Also,

I feel it is important to know, that Lisa Smith is by far, the best coworker I have had ever in my entire life. Thank you.

The Next Great American Novel

It's about time for another amazing, history changing, best selling, page turning novel. And I'm going to write it.

I have a fool proof game plan. I've read, studied, poured over recent successful plot lines and discovered what we're missing:

Vampires VS. Dragons*

To my knowledge, this has not been done, and in my humble opinion, the world is worse for it.

The premise, I think it's pretty clear, is a battle between vampires and dragons. No longer will the world have to wonder which is the superior mythical creature! All will be answered!

The characters will consist of:

Several vampires - the names I have so far are:
Smedward
Smella
Smackula

Several dragons - the names I have so far:
Daphira
Duff the Dagic

A token witch and wizard:
Larry Lotter
Lermione Langer

Some small hairy footed human-like creatures:
Prodo Paggins
Pamwise Pamgee

Miscellaneous villians (because a battle between vampires and dragons can't all be fun and games):
Tollum (also known as Teagol)
Tord Toldemort
Tick-ed Tepmothers
Teddy Trueger

So, that's what I've come up with so far, I think it's pretty solid. As always, I'm open to suggestions (good ones may earn you the dedication page, really good ones, a mention when I accept my multiple awards.)

*if this is successful (which I know in my heart of hearts, it will be) I will follow up with such sequels as:
Vampires VS. Aliens
Dragons VS. Aliens
Vampires and Dragons VS. Aliens (those aliens are tough)
Vampires VS. Sea Monsters
Dragons VS. The Yeti
etc.

Oh, the day I've had (long and detailed version)

Today started off like any other day. I don't know how it happened, but it quickly turned into chaos.

First I went to get myself some coffee* and found the carafe empty. (People...if you drink the last of the coffee in a shared coffee environment, please make more so the next unsuspecting girl to wander in doesn't get sprayed with the little remains left and have to clean up the resulting mess and take 15 minutes to brew coffee. It's just common courtesy.) So, 15 minutes later, with coffee** in hand, I went back to my cubicle.

When I got to my desk, I found that I couldn't print anything. It kept trying to save documents to my desktop. So, being the smart cookie I am, I thought that maybe my printer wasn't set up for some reason, so it was defaulting to "printing" PDF's. A quick glance at the printer name showed me that wasn't the case. So, I rebooted my computer. That didn't do the trick either. A call to tech support and a half an hour with tech support shadowing me later (plus many attempts of deleting and re-adding my printer on their side) and we discovered that a box had been clicked telling my printer to save everything to files. What should have been a quick fix took up the first hour of my day (at least the first hour that wasn't spent making coffee).

Okay, I could recover from this. At least that was my thought at the time. Then came lunch time. I cover reception while the receptionist (Hi Lisa!) takes her lunch, and today I brought a carbonated flavored (mixed berry) water with me. Well, I have much experience with these waters, and have never had anything bad happen with them...until...I sat down at the chair in front of the phone and started to open it. Immediately a volcano of sticky red liquid pours out the top and all over the desk, papers on the desk, and me. I thought I reacted pretty quickly in twisting the cap back on, but I'm told (Hi Lisa!) that I stared at it for several seconds before shaking off my shock and twisting it back on. So, there I sat, laughing till I was tearing up with Lisa, holding dripping hands in front of me and watching the drink spread over the desk surface. After some out of control laughter/discussion, it was decided that I would go wash up and bring paper towels down to clean up the scene.

I started up the stairs with my still dripping arms held out in front of me in a Mr. Burns type way (I'm told) and somehow biff it on the fifth stair. I caught myself pretty quickly (benefit of falling up the stairs and not down) and came up laughing harder than ever (don't worry, my belly didn't get anywhere close to the ground), while Lisa laughed at me from the bottom of the stairs (Hi Lisa!). I gained enough control over myself to get upstairs, wash my hands, and grab what seemed like a substantial amount of paper towels (8). I got back down to reception, still laughing uncontrollably, and discovered 8 paper towels wouldn't do it, and eventually improvised by using computer paper.

Anyway, in this process I managed to get red water on my white shirt, so ran home at lunch to tide stick it. (Is tide stick a verb?) Well, lo and behold, I couldn't find a tide stick. So I changed, put it in cold water, and grabbed a bag of Circus Animal cookies to make up for my crazy day. These I put in the passenger seat on my way back to work, only to discover that there was a hole in the bottom of the bag and the passenger seat is now covered in rainbow colored sprinkles. I scooped these up as best I could and headed back to my desk, where I settled back down to eat the remainder of the bag. Since then things seem to have settled down...we'll see what the rest of this day holds for me, I suppose.

*Please, please, please do not take this opportunity to lecture me about drinking coffee while pregnant. Before I began working full time I avoided all caffeine, and all the books say that 8-16 ounces a day in your second and third trimesters are fine. Trust me, I researched. Also, you try "sleeping" with something kicking you, multiple bathroom runs and pregnancy dreams. Not so restful, sometimes a small cup of joe can go a long way, plus I water it down with cream. Rant ending now.

