotel for our day tour of Quito, which lasted from 9 until around 3 p.m. We started off at the Basillica, the only church we went to where pictures were allowed.



Which totally killed me at some of these churches, as they were AMAZING. All of this tour was pretty much in the old Coloniel part of the town. After the Basillica, we headed to two other churches, the Church of San Francisco and the La Compania church here (most important in area). La Compania had these two amazing paintings near the door on display, and I loved the one that was an oil painting of hell. Very kewl. I would love a small version of it for the house, but alas, did not see anything like that anywhere while shopping. One of the churches had a museum of really old, kewl catholic artifacts, and a special nativity scene area that was the neatest display I have ever seen.



While walking around Old Town, Quito, Kurt bought some ice cream that was homemade from a lady selling it from a cart, as well as some Yucca chips.



The store fronts were hilarious, my fav being the places that sold shoes. It was incredible how many pairs of shoes were stuffed into a small store.



After that, headed up to El Panecillo, to see a statue of the Virgin Mary with wings.



After that, went to a museum called Central Bank Museum, that displayed the history of Quito and Ecuador. Awesome paintings and artifacts in there. At the end of that tour, we came back to the hotel and headed to a local mall, El Jardin, because my husband, who has issues with doing things for himself, LOL, forgot all his short sleeve shirts and had to buy some. So, we had lunch at the mall, at a place called Cafeteria Jardin. I had rice with shrimp, YUM. Kurt had a tuna sandwich and fries and auntie had a burger and fries. Walked around the mall, found some cheap shirts and left. Came back to our hotel area and walked up and down the streets. I ended up buying a really kewl turquoise scarf (winter) from this Alpaca store. The scarf is soft and gorgeous. And it was cheap. Yay. Had dinner at a local place known for Ecadorian cuisine called Mama Clorinda’s. Kurt had white fish, I had a local fish, and auntie had chicken. We all started out with yummy soup too. Went to bed after that.

Day 3
Got up early to take a shuttle to the airport. Alfredo drove us and got us all checked in. waited for our flight, and we were off. Had a short layover in Guayaquil. Then, off to Baltra where the airport strip in Galapagos is. Here we met Africa and Javier, the naturalists for our trip through Angermeyer Cruises. They took us to a dock to our dinghy and we were off to the vessel, the Maryanne. While waiting to get on the dinghy, we were surrounded by sea lions, all chilling out on the dock. So cute. I heart sea lions. There was a mama and baby that were soooooo cute.



Got to the ship and were assigned our rooms. We were in Room 3, and auntie was across from us in room 4. The rooms were nicer than I expected. Big bathrooms, small cabins, but enough room and we are barely there. Had lunch, which was eaten in a common area with all passengers. All meals are like that here. Funny thing--we are traveling with almost all Danish people. There are 16 people on this yacht and 11 of them are Danish. But, they speak fluent English, so we can talk to them all. Another funny thing, there are 5 kids on our trip. All perfectly behaved and adorable, ranging from ages 8-14. I normally do not like kids being around me constantly, but these kids are great. That afternoon, we did our first hike on South Plaza Island. It was incredible. We got off on this makeshift dock and immediately were laughing at the sea lions, there were 100s of them.



We also, on this hike, saw lizards, iguanas, yellow warblers, frigates, crabs, and other birds. Some of the views were amazing as well. After this, went back to the yacht, and had dinner, and went to bed.



Day 4
Got up and had breakfast, then went to Espanola Island. Went to a beach area, where we were free to roam around. TONS of sea lions, chilling on the beach. We also saw mockingbirds, pelicans, crabs, a stingray and other birds.



After this, went back to the yacht, and changed for snorkeling. Kurt tried for the first time in his life, and as of right now, he does not like it. I, however, had a blast. The fish and coral were amazing. I saw a ton of different fish. After this, went back to the yacht and took a nap before the next hike on Espanola Island. Auntie sat this one out as she was not feeling well. Awesome hike. We saw sea lions galore, including many babies, some as young as a few days old. We also saw waved albatross, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We also saw blue footed boobies, with eggs, Galapagos hawks, frigates, gulls, lizards, with the most brilliant colors I have ever seen.



This hike was VERY rocky. The views were incredible. Oh, we also saw a blowhole. Dinner, then bed.



Day 5
Got up this morning and went to see the tortoises in the wild on a farm on Santa Cruz Island. This was awesome. These tortoises were all between like 30-100 years old. They are HUGE and look dinosaur like.



It was amazing. Also, took a hike in the first there to see the vegetation and such. Can’t even adequately explain how kewl these creatures are. Got on our shuttle and stopped at a lava tunnel, that was really kewl. It is like 10000 years old.



After that, had lunch on the boat, then headed back to the Darwin Station and town. We saw Lonesome George, who is famous because he is the last known Pinta Island tortoise. He is like 150 years old. Also saw a lot of other tortoises here, which they are attempted to mate so the species do not die out.



We also saw iguanas here, and some birds. After that, walked around Puerto Ayora, which is a small town near the water. Bought some postcards, Blue Footed Boobie salt and pepper shakers, and various other small figurines for the office collection. After that, came back to the boat for dinner and bed. While waiting for dinner, we saw a shark in the water. It was pretty freaking kewl to see his fin go in and out of the water. I guess they come around sometimes at night to eat fish near the lights of the boat.

Day 6
Did a morning hike on an island North Seymour Island. Here we saw a ton of birds nesting, including frigates and boobies. This was awesome because we got to see the baby birds, which are adorable, sitting in their nests.



Also saw iguanas, lizards and sea lions, and a ton of crabs. Went snorkeling and saw tons of schools of fish, as well as a stingray and a snake eel. Went snorkeling a second time and saw a ton of fish, and saw 8 white tipped sharks. Pretty freaky, but kewl at the same time. The white tipped sharks are gorgeous, but scary. Went on a second hike on a beach area again (Chinese Hat Island), but with walks up cliffs to see stuff.



The sea lions here were hilarious. One of the dominant males kept chasing us from beach area to beach area to tell us that it was his territory. He was the biggest sea lion I have ever seen. Also saw the albatross birds here, which are only found there. Saw babies as well, which was awesome.

Day 7
Started out today on Isabela Island. It was a beach hike where we saw sea lions, iguanas, lizards, green sea turtles (including two mating), pelicans, frigates, boobies (blue footed), tons of crabs and an awesome landscape.



After that, we took a boat tour of the rest of the island and saw a ton of things, including lots of swimming penguins, iguanas, sea lions, lizards, sea turtles, pelicans, boobies, etc.



Went back to the boat after that and went snorkeling where the penguins were that we saw. It was amazing. We saw about 8 green sea turtles, a ton of penguins, including about 20 that swam right under me, starfish, different kinds of fish, etc. Prob the best snorkeling yet. It is amazing to see the turtles and penguins while snorkeling. After that, went on another hike at Fernandina Island on a volcano field. It was very hot there. We saw 1000s of iguanas. It was kinda insane. Everywhere you turned, there was an iguana. At one point, Kurt counted 102 just in his site alone, and I am sure he missed some.



