This weekend has been crazy hectic! We got the unfortunate news on Friday that Joe's father passed away. Joe is coping pretty well, considering. But, the news has brought on some real craziness in our upcoming vacation plans.
Joe had to fly out to Colorado this morning for the services so we had to find him a last minute flight out of Orlando. Then we had to figure out how to get him from Colorado to New York to meet up with me for our planned vacation. We didn't want to mess up our trip into the city and our hotel stay and dinner plans so Joe will be flying from Colorado to New York City on Thursday and will meet up with me at our hotel. That means I'll be taking the train into the city by myself and will have to navigate the streets and subways on my own. I'm not too worried about it, I think I'll be fine, but everyone else seems to be pretty worried about my navigation skills/safety. I already mapped out my subway route so I'm sure it won't be a problem at all. Joe will be taking the bus from LaGuardia to our hotel, or the general vicinity of our hotel.
The majority of our planning headache has been what to do with our dogs. Originally, Joe's mom and sister, Stacy, were going to stay with them but since they will both be in Colorado too we've had to make other arrangements. Our dogs, for the first time ever, will be boarded. Dun, Dun, Duuuuuunnnnn. Yes, I'm very traumatized. But, we found them a really great "pet resort" in Orlando and they'll be staying in a VIP suite and will have the option for private tennis ball time and private pool time. Even though its not home it really is a fantastic place for them to stay.
Getting them into the resort has been quite a hassle. They had to go in this morning for a behavior observation to make sure they weren't aggressive. They weren't but they were pretty much terrified. Not really a good thing. I wanted to leave them for doggie day care today but the behavior specialist didn't think it would be a good idea. He didn't want them to be traumatized by the experience. They're ok to board though and will be introduced to the "pack" slowly. Hopefully they'll get over their fear/shyness and have a good time. The resort is also pretty strict on vaccinations and both of the dogs were out of date on one of theirs and they also need a fecal exam. So now I have to get them into the vet today for the vaccination and was chasing them around the yard this morning with a Ziploc bag to get a stool sample. So much fun.
I was planning on working today but since all this crap is going on I figure I'll use one of my bereavement days off. Hopefully I'll be able to go back in tomorrow. I'll probably have to take Wednesday off too so that I can get the dogs packed up and back to the pet resort and then get home so Becky can pick me up and get me to the airport. I really need this vacation! I can't wait to see everyone and enjoy my days away from "it all".
Emily sent me a link to a blog about a dangerous dog toy and since a lot of this post has been about my dogs I thought I'd post the link here so you could read it too. You should definitely read the blog if you have a dog. http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lazy Days
One of the bad things about living in Florida is the threat of hurricanes.... when they're bad. But, one of the good things about living in Florida is a hurricane day off of work when the "hurricane" is only a Tropical Storm. We're currently getting dumped on by Tropical Storm Fay and I've had the last two days off from work. We haven't really had that bad of weather here, mostly wind and rain and a lot of gloomy skies.
Its kind of nice having days off where you're pretty much forced to relax. The weather is too bad to go outside or to drive around so I've pretty much just been laying on the couch for two days. I did scrub my shower and dye my hair and bake homemade banana bread but those things combined only took two hours or so. I can't do laundry because my dryer's still broken. I'm sure there is a long list of things that I probably could be doing but I've preferred to lie around and watch the weather radar all day instead.
This storm has been pretty interesting. It came on land on the opposite coast and actually strengthened over land. Usually the storms will weaken. Now the storm is pretty much stationary on top of us which is causing a lot of flooding in some areas of our county. Since its moving so slowly there is a chance that I'll have tomorrow off from work also. Kind of crazy, but I'll take it.
In regards to my last post about our dryer breaking, there has actually been a little good news. Joe was able to take apart the dryer and found that it was only a broken belt. He ordered a new one and it arrived yesterday. So, hopefully by this evening or tomorrow I'll be back up and running out in the laundry room. I've got a bunch of laundry piling up so I'm looking forward to getting it done!
Anyway, I just wanted to check in with everybody and let you know how we were doing with our Tropical Storm situation. I hope you are all well and can't wait to see a lot of you next week!
