Since I will be jetting my way to St. Petersburg, Florida in the morning for a business conference, I won't be here to celebrate our 22nd anniversary together. June 28, 1987. It still hard to believe that it has been 22 years. Ups, downs, good, bad....we've seen it all and survived it all. We both say that we could never split up, neither of us would EVER be able to find anyone who would put up with our shit.
We'll make up for my absence when I get back....wink..wink....lol
I'm taking myself offline while in Florida. I need a break from my blog, other blogs, message boards, websites, facebook, email, etc.
I'm getting back late Thursday night and I'm so glad that Friday is a federal holiday, so I have three more days before heading back to the office.
Later.....
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Happy 50th Birthday!
Today is my sweetie's 50th birthday and Sunday we will celebrate 22 years of marriage, only I won't be here to celebrate as I am leaving on a jet plane for St. Petersburg, Florida first thing Sunday morning for a business trip. I'll be coming back home Thursday night.
Fred loved his presents. We got him the gaming mouse that he wanted, a new coffee mug and tickets to two concerts, Government Mule on July 10th and Little Feat on August 30th.
We went out to lunch at Panera Bread which is a big deal because I LOVE Panera Bread and he turns his nose up at it every time I suggest it. Now, keep in mind that he's never eaten there, so why he would turn his nose up is anyone's guess....my guess?..is that they don't serve GINORMOUS portions of greasy, cholesterol laden, artery clogging food that he seems to be addicted to.....lol
I really really wanted him to try it, so he did and was pleasantly surprised by how good his Italian sandwich was. It was the only thing on the menu that looked like it have enough meat on it to satisfy him....me, I adore the tomato, basil and mozzarella panini with a cup of french onion soup.
He spent his afternoon playing WOW while I went and had a desparately needed pedicure, manicure and waxing. It had been a couple of months and you could tell. I also got the pantry and refridgerator stocked for them while I'm gone. They shouldn't have to worry about food while I'm gone unless they run out of milk.
This evening we went downtown to the Des Moines Art Festival. Collective Soul and Gavin DeGraw were putting on a free show at the US Cellular stage and we also wanted to walk around and look at the art. I'm glad we went when we did as we found a fabulous parking spot, was able to walk the festival relatively crowd free and found a spot to park our blanket for the concert which started at 7:00. Within an hour or so after we got there, the crowds started. In fact the lines to the beer were at least 50 feet long and when we bought ours, we walked right up to the table.
Unfortunately, the band was having BIG TIME trouble with their sound. I would have had the sound crews ASS. The band was playing just fine and their song set was awesome, but the speakers and mike keep cutting out.....bummer.....so we stayed for about 45 minutes and were just getting ready to call it quits when the band announced they were taking a break to see if they could get the sound fixed. We decided to make our exit then. We had some good eats while we were there.....Fred and I split a excellent BBQ pulled pork sandwich on texas toast and an Italian Sausage sandwich with marinara sauce, peppers and melted cheese. We also split a Pina Colado Banana smoothie along with our beers. Connor, of course had pizza...when doesn't he have pizza? when he has grilled cheese or pasta...lol
All in all it was a good time and I'm glad we took the time to spend it together.
Tomorrow we're suppose to go to KGGO's Summer Jam, but if it's going to be hot and humid, I'm bowing out....my cousin Jennifer (my Uncle Dic's daughter) is coming to town from California and she's going to stay in our quest room while she's here visiting her Dad, so because I'm leaving Sunday morning, I want to spend a bit of time with her, because she's leaving Saturday, the 4th and I don't come back until Thursday, the 2nd, so we don't have alot of time. I've never met her 3 year old daughter, Kendall IRL, just seen pictures, so I'm anxious to meet the little cutie pie!
While in St. Petersburg, I'll be offline. I've decided that I don't want to take my laptop with me. I need a break from everything internet for a few days. I'm going to take a couple of books with me and our portable DVD player. THAT should keep me entertained when I'm not busy with the meetings and conference that I'm attending.
Fred loved his presents. We got him the gaming mouse that he wanted, a new coffee mug and tickets to two concerts, Government Mule on July 10th and Little Feat on August 30th.
We went out to lunch at Panera Bread which is a big deal because I LOVE Panera Bread and he turns his nose up at it every time I suggest it. Now, keep in mind that he's never eaten there, so why he would turn his nose up is anyone's guess....my guess?..is that they don't serve GINORMOUS portions of greasy, cholesterol laden, artery clogging food that he seems to be addicted to.....lol
I really really wanted him to try it, so he did and was pleasantly surprised by how good his Italian sandwich was. It was the only thing on the menu that looked like it have enough meat on it to satisfy him....me, I adore the tomato, basil and mozzarella panini with a cup of french onion soup.