** Seriously. Don't lecture me, I beg you.

Lookit Lookit Lookit!!! Or, how we spent our sixth anniversary

This weekend we celebrated our sixth anniversary, and our last just the two (and a half) of us. We stayed in our favorite hotel, the Bellevue Westin,

I went and got a maternity massage (thanks to a gift card) which can be translated as 160 minutes of delight and relaxation), ate a delicious dinner at Z'Tejas, and went off to see Despicable Me. It was cute, there was a lot of laughing out loud to be had. I don't however, think you need to splurge for the 3D - it didn't add a whole lot to the experience.

There's a scene in the movie where a little girl gets a huge stuffed unicorn, and she yells, "It's. So. FLUFFY!!!!" I had a similar reaction to my anniversary present this year.

A little background. For about two years now, I have had a slight obsession with a little Etsy store called MadebyHank. You who are familiar, know that she makes the worlds best purses, and that they sell out, literally in seconds. So, last year for my birthday, when Tim surprised me with this little number:

which I have used as a wallet ever since. Then, I treated myself to this one a while back:

and I love it, oh how I love it. But Tim knew that what I really wanted was one of her coveted shoulder bags - impossible to find, but breathtakingly pretty. So, imagine my delight when he quietly placed this little number on our living room chair:

My reaction was something like, "What's that? No. How?!" (remember, sells out in seconds), followed by immediately putting everything from above tote into new and improved tough ruffles shoulder bag and announcing that it's name was Purse-Face (cause it looks like it has a mouth when you open it.) I love it. I couldn't be happier. Tim's gift has yet to arrive (I may have been a little slow on the ordering it process) but I think he'll be pretty happy too. Anyway, all in all it was a great last hurrah before the baby joins us.

Wanted:

Adorable clothes!

I can't wait to have a littel wiggle worm to put in all sorts of adorable outfits. All of these were found at oldnavy.com - a place my wallet is never safe.

4th of July

I hope everyone had a great 4th! Ours was spent hearing an amazing sermon at church, then Tim went off to work, and I went to my dad's to say happy birthday to Tim (Burns) and eat lots-o-food. When Tim got off work, we headed to Jonathan and Laura's for some s'mores (with Reeses cups, none of that ordinary Hershey's business), Wii, and sparkler fun. All in all, a sucessful day.

Anyway, I was reminiscing on 4ths of the past, and remembered a story from when my cousin Danny and I were about 3. All the adults and "big kids" were out setting off fireworks, which left Danny and I to improvise (this was in the day that two three year olds could be left unsupervised, evidently). Naturally, we were jealous that we weren't allowed to play with 3000 degree sparklers and set off fireworks, so we opted for making our own. My grandma always had off brand cheesepuffs in the house, which are a fantastic, perma-staining neon orange, so these obviously caught our eye. We gleefully threw them all over grandma and grandpa's floor and proceeded to jump on them until they were nothing but orange and yellow dust. They crunched just enough to compete with the fireworks noise, so we were happy as clams. Thankfully, by the time the adults came back in and discovered us, the floors, and everything we'd touched orange, they just found us hilarious, so we somehow managed to avoid getting in trouble. Win-win, if you ask me.

Mobile Madness

Help me decide what sort of mobile to go with (bearing in mind the decor mentioned in the last post.)

1.
This cute felt and fabric tree mobile actually plays music. Plus, polka dots!

2.

Again, polka dots! And I love that they're not uniform in the way they fall.

3.

Subtle whimsy with clouds. I like the idea of pulling in more aspects of nature to go with the trees and tulips.

4.

Also in blue!

5.

This one is a DIY mobile, and I love the organic feel of it.

6.

And some sweet rain clouds gently dripping flourescent rain drops.

So, tell me what you like, or if you know of something even better. I'll let you know what we get when we eventually make up our minds :)

Once Upon a Time...

...I was a blogger. Now, I'm a slacker. But, now that we're just over three months away from adding a little girl to our family, I thought it might be a good time to re-enter to world we call the blogosphere.

So, like I said, we're closing in on 7 months of pregnancy, and pretty pleased about the situation. Want a sneak peak at our (hopefully) contemporary, whimsical, and slightly pink nursery decor? I thought so.

We've only purchased a few items so far (bedding, glider/ottoman/wall decal) but we pretty much know what we're planning, so I'll just show you what we've got up our sleeves.

So, the bedding was our inspiration, I love the simplicity of the tulips, as well as the use of hot pink rather than all pastels. Then, running with my love of jellybeans style trees, I found this wall decal on Etsy. Once we add some jellybeans artwork, I think it will look smashing. Also, we're looking for a wall color similar to the one in the decal picture.

We found early on, that a rocker glider can't be modern looking and comfortable simeltaneously. So, we compromised and got this one in a chocolate brown microfiber. Pricey, and not as pretty as we'd hoped, but oh-my-goodness-comfy.

