"Do you know how you say 'Venezuela' in Italian?"
"No, how?"
"Venezuela."
"This stuff is so easy."
Friday, July 21, 2006
We are the Champions
...just not of the world. Or anything of great significance for that matter.
Yes, that's right...we found the cache. Last night DH, our two kids, and I went back to the park (this time the sun was still up and we had no wine) and set about looking in every spot we had already checked like it was invisible the night before and would magically appear now that the sun was up. The kids were excited and delved into bushes, looked on top of walls, stuck their fingers into things that probably didn't need fingers to be stuck in, and had all the fervor that we had had the night before. I can't count how many times they asked us how big the cache was or what it looked like. The first few times we told them we had no idea. The last few we just stared at them...blankly. And blinked. Which never works with our kids as they're programmed to our sense of humor. Eventually they gave up on asking us--or maybe the finally got it--but either way we were still coming up with bupkis. I could tell the kids were losing hope. After all, they're kids and anything that takes more than 5 mins. to find is typically deemed unworthy of finding. Plus the swings and climbing equipment were calling their names. It wasn't looking good--especially since we had no wine for us...or them.
As the kids and I turned our attention to the ground, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was my very resolute husband wielding a large rock and headed straight for the fence post and it's unyielding finial. He was not to be deterred. With one quick thrust the finial came flying off. EUREKA! But wait...cut to slow motion as we watch the finial fly up into the air, do a full circle, hit a wall almost being lost forever, then ricochets back, and falls into the fenced area. We look at each other and he knows what is coming.
"I told you to hold onto it if you tried that."
"I can still get it."
Two minutes later, covered in dirt, twigs, and other things that no man should ever be covered in, DH pulls his arm out from no man's land holding his prized posession. Inside the finial was a small closed tube with a log. "This time I was more determined" he told me. Then he showed the "treasure" to our uber excited children.
"That's it?!!" the kids exclaim.
"It's just a piece of paper!"
"That was boring."
I signed the log and DH replaced the finial. He marked the cache as "found" on his GPS. As we headed back home both of the kids asked, "Can we go find some more?!" Ah yes...nerds in the making.
Yes, that's right...we found the cache. Last night DH, our two kids, and I went back to the park (this time the sun was still up and we had no wine) and set about looking in every spot we had already checked like it was invisible the night before and would magically appear now that the sun was up. The kids were excited and delved into bushes, looked on top of walls, stuck their fingers into things that probably didn't need fingers to be stuck in, and had all the fervor that we had had the night before. I can't count how many times they asked us how big the cache was or what it looked like. The first few times we told them we had no idea. The last few we just stared at them...blankly. And blinked. Which never works with our kids as they're programmed to our sense of humor. Eventually they gave up on asking us--or maybe the finally got it--but either way we were still coming up with bupkis. I could tell the kids were losing hope. After all, they're kids and anything that takes more than 5 mins. to find is typically deemed unworthy of finding. Plus the swings and climbing equipment were calling their names. It wasn't looking good--especially since we had no wine for us...or them.
As the kids and I turned our attention to the ground, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was my very resolute husband wielding a large rock and headed straight for the fence post and it's unyielding finial. He was not to be deterred. With one quick thrust the finial came flying off. EUREKA! But wait...cut to slow motion as we watch the finial fly up into the air, do a full circle, hit a wall almost being lost forever, then ricochets back, and falls into the fenced area. We look at each other and he knows what is coming.
"I told you to hold onto it if you tried that."
"I can still get it."
Two minutes later, covered in dirt, twigs, and other things that no man should ever be covered in, DH pulls his arm out from no man's land holding his prized posession. Inside the finial was a small closed tube with a log. "This time I was more determined" he told me. Then he showed the "treasure" to our uber excited children.
"That's it?!!" the kids exclaim.
"It's just a piece of paper!"
"That was boring."
I signed the log and DH replaced the finial. He marked the cache as "found" on his GPS. As we headed back home both of the kids asked, "Can we go find some more?!" Ah yes...nerds in the making.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Misadventures in Geocaching
In August, my husband and I will be going to Italy for our 10 yr. anniversary. Trying to find ways to blend in and yet not get lost, led to DH buying a new GPS for the trip. We already have one but apparently it wasn't quite as "cool" as this one--or something like that. While he was checking out maps and other things that techy guys like he came across Geocaching. Both of us had heard of Geocaching and once upon a time I had even registered at a Geocaching site after a friend of mine told us about it. For those that don't know, Geocaching is where you search for "treasure" left by a person (or persons) after you put in the coordinates. They can be little items, logs, bugs (for logging info--not the creepy crawly kind, although I guess you might run across those too), and other fun things. Needless to say reading the logs and FAQ's re-ignited our interest. When DH found that a cache was down at the park (a mere half a block from our house), we decided to take a quick trip down and see what we could find.
At 9:30 p.m. After the sun had gone down. With no flashlight.
After writing a note to our kids (in case they woke up and thought we really did join the circus like we told them we would one day do), and with wine and GPS in hand, we trekked to the park determind to find our first cache. After about 5 mins. of searching by the light of the GPS screen (think cell phone bright--cut in half) we decided that a flashlight was in order. Back to the house we went.
