Time Flies.......

Another crazy busy week. We hired a new associate. Well, kinda. She has not yet passed the bar exam (just took it for the first time in july), but once she does, she will be an associate with us. For now, she is a law clerk in training to be an attorney at the office. She starts on Sept 9, and her name is Holly. She went to U of Detroit Mercy, and she was an intern for one of our fav judges! :). Glad to be done with that selection process. Called her on Wednesday, and sent letters out to the others to let them know, which I always hate doing. Jessica's last day is Tuesday, which is kinda crazy! She is the first person ever to quit working for us. But, I totally understand why since it's to live with her man. People are more important than jobs, for sure. :).

Had dinner last night with my Grama, two Aunts and Dad, in Westland. We ate at Max and Erma's, then stopped at Value City Furniture to show Grama a dining set. She haas been wanting one. She may be the most indecisive person I know, thank GOD I did not get the indecisive gene. While there, I saw this really kewl wood decorative piece I wanted to buy for the office, so I did. Then grama decided she wanted to buy it for my bday (she had not bought me anything for my bday last May), so she wrote me a check for it. Also, got some kewl bday gifts from my Aunt, one is this kewl scales of justice lady in silver and copper for my office, a pretty glass and cobalt blue bowl, a new necklace, some kitchen stuff in cobalt and a pug ornament. Weird getting bday gifts in May, haha.

We worked all day today. Got so much done, it was kinda crazy. I have a TON of filing to do tomorrow. Prob more than I have ever done in one trip. Will do it between hearings tomorrow.

The Suite across the hall construction started this weekend. The walls are all up, drywall was being done when we left tonight. The place is a mess though, LOL, cannot wait for it all to be done. Hopefully the tenant over there does not throw a fit about the mess if he is in tomorrow although none of the mess is in his office.

Had dinner on Friday night with two of Kurt's friends from high school and their husbands. We ate at Mongilian BBQ in Ann Arbor, then had drinks afterwards at Ann Arbor Brewing Company. It was fun, and I learned all about Kurt's forced marriage in 5th grade to a girl named Tammy on the playground, haha. What a pain Ann Arbor is on Friday night though! Finding parking and everything took forever! Ugh. I am so spoiled by Monroe County where I live. No waits anywhere ever. Gotta love rural farm towns in MI! :).

Still researching December travel, and am still leaning towards India, but I keep looking up other places as well. Have been looking at other countries in Africa. Basically, anywhere I can get a good flight deal to will win, most likely. Which is hard in mid-December.

Still loving all these designer discount sites. Bought my stepDad an awesome gift I cannot disclose for his bday. Whoot. And I bought it EARLY which is rare for me with how busy I am.

Anyway, hope everyone had a really nice weekend. Only four more work days until we leave for Colombia! Cannot wait for a few days off and to use my camera!

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Crazy Busy

Oh, the things I have done since last blogging on August 9...Or really, what things I have NOT done. My life is pure insanity.

Found out on Monday that Jessica is leaving the firm to move to Chicago and live with her boyfriend. Thus, I need to hire a new associate, which is always a draining process with the reviewing resumes, interviewing, then training. Jessica has now been with us for 1 year, 7 months, so all the experience she has gotten will now need to be taught to someone new. And, she is the one that does primarily what I do, so I will be running for a while covering two jobs really! :). We listed the job in a few different places (free), and have gotten a ton of resumes. Interviewed Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon, and have some more set for this week. Hopefully, we can make a decision by next weekend or sooner. We have not had a *bad* interview yet, and have had several who would fit in well, so that's promising.

Also hired a new assistant. Kory is going down to part-time with law school and Megan has class two mornings a week, so we need someone to cover their hours. Hired a friend of Megan's, named Alana, who just graduated with an associates in paralegal studies. She has only worked two part days so far, but she seems super positive and drama free, which are the two things I am looking for in employees now. I think she likes it so far too, which is great. Kurt let her sit in on a deposition on her first day.

We decided we are renting the Suite across the hall from ours. Since I finished the main part of my Mediation training, if I start taking Mediations soon, we really don't have room or the right set up in our current Suite, since all offices are occupied by attorneys and staff. So, the Suite across the hall is being redone to meet our needs. We are having a wall built and some doors put in. But, basically, it is going to be a kitchen area (frig, storage, TV, microwave, coffee pot, couch, table and chairs), waiting area (with couch and love seat), conference room (with table and chairs), office (desk and chairs) and storage areas for our supplies and closed filing cabinets. Everything has been delivered now with the exception of the waiting room furniture, which had to be returned since it would not fit thru the front door of the office. We went and picked out smaller stuff and it comes next week. Can't wait until it's done over there. It is already looking fab and it is really quiet and relaxing over there, which I love.

Went to a training this week which was the last in class thing I have to do for my Mediation stuff, which this was for Domestic Violence Protocol in Mediation. It was all day in Lansing, so I spent the night there on Wednesday night. Class was really good and I learned a lot of helpful things. Stopped on my way there at the outlet mall in Howell and bought some new jeans at the Gap, as well as some green carpenter pants for Kurt.

