Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Ramblings
Finished watching Season 2 of the 90s show Popular (which I never watched ever until my recent finding of it on Netflix). Anyway, I loved the show but cannot believe it ended that way! I am wondering if they did not plan it being the end, and then the show got cut or something. I want to demand a movie or something! I want to know what happens next! Bastards! :). Started on season 2 of 90210 (the new series). I watched this horrible, horrible movie from Netflix too called The Invention of Lying. If you have not seen it, DO NOT WATCH IT. I kept waiting for it to get better, and it never did. I liked the ending. I think because it ended. Jennifer Garner looks adorable in it and has great clothes. That is about all I can say positive.
So, I decided this weekend I needed to bite the bullet and buy a larger food processor. I have a small one that I use mainly to chop up veggies, but it is hard to use to make larger recipes like hummus and salsa, and since we have not been eating out at all lately, I need better kitchen tools. So, I grabbed some 20% off coupons and headed to Bed Bath and Beyond. Bought a new food processor and a new blender. Out blended was like 17 years old (Kurt owned it prior to meeting me), and when I last got it out to use, it totally was not chopping anything. I love how Bed Bath and Beyond allows you to use expired coupons. I save all of them I get in the mail and just take them when I actually shop there. It rocks. I saved like $42.00 today with coupons.
Decided to try two new recipes tonight. I wanted to make more salsa, as Kurt finished the last batch I made with the tomatoes Stacy gave me. I used a recipe off Food Network this time. I listened to advice from a friend, and took the seeds out of the jalapenos and banana peppers before adding to the salsa this time and it made it much better (not as crazy hot). I also made a dinner that was super yummy, from Vegetarian Times, which is starting to be my main site for obtaining recipes. I can always add ahi tuna or whatever, but at least I know the recipe to begin has no meat at all. Anyway, tonight, I made Corn and Black Bean Quesadillas, which were sooooo great and easy to make. The avocado garnish was Kurt's fav part, and was so different and yummy. I think this was the first time in my life I have bought an avocado, which is so weird since I love Mexican food. Anyway, this meal is going to become a staple in this house, since it is low cal and easy to make. I added Mexi cheese and low fat sour cream to Kurt's plate. Next time, I might use like one half can more of black beans, but other than that, PERFECT recipe.
Worked part of the day today, trying to catch up on paperwork. I love working in the office in silence, it is so crazy during the week with the phone and people stopping in. Got a bunch done, then left to run errands.
So, last weekend, I had some great coupons that were expiring soon at NY and Co and Kohls, so I got a few things for fall, which I love. I could not find pics of everything online though, so I will post links to what I could find.
This shirt, in burnt orange
This shirt, (in purple savvy)
This shirt, (in black)
Necklace. I so love the jewelry from NY and Co. I prob get complimented more on it than any other jewelry I wear, and it is the cheapest by far!
Necklace: (in black)
Shoes from Macy's. Got another really cute pair of red heels from Macy's, but can't find them online.
Shoes: These are SOOOO different and cute on. Love.
So, I decided this weekend I needed to bite the bullet and buy a larger food processor. I have a small one that I use mainly to chop up veggies, but it is hard to use to make larger recipes like hummus and salsa, and since we have not been eating out at all lately, I need better kitchen tools. So, I grabbed some 20% off coupons and headed to Bed Bath and Beyond. Bought a new food processor and a new blender. Out blended was like 17 years old (Kurt owned it prior to meeting me), and when I last got it out to use, it totally was not chopping anything. I love how Bed Bath and Beyond allows you to use expired coupons. I save all of them I get in the mail and just take them when I actually shop there. It rocks. I saved like $42.00 today with coupons.
