As I traverse the very flat plains of Indiana yesterday, I pass a lovely high school. Outside this school is a sign board, one of those with the movable letters. And on this sign it reads:
XX HIGH SCHOOL
Annual Book Drive
XX City Barnes & Nobel
Seriously? Yes, go back and re-read the last line. It's supposed to be a bookstore, NOT an honorable award location. This sign is outside a location that is meant to education our children about a BOOK DRIVE no less. Something that requires literacy decides to send folks to the local book store focusing on world piece or what?
Be afraid folks, be very afraid. And please buy your children a dictionary and an AP Manual when they get to college. Cuz itz imprtant thad thez learnd to reed gooder!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
3 Dog Stories and a Side Note
Hysteria...for me anyway. I hope you enjoy and if you don't, I am sorry. But for those with dogs - I am sure you'll appreciate occasions such as these.
1) Olive V. Shower - Olive doesn't like to be alone. I realize completely that this is my and hubby's fault. We really enjoy our dog and she likes being with us. This means she doesn't like when we aren't accessible. One of these occasions - when I shower. She likes to jump up and peer in to be sure I'm still there. Our tub is raised so it's unlikely (and a little difficult) for her to try to jump into the shower. However, I don't think she'll be doing this anytime soon. This week, I was in the shower and Olive was asleep on the bed, or so I thought. Sure enough, I hear her little collar jingle into the bathroom. And then a big thunk! Right in the shower goes the shampoo bottle on the edge. This is all combined with a scrapping so desperate and a tail end of buff fur flying from the room. Poor thing must have bumped the bottle when she jumped up to check things out. Olive is now afraid of the shower. Awesome. Let me be the first to realize how super fun bathing her will now be. Needless to say, I've moved the bottle.
2) Maternal Instinct V. Anything Else - Olive and I go for walks now - it's awesome. We are blessed with lovely walking paths nearby. On a separate note, the hubby and I have at least brought up the idea of becoming a larger family. As most possible mother's, I've always wondered if I'd be good at it, will I have that "maternal" instinct, etc. Well - I've got that covered. There was a loose dog on our recent walk. I didn't know I had shackles, but I do and they went up. Potentially ridiculous, I know. In an effort not to scare the dog I didn't scoop her up and run like hell. (For those of you that know me - like running would have gotten me far, seriously?) I walked smoothly, pulled her closer and off we went. No exciting end, but I was incredibly proud that I had that reaction. She's great - my little pup for sure!
3) Olive V. DVD Player - Sleepy Olive tonight and as she's snoozing, I start a movie. The DVD player opens and closes - apparently this signifies attack mode. Olive went straight up and straight back about two to three feet. All while growling viciously at said DVD player. This machine of the devil closed and Olive came over to let me know that she had killed the beast. Ah, how strange our world must seem to the simple, amazing creatures that dogs are.
And a side note...
The holidays are coming (there's nothing we can do about it) and yes, it's only about five weeks until Christmas. When looking through some possible shopping items for my loved ones I added an item to my wish list. Suggestions pop up upon adding said item - I added a RR spatula set. The suggested items included, a chic-lit book (okay), a set of RR pots & pans and of course - what all true chefs, RR fans or chic-lit type folks need - the idiot's guide to pole dancing and stripping. Honestly, these are all related and connected, I'm sure. I'm just not sure I want to know HOW they're connected.
P.S. - Twilight opens in eight days - EIGHT! I am so excited!! If you haven't read the books, read them, but be sure you have access to all four and the time to read. It's absolutely addicting! I am a complete dork for them and know that, but don't care!
1) Olive V. Shower - Olive doesn't like to be alone. I realize completely that this is my and hubby's fault. We really enjoy our dog and she likes being with us. This means she doesn't like when we aren't accessible. One of these occasions - when I shower. She likes to jump up and peer in to be sure I'm still there. Our tub is raised so it's unlikely (and a little difficult) for her to try to jump into the shower. However, I don't think she'll be doing this anytime soon. This week, I was in the shower and Olive was asleep on the bed, or so I thought. Sure enough, I hear her little collar jingle into the bathroom. And then a big thunk! Right in the shower goes the shampoo bottle on the edge. This is all combined with a scrapping so desperate and a tail end of buff fur flying from the room. Poor thing must have bumped the bottle when she jumped up to check things out. Olive is now afraid of the shower. Awesome. Let me be the first to realize how super fun bathing her will now be. Needless to say, I've moved the bottle.