Its kind of nice having days off where you're pretty much forced to relax. The weather is too bad to go outside or to drive around so I've pretty much just been laying on the couch for two days. I did scrub my shower and dye my hair and bake homemade banana bread but those things combined only took two hours or so. I can't do laundry because my dryer's still broken. I'm sure there is a long list of things that I probably could be doing but I've preferred to lie around and watch the weather radar all day instead.
This storm has been pretty interesting. It came on land on the opposite coast and actually strengthened over land. Usually the storms will weaken. Now the storm is pretty much stationary on top of us which is causing a lot of flooding in some areas of our county. Since its moving so slowly there is a chance that I'll have tomorrow off from work also. Kind of crazy, but I'll take it.
In regards to my last post about our dryer breaking, there has actually been a little good news. Joe was able to take apart the dryer and found that it was only a broken belt. He ordered a new one and it arrived yesterday. So, hopefully by this evening or tomorrow I'll be back up and running out in the laundry room. I've got a bunch of laundry piling up so I'm looking forward to getting it done!
Anyway, I just wanted to check in with everybody and let you know how we were doing with our Tropical Storm situation. I hope you are all well and can't wait to see a lot of you next week!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Why? Why? Why?
I am so pissed off right now. Why is it when things are going great something comes along and just fucks it all up? I'm sorry for the expletives but I am fuming right now. I had to come sit down and vent it all before I popped off for real.
Remember when Joe and I were remodeling our kitchen? Things were going really well for us. We put a big chunk of money into our kitchen and our bathroom and then BOOM, the washing machine broke. Luckily for us my dad stepped in and bought us a new one. We would've had to go shopping at the scratch and dent store again.
Well now fate has reared its fat, ugly face again. In the midst of our excitement of planning our trip to NY, something, yet again, has popped up to bite us in the butt. Actually, no, we're not really in the "midst" of planning our NY trip, its been planned. The plane tickets have been bought, we splurged on reservations at the fancy hotel instead of the budget one, we've made reservations for our big dinner out, went shopping to get some new clothes... its planned and almost all paid for.
All morning long I've been cleaning the house, and getting ready to go to a baby shower this afternoon, not really my favorite activity in the world but I really love the girl and she is a good friend of mine. I finished up the vacuuming and dusting and went to check on the laundry I'd thrown in earlier this morning. I opened up the dryer to see if the clothes were done and noticed that they were all still sitting in the same position they were in when I put them in the dryer and hour before. The dryer was running but it wasn't spinning the clothes around. Sounds familiar right, remember my washing machine would run but not spin either? What the hell?! With the way my life spins out of control, you'd think I could get my appliances to spin.
Anyway, so now I will most likely have to buy a new fucking dryer. I am BEYOND pissed off. I hate stressing out about money. I especially hate stressing out about it right before I'm about to do something awesome, like go on vacation. It just puts a cloud over everything. Now instead of enjoying myself while we're there I'm going to be worrying about not spending too much since we're going to have to buy a new dryer. Grrrrr....
You know, honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. This is the story of my life, after all. Don't get too excited about anything because something will always come up and slap your ass back to reality. I just don't know why my reality has to be so challenging sometimes.
Remember when Joe and I were remodeling our kitchen? Things were going really well for us. We put a big chunk of money into our kitchen and our bathroom and then BOOM, the washing machine broke. Luckily for us my dad stepped in and bought us a new one. We would've had to go shopping at the scratch and dent store again.
Well now fate has reared its fat, ugly face again. In the midst of our excitement of planning our trip to NY, something, yet again, has popped up to bite us in the butt. Actually, no, we're not really in the "midst" of planning our NY trip, its been planned. The plane tickets have been bought, we splurged on reservations at the fancy hotel instead of the budget one, we've made reservations for our big dinner out, went shopping to get some new clothes... its planned and almost all paid for.
All morning long I've been cleaning the house, and getting ready to go to a baby shower this afternoon, not really my favorite activity in the world but I really love the girl and she is a good friend of mine. I finished up the vacuuming and dusting and went to check on the laundry I'd thrown in earlier this morning. I opened up the dryer to see if the clothes were done and noticed that they were all still sitting in the same position they were in when I put them in the dryer and hour before. The dryer was running but it wasn't spinning the clothes around. Sounds familiar right, remember my washing machine would run but not spin either? What the hell?! With the way my life spins out of control, you'd think I could get my appliances to spin.