9:45 p.m., flashlight, pen (for the log), GPS, wine in hand, and after reading what others had written about the "cleverly hidden" cache, we flip-flopped our asses back to the area we had combed only this time we were armed with extra knowledge. The people who had come before us had said it was tough for the vertically challenged. Naturally we looked up. And up...and around...and up some more...until we finally convinced ourselves that it had to be inside of a fence post surrounding some kind of water tank thingy.
10:00 p.m., flashlight, pen, GPS, a screwdriver, and more wine in hand, we started lamenting about what big losers we were. After all, all these other people found it and said it was easy. The site listed it as 1 1/2 stars for degree in difficulty. "Maybe we should start with a 1 star." "Do they offer 1/2 stars?" Each time a car drove by I'd yell, "Kill the light" and we'd hold our breath like some high school kids up to no good. In the meantime DH tried to gently pry off the top of the fence post but it wouldn't budge. We stuck our fingers in holes not meant to be stuck in, felt along the tops of walls, inspected the porta-potty way too close...you name it...we tried it.
10:20 p.m. we headed home empty handed. The wine glass now half empty (or half full).
"We better hope no one dies there tomorrow."
"They're going to think we did it."
"The neighbors will tell the cops: 'We saw these people last night fooling around with flashlights, and a screwdriver, and something that looked like a detonator.' We're like Al Qaida"
"We are so screwed."
"And we're losers because we didn't even find the damned cache."
"1 star from here on out."
At 9:30 p.m. After the sun had gone down. With no flashlight.
After writing a note to our kids (in case they woke up and thought we really did join the circus like we told them we would one day do), and with wine and GPS in hand, we trekked to the park determind to find our first cache. After about 5 mins. of searching by the light of the GPS screen (think cell phone bright--cut in half) we decided that a flashlight was in order. Back to the house we went.
9:45 p.m., flashlight, pen (for the log), GPS, wine in hand, and after reading what others had written about the "cleverly hidden" cache, we flip-flopped our asses back to the area we had combed only this time we were armed with extra knowledge. The people who had come before us had said it was tough for the vertically challenged. Naturally we looked up. And up...and around...and up some more...until we finally convinced ourselves that it had to be inside of a fence post surrounding some kind of water tank thingy.
10:00 p.m., flashlight, pen, GPS, a screwdriver, and more wine in hand, we started lamenting about what big losers we were. After all, all these other people found it and said it was easy. The site listed it as 1 1/2 stars for degree in difficulty. "Maybe we should start with a 1 star." "Do they offer 1/2 stars?" Each time a car drove by I'd yell, "Kill the light" and we'd hold our breath like some high school kids up to no good. In the meantime DH tried to gently pry off the top of the fence post but it wouldn't budge. We stuck our fingers in holes not meant to be stuck in, felt along the tops of walls, inspected the porta-potty way too close...you name it...we tried it.
10:20 p.m. we headed home empty handed. The wine glass now half empty (or half full).
"We better hope no one dies there tomorrow."
"They're going to think we did it."
"The neighbors will tell the cops: 'We saw these people last night fooling around with flashlights, and a screwdriver, and something that looked like a detonator.' We're like Al Qaida"
"We are so screwed."
"And we're losers because we didn't even find the damned cache."
"1 star from here on out."
Countdown
In honor of one of THE coolest couples I have ever known, I present to you a countdown ticker for their wedding day. Heidi & Jon...it will be here before you know it. I will bring Kleenex and try to see well enough to shoot!
Sweet ride
Just this past weekend I had to decorate a wedding for my other company (CWE) and knew that what I would need to take to said wedding would not fit in my car...or my husband's truck...or my father's Jeep. Granted, if I took two cars it would but seeing as I have not yet mastered the art of cloning that possibility was out. So I opted to rent a car from Enterprise (whom I highly recommend). And not just any car...but a mini-van. A mini-van with Sto 'n Go seats. Now keep in mind this is the first time I have ever driven a mini-van yet, let alone my children being in one. Ian said he had been in his friend's mom's mini-van but it was not like this one. All the seats (except for the bench in the back which was already sto'd 'n go'd) were captain's chairs and both kids thought that was "cool." I was surprised by how nicely it drove and I lurved the driver's seat. My body just melted into it and I thought about removing it and putting it in our living room but then thought better of it. After all...I still had to get my stuff out to Black Butte.
As we were driving home my daughter pipes up from the backseat:
"Momma, if people see us driving in this car, they're going to think we're HOT!"
"You think so?"
"Yeah...this is a sweet ride! You should invite all your friends over so they can see the sweet ride and how hot we are."
Friends--you missed it, but we were hot and it was a sweet ride. Not only did it get myself there and back to BBR in one relaxed state of mind 4 times, but it also fit one mammoth Happy Hour Tower, 3 large plants, 12 seating cubes, a garbage bag full of pillows, parasols, a bucket, two end tables, a box of lights, and a partridge in a pear tree. And although my husband hates mini-van's, I caught him enjoying the sweet ride on more than one occasion. Now that right there says it all.
As we were driving home my daughter pipes up from the backseat:
"Momma, if people see us driving in this car, they're going to think we're HOT!"
"You think so?"