Decided to try two new recipes tonight. I wanted to make more salsa, as Kurt finished the last batch I made with the tomatoes Stacy gave me. I used a recipe off Food Network this time. I listened to advice from a friend, and took the seeds out of the jalapenos and banana peppers before adding to the salsa this time and it made it much better (not as crazy hot). I also made a dinner that was super yummy, from Vegetarian Times, which is starting to be my main site for obtaining recipes. I can always add ahi tuna or whatever, but at least I know the recipe to begin has no meat at all. Anyway, tonight, I made Corn and Black Bean Quesadillas, which were sooooo great and easy to make. The avocado garnish was Kurt's fav part, and was so different and yummy. I think this was the first time in my life I have bought an avocado, which is so weird since I love Mexican food. Anyway, this meal is going to become a staple in this house, since it is low cal and easy to make. I added Mexi cheese and low fat sour cream to Kurt's plate. Next time, I might use like one half can more of black beans, but other than that, PERFECT recipe.
Worked part of the day today, trying to catch up on paperwork. I love working in the office in silence, it is so crazy during the week with the phone and people stopping in. Got a bunch done, then left to run errands.
So, last weekend, I had some great coupons that were expiring soon at NY and Co and Kohls, so I got a few things for fall, which I love. I could not find pics of everything online though, so I will post links to what I could find.
This shirt, in burnt orange
This shirt, (in purple savvy)
This shirt, (in black)
Necklace. I so love the jewelry from NY and Co. I prob get complimented more on it than any other jewelry I wear, and it is the cheapest by far!
Necklace: (in black)
Shoes from Macy's. Got another really cute pair of red heels from Macy's, but can't find them online.
Shoes: These are SOOOO different and cute on. Love.
Shoes. These are gonna require nylons or something, as they totally ripped my heel when I wore them. Boo. but, they are super cute and easy to walk around in. Strange how flats hurt my feet, but heels rarely do.
Sweater, (in ivory tower). This is perfect for the office when I dont have court.
Sweater, (in mystic teal). The sleeve detail is way cuter in person.
I got another great deal on a cute pair of sandals on eBay as well. I have been eyeing this pair of Born heels all summer, but they never seemed to be on sale and were pricey. I have limits on what I will pay for shoes since I have a slight addiction. Anyway, found them on eBay for $30! Insanity. And, they are super comfy.
Still doing great with The Daily Plate. Week two was actually much easier than week one. It is almost becoming second nature not to snack or overeat now, and I am not hungry like I used to be, which is awesome.
Anyway, off to bed and to work again tomorrow for a bit. Goooo Lions! Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.
Still doing great with The Daily Plate. Week two was actually much easier than week one. It is almost becoming second nature not to snack or overeat now, and I am not hungry like I used to be, which is awesome.
Anyway, off to bed and to work again tomorrow for a bit. Goooo Lions! Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Way
On September 12, 2010, I made a decision to start eating better. I don't really eat horribly, but don't always make the best choices, and, I love to snack and graze on random food while hanging around the house. Also, we love to leave the office for lunch, and do not generally eat overly healthy while eating out anywhere.
Enter The Daily Plate. Rebecca was talking about it a while back, and at that time, I did not look at it because it sounded like a lot of work. Opened the program and discovered how kewl it is. You can pretty much record ANYTHING you eat, and it will pop up how many calories are in that, fat, sodium, carbs, protein, etc. Also, you can put in how much you weigh, how tall you are, how much weight you want to gain, lose, or if you want to maintain, and it tells you how many calories you should eat per week in order to make that happen. You can also record your workouts, which are subtracted from your calories. I am not using the workout feature since I have no idea how many calories i burn while working out. Am thinking of investing in a heart rate monitor to start tracking that as well, but have not had time. Any suggestions on one to get that is simple, easy to use, but accurate?
Anyway, the site ROCKS. You really don't realize how many pointless calories you put in your mouth until you record them on a site like this. I have started shopping for food entirely differently, and even though I have always loved food in the past, I am trying to change my relationship with it, and look at it as a necessity, and not as a want. This will be a slow process, but I think I am doing really well so far. I am actually pretty good at something when I am held accountable (this time, by a computer program, haha). I am loridz on the program to anyone that would like to be friends on there!
In this almost two week journey thus far, I have discovered some new recipes and new food at the store that I love. I plan on posting those things as they become known to me.