Also, a lot of work is finally getting done at our house as well. The drywall has been up for ages in the basement, but Kurt finally hired someone to mud, tape and paint the walls. Also, we got the roof tiles fixed where they were coming off and the ceiling fixed in my gym. Kurt's brother, Scott, is coming up soon to finish the tile in our bathrooms in the basement, which are about half done by Kurt, and, he is going to put in a tile floor in our basement, which is a HUGE project. cannot wait until all of that is done.

Have continued to research India for our December trip, and I really think that is where I am leaning at going to. It would kinda be like the Uganda safari, but different animals and scenery. About half the flight cost that it is to Malaysia, which is another place I really was looking into.

Anyway, gotta run, just wanted to post while I was thinking about it. I will prob do a secret blog about some other stuff, but will post here if I do so ya'll know! Happy Weekend!

So Little Time.........

I have so many little things that need to be done, and seem to have so little time to get it all done! Ugh.

We literally need work done on ALL our cars.

Just took the Saab in. Can't recall if I posted about this or not, but when Rebecca and I drove to Manistee a few weekends back, two deer jumped in front of my car, my car that was going 75 MPH. Yep, I did not even have time to swerve. Hit one and did some damage to the front of the car, but was thankful that Rebecca and I were OK and the car was driveable. It was pretty incredible there was not more damage, really. I was pretty sad about it though, I felt horrible that I killed an innocent creature. So, Saab is being fixed. Should be done by the end of the week and most of it covered by insurance (except part of the deductible, the shop covered some of that too).

Kurt's Porsche's top will not go back up, it is stuck down. Which is OK if it never rains, LOL. We are going to try and take that in tomorrow morning to the guy we use in Monroe. Jeep's AC is not working. And the poor Saturn is on it's last legs. Kurt thinks the transmission is going, and if he is correct, we will prob donate it to charity or trade it in for something new if I can get anything for it. Have had that car for almost 10 years, how crazy is that. I will be kinda sad to see it go though, it was a GREAT reliable car. And, my Grampa helped me with it getting me the GM discount and the loan since I had no established credit at that time. My Grampa has since passed away, so it reminds me of him. :(. I think I may need to replace it with another GM to honor him! :).

I am getting a much needed pedicure tomorrow night. Yay.

We are hiring people to finish up some projects in the house, which thrills me. kurt loves working on the house and is great at it, but he just does not have the time to finish stuff. Our house is huge, so each project takes 10 times longer than it would have at our old house. He hired my friend Hollie's husband (who has his own contracting business) to finish the drywall and paint the basement, as well as fix some tiles on the roof that have fallen, and fix the drop ceiling in my gym. Someone is coming tomorrow night to look at the tile work that Kurt started in the two bathrooms in the basement. He got about half way on both and did not finish because of time. So, that will be nice to have that done.

I need to make the pugs a vet appointment, all three are due for some shots. Bad Mom.

OK, all this talk about things I need to do is exhausting me.........Off to do some laundry.

You are an Animated Director

Took this really interesting quiz on a site, click here to take it, below are my results. Also, they have a fun feature where we can assess each other! Click here to assess me, then leave me yours on your blog on in my comments and I will assess you. Super fun to see if others assess us the same way we see ourselves.

You are a Director

As a DIRECTOR, you combine an unusual openness and passion for beauty and style with confidence and a down-to-earth sensibility that allow you to realize your vision.

You are practical and pay attention to the details that others tend to miss.

By focusing on what is real and concrete, you achieve more than those who always have their heads in the clouds.

When it comes to what really matters in your life, you are confident in your ability to succeed.

Having beautiful things in your life gives you pleasure and satisfaction - you have a keen eye for style.

Even when problems present themselves, deep down you know you will overcome these challenges.

When routines get too familiar, you become bored and start looking for ways to spice things up.

You are open to new types of experiences – you are not afraid to take a risk on something new.

You have a highly developed sense of taste – you know what looks good on you, in your home, and in the world at large.

Your independent streak allows you to make decisions efficiently and to trust your instincts

The control you feel over your life is empowering to you-- you believe in your abilities and acknowledge your shortcomings. Explanations of the world that focus on destiny or fate don't really interest you. You take responsibility for what goes wrong in your life, and also for what goes well.

If you want to be different:

Occasionally let yourself dream a little more, even if it doesn't seem practical or efficient.

You are Animated

You are outgoing, comfortable with others, and up for anything, which makes you ANIMATED.

Some people find crowds and parties exhausting, but not you! You are able to be yourself in many situations.

Sometimes it is hard for you to understand why others feel the way they do, but that doesn't stop you from trusting them or having faith that they are good people.

You know the world is complicated and that there is often more than one side to a story, so you are careful not to make judgments about others too hastily.

You would rather experience the world than sit back and observe it—you are not one to sit on the sidelines.

You are an independent thinker and don't get too worried about how others might perceive you—you are not self-conscious about being the active, engaged person that you are.

Although you have a keen understanding of different people's life circumstances, you occasionally have trouble seeing why people get so upset and emotional about things—they should just lighten up and have fun!

In addition to having faith in the world, you have faith in the people around you—you trust others to do the right thing and to be honest.

If you want to be different:

Remember that time alone can be just as fulfilling as time spent with others—take some time for yourself and you might find that there are many things in your inner world that are just as compelling as the world outside your window.