Here, we also saw the marine iguanas who swim in the water. Also saw the cormorants, which are flightless birds and only found in the Galapagos. Saw a baby in the nest too. Here we also saw green sea turtles and the hawk billed turtle, which had amazing colors. Also saw a lot of birds, including pelicans, frigates and boobies, as well as sea lions, lizards, and crabs.



Came back to the boat after that, where we ended up seeing whales, about 4 of them, in the water near the boat. Was not expecting to see whales, so that was amazing. We also got to go into the captain’s area to watch the coordinates turn to 0’0’0 (meaning we were on the line of the equator.)

Day 8
Today visited Santiago Island (Puerto Egas) and Rabida Island. Started out with a hike on Santiago where we saw lots of fur seals (SOOO cute), iguanas, sea lions, oyster catcher bird, yellow crested heron, yellow warbler, crabs, lizards, pelicans and boobies.



The walk was on a lava field. After the hike, we snorkeled at the black sand beach there. Kurt tried snorkeling again, but was not happy with the equipment and his snorkel broke. I saw sea turtles, one shark, and tons of fish. Swam really far on this one and was pretty tired afterwards. Took a short nap, then boarded the dinghy for a second snorkel. This was off of Rabida, which is a red sand beach. Nice snorkel, but only saw a lot of schools of fish and a new fish, the mackerel. After the hiking, the captain put the sails up on the ship, which looked so cool. The ride was interesting though, much different than with the motor on.



Day 9
Visited Santiago Island again and Bartolome Island today. Took two hikes.



One was on a huge lava island, that had awesome views of pinnacle rock and volcanoes. The second was a hike up 360 stairs to a ledge that overlooked the ocean and gave an awesome view of pinnacle rock and a lot of wildlife. Tiring hike, but not as bad as we thought it would be!



There was one snorkel that afternoon as well, which I skipped because I was exhausted! Took a nap with Kurt instead….

Day 10
Got up early to go to Mosquera Island. We were not able to land and walk around because the tide was too low, but we did see a lot of sea lions and wildlife on shore…..Came back to the boat and got ready to disembark. Walked around a souvenir area at the airport and bought a deck of cards and a cute blue footed boobie tote bag.



Flew back to Quito and were met by a driver who took us to our hotel for our last night. Had dinner at Rodriguez’s, which was a yummy Mexican place right outside the hotel. After that, went to the room and just chilled. We were both exhausted.

Day 11
Got up super early on Xmas to be taken to the airport. The rest of the day consisted of flights home. We kept trying to jump on flights to get home sooner, with no luck--all were full.



No delays on any flights, but did not get home until like 930 p.m. Kurt was convinced that we would be held up at the Chicago Airport, because they are known for delays, but we were not even held up there, thankfully!



The remainer of the pictures from my trip can be found here for Galapagos, and here for Quito.

Happy holidays everyone!!

Pictures

I have not finished the trip report yet, but here are links to the pics for now....which pretty much explain what i did on the trip, right?

Galapagos Portion of Trip, click here.

Quito Portion of Trip, click here.

I will post the trip report prob tomorrow.

Eek

So glad I did not have Internet access on the yacht, as i would have refrained from snorkeling with so many sharks, LOL.

Read this.

Almost 700+

We are waiting in Chicago for our flight to Detroit. It has been a LONG day of travelling and I will be thrilled to be home to see the pugs and Bugsy. We had to get up at 415 a.m. and flew from Quito to Miami to Chicago and soon to Detroit, if we are not delayed. No delays yet, but I guess Chicago and american airlines are known for that.....

We had an amazing time in Galapagos. I have not downloaded anything yet, but I think I took about 700+ pictures. I actually filled one memory card, which I have never done. I had another one though, so it was fine. I spent a lot of time in the water, which is rare for me since Kurt does not like water stuff, and I loved it. I could snorkel for hours and not get tired of it.

I will leave you with a couple highlights and lowlights of the trip, until I get home and can download pics and do a trip report.

Highlights:

1. Snorkeling with penguins, sharks, and sting rays. oh, and a snake eel!
2. The guides and crew on the ship
3. The amazing hikes where we saw so much wildlife, none of which was scared of us. I love baby sea lions.

Lowlights:

1. Food. The food was OK. enough where I did not go hungry, but nothing to rave about.
2. Constantly being around PEOPLE. I think that's part of the reason I don't like cruises, is you almost always have to be social unless you stay in your room.
3. The layovers on the flights. UGH.

Merry Christmas everyone! Or Happy Holidays! :). Hope everyone had a nice holiday.

Bienvenidos a Miami

So, we are in Miami. I guess I forgot we had a fairly long layover here. The flight from Detroit to Miami was good, a tiny amount of turbulence, but nothing major. We got here, had a little bit of breakfast (I had an awesome everything bagel and Kurt had pizza (healthy breakfast, Kurt....LOL). Aunt Karen had already eaten something on the plane that I missed, because I slept the majority of the flight. Kurt did too, which is shocking........Now we are sitting here, after paying the $7.95 to surf the net (well worth it since we have a layover from 9:00 a.m. until like 235 p.m.......

Went to bed last night at like 900 p.m., but had to get up at 300 a.m. Ugh. So, technically got 6 hours of sleep, but I always sleep restlessly before early morning flights, because I am type A and thinking I will miss a flight or an alarm. Never had, but my mind works kinda crazy like that......

All of us have used the net, I called the office twice, called my Mom, called my Dad, Aunt Karen called Grama.....We keep hearing flights leaving to kewl places and we are all ready to get out of here and jump on those....There have been flights to Liberia, Belize City, Panama City......hehe.

Oh, and the Miami airport? Sucks. Every time I come here, which seems like a lot since it is the main layover airport (it and Houston) for Central America, I wonder why Miami does not have a more modern, upscale airport. the food selection sucks. Beside Au Bon Pain where I got my bagel, everything else is totally unhealthy and horrible and they have no sit down restaurants, at least in the layover area we are in. And it's ugly. And they barely have any plugs to recharge your stuff. But, i am excited to get out of here soon and to Quito and the turtles! :).

Privacy

My private thoughts.....

Can't hardly Wait

Took the pugs for their baths and nail trims last night. They were all supposedly, really good! Which is great, because they all hate getting their nails trimmed. They use the "grinder" now, so many that made a difference. Who knows.

Soooooo, we are all packed. Waited until late afternoon, which is pretty normal for us, LOL, but we are packed. Each of us packed our hiking backpacks, my camera backpack is ready, the computer bag is ready, and one extra plane bag is ready, and the toiletries bag. I am shocked Kurt fit everything in his backpack, as he brought a TON of stuff into the kitchen to throw in, and I thought there was no way in hell he was fitting in in there, LOL. Somehow, he did.