"Yeah...this is a sweet ride! You should invite all your friends over so they can see the sweet ride and how hot we are."
Friends--you missed it, but we were hot and it was a sweet ride. Not only did it get myself there and back to BBR in one relaxed state of mind 4 times, but it also fit one mammoth Happy Hour Tower, 3 large plants, 12 seating cubes, a garbage bag full of pillows, parasols, a bucket, two end tables, a box of lights, and a partridge in a pear tree. And although my husband hates mini-van's, I caught him enjoying the sweet ride on more than one occasion. Now that right there says it all.
Ted & Bethany
This wedding took place in a small town called St. Paul, Oregon on Bethany's family's tree farm. The grounds and home were so beautiful--the house looking as if it had been in the family for generations. Maybe it hadn't, but I like to think that it has. You could see Mt. Hood not too far off in the distance and the wildflowers that Bethany's father planted were luscious and beautiful. Although it was an extremely hot day we all made it out unscathed and something tells me that Bethany has not stopped smiling since they ran down the aisle together. I had the privilege of taking Ted & Bethany's engagement pictures and had a total blast with them and really enjoyed documenting the two of them becoming "husband and wife." I wish you guys all the best!!
The rest can be seen at: Ted & Bethany
Monday, July 03, 2006
Jake & Kendyl
My first wedding of the year took place at a lovely venue called The Gardens at Flying Diamond. Kendyl and Jake were so sweet and easy going that it was a nice way to start the season. Although it was quite warm, we were happy to see the sun out instead of threatening rain. Here is a teaser--the rest can be seen at: Jake & Kendyl
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Got Ink?
I am currently looking for people who are inked that would be willing to model for a project I am doing. This will consist of edgy, fun, pics w/you either clothed (w/ink showing), semi-nude, and/or nude depending upon your comfort level. If you're interested, please contact me at laura@lindenphotography.net.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Hear this, Miami
You are getting a second chance at signing Brees. Do.Not.Blow.This. Find the money and grab him quickly. You can be great once again.
Oh how I love thee, Taj Palace
The other night we ordered take-out from our favorite Indian restaurant, Taj Palace. It is oh so tasty and eating leftovers the next day makes me just as happy as the night before. I typically get the Tandoori chicken w/extra Naan. Naan ranks up there as one of my most favorite foods. The kids always get Shrimp Masala, while DH goes for the Chicken Vindaloo. The jasmine rice is always cooked to perfection. Not too chewy, not overcooked, not sticky...just light and fluffy and full of fragrant flavor. I always put some of the tomato-based sauce (the name of it I can never remember) that comes w/the Tandoori Chicken over the rice. There are no words for how good that tastes. Yes...Indian food is a thing of beauty. To me anyways.
I do worry that the downtown location and not so lovely building facade will ward off would-be patrons, so if you ever get down there stop in...it's worth it. It is right next to the old Wall Street Bar & Grill and don't let the looks of the place fool you. The food and service is excellent!
I do worry that the downtown location and not so lovely building facade will ward off would-be patrons, so if you ever get down there stop in...it's worth it. It is right next to the old Wall Street Bar & Grill and don't let the looks of the place fool you. The food and service is excellent!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
LP buys CWEC
NEWSFLASH: I should've blogged about this last month but I've been so busy that I haven't had time to.
On January 10, 2006 myself and my friend Heidi purchased The Cascade Wedding & Event Company. I was sad to hear that Pat & Jen had plans to sell the business as I truly love both them and their designs, however I was excited to take my creative spirit to the next level. There was a lot of crap that happened (through no fault of Pat, Jen, Heidi, or I) that tested all of us but proved just how serious we all were. In the end everything worked out and we are all happy. Heidi and I got to do our first Bridal Fair and were quite pleased with the way our booth turned out, not to mention all the people we got to meet with. I finished our website and have it up--you can see it at Cascade Weddings & Events. We had to change the name ever so slightly because Uncle Sam doesn't like using the word Company in a name--or so I was told by a guy at the IRS. Not wanting to risk it, we obliged.
So far we have been meeting with all sorts of brides and companies and having a ball. I will continue doing photography, however I will not be booking near the amount I have in the past in an effort to balance both companies fairly and like I want to. I don't want my photography clients to suffer, nor my decorating clients to suffer. It should be fine as I have the help of my husband, my dad, and friends--not to mention Heidi's friends as well.
If you're looking for decorators for your wedding, we invite you to click on the link above and view what we can do.
On January 10, 2006 myself and my friend Heidi purchased The Cascade Wedding & Event Company. I was sad to hear that Pat & Jen had plans to sell the business as I truly love both them and their designs, however I was excited to take my creative spirit to the next level. There was a lot of crap that happened (through no fault of Pat, Jen, Heidi, or I) that tested all of us but proved just how serious we all were. In the end everything worked out and we are all happy. Heidi and I got to do our first Bridal Fair and were quite pleased with the way our booth turned out, not to mention all the people we got to meet with. I finished our website and have it up--you can see it at Cascade Weddings & Events. We had to change the name ever so slightly because Uncle Sam doesn't like using the word Company in a name--or so I was told by a guy at the IRS. Not wanting to risk it, we obliged.