Here's some to start off with:
Snacks. I still crave a snack at night, but am making better choices, other than grabbing a bag of chips and eating them:
Quaker Rice Snacks Cheddar Cheese Quakes. SOOOO good.
Any of the Weight Watchers frozen snacks. Every one I tried is good.
Stacey's Simply Naked Pita Chips (these are amazing with hummus).
Special K Blueberry Flavored Bar (these are awesome). Also bought Nature's Valley Peanut Butter bars, an old Lori fav that I have not had in forever.
Any of the Skinny Cow frozen treats. All good as well.
Now that we have a breakroom at the office with a full size freezer and frig, eating healthy at the office and being able to get away from my desk is EASY. I have been bringing all sorts of options to the office.
I am loving all of the Smart Ones meals I eat. My fav is the Fiesta Quesadilla. But, I have had a couple of their pizzas, a tuna casserole, a five cheese ziti. All good.
Have also been snacking on baby carrots, apples and bananas. I am realizing that having healthy snacks around makes thing really easy as well.
Another goal of mine has to been to work more veggies into my diet. Not perfect yet, but am eating way more than I did previously. Green beans and corn mostly with dinner. Have eaten some form of fish for protein each night since this started as well.
Been looking thru my vegetarian times magazines for recipes and have made two thus far. First was a Tex Mex Quinoa with Black Beans and Corn. Had never had quinoa before, but the meal was super good! I added cheese to Kurt's, he thinks everything is better with cheese. :). Then, I attempted hummus for the first time and it came out pretty good for a first attempt. The only issue I had with it was it's consistency, but I have some ideas for next time. It's still super tasty, I made a spicy version. I would love to find a low fat version since I think hummus has too much fat in the normal versions. With this recipe, I did add two TBSP of water and used one cup of tahini (slightly diff from recipe, from suggested by recipe).
Also, weighed myself one week in and I had lost 7 pounds, which is insane to me! Hopefully, I can continue at this rate! :).
I have bought some new shoes, and totally owe you a shoe post, however, gotta get to bed. Going to fight my own speeding ticket in the morning, LOL. Fingers crossed.
Enter The Daily Plate. Rebecca was talking about it a while back, and at that time, I did not look at it because it sounded like a lot of work. Opened the program and discovered how kewl it is. You can pretty much record ANYTHING you eat, and it will pop up how many calories are in that, fat, sodium, carbs, protein, etc. Also, you can put in how much you weigh, how tall you are, how much weight you want to gain, lose, or if you want to maintain, and it tells you how many calories you should eat per week in order to make that happen. You can also record your workouts, which are subtracted from your calories. I am not using the workout feature since I have no idea how many calories i burn while working out. Am thinking of investing in a heart rate monitor to start tracking that as well, but have not had time. Any suggestions on one to get that is simple, easy to use, but accurate?
Anyway, the site ROCKS. You really don't realize how many pointless calories you put in your mouth until you record them on a site like this. I have started shopping for food entirely differently, and even though I have always loved food in the past, I am trying to change my relationship with it, and look at it as a necessity, and not as a want. This will be a slow process, but I think I am doing really well so far. I am actually pretty good at something when I am held accountable (this time, by a computer program, haha). I am loridz on the program to anyone that would like to be friends on there!
In this almost two week journey thus far, I have discovered some new recipes and new food at the store that I love. I plan on posting those things as they become known to me.
Here's some to start off with:
Snacks. I still crave a snack at night, but am making better choices, other than grabbing a bag of chips and eating them:
Quaker Rice Snacks Cheddar Cheese Quakes. SOOOO good.
Any of the Weight Watchers frozen snacks. Every one I tried is good.
Stacey's Simply Naked Pita Chips (these are amazing with hummus).
Special K Blueberry Flavored Bar (these are awesome). Also bought Nature's Valley Peanut Butter bars, an old Lori fav that I have not had in forever.
Any of the Skinny Cow frozen treats. All good as well.
Now that we have a breakroom at the office with a full size freezer and frig, eating healthy at the office and being able to get away from my desk is EASY. I have been bringing all sorts of options to the office.