Oh, and I did all my Xmas cards this afternoon, after getting home from work. I wrote out 120. I should have bought more, because I did not have enough to send them to everyone I wanted to. Close enough though. Kory is going to mail them for me at the office tomorrow. I am shocked I got them done before we left, so yay! Now, I dont have to write them all out when I get back! :).

Our travel agent called for a last minute check-in today, although I did not really need anymore info.....She has been so on top of everything, I would recommend her agency to anyone, but since they only do Galapagos, Peru, etc., most people prob woudl not be able to use her. They were the most organized, informative place I have ever dealt with.

Anyway, everyone, have an awesome holiday season. Talk to you when I get back....

Final Countdown

So, we leave Monday morning at 6:00 a.m.! Crazy, eh? I can't freaking wait. It will be so weird having no internet access and email for the majority of the trip. I may have withdrawals, but I think I will be OK. I am going to take my computer anyway, as the hotel in Quito has wireless for the two days we are there, and I can log my trip report each night on the boat as well so I don't forget anything. I think I will come back to like 2000 emails, LOL.

Yesterday was my and Kurt's 7th wedding anniversary. :). We have been together 12 years, and really count our dating anniversary moreso than our wedding, but still, it was our anniversary! Happy Anniversary to us! We spent the day in court and working, but went to dinner last night for sushi. Yum. I got EXHAUSTED at the end of dinner--I think the insanity of this week finally hit me. The office was pretty crazy with the 30 hearings we had as well as a lot of people coming in and things just needing to be set before our vacay. So, we came home and chilled and just went to bed. I put some laundry in and cleaned up the kitchen some, but I had no energy for anything else.

This morning, we went into the office for 3 hours, had two apppointments with new people and I filed 8 bankruptcies. That was time consuming, as I usually, at the most, file 3 at a time. I really wanted to get all of them sitting there filed before we left for vacay left. Only have three more to do, which I may try and do tomorrow when we go in. I also did a few things with family law, went through the Saturday mail and distributed, wrote out checks for all our bills due while we are gone............Came home and decided to run to Kohls and Kmart. I had a 15% off coupon for Kohl's, and both kurt and I really needed some new gloves. We have issues with gloves and knowing where they are......So, I got some great deals at Kohls. Bought two t-shirts (for vacay), one long sleeve dress shirt at work, a photo album for our recent Costa Rica trip, gloves for Kurt, gloves for me....All for under $70. Went to Kmart, I was looking for these cotton shorts I like for hiking. They did not have those, but I bought two throw blankets for $5 each. Throw blankets are another item that seen to disappear at our house, but I think they are in Kory's room......The pugs have appointments to get baths and nail trims at Petsmart at 5, and we need to pick up food for them and Bugsy for when we are gone......Oh, we stopped today and bought a life jacket for Kurt too. I guess the ones on the yacht are really bulky and hard to use while snorkeling, so we bought him a more compact one. Hopefully, it works well so he can see stuff in the water.

More later......

Awarded

I won an award! Yay for me! Thanks, Katie, for awarding me! :). And thanks to Mel for designing it initially (she is super talented).

Here are the rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.

2. Link me for giving it to you. (see above)

3. Link the originating post here. (thanks Mel).

4. Pass the award on to five more deserving people.

5. Post these rules for your recipients.

I am going to try and list blogs below that I know have not yet received the award, so here goes....

1. Sarah at Cold Hard Bitch

2. Julia at Adventures in Dating

3. Shannon at My View on Things

4. Nicole at Williams Family

5. Jennifer at Cardinal Red

Bitch

Secret Snarkiness for You.

Rambling Like Rory

I felt like I was running around all day like a chicken with my head cut off. Except I don't really like that image (being a vegetarian and all), so let's just go with I was way too freaking busy, thanks to Kurt scheduling 30+ hearings for us this week, to try and "get everything done before we leave for vacation". Ugh. My husband is insane. But, i have known that for some time....

Had two family law hearings this morning. One got a good result, the other settled the case with almost exactly what my client wants. Came back to the office, and had to turn around and go back downtown almost immediately for another hearing, which I may secret blog about. It was exasperating, but the case ended up settling. Don't like to public blog about annoying legal stuff and people, so the secret blog it may be.

So, I was only in the office a total of MAYBE an hour today. While there, i returned about 6 phone calls, made amendments to a Judgment of Divorce, checked my email, printed relevant emails, made changes to a Consent Order, talked to a client who stopped in, sent a couple emails to clients, drank half a Diet Cherry Coke, talked to my paralegal and secretary some, and bitched to Kurt about this attorney I had to deal with today who is horrible. Yea, I can do a lot in a short time period. I may be the ultimate multi-tasker. Ha.

Came home and made dinner. Wanted to use the leftover to die for cheesy potatoes, so I heated up those and made tuna patty melts, which were pretty good. I think I could add something to give them that something extra, but not sure what. Maybe some onion salt? Kurt liked them though, which is good. Worked out, watched The Gilmore Girls.......

Finally talked to my Mom today too. We keep missing each other, and she said it reminded her of that episode of The Gilmore Girls when rory is at Yale and her and her Mom keep leaving each other messages and end up not talking for like a week. Seriously, if you watch The Gilmore Girls and have seen a lot of the episodes, a LOT of things in life relate to that show. Kurt has been watching a TINY bit while working out with me, but he calls it a "girl show". I told him tonight the reason I like the name Luke is because of the show, and then I asked him if we could name our first kids Luke and Lorelei. I think he buys Luke, but for sure not Lorelei. And yea, he hates the name rory even more. Boo on him. And Patti and Babette did not get me anywhere either. HAHA. He wanted to know if anyone on the show has a normal name, and I said YES! Dean, Emily, Richard.........I am on Season 5 now, Rory's second year at Yale. Love this show. I am going to cry when I get done with them all. I truly don't think anything can measure up. It's classic.

So tomorrow, my goal is to get a LOT of paperwork done. I have no court, and very few appointments in the office. Assuming the phone behaves itself, and people stopping in remains calm, I have a very good chance.

Kurt's new Keens were delivered today. My new Eccos came last week, so I think everything is here for the trip. Whoot! Now, I have to make everything suddenly appear in my luggage. That will most likely happen on Sunday. I amm thrilled that Kurt's super huge Merrell hiking boots will not have to make this trip. That takes about 20 pounds out of his backpack. He will thank me, even though he called his Keens "gay". Kory thinks they are kewl though, so too bad Kurt, you are wearing them and liking it! :). Seriously though, he will thank me when he can jump off the dinghy, into the water and not continually change his shoes or walk around in wet hiking boots.