Your open-mindedness about the ways of world gives you an understanding of people's differences, but that knowledge doesn't always translate into sympathy. Don't be afraid to let your trust and understanding influence your feelings.

Where to Start, Where to Start.....

Oh, my blogging is just horrendous these days. There are so not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I need to do. It feels like I am running around endlessly these days. So, when I am feeling that way, what do I do?

Book a flight to someplace far, far away! That's right, folks, the Haskell Labor Day trip is starting to be planned! Kurt has been bugging me for at least a month to make a decision, and like a ton of places have been looked up and put on the list, such as Bermuda (shot down as it looks like the only stuff to do these is snorkel, boat, etc. and since Kurt is not a huge water person, it would be much more fun for me....hey, that might be OK? haha), Costa Rica (Tortugero area to see the nesting sea turtles and it's an area we have not been to yet), Glacier National Park in Montana (I have always wanted to go here, but it looks slightly chilly in September), Alaska (like flying to one town and exploring, but the flight is kinda long for a short trip), Panama (just to explore again since we loved it there), Honduras (not the islands, but the area where there is jungle), and Colombia. Narrowed it down to Honduras and Colombia. Looked up flights, and VOILA, the price I found on a flight to Colombia made the decision easy for me....$242.50 roundtrip (which includes taxes and everything). That is SO insanely cheap. Cheaper than flying to most US prices. Whoot. We will be flying to Bogata, but I have no set plans yet. It looks like there is enough just in Bogata to keep us busy for the 5 nights we will be there, but I will have to research more. Speaking of research, I am so freaking behind on the December trip. It is normally booked likes months before now. Ugh. Cannot wait for Colombia though. Have to buy a ton of coffee though, I have already had three requests!

This weekend was busy. Shocker there. Friday night, had dinner out for fish tacos with Kurty. It's pretty funny when we are seated at the restaurant and the hostess tells our server "the people who get the fish tacos just got seated in your section". Saturday, we did a ton.......worked part of the morning, went and bought two travel books, had lunch, went back to the office to work some more, went to Art Van and finally found furniture for the living room, AND it was in the clearance center, which thrills me. We really wanted to get something that was easier to clean, since the dogs are allowed on the couches in the Haskell household and keeping it clean is near impossible with fabric. Also, we do not want to buy leather, so we have limited selections. The stuff we ended up buying looks like leather, but is not. So, we killed zero animals, and have furniture that is easier to keep clean keeping in mind the animals in my house! :). AND, they delivered it today, one day later, on the weekend. Score. The guys were super nice, took our old stuff out to the curb (for extra $$ of course, LOL). Also cleaned this weekend, and had dinner with Larry, Val and Dan, and Val brought Lucky to play with the pugs. They all love one another.

Anyway, off to bed. Will post more soon, I promise, and pinky swear! :).

Catch Up

I really need to play catch up here, hun? I have been so beyond busy the past couple weeks. It's crazy.

This past week, I took a 40-hour mediation training seminar in Ann Arbor. The seminar was really great. Not only did I learn what I need to in order to do conduct mediations and add that into my office, I learned a lot that will help me work with people in my normal cases and read actions and reactions of others, and I think it even changed me a little bit as a person. The instructor has been doing mediations for over 20 years, and was really laid back and super intelligent. She is internationally known for doing these courses and mediations. Anyway, to all my attorney friends, I highly recommend the training. I still have to take a domestic violence 4 hour course in Lansing, observe two mediations and be observed in one, but then I can be added to the court lists for referrals. Technically though, I can do mediations now (just cant be added to the court list yet). I take the domestic violence course on 8-19, and have some ideas on who I want to observe and contact about that part. Soo happy to be done though, I was working at night after the class several nights this week as well and was insanely exhausted all week. Met a lot of really great people at the mediation as well, which was kewl.

We ordered a new treadmill, since ours died. It was delivered last night, just need to set it up and I can start running again. Whoot! Hopefully I like it, cuz sending it back would be a pain in the butt.

Last weekend, took a trip to Manistee to visit my Mom, and Rebecca came with me. I love going to Manistee, because being in a small beach town just kinda forces you to relax and do a lot of nothing. Which we did. Yay. Did some shopping in downtown Manistee, drove to the beach, had awesome ice cream at my fav place, saw two of my friends, Shannon (and her newly born baby Samantha) and Heidi (with 2 year old Lanessa). Also got to see my Mom's band play at the Relay for Life, and they were AWESOME. i cant believe how good my Mom has gotten at the drums in such a short time. the band is great. I bought an incredible candle while I was there, that is burning in our living room right now. Also bought this yummy looking sauce for cooking with called Rub with Love Spicy Red Chili Teryaki Sauce. Also, my Mom gave me two more cups and saucers for my collection, and they are both super unique. Added them to my china cabinet........

Bought Kurt this ring on Idelli.com for an amazing deal. that site takes forever to mail stuff out, but finally got it on Thursday in the mail! It fits him perfect and looks awesome on. Love it.

Had to work today and will part of tomorrow. Ugh. But, hopefully, we can start the week kinda caught up. Hope everyone else had a nice weekend.