I am loving all of the Smart Ones meals I eat. My fav is the Fiesta Quesadilla. But, I have had a couple of their pizzas, a tuna casserole, a five cheese ziti. All good.
Have also been snacking on baby carrots, apples and bananas. I am realizing that having healthy snacks around makes thing really easy as well.
Another goal of mine has to been to work more veggies into my diet. Not perfect yet, but am eating way more than I did previously. Green beans and corn mostly with dinner. Have eaten some form of fish for protein each night since this started as well.
Been looking thru my vegetarian times magazines for recipes and have made two thus far. First was a Tex Mex Quinoa with Black Beans and Corn. Had never had quinoa before, but the meal was super good! I added cheese to Kurt's, he thinks everything is better with cheese. :). Then, I attempted hummus for the first time and it came out pretty good for a first attempt. The only issue I had with it was it's consistency, but I have some ideas for next time. It's still super tasty, I made a spicy version. I would love to find a low fat version since I think hummus has too much fat in the normal versions. With this recipe, I did add two TBSP of water and used one cup of tahini (slightly diff from recipe, from suggested by recipe).
Also, weighed myself one week in and I had lost 7 pounds, which is insane to me! Hopefully, I can continue at this rate! :).
I have bought some new shoes, and totally owe you a shoe post, however, gotta get to bed. Going to fight my own speeding ticket in the morning, LOL. Fingers crossed.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Colombia Trip Report and Pics
So, I am way behind with this trip report. But, I have completed it, just the same! :)
Trip Report--Colombia 09/2010
Friday
Early morning flight via Spirit Airlines to Ft Lauderdale then Bogota (speaking of which, we only paid $242.50 RT PP for this flight, which is insanely cheap, WHOOT). Both flights were great, on time. Loved flying through the Ft Lauderdale airport, no running around to connecting flights, they were all in one small area. Got to Bogota, and getting through customs was easy, no line. Luggage took a little bit of time, then found the driver the hotel sent to pick us up, which was nice. Took about 35 minutes to get to the hotel. Hotel Charleston. Super nice hotel in the northern part of Bogota. Our room was really nice--bedroom, living room, dining area, bathroom, etc. View of the city. Kurt had a massage at the hotel and we had a quick snack at the hotel restaurant. We then decided to walk aimlessly around the area by our hotel. Stopped in a really nice store that sold ties and bought Kurt two for work. Had dinner at a place called Thai and Sushi Express, then headed back to the hotel. We were both wiped from flying all day and walking around all afternoon.
Saturday
Got up and decided to head to La Candelaria to explore the older part of the city. This area has a lot of really old coloniel buildings, including churches, government buildings, statues, etc., and lower end shopping. Anyway, really kewl part of town to walk around and explore. We saw the President’s Mansion, the Mayor’s House, Congress, Supreme Court, the church the first mass was held at in Colombia and many other buildings and statues. Ate lunch at a quick pizza place, where they made personal thin pizzas for you. Walked around a bunch more than headed back to the hotel area. Walked around a couple shopping areas, and ended up getting massages and I got a manicure at a local place. Headed to dinner at a local Mexican place, El Carnal, that was SUPER yummy and chilled in the hotel.
Sunday
Got up for early morning flight to Cartagena. Flight was great, and grabbed a taxi to our hotel, the Hotel Caribe, in the Boca Grande beach area of Cartagena. Checked in at hotel, room very nice. Then, went and had a massage, used the Jacuzzi and sauna some, chilled by the pool and took a swim, which was great--and had lunch at the hotel. Shrimp and cheese pizza, YUM. Went and walked around the Boca Grande area and beach. Did some shopping, and had smoothies from Juan Valdez Cafe. Had dinner at a local Mexican place, Guadalupe Mexicana, walked some more in the downtown Boca Grande area. Played at a couple casinos (one was called Atlantic Casino) and won a little bit.