Anyway, so now I will most likely have to buy a new fucking dryer. I am BEYOND pissed off. I hate stressing out about money. I especially hate stressing out about it right before I'm about to do something awesome, like go on vacation. It just puts a cloud over everything. Now instead of enjoying myself while we're there I'm going to be worrying about not spending too much since we're going to have to buy a new dryer. Grrrrr....
You know, honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. This is the story of my life, after all. Don't get too excited about anything because something will always come up and slap your ass back to reality. I just don't know why my reality has to be so challenging sometimes.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Exercise your right
In case you've been sleeping under a rock for the past year and half you probably know this is an election year. I'd like to dedicate this blog to encouraging you all to go out and exercise your right to vote. It always makes me mad when young people, my peers, don't vote. How do you ever think things will change if you don't stand up and make your voice heard? You probably think that your one vote won't make a difference but when you combine 100, 500, 1,000 people who think their "one vote" won't count you can see how it can easily add up.
This country is at a cross road right now. Things aren't good. Its our job to help elect the next leader of our country who can, hopefully, turn us in the right direction and get us out of the mess that we're currently in.
Along with the presidential election, there are also a lot of local elections going on. I think a lot of people don't give a lot of thought to the local elections. I didn't always. But, now that I'm a homeowner I pay a lot more attention to who is running for local office. If you own a home, pay taxes, shop or work in your city/town you'll want to pay attention to the local election too. These are the people who will be making the rules in YOUR hometown. Don't you want to pick the person that makes those rules? They could have a say on how much your home is worth, how much tax you'll have to pay, what kind of businesses will be allowed in your town, what kind of homes can be built, and what they can do with the vacant land. I have to live here and I'd like to have a say in what they can and can't do here.
But, you know, more than going out to the polls to cast your vote its also very important to research the candidates and find out what they stand for. I'm not here to push an opinion on anyone. It is completely your choice who to vote for. I like to read up on each candidate to see which one matches my beliefs and feelings the best. Don't just go into vote and "Christmas Tree" the ballot. What good does that do?
I'm going to post links to a couple of important websites I think you should all check out. Give them a good hard look and really think about what is important to YOU. And, by all means, get your ass to the polls and vote!!
If you haven't registered to vote yet, there is still time. The primary elections are on August 26 and the general election is November 4. Check out the deadlines for registration in your state here: http://www.rockthevote.com/voting-is-easy/important-dates/
Presidential election:
http://www.johnmccain.com/
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
For all my readers in Central Florida here is a link for the local elections:
http://www.cfnews13.com/Features/FloridaDecides/BrevardCounty.aspx
If you're interested in reading about women's suffrage and what our fore mothers went through so that we'd have the right to vote today you can read up on it here: http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1286
This country is at a cross road right now. Things aren't good. Its our job to help elect the next leader of our country who can, hopefully, turn us in the right direction and get us out of the mess that we're currently in.
Along with the presidential election, there are also a lot of local elections going on. I think a lot of people don't give a lot of thought to the local elections. I didn't always. But, now that I'm a homeowner I pay a lot more attention to who is running for local office. If you own a home, pay taxes, shop or work in your city/town you'll want to pay attention to the local election too. These are the people who will be making the rules in YOUR hometown. Don't you want to pick the person that makes those rules? They could have a say on how much your home is worth, how much tax you'll have to pay, what kind of businesses will be allowed in your town, what kind of homes can be built, and what they can do with the vacant land. I have to live here and I'd like to have a say in what they can and can't do here.
But, you know, more than going out to the polls to cast your vote its also very important to research the candidates and find out what they stand for. I'm not here to push an opinion on anyone. It is completely your choice who to vote for. I like to read up on each candidate to see which one matches my beliefs and feelings the best. Don't just go into vote and "Christmas Tree" the ballot. What good does that do?
I'm going to post links to a couple of important websites I think you should all check out. Give them a good hard look and really think about what is important to YOU. And, by all means, get your ass to the polls and vote!!