Yum

Tonight, after working late (ugh), and running a school boardd errand, I decided to make dinner, which turned out awesome. I made two recipes I found online, the first being Parmesean Cod and the second a Cheesy Potato Casserole, which I modified slighly. With the potato recipe, I substitued Morningstar Bacon, low fat sour cream, low fat cheese, and with the choice of soup, I used cream of potato. Both meals were AWESOME. The potatoes were incredible. Kory had already eaten and could not resist eating some. The meal was nice too, because I could fit a workout in while everything cooked. The potaoes took 60 minutes, then I put the fish in and worked out another 10 minutes. Perfecto! :). And, we have another half pan of the potatoes left.

I woke up in the middle of the night last night, not feeling well. But stomach was really bothering me, and I sat up for a while in bed, unable to sleep. But, after getting up and walking around a bit, I felt slightly better and went to sleep. But, it meant being exhausted today. Ugh. And the phone was insane at the office. So, I am pretty zonked now at the end of the day.

My pictures came in the mail today from our Osa trip over Labor Day. They came out really good. I need to order an album for them now. :). Also, all my books for the trip came in the mail the past couple days. Yay.

Off to bed......

Holiday Survey

Stolen from Mindy...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Gift Bags. I despise wrapping gifts.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree?

I have not in many years, but usually after Thanksgiving, that weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down?

After Xmas, as soon as possible.

5. Do you like eggnog?

No.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

my Grampa made me a dollhouse as a kid, I loved that. Real carpet. Really wood. Gorgeous.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

my Grama.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

My Aunt Karen.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Beef Jerky

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Home Alone

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

After Xmas, weirdly enough. I am usually out of town for about two weeks, right around Xmas.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

NO. This is totally tacky.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Cookies. Mashed potatoes. If I am at home, anyone. Usually, we are out of the country, and I like to eat local cuisine.

16. Lights on the tree?

Duh. Yes. Cobalt blue, please.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Santa Baby.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yep.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

how materalistic I realize this country truly is.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

Cobalt Blue and Silver

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

Like I said, we are usually out of the country, so local cuisine.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

to be on vacation, which I am getting.

26. Lights, blinking or always on? always on.

Cooking and Working

Hmm, since Thursday.

Made a yummy cajun swordfish on Thursday night, with scalloped potatoes (leftover) and rice for dinner. I don't know how long this cooking thing will last, but I am really enjoying it. My Mom says it will come and go (she thinks it's hereditary, LOL). My Mom is an amazing cook though, so it I end up anything like her, I will be awesome! :). I am getting quite the selection of spices and such from following these recipes. For this one, I had to buy thyme and oregano.

Friday night, we went out for sushi, and they had taken my fav appetizer off the menu! I about died! But, they still had some there, so the sushi chef made it for me. They also said that since I was so devastated, they would keep some there just for me! Unnecessary, but nice just the same. I love the shrimp wontons.

Saturday and Sunday, we worked both days. So fun. Ugh. Necessary to prepare for vacay though. We have to leave caught up entirely. We were supposed to go to Misty's surprise 30th bday party on Saturday night, but Kory had the flu, Kurt was feeling exhausted, and my cold flared up again AND the weather was blizzard like at the ranch. So, stayed in and I pretty much slept the entire night, then made dinner. Fetticini Alfredo with veggies and Boca sausage.

I have been looking up kewl cooking accessories online, to expand my kitchen. I really need to get a nice knife set (my knife block was just a lower end Target set I got years ago as a wedding gift). I was also looking at a really kewl potato masher tonight online, and I would love a panini press/grill. I keep adding stuff to my Kaboodle list, so I can remember them. I really want a kitchen scale too. I found this recipe to make, which requires 1.5 pounds of cod, and I have no idea how to figure that out without a scale. I found a kewl one online, but will only buy stuff with the 20% off coupons at Bed Bath and Beyond.......

Other than that, not much going on. Have a ton to do before we leave in about a week! Would like to get my Xmas cards out (but no idea on if that will happen or not), need to pack, have a board meeting, work, etc. Plus, our court schedule is insane this week.......

The weather here has been atrocious though, and I can't wait to be in gorgeous weather for a while. :).

Choices

Choices.

Where Did I Go?

I think I have officially gone batty.

OK, maybe not, but i have been doing some strange things lately.

Today, Rebecca, I got out my Kitchenaid Mixer! The one you said was really nice, but I have literally not touched since I fawned over it at my wedding shower in 2001? Yea, that one. I think I pretty much wanted it because it was cobalt blue (my fav color), and a must have item on a registry. We all know I do not spend much time baking or cooking in the kitchen. Tonight, I made Peanut Crisps. Yummy. And the mixer makes things SOOO much easier. Seriously, what was I thinking not using this beautiful machine before? Makes everything so much easier.

Last night, I made Kurt grilled halibut with an onion parsley sauce that I made from a recipe as well. These were super yummy too, but not from scratch. Found the potatoes at the grocery store in the frozen food section. Yum.

Seriously though, being sick and all, I have no idea what is going on with me, but I guess Kurt is benefitting from it, LOL.

Ordered the pics from our Labor Day Costa Rica trip today. Need to buy an album now. Also ordered two pairs of shoes for our upcoming trip. I did not want to lug around Kurt's Merrell hiking boots, so I ordered him some Keen hiking sandals and myself some new ones too by Ecco. I have one pair that the lovely Rebecca gave me, but I wanted one more so I can have two pairs on vacation.

Anyway, off to try to sleep off some more of this stupid cold. Sunday night, I started to feel sick, and by Monday, full fledged cold. Ugh. Hopefully it clears up soon. AARGH.

Holiday Weekend

So, one would think with my lack of working this weekend I would have had time to post daily? Yea, you already know that did not happen, but I will try to catch everyone up here.

Thanksgiving we got up and headed to Bay City to spend time with Kurty's Mom. We picked her up at the hospital where Kurt's Grama is, so we got to see her as well. She seemed SOOO much better, and they are thinking she will be released soon. Which is fab. We went to eat then at a place I had found online. Ironically, even though Kurt's Mom rarely ventures out of Pinconning, she had just eaten there two weeks prior for an anniversary party for a good friend of her's. Even more strangely, NONE of us had turkey. So, we were part of the 10% of the country who did not eat turkey on Thanksgiving. Kurt and his Mom had fish and chips, and I had a shrimp alfredo, all of which was very good. started out with salad and ended up some tiramisu. Decided to head back to Pinconning after that. On the way, we stopped and looked at the outside of his sister's new house that they just bought (on 20 acres), and to see his grama's renovations on her house. While she has been in the hospital, her kids and grandkids have been doing some major work on her house. It looks awesome. Spent the rest of the day at Kurt's Mom's house, talking and looking through old picture slides. Kurt was looking for one particular picture, which he could not find, but I did find a bunch I would like to get made into pics. Now I just need to figure out how to do that. Anybody know?