He spent his afternoon playing WOW while I went and had a desparately needed pedicure, manicure and waxing. It had been a couple of months and you could tell. I also got the pantry and refridgerator stocked for them while I'm gone. They shouldn't have to worry about food while I'm gone unless they run out of milk.
This evening we went downtown to the Des Moines Art Festival. Collective Soul and Gavin DeGraw were putting on a free show at the US Cellular stage and we also wanted to walk around and look at the art. I'm glad we went when we did as we found a fabulous parking spot, was able to walk the festival relatively crowd free and found a spot to park our blanket for the concert which started at 7:00. Within an hour or so after we got there, the crowds started. In fact the lines to the beer were at least 50 feet long and when we bought ours, we walked right up to the table.
Unfortunately, the band was having BIG TIME trouble with their sound. I would have had the sound crews ASS. The band was playing just fine and their song set was awesome, but the speakers and mike keep cutting out.....bummer.....so we stayed for about 45 minutes and were just getting ready to call it quits when the band announced they were taking a break to see if they could get the sound fixed. We decided to make our exit then. We had some good eats while we were there.....Fred and I split a excellent BBQ pulled pork sandwich on texas toast and an Italian Sausage sandwich with marinara sauce, peppers and melted cheese. We also split a Pina Colado Banana smoothie along with our beers. Connor, of course had pizza...when doesn't he have pizza? when he has grilled cheese or pasta...lol
All in all it was a good time and I'm glad we took the time to spend it together.
Tomorrow we're suppose to go to KGGO's Summer Jam, but if it's going to be hot and humid, I'm bowing out....my cousin Jennifer (my Uncle Dic's daughter) is coming to town from California and she's going to stay in our quest room while she's here visiting her Dad, so because I'm leaving Sunday morning, I want to spend a bit of time with her, because she's leaving Saturday, the 4th and I don't come back until Thursday, the 2nd, so we don't have alot of time. I've never met her 3 year old daughter, Kendall IRL, just seen pictures, so I'm anxious to meet the little cutie pie!
While in St. Petersburg, I'll be offline. I've decided that I don't want to take my laptop with me. I need a break from everything internet for a few days. I'm going to take a couple of books with me and our portable DVD player. THAT should keep me entertained when I'm not busy with the meetings and conference that I'm attending.
What a Day!
Yesterday was quite a day!
We started off with doing some shopping for Fred and Connor. Fred needed some new work clothes and Connor needed new flip flops, so off to Kohl's we went. Since we were going to the west side, I also wanted to stop into Bed Bath & Beyond for some more "Huggable Hangars" (I LOVE those things) and while there, Fred bought me a foot massagers for an anniversary present. He said it's a gift to him also because if it truly works, he won't have to give me foot rubs anymore. :)
The boys wanted to go to Best Buy too, so while they were there, I popped into World Market to see if they had any paper lanterns (which they did). I want one for our master bedroom.
As we were driving out west, we heard on the radio that Farrah Fawcett had died. Not unexpected, but sad none the less for her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Once back home from our shopping trip, Connor and I decided to go to the pool.....it was lovely....We love going around 4:00-4:30...all the damn day care kids have left and a good portion of the people who got there at noon are leaving also. Spent a refreshing couple of hours there and then back home.
Fred and I went up to Hy-Vee for steak dinner night and to pick up a few things. While in the checkout lane, I heard the cashier and another customer saying something about Michael Jackson dying....WHAT??? I hadn't heard at that point, so as soon as we got back home, I flipped on CNN and yep....Wow....I was stunned.
I know alot of people have vilified him on his supposed child molestation, but I can't help thinking about how talented he was and how much I enjoyed his music. We are almost the same age (I'm 11 months older) and I grew up with him and his music. I still have some of my Jackson 5 records and "Off the Wall" will always be my favorite Michael Jackson solo album.
It was a sad day for the entertainment industry.
We started off with doing some shopping for Fred and Connor. Fred needed some new work clothes and Connor needed new flip flops, so off to Kohl's we went. Since we were going to the west side, I also wanted to stop into Bed Bath & Beyond for some more "Huggable Hangars" (I LOVE those things) and while there, Fred bought me a foot massagers for an anniversary present. He said it's a gift to him also because if it truly works, he won't have to give me foot rubs anymore. :)
The boys wanted to go to Best Buy too, so while they were there, I popped into World Market to see if they had any paper lanterns (which they did). I want one for our master bedroom.