If you haven't registered to vote yet, there is still time. The primary elections are on August 26 and the general election is November 4. Check out the deadlines for registration in your state here: http://www.rockthevote.com/voting-is-easy/important-dates/
Presidential election:
http://www.johnmccain.com/
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
For all my readers in Central Florida here is a link for the local elections:
http://www.cfnews13.com/Features/FloridaDecides/BrevardCounty.aspx
If you're interested in reading about women's suffrage and what our fore mothers went through so that we'd have the right to vote today you can read up on it here: http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1286
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I'll have what she's having
I've been pretty blown away lately by all the pregnancy/birth announcements in the celebrity world. Is it just me or is every freaking celebrity pregnant? There has got to be something in the water out there. I need to work on getting it bottled and shipped to me. Seriously, what is with the baby boom? I want to give you a quick list of the recent announcements.
Jessica Alba- girl on June 7
Tori Spelling- girl on June 9
Jamie Lynn Spears- girl on June 19
Matthew McConaughy- boy on July 7
Nicole Kidman- girl on July 7
Angelina and Brad- TWINS on July 12
Mary Lynn Rajskub- boy July 24
But, in addition to the births, there have been many announcements about celebs expecting too.
Rebecca Romijn- expecting TWINS
Lisa Marie Pressley- expecting TWINS
Jennifer Garner- expecting
Luciana & Matt Damon- expecting a girl
Gwen Stefani- expecting
Jenna Jameson- expecting
And, I'm almost positive that Katie Holmes may be expecting. Have you seen the outfits she's been wearing lately? Very loose jeans and sweaters... in the middle of August. I'm thinking baby number two may be on the way.
Anyway, the list goes on forever. Maybe I'm jealous but doesn't it seem a little crazy? Are they not using birth control? Are they just extremely fertile? Are they using fertility treatments? I have serious doubts that all these women over 40 are conceiving twins naturally. The chances of having twins naturally after you're thirty is like 4-5%. Why does it seem like 1 out of 5 pregnancies in Hollywood is a twin pregnancy? Something doesn't add up.
I guess my problem isn't people having twins, good for them, the more the merrier, I just wish more people would talk about using fertility treatments to conceive. Bring some publicity to the cause!
There is no real purpose for this post other than giving me an outlet to whine a little bit. Does anybody know how I can get water shipped from Hollywood to Titusville? Anyone?
Jessica Alba- girl on June 7
Tori Spelling- girl on June 9
Jamie Lynn Spears- girl on June 19
Matthew McConaughy- boy on July 7
Nicole Kidman- girl on July 7
Angelina and Brad- TWINS on July 12
Mary Lynn Rajskub- boy July 24
But, in addition to the births, there have been many announcements about celebs expecting too.
Rebecca Romijn- expecting TWINS
Lisa Marie Pressley- expecting TWINS
Jennifer Garner- expecting
Luciana & Matt Damon- expecting a girl
Gwen Stefani- expecting
Jenna Jameson- expecting
And, I'm almost positive that Katie Holmes may be expecting. Have you seen the outfits she's been wearing lately? Very loose jeans and sweaters... in the middle of August. I'm thinking baby number two may be on the way.
Anyway, the list goes on forever. Maybe I'm jealous but doesn't it seem a little crazy? Are they not using birth control? Are they just extremely fertile? Are they using fertility treatments? I have serious doubts that all these women over 40 are conceiving twins naturally. The chances of having twins naturally after you're thirty is like 4-5%. Why does it seem like 1 out of 5 pregnancies in Hollywood is a twin pregnancy? Something doesn't add up.
I guess my problem isn't people having twins, good for them, the more the merrier, I just wish more people would talk about using fertility treatments to conceive. Bring some publicity to the cause!
There is no real purpose for this post other than giving me an outlet to whine a little bit. Does anybody know how I can get water shipped from Hollywood to Titusville? Anyone?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Decisions, Decisions
Since our New York vacation is fast approaching (3 weeks!!!), Joe and I have started preparing for our trip. We've been working on our itinerary and making reservations and doing a little shopping to get some essential items for the trip. We are super excited this time. We've been to New York several times, both separately and together, but for the first time we're actually planning on spending a night in Manhattan. Originally we didn't think we would because it is so dang expensive but, when it comes down to it, its only money right?