So far we have been meeting with all sorts of brides and companies and having a ball. I will continue doing photography, however I will not be booking near the amount I have in the past in an effort to balance both companies fairly and like I want to. I don't want my photography clients to suffer, nor my decorating clients to suffer. It should be fine as I have the help of my husband, my dad, and friends--not to mention Heidi's friends as well.
If you're looking for decorators for your wedding, we invite you to click on the link above and view what we can do.
Oatmeal and gas
The other day while driving home from the Northeast side of town, I came to a red light. While waiting for the light to turn green I noticed the sign at a gas station that caught my eye. It read:
"Oatmeal bar - Mon., Tues. and Thurs."
Oatmeal and gas? Come on...be serious. Who would actually eat oatmeal from a bar, let alone a bar in a gas station? All I could think about was the week old hot dogs rotating on those little metal roller thingies, or the pretzels that have been there for months just circling and circling waiting for someone to pluck them off their hooks. How could they possibly think that an oatmeal bar would sound even remotely appetizing? And how often do they change that vat out? You know oatmeal gets all sticky and hard if it sits out for too long. What would the condiments be like? Honey...brown sugar...raisins...apples...twinkies...beef jerkey? T.A.S.T.Y. Had the light not changed so soon I would've attempted my photographic superpowers w/my oh-so-technological-advanced camera (a.k.a. a phone I am taking college courses for to learn how to operate it) and snapped a pic of the sign promising wholesome, oaty, goodness to those daring enough to just come inside. Of course there was no real camera in my car. I mean, that would make me seem like a true pro and gawd knows we can't have that.
That night I mentioned what I saw that day to my husband.
"I'd eat it."
"No you wouldn't. It's oatmeal...in a vat...w/condiments...in a GAS station."
"Oatmeal is good."
"Normal oatmeal is good. Gas station oatmeal bar oatmeal is not."
"I'd still eat it."
I am currently waiting for this to happen. I keep reminding him that this gas station likes to switch it up and he's going to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Just like the Krispy Kremes they had there last year. We spaced it and didn't get to partake of the deep fried goodness (thankfully we bought some off a Cub Scout or Pioneer Boy, or whatever they call them out here, in the parking lot of Target some months later). If he goes to the oatmeal bar I am so taking my camera. It will be worth the strange looks just to document the fact that there is indeed an oatmeal bar inside of a gas station.
"Oatmeal bar - Mon., Tues. and Thurs."
Oatmeal and gas? Come on...be serious. Who would actually eat oatmeal from a bar, let alone a bar in a gas station? All I could think about was the week old hot dogs rotating on those little metal roller thingies, or the pretzels that have been there for months just circling and circling waiting for someone to pluck them off their hooks. How could they possibly think that an oatmeal bar would sound even remotely appetizing? And how often do they change that vat out? You know oatmeal gets all sticky and hard if it sits out for too long. What would the condiments be like? Honey...brown sugar...raisins...apples...twinkies...beef jerkey? T.A.S.T.Y. Had the light not changed so soon I would've attempted my photographic superpowers w/my oh-so-technological-advanced camera (a.k.a. a phone I am taking college courses for to learn how to operate it) and snapped a pic of the sign promising wholesome, oaty, goodness to those daring enough to just come inside. Of course there was no real camera in my car. I mean, that would make me seem like a true pro and gawd knows we can't have that.
That night I mentioned what I saw that day to my husband.
"I'd eat it."
"No you wouldn't. It's oatmeal...in a vat...w/condiments...in a GAS station."
"Oatmeal is good."
"Normal oatmeal is good. Gas station oatmeal bar oatmeal is not."
"I'd still eat it."
I am currently waiting for this to happen. I keep reminding him that this gas station likes to switch it up and he's going to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Just like the Krispy Kremes they had there last year. We spaced it and didn't get to partake of the deep fried goodness (thankfully we bought some off a Cub Scout or Pioneer Boy, or whatever they call them out here, in the parking lot of Target some months later). If he goes to the oatmeal bar I am so taking my camera. It will be worth the strange looks just to document the fact that there is indeed an oatmeal bar inside of a gas station.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Everyone relax...FEMA is here
Right now, Ryan and I are watching Supervolcano. Scratch that. HE is watching Supervolcano, I am surfing the net. As of now the supervolcano has errupted and all hell is breaking loose. They cut to the token "hot old chic" who is talking to the director (??) of FEMA as he is assuring her that they have everything under control. Insert Ryan here...
"Everyone relax, FEMA is on the case. We'll be there in about 3 weeks."
"You're just full of wittiness tonight, aren't you?"
"This must have been made before Katrina."
"Had to have been."
It says it was made in 2005. We're thinking it was released in EARLY 2005. He has been doing this all night. I'm not sure if it's the beer or the fact that he is trying to convince himself that he does not, in fact, have to go back to work after 3 whole days off, but he's got a hair up his butt that is providing me with mucho entertainment. Nothing beats watching badly mad dramatic movies with your sarcastic husband.
"Everyone relax, FEMA is on the case. We'll be there in about 3 weeks."
"You're just full of wittiness tonight, aren't you?"
"This must have been made before Katrina."
"Had to have been."