As we were driving out west, we heard on the radio that Farrah Fawcett had died. Not unexpected, but sad none the less for her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Once back home from our shopping trip, Connor and I decided to go to the pool.....it was lovely....We love going around 4:00-4:30...all the damn day care kids have left and a good portion of the people who got there at noon are leaving also. Spent a refreshing couple of hours there and then back home.
Fred and I went up to Hy-Vee for steak dinner night and to pick up a few things. While in the checkout lane, I heard the cashier and another customer saying something about Michael Jackson dying....WHAT??? I hadn't heard at that point, so as soon as we got back home, I flipped on CNN and yep....Wow....I was stunned.
I know alot of people have vilified him on his supposed child molestation, but I can't help thinking about how talented he was and how much I enjoyed his music. We are almost the same age (I'm 11 months older) and I grew up with him and his music. I still have some of my Jackson 5 records and "Off the Wall" will always be my favorite Michael Jackson solo album.
It was a sad day for the entertainment industry.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Staycation - Day #6
It was another scorcher......until about 4:00pm when a severe thunderstorm hit the area. It moved in fast and by 4:30 it looked like it was 9:00pm at night, it was that dark.
We chilled out in the cool house most of the day. I needed to run a couple of errands which I did in the morning and after taht I just puttered around the house. After hubby got home from work we heading up to our local grocery store for Fiesta Night Buffet...$6 bucks a person. Pretty cheap dinner.
I headed to the gym after dinner for a 20 minute strength training session, a 20 minute elliptical cardio session and 10 minutes of tanning.
We rented a couple of movies and watched Confessions of a Shopaholic before I passed out on the couch.
Man, I love not having any commitments or schedule.
We chilled out in the cool house most of the day. I needed to run a couple of errands which I did in the morning and after taht I just puttered around the house. After hubby got home from work we heading up to our local grocery store for Fiesta Night Buffet...$6 bucks a person. Pretty cheap dinner.
I headed to the gym after dinner for a 20 minute strength training session, a 20 minute elliptical cardio session and 10 minutes of tanning.
On the iPod Playlist:
Me & My Gang - Rascall Flatts
Baby's on Fire - Sammy Hagar
Home In My Hand - Foghat
Hero - Chad Kroeger
Fight for All The Wrong Reasons - Nickelback
Queen of the Forest - Ted Nugent
Run Down the Devil - Alice Cooper
Start the Car - Jude Cole
Stop & Stare - One Republic
Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow
How Far We've Come - Rob Thomas
We rented a couple of movies and watched Confessions of a Shopaholic before I passed out on the couch.
Man, I love not having any commitments or schedule.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Staycation - Day #5
It was a HOT mofo today! Heat index well over a 100 degrees. Hit the pool as soon as it opened with the boy, his best friend, my sister and my niece and nephew.
I could only take about 3 hours and I was done even with wearing a hat, sunglasses, getting in the pool every 15 minutes and remembering to be liberally applying Hawaiian Tropic SPF 50+ lotion frequently.
Took a very refreshing shower then a nap once home and waited until hubby got home from work. He was stopping at the hair salon on his way home for a hair cut. Boy, did I get the surprise of the day when he got home.......words fail me....
I see a scrapbook page.
I could only take about 3 hours and I was done even with wearing a hat, sunglasses, getting in the pool every 15 minutes and remembering to be liberally applying Hawaiian Tropic SPF 50+ lotion frequently.
Took a very refreshing shower then a nap once home and waited until hubby got home from work. He was stopping at the hair salon on his way home for a hair cut. Boy, did I get the surprise of the day when he got home.......words fail me....
I see a scrapbook page.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Staycation - Day #4 - Father's Day
First off, Happy Father's Day to you, Dad! I wish you didn't live so far that we only see each other a couple times a year, but I think of you almost every day.
Second, Happy Father's Day to you, my hubby of almost 22 years!
Hubby and I got up early (tried to wake the boy up...he wasn't having any part of THAT) and went to breakfast. Afterward hubby dropped me off at the gym and I did 30 minutes of strength training, 20 minutes on the elliptical, a 10 minute tanning session and then I walked 1.75 miles back home.
Hubby decided he wanted to go see "Night at the Museum - Battle at the Smithsonium", so we all went to the 2:30 matinee. We liked it! I know the reviews were mixed, but it was fun entertainment.
Since we stuffed ourselves full of popcorn, none of us felt like having dinner, so I had a Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle bar and a glass of milk...lol.