Monday
Got up and after breakfast, ventured out to the Old Town area where the walled in City is. Really awesome old buildings, the fort walls were incredible to walk around, shopping was fun. The people there were REALLY pushy though, to the point where I did not even want to look at jewelry and the like, because they were pushing it on me SO badly. Telling them you were just looking was not helpful. Spent several hours there, then headed back to Boca Grande and walked the downtown some more where people were less pushy, LOL. Got a massage, then had lunch at a place called La Olla Cartagena where I had shrimp and rice as well as lobster bisque. Headed back to the hotel so I could take a quick nap and cool down and take a quick shower (soooo hot out). Relaxed, then headed to dinner at another Mexican place called Mexico Taqueria (can you sense a trend here??). Played some at the casino and won a little bit.
Tuesday
Came back to Bogota today via Avianca airlines. 15 minute delay on flight, no biggie. Great flight again. Really nice plane. Got here, transferred to the hotel, Hotel Habitel (near the airport this time since we are flying home tomorrow). Checked into hotel, super nice. Decided, since it was raining, to head to some of the local malls for some shopping. I have to say, of all the Central and South American countries Kurt and I have been to thus far, Colombia has AWESOME shopping, especially for men. SO many stores with men’s dress clothes. Bought Kurt 4 dress shirts and 11 more ties. We went to two major malls, Unicentro, which may be the biggest mall I have ever been in, and Andimo, which was super nice as well. Had dinner at the same Mexican place we ate at previously in Bogota. Relaxed at the hotel after dinner, using the Jacuzzi and sauna and scheduled morning massages.
Wednesday
Got up, had breakfast at the hotel and massages. Then, left for airport. The airport was SOOO disorganized for our departure. We were there 2 hours early and BARELY made our flight. Then, the plane took off late, and we got to Ft Lauderdale and they were insanely disorganized there (opposite of when we arrived). We had about an hour, and with literally racing to our gate after going through like 6 check points, we barely made that flight. Literally one minute after we boarded, they closed the gate. Not sure if I ever want to fly Spirit internationally again after that mess, but the flight was super cheap, so I guess sometimes you get what you pay for? Anyway, got safely back to Detroit, home around 1215 PM.
Overall, awesome and relaxing trip. Love exploring new cities and new countries. Was not our “typical” vacation with hiking and animals, but I had a really nice time just the same, and really, this trip was just what I needed. Work was getting really overwhelming and stressful, and I know that is when I need to get away for a few days.
Another thing about Colombia though, you really should know more than "some" Spanish. We barely got by, and Kurt is actually pretty good with his Spanish. They have heavy accents there, so they could not even understand some of our Americanized Spanish. It’s not like Costa Rica, Panama, etc., where you can generally find people who know both languages. This is fine with us, but others might have a hard time.
Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend, however you got to spend it! :).
Oh, the pics from the trip are found by clicking here.
Trip Report--Colombia 09/2010
Friday
Early morning flight via Spirit Airlines to Ft Lauderdale then Bogota (speaking of which, we only paid $242.50 RT PP for this flight, which is insanely cheap, WHOOT). Both flights were great, on time. Loved flying through the Ft Lauderdale airport, no running around to connecting flights, they were all in one small area. Got to Bogota, and getting through customs was easy, no line. Luggage took a little bit of time, then found the driver the hotel sent to pick us up, which was nice. Took about 35 minutes to get to the hotel. Hotel Charleston. Super nice hotel in the northern part of Bogota. Our room was really nice--bedroom, living room, dining area, bathroom, etc. View of the city. Kurt had a massage at the hotel and we had a quick snack at the hotel restaurant. We then decided to walk aimlessly around the area by our hotel. Stopped in a really nice store that sold ties and bought Kurt two for work. Had dinner at a place called Thai and Sushi Express, then headed back to the hotel. We were both wiped from flying all day and walking around all afternoon.