It says it was made in 2005. We're thinking it was released in EARLY 2005. He has been doing this all night. I'm not sure if it's the beer or the fact that he is trying to convince himself that he does not, in fact, have to go back to work after 3 whole days off, but he's got a hair up his butt that is providing me with mucho entertainment. Nothing beats watching badly mad dramatic movies with your sarcastic husband.
2006 already?
It seriously can't be 2006. We JUST celebrated my daughter's 6th birthday so there is no way her 7th birthday is coming up in 3 months. Plus, I just got used to writing 2005. Now I have to pay attention again? My brain can barely process large pieces of information and asking it to process small details is bad. Unless I have a camera in my hand. And 9 times out of 10 I do not have a camera in my hand when I'm writing a check or signing a document.
In all seriousness this has been a pretty good year. I documented the weddings and events of some very fabulous people and my relationships with a few of my clients turned into friendships. Plus, the cherry on top was meeting my future couple-to-shoot, Heidi and Jon. Two of the funniest, most down to Earth people I have encountered. We hit DiLusso's on Christmas Eve and hung out, drank tea, talked about med school, life, and (I think??) wedding stuff. Course the latter was not nearly as important or fun as all the other stuff but it had to be done, right? ;o) Right now Heidi is jumping up and down saying, "Look--we're on Laura's blog!!"--I know this because I "get" Heidi--just like I know I will crack up when she sends me her next installment of funny emails, and just like I know I am soooo gonna cry at her wedding. Why, you ask? Simple. She and Jon will have already turned from "client" to "friend" way before the big event which will make it that much more memorable and sweet for me. Now if she gets me that meat hat and turkey leg necklace she's been promising, it might help hold back the tears...or it might not.
I also got to spend part of New Years Eve with one of my most favorite couples ever, Tony & Patty (plus their nieces who are so stinkin' sweet and cute--sorry girls, it's true!). I had been invited to Patty's parents house for their New Years Eve Bash and desperately wanted to go, but alas I live with the most anti-social being on the planet. So instead we stayed home, played XBox 360 w/the kids, everyone stayed up until midnight, watched the ball drop (tape delayed of course), then went to bed. I know you're jealous...such fun we had. Ah well...back to Tony & Patty: we all met at McMennamin's where we dined on hairy food. Okay, so I didn't eat it and actually sent something back for the first time in my entire life, but at least it gave us a great story to tell. Wanna hear it? No? Then quickly turn this off because I'm about to tell it. Patty and I had to be like each other and both ordered the Mushroom Crostini. Neither one of us was hungry but thought a nice little appetizer would be perfect. All of us were happily chatting away (me still not believing how big the girls had gotten since they were flowergirls in Tony & Patty's wedding) when the waiter brought us our food. I immediately noticed the long, black hair sticking out to one side but didn't say anything right away. Maybe it was shock...or maybe it was me thinking that if I pretended not to have seen it, it would magically disappear. Not so. After the waiter left I showed the nasty intruder to Patty. I picked it out. I laughed. I told them I'd eat it from the other side. But I just couldn't. I kept laughing. It really wasn't that funny but it was better than gagging. They finally convinced me to send it back. So I did. Patty and I decided to split hers as we both knew it was "hair free" (she checked to be sure) so the waiter vanquished my Mushroom Crostini with the side of hair, away. Tony very graciously let me keep the receipt because it said "Hair in food." Oh yes, I'll be scanning that in and posting it for your enjoyment soon. Right after I post the pics of our tree. Belated? Maybe...but I'm doing it. Why? Because there is something really funny that goes along with the tree pics and you can't have one without the other. Well, maybe you can but since this is the first live tree I've had since I was a kid I simply must post pictures of it. I know that has nothing to do with my hairy food story yet work with me--it's late.
In closing I want to thank all of you who invited me to be a part of your lives in 2005 and wish you all much success, love, and happiness for 2006. For those of you whom I have only exchanged emails with, traded voice mails, and/or actually had the privilege of meeting already, I also wish you all the same. I do hope this year does not go by nearly as fast as last year, however I have a feeling it will. Especially with my new adventure........to be shared soon.
In the meantime, enjoy my latest site and company. iMeg design--web/logo design and custom greeting cards. I will not be doing many websites or logos as I know I'll be too busy to take on a bunch, yet it's fun to do a few here and there. I do love designing and the custom greeting cards have me totally excited! More on those coming soon. For now, here you go: www.iMegdesign.com.
In all seriousness this has been a pretty good year. I documented the weddings and events of some very fabulous people and my relationships with a few of my clients turned into friendships. Plus, the cherry on top was meeting my future couple-to-shoot, Heidi and Jon. Two of the funniest, most down to Earth people I have encountered. We hit DiLusso's on Christmas Eve and hung out, drank tea, talked about med school, life, and (I think??) wedding stuff. Course the latter was not nearly as important or fun as all the other stuff but it had to be done, right? ;o) Right now Heidi is jumping up and down saying, "Look--we're on Laura's blog!!"--I know this because I "get" Heidi--just like I know I will crack up when she sends me her next installment of funny emails, and just like I know I am soooo gonna cry at her wedding. Why, you ask? Simple. She and Jon will have already turned from "client" to "friend" way before the big event which will make it that much more memorable and sweet for me. Now if she gets me that meat hat and turkey leg necklace she's been promising, it might help hold back the tears...or it might not.