I thought that I might stay up late tonight in my scraproom since I've been on a roll lately, but I don't think that's going to happen.....I'm getting tired.
Have a great week...I know I'm going to with NO work!
Second, Happy Father's Day to you, my hubby of almost 22 years!
Hubby and I got up early (tried to wake the boy up...he wasn't having any part of THAT) and went to breakfast. Afterward hubby dropped me off at the gym and I did 30 minutes of strength training, 20 minutes on the elliptical, a 10 minute tanning session and then I walked 1.75 miles back home.
On the iPod playlist:
Share the Land - The Guess Who
Somebody Told Me - The Killers
I'm With You - Avril Lagivne
For What It's Worth - covered by Shaw/Blades
Three Lock Box - Sammy Hagar
Never Again - Nickelback
Someday - Glass Tiger
Chateau Lafitte 59 - Foghat
Ordinary - Train
Stealin - covered by Tesla
High Hopes - Sammy Hagar
Hubby decided he wanted to go see "Night at the Museum - Battle at the Smithsonium", so we all went to the 2:30 matinee. We liked it! I know the reviews were mixed, but it was fun entertainment.
Since we stuffed ourselves full of popcorn, none of us felt like having dinner, so I had a Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle bar and a glass of milk...lol.
I thought that I might stay up late tonight in my scraproom since I've been on a roll lately, but I don't think that's going to happen.....I'm getting tired.
Have a great week...I know I'm going to with NO work!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Cats with Wings and other things.......
Got up early and went down to the Farmers Market in downtown Des Moines. Man, I love that place. Too bad, I have to go so damn early to beat the enormous crowds.
This was shouting out to me saying "Buy Me.....your garden needs me"...lol
I've been kicking ass in my scraproom. I think I finished 4 more pages and have 2 more on my work table. I even made a card for Connor to give to Fred tomorrow.
and I don't think I've given you a peek at our family room now that we have the new bookshelf up and filled. I'm using our huge ottoman as a coffee table (sold our old in the garage - $40 - Yea!). I purchased a a couple of trays at IKEA when we were there last month and that's where the remotes and refreshments reside.
Is that elephant tray too cute or what? and
WHAT is up with the weather? It cannot decide what it wants to do....
This was shouting out to me saying "Buy Me.....your garden needs me"...lol
I've been kicking ass in my scraproom. I think I finished 4 more pages and have 2 more on my work table. I even made a card for Connor to give to Fred tomorrow.
and I don't think I've given you a peek at our family room now that we have the new bookshelf up and filled. I'm using our huge ottoman as a coffee table (sold our old in the garage - $40 - Yea!). I purchased a a couple of trays at IKEA when we were there last month and that's where the remotes and refreshments reside.
Is that elephant tray too cute or what? and
WHAT is up with the weather? It cannot decide what it wants to do....
Day#2 of Staycation
It looked pretty stormy when I first got up yesterday morning, but it cleared off for just enough time for the boy and I to get all set up at the pool, then the thunderstorms came rolling in again.
Went on a 40 minute power walk. That felt good! and I was glad to get it done when it was cooler.
So we came home from the pool and I got to spend some more time in my scrapbook room (I got another 3 pages done) before I had to get dinner going. We had company for dinner and I made Lemon Chicken Piccata, Pasta Salad and fresh pineapple. Simple, healthy and easy. My kind of dinner. I even indulged in a Skinny Cow Chocolate Mousse Bar afterwards.
Connor's coming down with a summer cold. Poor kid, first he gets his bike stolen and now a cold. I'm glad I'm home with him for the 8 days. I just hope he doesn't give it to me, especially with me traveling next weekend. Knock on wood.
Went on a 40 minute power walk. That felt good! and I was glad to get it done when it was cooler.
On the Ipod Playlist:
Something More - Train
Just Like a Pill - Pink
My Own Prison - Creed
I Can't Drive - Sammy Hagar
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Honkytonk Woman - covered by Tesla
Nowhere to Run - Michael McDonald
Right There Now - Jude Cole
California Dreamin - covered by Shaw/Blades
So we came home from the pool and I got to spend some more time in my scrapbook room (I got another 3 pages done) before I had to get dinner going. We had company for dinner and I made Lemon Chicken Piccata, Pasta Salad and fresh pineapple. Simple, healthy and easy. My kind of dinner. I even indulged in a Skinny Cow Chocolate Mousse Bar afterwards.
Connor's coming down with a summer cold. Poor kid, first he gets his bike stolen and now a cold. I'm glad I'm home with him for the 8 days. I just hope he doesn't give it to me, especially with me traveling next weekend. Knock on wood.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Some recent pages.....