Friday, we stopped into the office, very shortly, to check on Amanda and give her some things to do for the day. After that, came home and cleaned. A lot. I love my house, but, with three dogs, Kory's dog, a cat, and my work schedule, it is REALLY hard to stay on top of things. I read online about how much other people clean and I feel like a slob, but when I told Kurt this, he reminded me that most people work normal work weeks and have a lot more time at home. Anyway, we got a lot done, which was nice. Fixed a couple things too, like the main light in the kitchen which has been driving me nuts. Friday night, we went to dinner at Vaquereo's, then stopped at Kroger's for some more cleaning supplies, and stayed in the rest of the night. No Black Friday shopping for me! :).

Saturday, I kept the cleaning thing going. I cleaned out the entire refrigerator, removing everything as well as the shelving units and scrubbed it. The frig looks brand new, it's kinda scary. Also organized the freezer (which was pretty clean really). I then removed everything from the kitchen cupboards to reorganize, which was great. I now know where all my sauce pans, fry pans, baking goods, etc., are. I removed the ugly ass liners from the cupboards and drawers that I have always hated (the old owner like "country" style, which I detest). Also mopped some and Kurt did a lot too. That night, headed to Sterling Heights to pick up Julia and Tony for dinner. They are visiting from Cali, and she is pretty much one of the only people that could get Kurt to drive to Macomb County. SOOO much traffic there. Went to dinner at a local Italian place where Jamie met up with us too (julia's sister), and had a fabulous time. It was awesome to see them and catch up. I miss her tons. :(. I don't blame anyone for wanting to leave this hell state, but at the same time, I hate how far away she is!

Today, went grocery shopping, then made my mac and cheese for Thanksgiving at my Aunt's. Headed over there, and it started to turn into blizzard weather. Nice. Got there, and had an awesome dinner. My mac and cheese was a hit! :). Well, I should say Martha's mac and cheese, but I am calling it mine. It was nice to sese everyone, and now we are home. :).

So, it was nice to not work for 4 days. It went by much too quickly, but, not too long now until we leave for Galapagos. Kurt has been researching new places for us to go, and now he wants to go to Guyana and Gabon. I think he has an infatuation with places that start with the letter G? haha. Flights seem really cheap right now. He was looking up flights over Memorial Day, and to fly to San Jose, Costa Rica, or Panama, it's umder $300, which is crazy good. Guyana, which is by Brazil, was only $400 something...........

oh, I almost forgot! I was feeling domestic this weekend, maybe all the cleaning.....I made Kurt breakfast TWICE (which is totally rare). Morning one he got french toast, which sadly, I have never made. I revised a recipe online I found and added cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg and salt to the mix. Turned out fabulous. Then I made him cheesy scrambled eggs (which I added some onions to) with fake sausage and tator tots in the deep fryer. Looked awesome.............Kurt is way spoiled.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! :).

The Day Before

Work was actually really nice today! Our trial this morning was settled, so we had NO court today, which is totally rare. Anyway, I got the chance to get a LOT of paperwork done. It's still not all done, but I plowed through more than half of it, and I was thrilled. Sometimes the small stuff just starts to add up and annoys me. Am glad to get it all off my desk. We took Amanda and Misty to lunch for Amanda's birthday, which was yesterday. It was nice. We went to Mexican Gardens. Next week is Misty's 30th, so we will prob go out again!

It totally felt like Friday today, so we went out for sushi tonight. It was super yummy, as usual. They were pretty busy, so we could not get seating in the bar area where we like to sit and were put in the dining room. RIGHT next to a couple with a screaming child. And the kid was not screaming in a crying kinda way. It was a high pitched noise or "MOOOOOOOOOOMY" kinda thing, like "pay attention to me" cry. AAARRRRGH. I am sorry, but why do people bring their 2 year olds to upscale restaurants? I know this kid must act this way on a regular basis. You could tell from her behavior that she was used to being spoiled and the center of attention. There were other kids there, quiet as a mouse. I just think when your kids start acting like that, you should get up and either leave entirely, or go outside. I would be soooo embarassed if that were me, and my child was ruining a lot of people's meals. On the other hand, if I had a kid that age, I would be going to more appropriate places for my child to enjoy and for me to not worry as much about their behavior. Anyway, we finally asked to be moved because I could not even concentrate on what kurt was saying. Every time either one of us would speak, we were interrupted with "AHHHH, MOOOOOOOMMMYYY" and we could not hear anything. It was SOOOOO much nicer in the bar. The waitress told us, after we moved, that the couple had been sitting there for two hours and the kid had not stopped doing that the ENTIRE night. Wow.

Stopped at Target after dinner because I wanted to look for Travel Scrabble. I saw a version of it in my Restoration Hardware catalog, and was thinking it might be cheaper elsewhere, and I was right! Found it! Also bought this glass pan with a carrier since I am making mac and cheese for this weekend, and I have nothing to transport it in. Picked up a new dog toy for the pugs (which Vito is hounding) and a new alarm clock, since ours recently died.

Anyway, we will be gone a lot of the day tomorrow, so I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! :). I am going to type the first 20 things that come to my head that I am thankful for this year.

1. My awesome husband and amazing marriage.
2. My "babies", i.e. Gretel, bugsy, Vito and Oscar
3. My Mom and how she can be both my Mom and one of my best friends
4. The time my Mom gets to spend with my new nephew, Nick
5. My thriving law practice, despite the bad economy
6. My camera
7. The ability to take the vacations I want
8. Obama winning for President (and in turn, keeping Sarah Palin out of the VP seat)
9. Emma Lynn, Kerry's new baby
10. My Saab
11. XM Radio
12. Rebecca
13. Apple stock
14. My iPhone
15. Sephora and Ulta
16. All my friends and online blogging friends
17. My uncoming trip to the Galapagos
18. The new superintendent working out well so far at the school
19. My new haircut
20. The rest of my family.

The Bronx

Had dinner with my Aunt tonight and saw A Bronx Tale at the Fisher Theatre. It was a one man show, and really good! The restaurant was good too....There is this restaurant in the Fisher, and I swear, it changes ownership, type of food, and name like once a year. I think the place does not do well during non-theatre season, because it's in an area of Detroit that is not busy unless there are plays going on. Anyway, it is not a pizza place, and they also serve other entrees during shows. We both ended up getting salad and pizza. I got mine with crab, and cajun crust, which was super yummy. I have never had cajun pizza crust. I highly recommend it though.

Today was crazy at the office, and I am dealing with a client who is kinda a loon. Thrilling. I will secret blog about that though, and I have another case to update you on......

Thanks for the Suggestions!

So, I ended up placing a Half.com order and got the following:

Love the One You're With

Second Wives Club

Gold Diggers

Daddy's Girls

I don't really want to bring more than that because of luggage restrictions......Hope they are all good!

Book Suggestions

OK, girls! I need suggestions! I am not very knowledgable about authors, books, etc., mostly because I never have time to really read.

I need help.