I also got to spend part of New Years Eve with one of my most favorite couples ever, Tony & Patty (plus their nieces who are so stinkin' sweet and cute--sorry girls, it's true!). I had been invited to Patty's parents house for their New Years Eve Bash and desperately wanted to go, but alas I live with the most anti-social being on the planet. So instead we stayed home, played XBox 360 w/the kids, everyone stayed up until midnight, watched the ball drop (tape delayed of course), then went to bed. I know you're jealous...such fun we had. Ah well...back to Tony & Patty: we all met at McMennamin's where we dined on hairy food. Okay, so I didn't eat it and actually sent something back for the first time in my entire life, but at least it gave us a great story to tell. Wanna hear it? No? Then quickly turn this off because I'm about to tell it. Patty and I had to be like each other and both ordered the Mushroom Crostini. Neither one of us was hungry but thought a nice little appetizer would be perfect. All of us were happily chatting away (me still not believing how big the girls had gotten since they were flowergirls in Tony & Patty's wedding) when the waiter brought us our food. I immediately noticed the long, black hair sticking out to one side but didn't say anything right away. Maybe it was shock...or maybe it was me thinking that if I pretended not to have seen it, it would magically disappear. Not so. After the waiter left I showed the nasty intruder to Patty. I picked it out. I laughed. I told them I'd eat it from the other side. But I just couldn't. I kept laughing. It really wasn't that funny but it was better than gagging. They finally convinced me to send it back. So I did. Patty and I decided to split hers as we both knew it was "hair free" (she checked to be sure) so the waiter vanquished my Mushroom Crostini with the side of hair, away. Tony very graciously let me keep the receipt because it said "Hair in food." Oh yes, I'll be scanning that in and posting it for your enjoyment soon. Right after I post the pics of our tree. Belated? Maybe...but I'm doing it. Why? Because there is something really funny that goes along with the tree pics and you can't have one without the other. Well, maybe you can but since this is the first live tree I've had since I was a kid I simply must post pictures of it. I know that has nothing to do with my hairy food story yet work with me--it's late.
In closing I want to thank all of you who invited me to be a part of your lives in 2005 and wish you all much success, love, and happiness for 2006. For those of you whom I have only exchanged emails with, traded voice mails, and/or actually had the privilege of meeting already, I also wish you all the same. I do hope this year does not go by nearly as fast as last year, however I have a feeling it will. Especially with my new adventure........to be shared soon.
In the meantime, enjoy my latest site and company. iMeg design--web/logo design and custom greeting cards. I will not be doing many websites or logos as I know I'll be too busy to take on a bunch, yet it's fun to do a few here and there. I do love designing and the custom greeting cards have me totally excited! More on those coming soon. For now, here you go: www.iMegdesign.com.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas!!
Hope you all are having a very merry, very safe, and very wonderful Christmas! We here at the Leslie household are enjoying the day. Ryan is installing (or should I say trying to install) the XBox 360 Santa brought for the "kids." I am trying to keep my eyes open given I didn't go to bed until 1 a.m. and Megan woke us up when it was still dark. Not sure how early it was, but the sun wasn't out yet--and that's just way too early for me. Both kids are playing their Gameboys and the dogs are passed out on the couch and futon, respectively. We made quite a nice haul this year and feel very lucky.
This afternoon/early evening we'll be headed to my dad's for Christmas dinner there. We would bring the girls but my car just can't support that many being's in it at once. So instead we'll have to bring the presents my dad got them back here. I have a feeling they won't care so long as they can devour whatever it is we return home with.
I hope Santa was good to you all this year and if you're traveling do be careful!
This afternoon/early evening we'll be headed to my dad's for Christmas dinner there. We would bring the girls but my car just can't support that many being's in it at once. So instead we'll have to bring the presents my dad got them back here. I have a feeling they won't care so long as they can devour whatever it is we return home with.
I hope Santa was good to you all this year and if you're traveling do be careful!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Do you understand the words that are coming outta my mouth?
"Which one of you peed on the floor? I know one of you did it. You, young one, you look guilty. You know there's no peeing in the house."
"Ummm...mommy...they can't understand you."
"Oh yes they can. They understand me perfectly."
And to think, I thought I had Miss Kya Bear potty trained.
"Ummm...mommy...they can't understand you."
"Oh yes they can. They understand me perfectly."
And to think, I thought I had Miss Kya Bear potty trained.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The search has ended...but not with the happy ending
Finally, I have found that which I covet. Fred Meyer's, bottom shelf, far right, in the drug aisle. It's there. In all it's glory and splendor. "Did you get it?!" you ask? No, I did not. "Why?!" you say. Because I was shopping with both kids and DH. That shouldn't make a difference, right? It does.
Me: "Ohhhhh! That which I covet!"
DH: "What?"
Me: "Tylenol PM Golden Vanilla! It's here!! I've been looking for this forever."
DH: "Yeah, that's exactly what you need."
Me: "I didn't say I NEEDED it. I said I wanted it."
Megan: "Mommy, why do you want that?"
Me: "I don't know, honey. I just do. It's one of those mysteries of life."
Ian: "I don't think it would taste all that good."