2) Maternal Instinct V. Anything Else - Olive and I go for walks now - it's awesome. We are blessed with lovely walking paths nearby. On a separate note, the hubby and I have at least brought up the idea of becoming a larger family. As most possible mother's, I've always wondered if I'd be good at it, will I have that "maternal" instinct, etc. Well - I've got that covered. There was a loose dog on our recent walk. I didn't know I had shackles, but I do and they went up. Potentially ridiculous, I know. In an effort not to scare the dog I didn't scoop her up and run like hell. (For those of you that know me - like running would have gotten me far, seriously?) I walked smoothly, pulled her closer and off we went. No exciting end, but I was incredibly proud that I had that reaction. She's great - my little pup for sure!
3) Olive V. DVD Player - Sleepy Olive tonight and as she's snoozing, I start a movie. The DVD player opens and closes - apparently this signifies attack mode. Olive went straight up and straight back about two to three feet. All while growling viciously at said DVD player. This machine of the devil closed and Olive came over to let me know that she had killed the beast. Ah, how strange our world must seem to the simple, amazing creatures that dogs are.
And a side note...
The holidays are coming (there's nothing we can do about it) and yes, it's only about five weeks until Christmas. When looking through some possible shopping items for my loved ones I added an item to my wish list. Suggestions pop up upon adding said item - I added a RR spatula set. The suggested items included, a chic-lit book (okay), a set of RR pots & pans and of course - what all true chefs, RR fans or chic-lit type folks need - the idiot's guide to pole dancing and stripping. Honestly, these are all related and connected, I'm sure. I'm just not sure I want to know HOW they're connected.
P.S. - Twilight opens in eight days - EIGHT! I am so excited!! If you haven't read the books, read them, but be sure you have access to all four and the time to read. It's absolutely addicting! I am a complete dork for them and know that, but don't care!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Cupcakes, cleaning and cocktails...
I'm officially the worst post-er to date! I've been off work for a week - an entire week. And guess how many times I've written!
Why, you may ask, have I not shared my bitter diatribes on job searching in an awful economy? Where is the detail on the trials and tribulations of deciding whether hanging with Olive on the couch requires a shower? Or better yet, what excitement lies in the kitchen beneath my recipe books and careful menu planning and grocery lists. Yet, even more concerning to the nation - what lies at the bottom of Hubby's closet as I clean out a year of clutter (okay that actually could be very entertaining...I'll keep you posted on that one).
No, I have not been kidnapped by wolves, nor buried by laundry - I've been resting. Sleeping, hurrying off to interviews, coffee meetings and of course, visiting my sister's new pad. And there is terrible news.
Between my sister's fabulous and stylish new apartment and her El stop...lies an amazing small, sweet bakery that produces unbelievably yummy cupcakes. Now they're not QUITE Sprinkles quality - which was incredible! Hubby and I visited there when we were in L.A. - I mean Oprah recommended it! How could we not?! But this tiny Chicago bakery is super good - they have a champagne cupcake. CHAMPAGNE!! I realize that anything with the nectar of gods is good, but really. This is just yummy and unlikely many locations not a gargantuan cupcake in size or price. Really about perfect!
Another recent discovery - almond-tini's. Amaretto and vodka, delicious - or I should say dericious (inside joke, sorry). Do not be confused though - not everyone can make this lovely cocktail... JUST amaretto and vodka, no other liquors needed. I haven't tried it out yet, but I'm guessing it's a two to one, respectiverly. Cheers!! Okay, well that's enough alcohol coated details...