Thought I would share some pages that I did at a recent crop I attended at Memory Bound. You can click on them to see a larger version.
This page actually has two flap that you lift up for more photos (see below)
Thanks for looking!
This page actually has two flap that you lift up for more photos (see below)
Thanks for looking!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Staycation - Day #1
We had a heck of a thunderstorm come through last night and the lighting was so intense, the thunder loud and the wind fierce that I had a hard time sleeping. Woke up earlier than I would have liked, but took advantage of the time because it was icky and dreary out, so I played in my scraproom most of the morning.
Connor came home from his sleepover mid morning and I could tell he'd been up late and had slept in his clothes. Even worse....the ass of his short had a big brown stain that looked like he pooped his pants, but it was from his fishing excursion yesterday...great....he slept in them.....boys...
I dragged him along with me on a couple of errands and then we had lunch at "The Sugar Shack", a local ice cream parlor that has excellent french fries, sandwiches and malts.
After lunch, he decided to go to our local aquatic center. Well, THAT didn't end well. He had his bike stolen. His $150 Haro that he helped pay for 2 summers ago. His best friend also had his Haro bike taken 2 hours earlier than Connor. He says he locked it up, but we call BS on that....had he locked it up, the theives would have no chose but it either cut the cable or take it with them. It was untouched....but hey, we can't afford to buy him another one, so it looks like he's going to be hoofing it until he gets his driver's license when he turns 16.
The police said they had one taken yesterday and two taken today. Fred and I are convinced it is probably adult meth heads looking for the expensive bikes to sell because I can't imagine parents not questioning their child if he/she came home with an expensive bike that you know isn't theirs.
It's a tough lesson to learn, I feel bad for him, but he did have some responsibility in this. What Connor doesn't know is we have a saving account for him that is for discretionary spending. This type of thing would fall into it, but I'm torn. So I need to think about if for awhile.
While Connor was at the pool and his bike was being made off with by meth heads, I puttered around the house and yard. It was HUMID today and I decided I didn't want to go over the pool, in fact, I was going to go for a walk, but it's too humid for that also. I think I'll go to the gym in the morning.
Update** Just got off the phone with my sister and she just saw the Altoona Police detaining a bunch of young boys and bikes outside of the car wash by her apartment on her way to the store, when she headed back home, she noticed that 2 of the police cars had bikes in their trunks. Maybe we'll get a call tomorrow. Connor's bike has a serial number on it and his name was dremeled onto the underside.
Picked our very first harvest today also.....sugar snap peas....
Connor came home from his sleepover mid morning and I could tell he'd been up late and had slept in his clothes. Even worse....the ass of his short had a big brown stain that looked like he pooped his pants, but it was from his fishing excursion yesterday...great....he slept in them.....boys...
I dragged him along with me on a couple of errands and then we had lunch at "The Sugar Shack", a local ice cream parlor that has excellent french fries, sandwiches and malts.
After lunch, he decided to go to our local aquatic center. Well, THAT didn't end well. He had his bike stolen. His $150 Haro that he helped pay for 2 summers ago. His best friend also had his Haro bike taken 2 hours earlier than Connor. He says he locked it up, but we call BS on that....had he locked it up, the theives would have no chose but it either cut the cable or take it with them. It was untouched....but hey, we can't afford to buy him another one, so it looks like he's going to be hoofing it until he gets his driver's license when he turns 16.
The police said they had one taken yesterday and two taken today. Fred and I are convinced it is probably adult meth heads looking for the expensive bikes to sell because I can't imagine parents not questioning their child if he/she came home with an expensive bike that you know isn't theirs.
It's a tough lesson to learn, I feel bad for him, but he did have some responsibility in this. What Connor doesn't know is we have a saving account for him that is for discretionary spending. This type of thing would fall into it, but I'm torn. So I need to think about if for awhile.
While Connor was at the pool and his bike was being made off with by meth heads, I puttered around the house and yard. It was HUMID today and I decided I didn't want to go over the pool, in fact, I was going to go for a walk, but it's too humid for that also. I think I'll go to the gym in the morning.
Update** Just got off the phone with my sister and she just saw the Altoona Police detaining a bunch of young boys and bikes outside of the car wash by her apartment on her way to the store, when she headed back home, she noticed that 2 of the police cars had bikes in their trunks. Maybe we'll get a call tomorrow. Connor's bike has a serial number on it and his name was dremeled onto the underside.
Picked our very first harvest today also.....sugar snap peas....
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