Saturday
Got up and decided to head to La Candelaria to explore the older part of the city. This area has a lot of really old coloniel buildings, including churches, government buildings, statues, etc., and lower end shopping. Anyway, really kewl part of town to walk around and explore. We saw the President’s Mansion, the Mayor’s House, Congress, Supreme Court, the church the first mass was held at in Colombia and many other buildings and statues. Ate lunch at a quick pizza place, where they made personal thin pizzas for you. Walked around a bunch more than headed back to the hotel area. Walked around a couple shopping areas, and ended up getting massages and I got a manicure at a local place. Headed to dinner at a local Mexican place, El Carnal, that was SUPER yummy and chilled in the hotel.
Sunday
Got up for early morning flight to Cartagena. Flight was great, and grabbed a taxi to our hotel, the Hotel Caribe, in the Boca Grande beach area of Cartagena. Checked in at hotel, room very nice. Then, went and had a massage, used the Jacuzzi and sauna some, chilled by the pool and took a swim, which was great--and had lunch at the hotel. Shrimp and cheese pizza, YUM. Went and walked around the Boca Grande area and beach. Did some shopping, and had smoothies from Juan Valdez Cafe. Had dinner at a local Mexican place, Guadalupe Mexicana, walked some more in the downtown Boca Grande area. Played at a couple casinos (one was called Atlantic Casino) and won a little bit.
Monday
Got up and after breakfast, ventured out to the Old Town area where the walled in City is. Really awesome old buildings, the fort walls were incredible to walk around, shopping was fun. The people there were REALLY pushy though, to the point where I did not even want to look at jewelry and the like, because they were pushing it on me SO badly. Telling them you were just looking was not helpful. Spent several hours there, then headed back to Boca Grande and walked the downtown some more where people were less pushy, LOL. Got a massage, then had lunch at a place called La Olla Cartagena where I had shrimp and rice as well as lobster bisque. Headed back to the hotel so I could take a quick nap and cool down and take a quick shower (soooo hot out). Relaxed, then headed to dinner at another Mexican place called Mexico Taqueria (can you sense a trend here??). Played some at the casino and won a little bit.
Tuesday
Came back to Bogota today via Avianca airlines. 15 minute delay on flight, no biggie. Great flight again. Really nice plane. Got here, transferred to the hotel, Hotel Habitel (near the airport this time since we are flying home tomorrow). Checked into hotel, super nice. Decided, since it was raining, to head to some of the local malls for some shopping. I have to say, of all the Central and South American countries Kurt and I have been to thus far, Colombia has AWESOME shopping, especially for men. SO many stores with men’s dress clothes. Bought Kurt 4 dress shirts and 11 more ties. We went to two major malls, Unicentro, which may be the biggest mall I have ever been in, and Andimo, which was super nice as well. Had dinner at the same Mexican place we ate at previously in Bogota. Relaxed at the hotel after dinner, using the Jacuzzi and sauna and scheduled morning massages.
Wednesday
Got up, had breakfast at the hotel and massages. Then, left for airport. The airport was SOOO disorganized for our departure. We were there 2 hours early and BARELY made our flight. Then, the plane took off late, and we got to Ft Lauderdale and they were insanely disorganized there (opposite of when we arrived). We had about an hour, and with literally racing to our gate after going through like 6 check points, we barely made that flight. Literally one minute after we boarded, they closed the gate. Not sure if I ever want to fly Spirit internationally again after that mess, but the flight was super cheap, so I guess sometimes you get what you pay for? Anyway, got safely back to Detroit, home around 1215 PM.
Overall, awesome and relaxing trip. Love exploring new cities and new countries. Was not our “typical” vacation with hiking and animals, but I had a really nice time just the same, and really, this trip was just what I needed. Work was getting really overwhelming and stressful, and I know that is when I need to get away for a few days.
Another thing about Colombia though, you really should know more than "some" Spanish. We barely got by, and Kurt is actually pretty good with his Spanish. They have heavy accents there, so they could not even understand some of our Americanized Spanish. It’s not like Costa Rica, Panama, etc., where you can generally find people who know both languages. This is fine with us, but others might have a hard time.
Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend, however you got to spend it! :).
Oh, the pics from the trip are found by clicking here.