Back I go to pound some pavement, clean the apartment and stamp up some new projects...and of course walk the lovely Olive, who by the way, is out cold next to me. Apparently having your "pack" home all weekend wears a gal out!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Leaves & Life Changes
So it's that time of year, the cooler air is blowing in, the leaves will shortly start falling. I LOVE this season. Hubby and I celebrated one year of wedded bliss this weekend, hooray!
We decided to stay in our apartment for another year and look for houses down the road. Another big change, I've given my notice at my job. A wonderful cause, an awesome experience and I know something fantastic is waiting in the wings. So I've entered the intimidating world of job hunting again. It's very likely that I'll do some consulting for the time being, so if you have questions or opportunities, please comment below and let me know.
Fall cleaning will likely follow my new availability and I'll be happily sharing posting duties with the hubby. As you may have noticed, he's joined the ranks! We figured that one site can suffice for our general life updates, random ramblings and updates on our always fabulous pup (who is nine months old now!!).
I'm thrilled to report that football season is in full swing, chili will be cooking and apple cider will be plentiful! Happy fall - enjoy the cooler weather!
We decided to stay in our apartment for another year and look for houses down the road. Another big change, I've given my notice at my job. A wonderful cause, an awesome experience and I know something fantastic is waiting in the wings. So I've entered the intimidating world of job hunting again. It's very likely that I'll do some consulting for the time being, so if you have questions or opportunities, please comment below and let me know.
Fall cleaning will likely follow my new availability and I'll be happily sharing posting duties with the hubby. As you may have noticed, he's joined the ranks! We figured that one site can suffice for our general life updates, random ramblings and updates on our always fabulous pup (who is nine months old now!!).
I'm thrilled to report that football season is in full swing, chili will be cooking and apple cider will be plentiful! Happy fall - enjoy the cooler weather!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Long time reader, first time poster....
Hello to all, the Hubby has arrived!
I just wanted to give an introductory post to let those dedicated followers of this blog, that I will be joining the party and I mean both of you! ;-)
Going to Hollywood this week, so I am sure there will be more posting coming soon.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sad day
Sad news...lost my Grandma today. She was an awesome person. It's always sad to see someone go, but I know she's peaceful and not in pain. She's enjoying a manhattan with Grandpa and giggling with Aunt Helen (for the first time, Aunt Helen will hear Grandma's laugh!). What a day!
She will be so missed and I know she's watching down on all of us. We miss you Gram!
She will be so missed and I know she's watching down on all of us. We miss you Gram!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Im-PRESS-ed with a challenge
Deciding I didn't have enough to do with my free time...I decided to start a side-business. Yup, I've joined the masses of Pampered Chef, tupperware and MaryKay people as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.
I am completely 100% geeked out about this (which therefore increases my geek-ability factor). I've loved their products for a while and used a BUNCH of them when making many of our wedding DIY projects. So why the heck not! Feel free to visit the page for details. So as I press down on the adorable stamp to craft my next project, I am impressed with the absolutely insanity that led me to believe I could take on one more thing.
Ah well...as long as I can keep Olive from eating the paper, it should be fantastic. Why in the world do dogs like to eat paper anyway? And where do they get it from?
I can clean up every tiny little piece of paper from the floor, put the garbage cans up and be sure we're all set and sure enough 30 minutes later Olive in innocently surrounded by shreds of what was once a piece of paper, tissue or bathroom paper. I think it comes out her ears sometimes!
I am completely 100% geeked out about this (which therefore increases my geek-ability factor). I've loved their products for a while and used a BUNCH of them when making many of our wedding DIY projects. So why the heck not! Feel free to visit the page for details. So as I press down on the adorable stamp to craft my next project, I am impressed with the absolutely insanity that led me to believe I could take on one more thing.
Ah well...as long as I can keep Olive from eating the paper, it should be fantastic. Why in the world do dogs like to eat paper anyway? And where do they get it from?
I can clean up every tiny little piece of paper from the floor, put the garbage cans up and be sure we're all set and sure enough 30 minutes later Olive in innocently surrounded by shreds of what was once a piece of paper, tissue or bathroom paper. I think it comes out her ears sometimes!
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