Mediation Training

So, I signed up today to take a 40 hour mediation course next week and will be out of the office the entire week, which is really weird! Normally, if I am out, I am on vacation and not working elsewhere. The training is in Ann Arbor, every day, from 830-530. One of my friends is taking it as well, so I will know at least one person there. I am actually kinda excited, even though I swore I was never going back to school! I don't really count this as school though since it's at a hotel, haha, and I am doing it to add on an element to my business. I have always really wanted to take this course, and have never really had time until now. I still don't really have time, but we are making it work. I think Mediation is something I would be really good at, since my main goal in my general practice is to help people settle their cases. I can argue really well if the need is there, but I think in family law, it's best to settle cases since we are dealing with people's families, and they need to get along in the long run for the kids.

Wow, lawyers do have morals sometimes! :).

Went and had a massage after work, since I had a headache this weekend and could tell my body was telling me to go in. Hopefully it does the trick.

Got a long day tomorrow (early court and late appointments), so off to bed for me! Happy Monday!

Family Reunion

July 10, Kurt and I headed to Gladwin, MI, for a family reunion that my Mom put together with other family members. She was hoping everyone could be there, but there were some missing people. We had a really good time though. Tons of yard games, good food, saw some family members I have not seen in forever! Click here to see pics.

After the reunion and on the way home, we stopped in Pinconning and had dinner with Kurt's Mom, who we have not seen in forever either! It's been so long, she gave us our Christmas gifts. Crazy. Kurt fixed some faucets in her house, and we were on our way home to Pinconning. It was a long day, but a really good time and nice to see everyone

Random post, but I wanted to post about this before I forgot since I am so behind in posting! :).

Busy, Busy

Had a busy week this week, and a pretty busy weekend as well!

Friday night, Kurt and I had dinner at Nick and Nino's, which was nice, as i was totally craving fish tacos. Relaxed the rest of the night.

Saturday, my Dad came over, and we all headed to the Tigers game in Cleveland at Jacobs Field (otherwise known as Progressive Field). It was HOT out. Over 90 degrees for the duration of the game, and our seats were in the sun (second row). I kept reapplying sunscreen and somehow managed to not get a sunburn, whoot. There was like nobody at the game, so my Dad and I moved back and forth between shade and our normal seats. Of course, after being in the sun from like 930 AM until 600 PM took it's toll on me and I ended up with a headache, but I too Excedrin and it was not overly horrible. I was zonked by the time we went to bed that night though. Click here to see pics.

Funny off note, we were driving on the toll road in Ohio and stopped to pay. Kurt took his seatbelt off so he could get his money out, and he paid. The lady gave him change, then told him to put his seatbelt on. Which he planned to do once we pulled away, but wanted to get out of the line of cars waiting to pay. We pulled up the gate and she REFUSED to open it until he put his seatbelt on! We could not believe it. I think Kurt would have been more of an ass about it if he would not have been in shock, as these toll booth workers do not have the right to hold us hostage because of that. They are not police officers. They have the right to suggest we wear our seatbelts, but not hold us hostage. I wrote a complaint letter to the Ohio Toll Commission. Crazy. Talk about power trips........

There was some drama at the game too, with our tickets, but I dont really want to go into it. We had four tickets from the rain out in May. Two, which were bought by us, and two, which were given to us by the people who were sitting in front of us. When it started raining, the people in frnt of us gave us their tickets and said, here, you can sit in our seats when the rain stops. Thus, we now have four original tickets. The game was rained out. So, we were like, kewl, we have four tickets to the makeup in July. We went on the Indians website, which clearly states you have to have the original ticket to get into the makeup, and they do not reprint tickets, etc. We then called (twice) the Indians box office to make sure ALL the tickets would work and the reassured us that all the tickets would work. So, we invited my Dad and went. Well, when we got there, our original tickets worked. but, the tickets we were given would not work. I guess the season ticket holders had somehow got them reprinted (even though this is not allowed and clearly on their website), and since they were reprinted, our tickets would not work. We were pretty mad about it, just based on principle, and the fact that we called twice and went on the website. They ended up making us buy a third ticket near our seats. Since the game was such low attendance, we all did get to sit together, but I would have even been more mad if we had to sit separately. I am going to write a complaint letter to the Indians as well this week. I think their PR people were HORRIBLE (the least they could have done is given us a free third ticket for our troubles). This has got to happen a lot with rainouts, and I think they need to put the truth on their website and educate the people in the box office more.

So, I guess you could say we had a lot of drama dished on us from the state of Ohio this weekend! I was thrilled to drive back over the border into Michigan! :).

Today, slept in, got up and headed into the Motion. I had to finish work on an Emergency Motion I need to file on Monday, and drafted a new divorce as well as a couple other Motions and filed some bankruptcy stuff as well, paid some bills. I can *kinda* see my desk now. Heh. We then went and bought fish food, stopped and bought bird food, and I went grocery shopping, which we really needed. Did a little laundry and dishes, and made dinner, worked out......

So, thought I would fill you in on a yummy frozen treat I have been LOVING latley.

Click here to see. These are Weight Watchers Cookies anc Cream bars, and OMG, so good! Also, two new diet pops I have been liking, Diet A&W Root Beer, and Diet Cherry Dr Pepper. Both sooooo good.