Monday, September 13, 2010
WHY AN UNDERWEAR BOMBER TRIAL WITH AN ENTRAPMENT DEFENSE WOULD BE ONE OF THE GREATEST EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
by KURT HASKELL
It has been nearly nine months since Lori and I were almost killed by the Underwear Bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. For the first few months, Lori and I were very vocal over the media blackout and corresponding cover up to the real story of the Christmas Day events. If anyone is not familiar with our experience, our story can be read here in this blog. For the past few months, we have chosen to sit back and watch as the trial, or lack thereof, plays out in the courthouse we regularly practice in. While the media blackout to the true events continues, the failed attack on our credibility has been replaced with deafening silence as to our eyewitness account. To us, this matter has never been about seeking vengeance against the Underwear Bomber. When taking our eyewitness account and adding it to the small amount of honest facts that have come out, one can only recognize the Underwear Bomber as a mere patsy. It is quite shocking that, thus far, the Underwear Bomber hasn't been forever silenced as other patsies that have come before him. What has led me to write this update is the following article:
http://www.freep.com/article/20100913/NEWS01/100913036/1318/Terror-suspect-fires-his-lawyers
It seems as though the Underwear Bomber has now decided to fire his attorneys and represent himself. I am actually not too surprised by this event. Being an attorney myself, I can see his attorneys trying to stuff a settlement down his throat while he argues in opposition that he was set up. Further, I must consider the following in realizing why this happened:
My nephew recently started law school. In August he had an orientation with a guest speaker. That speaker just happened to be none other than the Underwear Bomber prosecutor, Barbara McQuade. During such orientation, Attorney McQuade indicated that she has a case in which certain information can only be given to the judge and not released elsewhere due to "National Security". Since Attorney McQuade was only appointed as a federal prosecutor in the summer of 2009, it is not too difficult to determine what case she is referring to. I am sure that this information could only lead to further frustration on the part of the Underwear Bomber and continued conflict with his attorneys.
When I read the Free Press article today, the attorney in myself came out and I had to ask how I would like to see the defense of this case handled.
It seems to me, that now that the Underwear Bomber is representing himself, or possibly using new attorneys, that the use of an entrapment defense is not out of the question. The use of such a defense could be one of the greatest moments in the history of the United States of America. Only through a defense such as this, could the full involvement of the U.S. Government be fully discovered and divulged. Please consider the following:
1. The Underwear Bomber was escorted through security without a passport by the Sharp Dressed Man who by all accounts, appears to be a government agent.
2. Congressional hearings have confirmed that the Underwear Bomber was likely let on flight 253 intentionally.
3. The bomb failed to detonate, and by many accounts, was designed so that it would not detonate.
4. The entire terrorist attack was filmed from before it started until after it ended.
5. The bomb was obtained in Yemen where the CIA has been known to have agents interacting with Al Qaeda.
Once you accept the above, it is not so far fetched to believe that the U.S. Government planted a defective bomb on the Underwear Bomber to:
1. Renew the Patriot Act
2. Get body scanners in the airports
3. Further the U.S. involvement in strategically located Yemen
4. Further the fraudulent war on terror
5. Provide further profit to the military industrial complex
Only through an entrapment defense that is fully litigated in open court could the American citizens get what they deserve, an open honest investigation into the Christmas Day events of 2009. Such a trial could possibly wake up the millions of American citizens that fail to even consider that its government is corrupt, dishonest, and working for those who only seek to consolidate their power and wealth.
I am not holding my breath that a trial with an entrapment defense will occur. Nor could I (under the rules of the State bar), or would I, want to be involved in the representation of a man that almost killed me. I encourage my fellow members of the bar to consider representing the Underwear Bomber pro bono and using such a defense to help not only your potential client, but also your fellow American citizens. It is not the prosecution of the Underwear bomber that will help fight the fraudulent war on terror. It is the prosecution of the U.S. Government officials responsible for the Underwear Bomber attack that will put an end to the U.S.S.A. (United Socialist States of America) and restore the U.S.A.