I am leaving for vacay on Dec 15 and will gone until Dec 25. I am going to have several flights, and a yacht, to read on. So, I need to buy a few books to take with me. I hate buying at the airport, because it's so much cheaper online.

Here is what I tend to gravitate towards: I do not like intellectual reading. I do that ALL DAY at my office, and when I want to relax, I don't want to "think" or analyze or whatever. I like fiction. I LOVE Jackie Collins. She is prob my fav author. So the "beach sex girlie novel" is kinda what I am looking for. I have read some other authors as well, such as Danielle Steele, etc., but am looking for something new. Oh, and I loved the Sophie Kinsella (sp?) series.

Any suggestions? :). Thanks in advance.

Itinerary

Came home today, after working a fairly late night, to a great piece of mail! My final trip itinerary is here! Complete with the names of the Equadorians picking us up from the airport, flight numbers, etc. I can't freaking wait to leave! Only 21 days!

So, Kurt talked to his Mom today about Thanksgiving. We are visiting hiss Grama in the hospital, then doing dinner with his Mom. She tells Kurt that everything up there is open on Thanksgiving. I highly questioned this since almost nothing near us is open, and yea, I would be right. I called a bunch of chain places and nothing is open. Finally found a place that is open, and therefore, made a reservation. Hopefully, it's OK. It looks nice though. Nice for Bay City, anyway. :). It will be nice to see his Mom anyway. Friday, I may brave the crowds and try to find some sales, Saturday, we are having dinner with Julia and Tony who will be visiting, and Sunday, dinner with my family at my Aunt's.

Anyway, had a long day at work and am super tired, so I can going to sign off here.

Beer, Domestic Stuff, Babies, Fights and Almost Acccidents

Friday night, Rebecca came to the office, as she had a coupon for a free pizza that she wanted to uses at Old Chicago. Her, Kurt, Kory and I headed there and had dinner. Decided to go bowling after that, and the place we wanted to bowl at was booked solid, so we headed to another place I had never been to before. While there, Britton and his friend, Doug, showed up, and we all bowled. It was fun. I downed a beer, which I NEVER drink, so I was majorly buzzed. Doug was slightly obnoxious. He is one of those guys who says, every other second, "Why arent you drinking? You need to drink more". Since I am not 18, this does not really work on me. Sadly, it does work on Kory and Britton, LOL. Anyway, headed home after that, since we had to work at 9 on Saturday....

Worked half a day on Saturday, then spent the rest of the day at home. I was feeling domestic (or something), so I made my homemade mac and cheese, with salmon burgers for dinner. Super yummy. Britton and kory ended up eating too, since they walked in as I was finishing up and I had made enough for like 6 people, LOL. The mac and cheese is always a winner. Kory and Britton liked the salmon burgers, but Kurt thought they were disgusting, LOL, and I was not completely sold on them either. Need to try a different receipe next time. Also, my Tastefully Simple order was delivered, so I made the Cheery Cherry Crisp for Kurt and it turned out really yummy too. And SOOO easy to make. Literally took 5 minutes for prep, then 40minutes in the oven. Ordered Gretel her winter sweater online. It is super cute, and I am hoping that Whiskey will leave her alone this winter and not tear it to shreds. It has been soooo cold here, and she shivers every time she goes outside. Poor little Gretel.

Today, I got up and headed to Ann Arbor to meet Emma Lynn Zain, the newest addition to the family of my friends, Kerry and Max. Emma is totally precious. SOOO tiny. I got to hold her for quite some time, and feed her. It is so incredible to hold and feed such a small baby. Love it. Does not make me want one AT ALL (at least yet), but, I just love babies. anyway, Sara and Nora were super fun to play with too, and they seemed excited about their baby sister. Kerry and Max really do make some gorgeous children........and super smart children. Nora's vocabulary is incredible for a child her age. Anyway. Had a really nice time there and then decided to head to Sam's Club. See the pics from the visit here.

Weirdest thing happened there. I was pulling into the middle aisle, trying to find a place to park. A minivan in front of me stops, and I see two guys in the van talking to two guys walking into the store. I assumed that they were friends or something. I am getting annoyed, because I can't move and I want to park. The two guys in the minivan jump out and start talking to the two guys standing there. And then, out of noplace, they all start fighting. Hardcore. Like, the one guy pulled his belt off and started beating the other guy with it, punches are being thrown, guys are on the ground......WOW. Anyway, I just sit there with my mouth open, assuming that somebody else will call the police. Then, I start to get worried about my car, so I back up slowly and pull into a spot that has opened up. I walk into the store and am thinking maybe this is not the best neighborhood, LOL. By the time I came out, the cops were there, but I have no idea what happened to everyone. Crazy. Never again am I going to the Ypsilanti Sam's Club.

Oh, crazy experience on Friday morning. Kurt and I were on our way to work and at our last turn to the office. Kurt was slowing down, as the light was red. We hit black ice, and start sliding and cannot stop, because everything in front of us is black ice too. Also in front of us are stopped cars at a light. Kurt did not want to rear end them, so he went over a curb and into the parking lot of a gas station. He then pulled out into the turnlane. Pretty freaky. We are sitting at the light, and we see a lady literally spin out, in the exact same spot we had slid, then slide into a telephone pole, which starts to FALL in the direction of our car! Her entire front end of her car has collapsed and she jumps out of her car, and see two little kids in the back seat. She is freaking out, calling someone. I was going to get out and help her, but someone else had already stopped and she had a phone, so I figured I wasa safer staying put. Anyway, we were slightly freaking as that totally could have been us. Anyway. Later on, Kory stopped into that gas station, and they told him that AFTER that lady crashed, 6 more cars crashed into her, causing a 7 car pileup! I am so glad we missed that, as we would have been the first car if Kurt had not driven so reactively. Scary.

What Have you Done Lately?

Stolen from Rebecca and Emily and Jennifer--things I have done are in bold, things I would NEVER do are in red, and things I have not done but would do are in italics.

1. Started your own blog (which I have had since 2004, crazy)
2. Slept under the stars (in camp in junior high, I love sleeping outside, but would prefer tents now, LOL)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (loved Hawaii. We went in December 2005)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (I do donate do charities on a regular basis, but would never donate more than I can afford)
7. Been to Disneyland/world (I have been to World several times, and Land once; I preferred Land, but love animal kingdom in World)
8. Climbed a mountain (not technically up the side or anything, but Kurt and I have done countless hikes "in the mountains")
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (did this all the time in high school)
11. Bungee jumped (I have neck issues, and I think this would really bother me physically)
12. Visited Paris (France is not at the top of my list, but since I want to see the world, it is on the list)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (the worst time was the time I ate ribs from Max and Ermas; after that date, I have never craved ribs again, UGH)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (tried would be more like it, LOL; but I did grow some as a kid that came out well)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (meh. I will never say never, but train is not really a form of travel that I want to experience, unless it's like a dinner train)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (best one ever was in Panama, Dec 2006, from the top of the Canopy Towers hotel)
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (I would love to visit both Germany and Poland)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (limited Spanish)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing ( I would love to learn this)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (Yea, I pretty much rock, haha)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa (this is one of my dream destinations, in specific, Zambia)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (snorkeling, and I love it)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I wish I still could. part of donating is you cannot have been to certain foreign countries in the past so many years, and I never qualify)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (I do have photography published in a book though)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

None of my Business

Sigh.