Oh! My new $6 shoes came in the mail on Friday and they are SOOOO cute. Click here to see them, however, this pic does not do this shoe justice. Love it and it seems to be comfy! I love this brand, I have like three pairs now, and I get complimented on them every time I wear them, so I am sure this pair will be loved by others as well. And since ideeli sold them to me for $6, I am psyched! I heart that site.

Busy week this week, with plans on Monday after work, and Tuesday after work, then Thursday, Rebecca and I leave for our girls trip to Manistee! So, if I am not posting, that would be why! Happy Sunday!

14 days

14 days since my last post. Seriously pathetic. Life has been crazy busy, and I have been every night trying to put my post together about the Montreal trip. Yep, not done yet. Whoops. July is just insane with things going on.

I will get to the Montreal trip, I promise! ;).

This weekend, we are going to Cleveland on Saturday for the Tigers game. This is the make-up game from the one we went to that was partially rained out. We are taking my Dad, leaving early to drive there, and coming back after the game (unless we stay and have dinner with our friend, Terry). Looking forward to a baseball game. I have not been to enough this summer. Speaking of baseball, was bummed the American League lost the All Star Game! First time in 14 years! Crazy. That's OK, we will take them back year! :).

Went to another Judge fundraiser tonight for Judge Hughes. I always go into these things thinking I will not enjoy myself, but I had a total blast! My friend, Teddy, went with me, and I had a really good time talking to some of the Judges and my attorney friends, appraisers, mediators, etc. It was at Nemo's in Detroit, which was a cute little bar near old Tigers Stadium. Really glad I went.

There has been emergency after emergency at the office. I will be glad when work gets back to normal and not "IHAVEANISSUETHATNEEDSACOURTDATETODAYORIWILLDIE" with all that comes in the door. I think I have filed more emergency motions in the past two weeks than I have in the past year. It's crazy. I have attributed it to the really hot weather. Everyone is cooped up in their AC in their house and the emergencies are brewing.....Maybe cooler weather will bring less craziness? Let's hope!

Anyway, I promise to post more soon! :). Hope everyone is having an awesome July thus far!

Montreal

We are here! Landed in Montreal and got to our hotel around 800 PM. Flight was great, easy to get taxi to hotel, found cute little Mexican place to have dinner, and we are now passing out in the room. Hotel is super nice, and we are on the top floor (Kurt's favorite place, LOL). Room has this gorgeous tub and a fireplace (not needed, but pretty).

Cant wait to explore tomorrow! Night! :).

Stolen From Mindy

Fill out and post on your blog!

1. It’s 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely:

This is very rare. Probably out of town someplace, in a hotel.

2. What’s the last thing you spent more than $100 on?

Hmm. I just paid my balance on my Kroger Mastercard. Exciting! ;)

3. What do your bank checks look like?

Boring ones. They are business checks and have an H for my last name on them in the corner. I dont have personal checks.

4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from?

It's from Kohl's, and dark grey.

5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list:

Being on vacation with Kurt. That's IT.

6. What color is your toothbrush?

Blue and white

7. Name something you collect and tell us about it.

I collect wood bowls from around the world. I don't have many, but have them from almost every Central American country I have been to as well as Uganda. Some are at home, some in my office.

8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it?

J Alexander's, which was awesome. I was with Kurt, and our friends Cassie and Ken.

9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for?

No idea, I rarely buy bday cards....Prob my Grama?

10. What is your worst bad habit?

Procrastination.

11. Name a magazine to which you subscribe?

Lucky

12. Your favorite pizza toppings?

Crab or Shrimp and Feta Cheese

13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book?

Hmm, I rarely use a phone book either. Prob an attorney.

14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most?

This question is impossible to answer, LOL. I have many friends I love dearly and I am not going to single one person out.

15. What is the last thing you cooked?

I made myself bowtie pasta with marinara and boca meat last night.

16. Name something you wouldn’t want to buy used.

Make-up

17. Which shoe do you put on first?

Right.

18. What is the last thing you remember losing?

My phone charger.

19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house?

My couches need to be replaced badly. My nephew's dog ruined them (when he was a puppy, he rippped portions of them open) and now that he has moved out, I need to replace the couches.

20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning?

a toner cartridge for my fax machine.

21. What perfume/cologne do you wear?

I have way too many to list. Today, I am wearing Fresh Index Rose.

22. Your favorite board game?

Scattergories.

23. What was the last board game you played?

Taboo at Rebecca's house.

24. Where did your vehicle come from?

The one I am driving today came from the Saab dealership in Ann Arbor, MI.

25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

26. You’re sad, who can cheer you up easily?

Kurt or my Mom.

27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to?

I actually do not remember the last wedding I went to. I think blue?

28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most?

Bathrooms.

29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?

I prefer to not kill chickens, thanks.

30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is...

I am not a huge cake person. I would rather have tiramisu.

Updates

Busy week!

We went to another judge fundraiser for our friend, Gene Ferguson, who is running for 33rd District Court (a court I rarely even go to). It was a fun night, we sat at a table with a bunch of friends of ours, and just talked and had a great time. Dinner was awesome too. I really hope he wins, Gene is a really genuine guy who is very even tempered and would do a great job.