So far, this is what we've got planned. We fly into Newburg Wednesday night. Thursday morning we'll catch the train into Manhattan. We're staying at the New York Palace which is where they film Gossip Girl. I'm really hoping for a celeb sighting or two. We want to head downtown and take the water taxi tour to see the new art exhibit, the New York Waterfalls (http://www.nycwaterfalls.org/). Then we're heading over to the Chelsea Market to walk around and probably have some lunch. From there we want to go to Billy's Bakery for some cupcakes. That evening we're planning a big dinner out at Tao in Midtown (http://www.taorestaurant.com/). I'm really excited about our dinner. But, I need some help choosing an outfit to wear.
That's where you guys come in. I've been searching high and low for the "perfect" outfit to wear to dinner. I just don't know what to get. The restaurant describes itself as "casual elegant" which I'm assuming means dressed up trendy. I'm pretty sure I'll wear a dress and have found a couple online that I like but really don't want to spend $100 for another dress that I can only wear once. So, I pulled out some old dresses that I had in my closet and got my wonderful husband to take some pictures of me in them. I'd like you guys to help me choose which one to wear. So, here we go:
Dress # 1- Originally worn for a New Year's Eve party in 2002. You can't tell but the straps are black sequins and it has a little rose applique on the right chest area.
Dress #2- Originally worn to my rehearsal dinner in 2003. I've jazzed it up with a skinny, patent leather belt.
Dress #3- Originally worn to a wedding in 2005. Its hard to tell but its kind of a Marilyn Monroe style with a halter top and fuller skirt.
Dress #4- Originally worn to my bridal shower in 2003. Its got an assymetrical hemline that has a sheer insert in it. I don't have shoes to go with this one yet but I'll probably go with a pair of silver heels.
Dress #5- Originally worn to Lindsey's bridal shower in 2008. I've got on some gold, sparkly heels with this one.
So, there are my choices. Let me know what you like the best. Or, if you think I should scrap all of these options and get something new. Thanks in advance for all your help!!
So far, this is what we've got planned. We fly into Newburg Wednesday night. Thursday morning we'll catch the train into Manhattan. We're staying at the New York Palace which is where they film Gossip Girl. I'm really hoping for a celeb sighting or two. We want to head downtown and take the water taxi tour to see the new art exhibit, the New York Waterfalls (http://www.nycwaterfalls.org/). Then we're heading over to the Chelsea Market to walk around and probably have some lunch. From there we want to go to Billy's Bakery for some cupcakes. That evening we're planning a big dinner out at Tao in Midtown (http://www.taorestaurant.com/). I'm really excited about our dinner. But, I need some help choosing an outfit to wear.
That's where you guys come in. I've been searching high and low for the "perfect" outfit to wear to dinner. I just don't know what to get. The restaurant describes itself as "casual elegant" which I'm assuming means dressed up trendy. I'm pretty sure I'll wear a dress and have found a couple online that I like but really don't want to spend $100 for another dress that I can only wear once. So, I pulled out some old dresses that I had in my closet and got my wonderful husband to take some pictures of me in them. I'd like you guys to help me choose which one to wear. So, here we go:
Dress # 1- Originally worn for a New Year's Eve party in 2002. You can't tell but the straps are black sequins and it has a little rose applique on the right chest area.
Dress #2- Originally worn to my rehearsal dinner in 2003. I've jazzed it up with a skinny, patent leather belt.
Dress #3- Originally worn to a wedding in 2005. Its hard to tell but its kind of a Marilyn Monroe style with a halter top and fuller skirt.
Dress #4- Originally worn to my bridal shower in 2003. Its got an assymetrical hemline that has a sheer insert in it. I don't have shoes to go with this one yet but I'll probably go with a pair of silver heels.
Dress #5- Originally worn to Lindsey's bridal shower in 2008. I've got on some gold, sparkly heels with this one.
So, there are my choices. Let me know what you like the best. Or, if you think I should scrap all of these options and get something new. Thanks in advance for all your help!!
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