Gossip

Read about it here.

Holidays Cards Discussion

So, the holiday cards are ordered! :). I used Snapfish again, but the actual card is going to remain a mystery until I send it out! I was unsure I had a pic I wanted to use, but I forgot about one I loved that was taken this year. So, once they are mailed, I will post a pic of it here for everyone to see!

Cards and taking my Christmas trip are like the two things I really love about the holidays! Goal is to get the cards out BEFORE we leave for vacay this year, hence ordering them somewhat early.

So, to entice interaction here, let's talk holiday cards. Do you send them? If so, what type and with pics or no? Do you prefer getting cards with pics or without? Do you like those holiday newsletters that families do, or do you do one for your family? Do you not send cards?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting pic cards from everyone. I also love getting holiday newsletters so we can read how people are doing. I only get a couple of those each year. My friend Dawn in Cali does not, and I love it. My friend Jill did one last year too, and I loved reading it.

I kinda wanted to do one this year, but Kurt is trying to talk me out of it. He thinks that people take the holiday newsletters as "bragging" or something like that, and he does not want my talk of what we have been doing to be taken as bragging by other people. I really don't think our friends and family would think that of us, because they KNOW us....................My friend Dawn's is so cute. They do a "recipe" that has been their fav for the year, as well as talk about any trips they have taken and what they have been doing careerwise (they don't have kids).

Anyway, would love to hear what everyone does! I guess I know on some of you, since you send me a card, LOL. But, let's talk cards! :).

Just Another Day in the Hood

Crazy busy day today. I hate when work starts to pile up on my desk. It always happens the weeks when Kurt and I both end up in court a lot of the mornings. I was in court this morning, and prob have to go the next two mornings too. Ugh. Like this morning, we had court in three buildings, 5 hearings, so we both had to go. I did two bankruptcy hearings, and the other one I was supposed to do got postponed.

Got back to the office to a package! I forgot I had ordered some stuff from this site I like, For Counsel. Bought Kurt two ties, here and here, and bought him this hilarious pair of boxers. Bought this really kewl pic for my office too, but need to buy a frame now. I did not like the one offered on the site. The stuff is all really nice.

Started driving or "winter" vehicles, which sucks. We park the Porsches in the Winter, and Kurt is making me park the Saab too (sob), so we are back to driving the Saturn and Jeep. Which is better for the cars with winter weather, but I am going to miss my baby! The Saab is not 100% parked yet though, so I may get a few more drives out of her. The weather here is horrible. I am shivering every time I go outside, and this is wearing a heavy wool coat, scarf, etc. Ugh.

Saw a great hearing in court today. The two attys were YELLING at each other, calling each other names, etc. The Judge at one point threatened to throw them both in jail. Which did not happen, but it is not common for the Judge to threaten that because attys are not controlling themselves. I have never seen an atty thrown in jail in a family law case, but I think the day is coming! I can't believe how worked up some people get.

Felt a headache coming on tonight, so I am glad I have a massage appt tomorrow night. I need it..........

15 feet

Secret one.

Songs from Graduation

Mindy posted this, and I am copying! :).

Go to this site: http://www.musicoutfitters.com/

At the top in the search box, type in the year you graduated, then cut and copy the songs here.

For all the songs you liked, or even kinda liked, bold them. For songs you do not know, italicize. For songs you did not like, make them a different color.

**I prob know some of these songs I italicized, but often, I tend to not recognize the names of songs, so.......

1. Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio
2. Waterfalls, TLC
3. Creep, TLC
4. Kiss From A Rose, Seal
5. On Bended Knee, Boyz II Men
6. Another Night, Real McCoy
7. Fantasy, Mariah Carey
8. Take A Bow, Madonna
9. Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days), Monica
10. This Is How We Do It, Montell Jordan (totally loved this song. Total dance song for me and my friends)
11. I Know, Dionne Farris
12. Water Runs Dry, Boyz II Men
13. Freak Like Me, Adina Howard
14. Run-Around, Blues Traveler
15. I Can Love You Like That, All-4-One
16. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?, Bryan Adams
17. Always, Bon Jovi
18. Boombastic/In The Summertime, Shaggy (this was a great song my freshman year of college, a guy I knew would sing it, and he was DEAD on, and hilarious)
19. Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Nicki French
20. You Gotta Be, Des'ree
21. You Are Not Alone, Michael Jackson
22. Hold My Hand, Hootie and The Blowfish (did you know the lead singer of this group now sings country?? I did not know this.)
23. One More Chance-Stay With Me, Notorious B.I.G.
24. Here Comes The Hotstepper, Ini Kamoze
25. Candy Rain, Soul For Real
26. Let Her, w Hootie and The Blowfish
27. I Believe, Blessid Union Of Souls
28. Red Light Special, TLC
29. Runaway, Janet Jackson
30. Strong Enough, Sheryl Crow
31. Colors Of The Wind, Vanessa Williams
32. Someone To Love, Jon B.
33. Only Wanna Be With You, Hootie and The Blowfish
34. If You Love Me, Brownstone
35. In The House Of Stone And Light, Martin Page
36. I Got 5 On It, Luniz
37. Baby, Brandy
38. Run Away, Real McCoy
39. As I Lay Me Down, Sophie B. Hawkins
40. He's Mine, Mokenstef
41. December, Collective Soul
42. I'll Be There For You-You're All I Need To Get By, Method Man-Mary J. Blige
43. Shy Guy, Diana King
44. I'm The Only One, Melissa Etheridge
45. Every Little Thing I Do, Soul For Real
46. Before I Let You Go, BLACKstreet
47. Big Poppa/Warning, Notorious B.I.G.
48. Sukiyaki, 4 P.M.
49. I Wanna Be Down, Brandy
50. I'll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men
51. Dear Mama/Old School, 2Pac
52. Hold On, Jamie Walters
53. Keep Their Heads Ringin', Dr. Dre
54. The Rhythm Of The Night, Corona
55. Roll To Me, Del Amitri
56. Scream/Childhood, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
57. Freek'n You, Jodeci
58. I Wish, Skee-lo
59. Believe, Elton John
60. Carnival, Natalie Merchant
61. You Don't Know How It Feels, Tom Petty
62. Back For Good, Take That
63. Tootsee Roll, 69 Boyz (another classic dance song)
64. You Want This-70's Love Groove, Janet Jackson
65. Tell Me, Groove Theory
66. Can't You See, Total
67. All I Wanna Do, Sheryl Crow
68. This Lil' Game We Play, Subway
69. Come And Get Your Love, Real McCoy
70. This Ain't A Love Song, Bon Jovi
71. Secret, Madonna
72. Player's Anthem, Junior M.A.F.I.A.
73. Feel Me Flow, Naughty By Nature
74. Every Day Of The Week, Jade
75. The Sweetest Days, Vanessa Williams
76. Short Dick Man, 20 Fingers Featuring Gillette (the real version of this song is so much funnier than the radio version)
77. Brokenhearted, Brandy
78. No More "I Love You's", Annie Lennox
79. You Used To Love Me, Faith Evans
80. Constantly, Immature
81. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me, U2
82. 100% Pure Love, Crystal Waters
83. Ask Of You, Raphael Saadiq
84. Sugar Hill, Az
85. Good, Better Than Ezra
86. Brown Sugar, D'angelo
87. Turn The Beat Around, Gloria Estefan
88. 'Til You Do Me Right, After 7
89. 1st Of Tha Month, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
90. Like The Way I Do If I Wanted To, Melissa Etheridge
91. I Live My Life For You, Firehouse
92. Dream About You-Funky Melody, Stevie B
93. Cotton Eye Joe, Rednex
94. Thank You, Boyz II Men
95. I'll Stand By You, Pretenders
96. I Miss You, N II U
97. Give It 2 You, Da Brat
98. Best Friend, Brandy
99. Misery, Soul Asylum
100. Can't Stop Lovin' You, Van Halen