It has been nearly nine months since Lori and I were almost killed by the Underwear Bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. For the first few months, Lori and I were very vocal over the media blackout and corresponding cover up to the real story of the Christmas Day events. If anyone is not familiar with our experience, our story can be read here in this blog. For the past few months, we have chosen to sit back and watch as the trial, or lack thereof, plays out in the courthouse we regularly practice in. While the media blackout to the true events continues, the failed attack on our credibility has been replaced with deafening silence as to our eyewitness account. To us, this matter has never been about seeking vengeance against the Underwear Bomber. When taking our eyewitness account and adding it to the small amount of honest facts that have come out, one can only recognize the Underwear Bomber as a mere patsy. It is quite shocking that, thus far, the Underwear Bomber hasn't been forever silenced as other patsies that have come before him. What has led me to write this update is the following article:
http://www.freep.com/article/20100913/NEWS01/100913036/1318/Terror-suspect-fires-his-lawyers
It seems as though the Underwear Bomber has now decided to fire his attorneys and represent himself. I am actually not too surprised by this event. Being an attorney myself, I can see his attorneys trying to stuff a settlement down his throat while he argues in opposition that he was set up. Further, I must consider the following in realizing why this happened:
My nephew recently started law school. In August he had an orientation with a guest speaker. That speaker just happened to be none other than the Underwear Bomber prosecutor, Barbara McQuade. During such orientation, Attorney McQuade indicated that she has a case in which certain information can only be given to the judge and not released elsewhere due to "National Security". Since Attorney McQuade was only appointed as a federal prosecutor in the summer of 2009, it is not too difficult to determine what case she is referring to. I am sure that this information could only lead to further frustration on the part of the Underwear Bomber and continued conflict with his attorneys.
When I read the Free Press article today, the attorney in myself came out and I had to ask how I would like to see the defense of this case handled.
It seems to me, that now that the Underwear Bomber is representing himself, or possibly using new attorneys, that the use of an entrapment defense is not out of the question. The use of such a defense could be one of the greatest moments in the history of the United States of America. Only through a defense such as this, could the full involvement of the U.S. Government be fully discovered and divulged. Please consider the following:
1. The Underwear Bomber was escorted through security without a passport by the Sharp Dressed Man who by all accounts, appears to be a government agent.
2. Congressional hearings have confirmed that the Underwear Bomber was likely let on flight 253 intentionally.
3. The bomb failed to detonate, and by many accounts, was designed so that it would not detonate.
4. The entire terrorist attack was filmed from before it started until after it ended.
5. The bomb was obtained in Yemen where the CIA has been known to have agents interacting with Al Qaeda.
Once you accept the above, it is not so far fetched to believe that the U.S. Government planted a defective bomb on the Underwear Bomber to:
1. Renew the Patriot Act
2. Get body scanners in the airports
3. Further the U.S. involvement in strategically located Yemen
4. Further the fraudulent war on terror
5. Provide further profit to the military industrial complex
Only through an entrapment defense that is fully litigated in open court could the American citizens get what they deserve, an open honest investigation into the Christmas Day events of 2009. Such a trial could possibly wake up the millions of American citizens that fail to even consider that its government is corrupt, dishonest, and working for those who only seek to consolidate their power and wealth.
I am not holding my breath that a trial with an entrapment defense will occur. Nor could I (under the rules of the State bar), or would I, want to be involved in the representation of a man that almost killed me. I encourage my fellow members of the bar to consider representing the Underwear Bomber pro bono and using such a defense to help not only your potential client, but also your fellow American citizens. It is not the prosecution of the Underwear bomber that will help fight the fraudulent war on terror. It is the prosecution of the U.S. Government officials responsible for the Underwear Bomber attack that will put an end to the U.S.S.A. (United Socialist States of America) and restore the U.S.A.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, August 23, 2010
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Saturday, August 21, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, August 09, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
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! :).
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! :).
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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! :).
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!
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!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
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! :).
Cant wait to explore tomorrow! Night! :).
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
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.
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.
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