DH: "You so aren't getting that."
Me: "Fine. I may not get it today...but I know where it's at. And it will be mine."
I admit it, I caved to peer pressure and left my beloved item at the store. I knew I should've held my ground, but I didn't. Lo and behold, guess who was looking for Tylenol PM tonight because he has a headache? That's right, the voice of reason (a.k.a. DH). We could've had THE BEST Tylenol PM EVER...instead he took Advil. Maybe I'm not so crazy now, huh?!
Me: "Ohhhhh! That which I covet!"
DH: "What?"
Me: "Tylenol PM Golden Vanilla! It's here!! I've been looking for this forever."
DH: "Yeah, that's exactly what you need."
Me: "I didn't say I NEEDED it. I said I wanted it."
Megan: "Mommy, why do you want that?"
Me: "I don't know, honey. I just do. It's one of those mysteries of life."
Ian: "I don't think it would taste all that good."
DH: "You so aren't getting that."
Me: "Fine. I may not get it today...but I know where it's at. And it will be mine."
I admit it, I caved to peer pressure and left my beloved item at the store. I knew I should've held my ground, but I didn't. Lo and behold, guess who was looking for Tylenol PM tonight because he has a headache? That's right, the voice of reason (a.k.a. DH). We could've had THE BEST Tylenol PM EVER...instead he took Advil. Maybe I'm not so crazy now, huh?!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Like Earl says...Karma will get you
I guess it must have been about 9 months ago, but DH and I decided that we needed a bigger vehicle. Of course he already had plans to buy his new baby (an '05 Subura WRX STi) so I was told that around August we'd be able to get mine. I test drove several SUV's...the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Nissan XTerra, and the Honda Pilot. While I was still deciding (and saving up) I noticed that the tires on my '00 Hyundai Elantra were missing any and all signs of tread. Since I was planning on purchasing a brand new vehicle and money was of the essence, I chose some of the cheapest all-season tires I could find. I figured they'd be waaay better than what I already had and if the new owner(s) wanted to upgrade, they could. It's not because I'm usually cheap, or didn't care about the new owner(s), I just didn't have the money. Okay, I did have the money but only in the sense that it was in the bank...I just thought it would be better served by going towards the down payment on the next vehicle.
Fast forward to now. Winter has come. I still don't have my new vehicle. Why? you ask. Mums the word but there are potentially big things on the horizon for me. Big things that cost big money, unfortunately. So the SUV has been put on the back burner for now. No big deal right? Ummm...kind of. For one we can't take the dogs with us anywhere as they won't fit in either of our cars with both of the kids and both of us. Secondly, as I mentioned above, Winter is here. Here in Central Oregon this means snow. A lot of snow. I love the snow...I just hate driving around in it. And now, because of my cheapness Karma has come back to bite me on the ass. While these tires are safer and much more grippier (yes, I just said grippier) they are nowhere near what good tires should be. I am learning this. The hard way. And the funny thing is, is that I drive like a grandma in the snow. I seriously anger people because my car slides at 30 mph so I typically drive about 25-30 in 35 mph speed zones. I also seem to be the ONLY person in Central Oregon not cruising around effortlessly in an SUV or AWD vehicle. Just the other day the kids and I ran to JoAnn's and despite my feeble attempts to go a "normal" speed, the guy in the big, red, Jeep Cherokee hated me. So much so that while turning into our subdivision he decided he could stand my presence no longer and floored it...passing me at MACH 5 and spraying snow, ice, and rocks all over the side of my car scaring the ever loving beejesus out of us all. Nice. I guess this is Karma's way of paying me back. Maybe I should make a list like Earl did. Who knows...it may lead me to winning the lottery. Now that would be cool. For now I am taken this as my lesson not to be cheap when I don't absolutely HAVE to be.
In the meantime, I will continue to drive like a grandma when the roads are nasty. Especially with my cheaper than, and about as useful as, dirt tires. So all you SUV and AWD-owning people out there...cut this grandma-driving chic some slack. I'm from the Midwest where 1" of snow will shut the whole city down.
Fast forward to now. Winter has come. I still don't have my new vehicle. Why? you ask. Mums the word but there are potentially big things on the horizon for me. Big things that cost big money, unfortunately. So the SUV has been put on the back burner for now. No big deal right? Ummm...kind of. For one we can't take the dogs with us anywhere as they won't fit in either of our cars with both of the kids and both of us. Secondly, as I mentioned above, Winter is here. Here in Central Oregon this means snow. A lot of snow. I love the snow...I just hate driving around in it. And now, because of my cheapness Karma has come back to bite me on the ass. While these tires are safer and much more grippier (yes, I just said grippier) they are nowhere near what good tires should be. I am learning this. The hard way. And the funny thing is, is that I drive like a grandma in the snow. I seriously anger people because my car slides at 30 mph so I typically drive about 25-30 in 35 mph speed zones. I also seem to be the ONLY person in Central Oregon not cruising around effortlessly in an SUV or AWD vehicle. Just the other day the kids and I ran to JoAnn's and despite my feeble attempts to go a "normal" speed, the guy in the big, red, Jeep Cherokee hated me. So much so that while turning into our subdivision he decided he could stand my presence no longer and floored it...passing me at MACH 5 and spraying snow, ice, and rocks all over the side of my car scaring the ever loving beejesus out of us all. Nice. I guess this is Karma's way of paying me back. Maybe I should make a list like Earl did. Who knows...it may lead me to winning the lottery. Now that would be cool. For now I am taken this as my lesson not to be cheap when I don't absolutely HAVE to be.