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Weekend Fun

So, Saturday, we were going to work a few hours and ended up not going in, which was fine with me. I was lazy and kinda just hung out with Kurt, did some things around the house, then headed to Rebecca's. Her, Colleen, Lauren and I headed to dinner at Kona Grill. The food was average, but the company was awesome! :). And, the area we sat in was really kewl, it was kinda a sunroom, so it felt like you were outside (but obviously were not, since it is freezing here), and there was a fireplace, so it was SUPER cozy. Loved it. The sushi was nothing spectacular, but the ambience was great. After that, we headed to Jennifer's house for a Tastefully Simple/Pampered Chef fundraising party. I ended up getting some kewl stuff from both parties. Can't wait to get the stuff delivered.

Sunday was prettty lazy. Had breakfast with Judy (well, I had diet coke, she had breakfast), and then stayed in the rest of the day. I swear, I need at least one lazy day on the weekends to stay sane.

The pic above is one of my favs I took from Julia's wedding. Don't know if I have posted it before or not, but I was thinking about her because I am going to see her and Tony soon! I can't wait! They will be home visiting family for Thanksgiving, and Kurt and I are doing dinner with them on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. I am so psyched to see her and hate that she lives in Cali now! :).

Sushi Fridays

Kurt and I have been nonpurposefully going for sushi like every Friday, which is SOO nice. I love it. Kinda like "date night", but I don't really consider it that. We are obsessed with the Sammy Davis roll, and just sit and relax because after a long work week, that's about as exciting as my Friday nights can get. They have live music there on Friday nights, and the past few times, it has been a violinist that walks around the place. This time though, it was a guitar player/vocalist, who was AWESOME. He was on break for some of our sitting there, but when he played, i loved it! He started off with a James Taylor song I love, and Kurt just started laughing because I think he thinks my James Taylor love is odd. He can thank my Mom for some of my odd music tastes.



Isn't is strange how one's music taste is constantly evolving? Do certain songs make you happy, sad, etc. because they remind you of certain people or events in your life?

I totally have that.

I was driving to court yesterday and REO Speedwagon came on XM Radio. I instantly thought of Rebecca and texted her to turn on the station. We went to a concert where REO played, and now I think of her and I, singing the songs at the top of our lungs, at the concert.



James Taylor, Anne Murray and various other songs remind me of my Mom. She is also who started my love of Billy Joel, as she had his records in our basement and my sister and I used to listen to them together as little girls. Back then, I thought my Mom liked "dorky" music, but now I see she was kewl! LOL. So many songs remind me of my sister. She and I loved music and would sing the songs together in her room or in the car. Anything by Wilson Phillips, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson........



Weird Al always reminds me of my cousin Tim, and vacations in Glennie at the family cabin. Him, my sister and I would jump on the beds and sing Weird Al songs, we knew every word. We would also dance around the cabin singing Michael Jackson and Madonna songs. Super fun. I also know SO many 50s and 60s songs from these vacations, as my Mom had tapes of those kinda songs for the car, and my Aunt always laughs at how I know all these songs since I was not alive at all during these decadeds.



A ton of songs remind me of Kurt. "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel is kinda "our" song, even though we never had a wedding, first dance, etc. Daniel by Elton John, Allentown by Billy Joel, Into the Night by Benny Mardones, You Got it All--Jets, Don't You Want Me by Human League, all these songs remind me of Kurt for one reason or another. Jumpin Jumpin by Destiny's Child reminds me of my old friend Deanna.......Big Shot by Billy Joel reminds my of Kory and how we introduced him to the music of Billy Joel, which he now loves.....Oh, and Las Vegas NYE = Michael Jackson's Rock With Ya.......



Anything Paula Abdul reminds me of my friend, Becky, as we were constantly making up dances to her songs to perform in school talent shows, and the song Groovy Kinda Love, because we used to play it on her piano and sing it in harmony......A variety of songs remind me of my cheerleading days and dances we would perform at halftime shows.....Other songs remind me of my days in Pride (a drug and alcohol free performing group I was in), like 3AM Eternal by KLF, Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks--Dream is Like a River, etc.



The first concert I ever attended was at age 21. I went and saw Elton John in Grand Rapids with two of my bosses and one of their daughters. It was amazing, and I became hooked on music live (and Elton John). Since then, I have seen a TON of concerts with friends and with Kurt. prob my fav concert ever was seeing Billy Joel and Elton John together in Auburn Hills at the Palace. Incredible to see two of my favs together, on dueling pianos, on stage. Loved it. I have also seen Billy Joel a couple other times, elton John a few other times, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Janet Jackson, Poison, Hall and Oates, TLC, Whitney Houston, Nelly, Eminem several times in Detroit, Guns and Roses, and I am sure there are others I am forgetting. I dont do concerts as much as I used to as my friends who like concerts and will pay for good seats have either moved or dont do concerts anymore, but I still love live music. My one concert mistake was selling Paul McCartney tickets I had when he was in Detroit. I wish I would have gone to that concert after the fact. Whoops.



Anyway, what songs mean something to you, or remind you of an event or someone in your life? Also, what concerts have you been to and loved or is a fav of yours? Any concert you would love to go to and never have? Any new musician out who is new and you think I should check out????? I am in this rut with music, where I really like a lot of older stuff, and think a lot of new stuff out there is kinda crappy and generic. I love the classics....