Had a budget and board meeting on Monday night. Nothing board related now until mid-July. Summer we get a slight break from meetings since school is not in session.

Had dinner on Saturday night with Cassie and Ken at J. Alexander's in Livonia. The food was awesome, Kurt and I both had fish tacos and a spinach dip app. Got dessert, key lime pie, ate like 2 bites and had to bring the rest home. I dont know why I ever try to get dessert, i can never eat it. It was great to see them and catch up. We may all go together to Chicago later this year to see the Lions play, which would be super kewl. Got my hair done Saturday afternoon and am continuing to grow it out. I had her trim it and cut some more layers in, got the same color done since I am really liking it lately and dont want to mess with it. Bought a new shampoo (Pureology) and bought a refill of my fav conditioner, Aquage. Kurt and I ran some errands as well, we needed bird seed and stuff for the yard, and bought some kewl containers for the back porch to hold the bird seed and fish/turtle food. We have had some raccoons visiting and getting into stuff and I wanted it in containers.

Today was awesome. I really needed a *nothing* day. We just chilled all day on the couches. Walked the dogs several times, did laundry, made dinner, worked out, watched a movie "When In Rome". Movie was kinda lame, really, but an easy watch.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Rebecca!!!!! :). Can't wait until you get your new camera. Maybe you can get it by using all survey gift certificates, hehe.

Stolen from Friends

Autobiography

I stole this fun little survey from Sarah and Nancy.


♥ What are your middle names? Richard and Anne. His, I think, is after one of his uncles. Mine was the only name my Dad liked, and is also the same middle name as one of my Mom's best friends, who she has known since elementary school. My Dad was really particular about names. I was supposed to be Kathleen (Katie) Elizabeth, but my Dad did not like it, and Lori Anne was the only name he would agree upon. I am kinda glad, because katie is not a very lawyerly name, but I do think katie would suit me. I love that name, and I think it is a happy, upbeat name! :).

♥ How long have you been together? We have been married since December 12, 2001 (so 8 years, 6 months, 14 days).

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? Not long. We met working at a restaurant together. We were both waiting tables. Kurt was a total player, and had pretty much dated or gone out with all single girls at the place when I came along. I prob worked there about 2 weeks when we hung out for the first time.

♥ Who asked whom out? I actually asked him out. I asked him to hang out at a local dance club with my friends and I, so it was not really a date. The next time we went out, he asked me out.

♥ How old are each of you? I'm 33, and Kurty is 39.

♥ Do you have any children together? The furry variety, yes. The human variety, no.

♥ What about pets? three Chinese pugs, Oscar, age 7, Vito, age 6, Gretel, Age 5. Also, one persian cat, Bugsy, age 4. We also have LOTS of pets outside, like our raccoon that has babies here each year, 100s of bunnies, birds galore, fox, deer, fish in our pond, turtles, ducks, heron, frogs, snakes, groundhogs, and once, a cougar.

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? None really. Our relationship is weirdly easy. we rarely have even a disagreement or argument. I guess the hardest thing is finding time to relax together.

♥ Did you go to the same school? Kinda. I went to law school at Wayne State, and he got his masters in law (LLM) at Wayne State. But not at the same time.

♥ Are you from the same hometown? Nope. Im from Manistee, hes from Pinconning.

♥ Who is the smartest? Both of us are pretty smart. I would say we are each smart at certain things, but he is probably overall the smartest.

♥ Who is more sensitive? Me. I cry at happy TV commercials.

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Uganda in Africa.

♥ Who has the craziest exes? No clue. Prob him. None of mine were really crazy.

♥ Who has the worst temper? I guess him. I prob get mad more often, but when he does get mad, his temper is much worse. neither one of us get angry very often.

♥ Who does the cooking? I do all of it. I dont think Kurt has cooked something in like 13 years. But, it is one of the things I do around here, and I like to do it. Also, if I did not do it, Kurt would just eat out like every meal, or not eat, LOL.

♥ Who is more social? Me. Hands down. Kurt would really be happy to stay home each and every night and never socialize. Once we are out, he has fun, but we have such little time at home with work, he would much rather stay in.

♥ Who is the neat-freak? Neither one of us is, but I am much more than him. I organize my closet by color (and his), I have my shoes perfectly lined up on shelves, and so on.

♥ Who is more stubborn? Gosh, this one is pretty freaking even. Probably him. We are both lawyers, and I think all lawyers are stubborn, LOL.

♥ Who hogs the bed? The pugs? haha. Neither one of us hogs, but if I have to pick, prob him.

♥ Who wakes up earlier? Him. I like to sleep in, he just can't most of the time.

♥ Where was your first date? Well, our first non-date was to the sports/dance club in Pontiac where we hung out with my friends. Our next date was to Rams Horn after work for a snack at like 1 in the morning.

♥ How do you spend the holidays? On vacation!

♥ Who is more jealous? Me.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Not very long at all. a week?

♥ Who eats more? About even, really. Maybe he eats a little more.

♥ Who does/did the laundry? Me. Kurt rarely does laundry.

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Me. Kurt actually did not really even know how to use one until about a year after we met when he was forced to learn in law school.