And, lastly (so far), is the furniture. Because we are wanting to use bold colors (blues, hot pinks, dark browns and grays), we thought white furniture would pop. And, because Ikea is inexpensive, but strong in safety features, we opted for these items:

We'll use the dresser as a changing table (and the changing pad matches the bedding, yay!) instead of having two different bulky pieces we'll just have the one.

This crib got amazing safety ratings, with a tiny price tag. That's all.

And, what better way to house toys and books than a contemporary bookcase? I don't know of one.

And, that's where we are. I'm still searching for the perfect mobile, but it's coming together. Hopefully we'll actually start getting this stuff all into a freshly painted/decalled room shortly.

I Saw a Leaf Fall to the Ground Today...

Last year on this day I quoted a poem by a beloved professor of mine. I think it's worth reposting today.

I saw a leaf fall to the ground today.

For an entire season it had clung proudly to its place, gleaming brightly in the summer sun. It had felt its usefulness and beauty. But when embraced to Autumn's cold breast, its beauty faded; it became shriveled and sere. Still, it clung tenaciously to its accustomed spot on the branch. After much urging by a gentle wind, it wavered between its desire to remain with the known, and the desire to experience teh unknown. Finally, it embarked on its new adventure, and sailed happily with the breeze and gently fluttered to join many of its cold companions, and to meet many of a brighter hue. When it came to rest, I think I heard it release a sigh of contentment.

I am now in the summer of my life - enjoying my place, feeling of some use and service. When the late Autumn of my life comes, I think I shall be like that leaf I saw fall today. Certainly, I shall hesitate to leave the accustomed. But I know that once the great adventure is begun, I shall sail into eternal contentment.

You who see the leaf of my life fade and fall; Do not mistake that final breath as a groan. It will be a joyful sigh of release into the hands of my Great God, Creator and Savior.

CW Smith - November 14, 1972

Today marks three years since my mom went home. I'm so excited for the day we're reuinited.

Cucumber Martini's

When we were cruising Alaska, we had the pleasure of trying one of their cocktails - the cucumber martini. It is delicious. So delicious that soon after coming home I made it my mission to recreate it. The winning recipe (makes two):

4 ounces of gin

2 ounces of apple pucker schnapps

1 ounce of sweet and sour mix

1/2 ounce of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, boil water and add sugar until dissolved.)

About 12 slices of english cucumber

Cut up your cucumber, set aside 6 slices for garnish. Chop the remaining slices into little cubes and tip it into a shaker.

Add simple syrup to the shaker and muddle with the cucumber.

Add gin, schnapps and sweet and sour.

Fill with ice.

Shake shake shake.

Pour into glasses, put a cucumber on the rim of the glass and two slices floating in it.

Enjoy!

Three Years Ago Today...

...was the last time I spoke with my mom. Today is my parents anniversary - I believe it would be their 33rd. At this point we knew that she was dying, although the doctors had given us hope that she would be with us for a few more months. Tim and I headed down to Kent after work that day to drop off an anniversary gift - tulips, See The Morning CD by Chris Tomlin, and Lady in the Water by M Night Shymalan. Tim (the other Tim) and Chie had cooked dinner for my parents and when we came in they were eating in the dining room. Mom seemed to be doing really well that day. She was walking, talking, even eating a small amount - something that had been getting more and more difficult. We stayed only briefly, wanting them to have time together, and headed out. Three days later she went Home. By the time I got to her she was unresponsive. The whole family was there, which could have only been by the hand of God, and we held her hands and tried to comfort her until she was with Him.


I really miss her. The silliest things set me off, like not being able to remember a recipe at the grocery store and knowing that she'd be able to tell me what to get if I could just call her. I know that she's finally well, and happier than I can imagine, and that we will one day be reunited, but it's hard. I still cry myself to sleep every so often, but the pain is becoming less sharp, and I know it will continue to lessen as the days go on.


I apologize that my first post is ages is so unhappy, but that's just what I'm feeling right now, and this seemed like as good a place as any to get my thoughts out. Signing out.

Christmas Catchup

So...I've been taking some time off of blogging lately, but I figured it was about time to get back into the habit, so here we are! I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New Year, we certainly did. It was busy and crazy and exausting, just the way I like it.

We got to decorate cookies with friends, enjoy a Christmas Eve Eve date, have multiple family celebrations, and managed to get in some time for just the two of us on both Christmas Eve (breakfast and mimosas and one present each) as well as (early) Christmas morning (stockings and presents.) And let me tell you, we made out like bandits. Between buying presents for months in advance, and Tim's discount at M+O, there was a lot of loot under that little tree.

Below is most of the stuff we got, although I couldn't find everything online and I can't find my camera cord, so I can't just take pictures. But still....this is a lot of it.

For Tim:

For me:

all the clothes are from Martin + Osa (wow, that's a lot of clothes!)

So, I have a new wardrobe to wander around in, delightful! Now I just need to work off those Christmas cookies to make the clothes look just a smidge better on me. :)