In the meantime, I will continue to drive like a grandma when the roads are nasty. Especially with my cheaper than, and about as useful as, dirt tires. So all you SUV and AWD-owning people out there...cut this grandma-driving chic some slack. I'm from the Midwest where 1" of snow will shut the whole city down.
Monday, November 28, 2005
And now for something completely different
Presenting my son's Thanksgiving story that he wrote for school. He's in 4th grade. I left his grammar basically the way he wrote it with just the changes he said he should've made and some added paragraph breaks to help make it easier to read.
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Hello. My name is Greg, the International Spy and my brothers Skippy and Taco. They don't have jobs. But the story begins in Cheeseville, NY.
Bzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzzzzz!
Now that was Old Tipper testing his new chainsaw. Then he went inside the farm. "Well," I said, "He's going to cook us all!" Taco reacted by grabbing an egg and threw it at the rooster. The rooster got hit in the face and he screamed. Well, Taco wasn't very smart at all. And Skippy...well let's just say he's near crazy.
"Hey!" yelled Old Tipper. "Who left the bacon on the floor?" "Gloop!" yelled Taco. "Oh be quiet." said Skippy. "No!" yelled Taco. Believe it or not this argument lasted for two years. Then Old Tipper put us in the refrigerator. "How are we going to escape now?" I asked. "The North Pole!" shouted Taco. And by now you probably realized that Taco is not smart and sometimes funny. Skippy sighed. Then Taco began to lick all the food. Every bit of it. Outside the refrigerator was Old Tipper who finally got his chainsaw to work! His wife, Mrs. Tipper, was sitting on the table.
"Okay." said Old Tipper. "Hold those chickens and I'll do the rest. So she took all of us out of the refrigerator and flushed us down the toilet. "Why did you do that?!!!" asked Old Tipper. "That was our Thanksgiving dinner." "Oh really?" asked Mrs. Tipper. "AAAAAHHH!" screamed Skippy as we fell into the sewers. "Oh yuck!" I yelled. We saw dead fish, rotten apples, and even trash cans. "I wonder how they got trash cans in the toilet?" said Skippy looking very interested. Well soon we were walking through this smelly place. But when we got out we saw an airplane. "Cool!" we all said. Then we got in. Soon we were off and one of the wings of the airplane slashed right through the Tipper's house! "I think there's someone at the door." said Mrs. Tipper. "I'll get you one day chickens!!" yelled Old Tipper. "We're not chickens!" I said. "We're TURKEYS! There's a difference!"
Old Tipper opened the fridge and ate some bacon. "Hey!" said Old Tipper. "Why is everything wet?"
The End.
---------------------------------------------
And that my friends comes from the mind of my son.
-------------------------------------------------------
Hello. My name is Greg, the International Spy and my brothers Skippy and Taco. They don't have jobs. But the story begins in Cheeseville, NY.
Bzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Bzzzzzzzzzz!
Now that was Old Tipper testing his new chainsaw. Then he went inside the farm. "Well," I said, "He's going to cook us all!" Taco reacted by grabbing an egg and threw it at the rooster. The rooster got hit in the face and he screamed. Well, Taco wasn't very smart at all. And Skippy...well let's just say he's near crazy.
"Hey!" yelled Old Tipper. "Who left the bacon on the floor?" "Gloop!" yelled Taco. "Oh be quiet." said Skippy. "No!" yelled Taco. Believe it or not this argument lasted for two years. Then Old Tipper put us in the refrigerator. "How are we going to escape now?" I asked. "The North Pole!" shouted Taco. And by now you probably realized that Taco is not smart and sometimes funny. Skippy sighed. Then Taco began to lick all the food. Every bit of it. Outside the refrigerator was Old Tipper who finally got his chainsaw to work! His wife, Mrs. Tipper, was sitting on the table.
"Okay." said Old Tipper. "Hold those chickens and I'll do the rest. So she took all of us out of the refrigerator and flushed us down the toilet. "Why did you do that?!!!" asked Old Tipper. "That was our Thanksgiving dinner." "Oh really?" asked Mrs. Tipper. "AAAAAHHH!" screamed Skippy as we fell into the sewers. "Oh yuck!" I yelled. We saw dead fish, rotten apples, and even trash cans. "I wonder how they got trash cans in the toilet?" said Skippy looking very interested. Well soon we were walking through this smelly place. But when we got out we saw an airplane. "Cool!" we all said. Then we got in. Soon we were off and one of the wings of the airplane slashed right through the Tipper's house! "I think there's someone at the door." said Mrs. Tipper. "I'll get you one day chickens!!" yelled Old Tipper. "We're not chickens!" I said. "We're TURKEYS! There's a difference!"
Old Tipper opened the fridge and ate some bacon. "Hey!" said Old Tipper. "Why is everything wet?"
The End.
---------------------------------------------
And that my friends comes from the mind of my son.
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