♥ Who drives when you are together? Him, almost always. I make him nervous, haha.

♥ Who is the romantic one? Neither one of us is really romantic, but I guess me.

Busy Weekend

Busy weekend! Normally, I don't like having something going on every second, but this was a fun weekend, with laidback activities.

Saturday, I slept in then headed to lunch with Hollie and Angela at Olive Garden in Southgate. Loved catching up with them. :). After that, I got an oil change and car wash for the Saab, and stopped at Border's to buy a couple books about Montreal. Also bought two books on clearance about places to visit and see. Really huge books, so I will read them while working out and figure out 1000000 more places for me to put on my travel lists, LOL. Just what I need. That night, we headed to Rebecca's for game night, which was super fun. Met two new people, Tameka and Natalie, who are in the Jaycee's with Rebecca. Super kewl girls. We played a new trivia game that is not yet on the market, and Taboo. Also just chilled, talked, etc. And Rebecca's snacks were all awesome! :).

Today, we got up and picked up Vito's meds at the vet. Then headed to the Tigers game. My friend Lisa got tickets from the law firm she works at, and invited us. Awesome seats, sold out game, Tigers won, gorgeous weather, AND had a great time catching up with Lisa and Brian. I kept reapplying sunscreen, and don't think I got burnt, which is a miracle with how scorching the sun was. MI is so amazing this time of year. Oh, and Lisa is dangerous. She may be more obsessed with travel than I am, and she makes me want to go more places. Bad, bad. We are both pretty much game for anything, they wouldd be great people to travel with really.

Came home, and kinda have a headache. Sometimes too much sun does that to me. Took two walks with the puggies in the yard, and have been chillin since. The headache is making me lazy......Laundry can wait. :).

Parties, Blueberry Vodka, Canada and Wax

Had a really nice night out at the Judge Popke reception (she is running for re-election). I normally *never* do these functions. However, I had a change of heart recently, and decided, if I really like the particular Judge, I will go, simply to support them. I hate when attorneys use these functions as a means to get ahead, or get an advantage in the court room, or suck up. Most attorneys at these functions are genuinely supportive, however, there is the standard set who are geniunely sucking up. I prefer to get my way in the courtroom by doing a good job, being nice and reasonable.......I was told by a friend that I am naive if I don't think some of this job is political, but you know what? I don't care. I know it's political, but I have no desire to be a political person. I detest politics and I am just going to go on doing my job, and trying to be a good person and attorney and not get involved in that mess. That said, I rode down there with my friend and fellow attorney, Michelle. We ended up hanging out a lot with our other friend, Nicole, while down there, and I had a nice time chatting with a lot of the attorneys I practice with all the time. Said hi to some of the Judges there, tried the food they were serving, and drumroll please---had a drink! I tried this awesome vodka (blueberry vodka by Stoli) mixed with sugar free red bull and ummmmm, super yum. Highly recommend. So, anyway, I really hope Judge Popke gets re-elected, and I am sure she will. She is one of those Judges that really cares about the people, and loves her job. She has been awesome to me since day one of my practicing, and she is a good person, mother, and judge. Plus, she is blonde! ;).

Today, Kurt and I drove out to Westland this morning to survey the area and start looking for office space there, to open Office #4. I may end up doing some work out there, as it is right near my Grama and Aunt's house, and if I have later appointments, I could go visit them afterwards. It was nice to drive around with the top down and get some sun and enjoy the weather. I got a massage today too because I felt a headache coming on, and got my nails done after work with Shellac again. Funny story, the girl doing my nails accidentally spilled hot wax all over me. It was covering like half my skirt and part of my shirt. It was a total mistake and i was not upset in the least, and it did not hurt me since it was all on my clothing. The girl was just mortified with herself, she felt horrible. I told her no big deal, but she kept saying sorry.....they wanted to write off my visit, but I paid anyway. I did not want her to end up paying of something, I know those spa like places sometimes take the $$ from the employees, and they work hard and I hate that. Anyway, my nails turned out great, and I amused everyone around me with the latest fun stories of the office. HAHA. Went to dinner with Kurt after that and took a couple walks around the yard with Kurty and the puggies.

So, I booked flights to Montreal yesterday! We are going over the 4th. I am psyched. I have always wanted to visit there, and the flight is short from Detroit, just 1:45. Have not booked a hotel yet, started researching them and will make a choice soon. There is a ton to do there, so I am sure we will not be bored, and a friend of mine lives there too, so I am sure we will meet up with her and her boyfriend. Super fun. Lots of photo ops for sure.

Best Friends

This commercial makes me stop and watch every time it's on. Love it. The capuchin is hilarious and I love the interaction between the doggy and the monkey. Too cute.

100 Things

This was stolen from Brittany.......

Post 100 Things That Make You Happy. Can't wait to read everyone else's! This was actually pretty hard to do. I just tried to type anything that came to mind, without just putting names of people, etc. Took me quite some time, but here ya go! Please don't judge the randomness. I tried to be quick and not *think* while doing this.

Pugs snoring
Hikes in the jungle
Watching monkeys play in the trees
Photography of any sort
Travel
Lying in a hammock with the sound of the ocean in the background
Inside jokes with Kurt
Talking to my Mom on the phone
Aimlessly wandering around Sephora
Laughing so hard you cry
Kickboxing
Massages at the spa
Pedicures
Shellac manicures
Walks on the beach
Playing in the ocean
Snorkeling in Galapagos
Banana daiquiris
Bargain shopping
Capri pants
My cat’s personality
Relaxing at home with my family
How my nephew Nick loves to read Harold and the Purple Crayon
Rainbows
Black sand beaches
Tigers baseball
Spicy Botan Shrimp from Crave in Dearborn
Sushi with Rebecca
Making Kory try weird foods at restaurants
Going to art fairs and the theatre with my Aunt
My grampa’s jokes
Spending time with either one of my gramas
How my maternal grama swore in front of me for the first time ever last year---it was hilarious.
How even though she was the enemy in high school, my Mom is now one of my closest friends
Getting to help people every day at work
Having a reputation at court for resolving my cases and being reasonable
Citrus smelling candles
Blueberry Muffins
Ahi tuna or swordfish tacos
My eye color
Watching Kurt argue a difficult case in court
My homemade mac and cheese
Sterling State Park
Walks in my backyard
My friends, and how we can always pick up where we left off, no matter how much time has gone by
Cute shoes, especially heels
Pretty, unique jewelry
Auctions
Looking at old pictures
Eating pineapple in Central America
Observing Gorillas in the wild (random, I know, but one of the happiest hours of my life)
The Osa Peninsula
Being in the middle of nowhere with Kurt
Being my own boss
Wandering around antique stores with Kurt
The show Parole Board
Watching Legally Blonde
Billy Joel’s music
The Gilmore Girls
Trying something new for the first time
Sitting and talking to friends after dinner
Playing tennis
Designer sunglasses
Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Unique lighting fixtures
My Dad’s sense of humor
My wedding ring
A clean house (which is rare around here, LOL)
Throwing wrapping paper at family during Christmas
Eating chips and dip with my Mom
Being debt free (except my house)
Planning vacations
Winning in Court
Cobalt Blue glass
70 degree, sunny weather
Flip flops
XM Radio
Doing nothing with Rebecca. J.
Big Al’s breadsticks and cheese sauce
Reading travel books
The gym Kurt built for me in the basement
My master bathroom
Victoria’s Secret body mists
Playing poker in Vegas
Cirque shows
Scrabble
Driving with the top down in the car
Facebook
Reading my friends’ blogs
Sunsets
Pantene Detangling Spray
Willow trees
Waterfalls
Nick and Nino’s fish tacos and fries
Live music
Heated car seats
Free time
Taking a bath in a Jacuzzi tub
Glee
Always seeing the glass half full

New Phone

Today was so productful! :). No court for Kurt or I (no clue how we both got out of it), so we got a ton of paperwork done. Whoot. I heart clearing my desk. No court tomorrow either, which may be a miracle. Love when Stacey and Jessica can cover everything.

Worked part of Sunday, and got a LOT of paperwork done, which was nice. Stopped at the mall afterwards, still on a quest to find some new work heels, and had no luck, again. Macy's has a few pair I liked, but none in my size. Seriously, Macy's. The one in Taylor is horrible with stocking sizes. Also stopped at NY and Co (liked nothing). I guess it's good when the stores have nothing I like, less money spent shopping! :).

My computer is fixed! Yay! And for only $39. I needed a new keyboard. It was horrible not being able to really use the bottom part of the keyboard though. And, they cleaned my laptop for free, which is good since I am lazy and don't do it as much as I should. Thanks computer place!

Poor little Gretel does not seem to be feeling well tonight. She looks really tired, and is not eating treats like normal. She did take two walks with us through the yard tonight, so I am not overly worried, but I hope she perks up soon! I had this sudden burst of energy on our walks tonight and decided to see if I could still do front handsprings! I can! Took more energy than in high school, but I am still a gymnast! hehe. I should start doing that more, great workout of some different muscles. Two nights ago, Kurt walked to the pond at dusk and saw a deer! We know they hang around there (footprints), but we have never seen one at the pond before. So kewl. The pugs did not see it as it sauntered away, which is good, because they would have freaked out I think. LOL.

Board meeting last night was LONG. I got there at 530 and did not leave until 842. And, I left early because I had to pick up a prescription and was not feeling well. It was just a committee meeting, so no biggie, but still. Meetings take way too long.........I guess as a lawyer, I am used to having to get to the point quickly since the Judges don't want to hear the whole long story, and it exasperates me to just dwell on issues forever. AARGH.

I want to get the new iPhone. I have the first edition iPhone, which has been an awesome, reliable phone. However, I think it is starting to die. There are a couple minor "lines" appearing on the sides of the screen, which don't stop the use of the phone, but I dont think it will be long until it gets worse. So, we stopped at AT&T today to try and pre-order. 45 minutes wait. Yea, no thanks. Tried to place an order online, site was down. So, looks like I will be waiting. Which is fine, it's not like I need the phone right now or anything. I generally like products to come out first and see how others like them before purchasing, but since mine is about to die, it kinda seemed like a sign! :). Hopefully when I totally *need* a phone, I will be able to get the new one.