Last week I was in a funk that I am blaming on my excitement and anticipation of our trip to Mexico. (See also: Post-Nuptial Depression). I felt meh until Saturday when I went to yoga and got my hairs (all of them) done did.
I don't know if I just needed five days to readjust to a life without swim up bars, mimosas at breakfast everyday and afternoons spent lying in a hammock enjoying the breeze off the ocean and my book (Fall of Giants - review coming next week).
Or if it was the combination of sweating my face off and sitting in the chair chatting up the stylists and girl next to me as my hair got updated for the start of my 30s that pulled me up by my bootstraps.
But I'm back to my usual too many projects and too little time. Back to my better habits of not stuffing everything in my food hole without caring about smarter choices. Back to my normal (well, relatively) cheerful self.
Mostly.
Except for those damn azalea bushes.
It would appear that I spoke too soon when I said 4 of my 5 azaleas were doing well. In an embarrassingly short time after I wrote that post 3 more bushes promptly decided to join their short-lived brother. In a desperate attempt to turn them around, I sprinkled them with azalea food for acidity, said a prayer to sweet grilled cheebus and made sure they got a thorough dose of the holy water hose before we left for Mexico.
Alas, we got back to not only those 3 way beyond gone, but the last bush was starting to look a little wilty in the leaves. Luckily, all he needed was a little water, and he perked right up and appears to be doing well again. (KNOCK ON WOOD) My poor lone ranger. He looks so sad next to the skeletons of his brothers as I haven't found the time to dig up the dead ones.
Looks like I need a little more practice before I start my landscaping business.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ANSWER - Tuesday Trivia: MLB
Who is the only major league baseball player to catch four no-hitters?
Jason Varitek, for the Boston Red Sox. The no-hit pitchers were Hideo Nomo (2001); Derek Lowe (2002); Clay Buchholz (2007); and Jon Lester (2008).
No winner this week.
Jason Varitek, for the Boston Red Sox. The no-hit pitchers were Hideo Nomo (2001); Derek Lowe (2002); Clay Buchholz (2007); and Jon Lester (2008).
No winner this week.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday Trivia: MLB
Tuesday Trivia is a weekly post of interesting trivia questions. Leave a comment with your answer - or best guess - and come back tomorrow to see if you were right. Happy guessing!
<><><>
Who is the only major league baseball player to catch four no-hitters?
<><><>
Who is the only major league baseball player to catch four no-hitters?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Summer Shower
When we moved into our house two years ago, I knew that we would be changing the color in our bedroom walls.
I liked to call it poopy brown. Because I found it so gross. It was dark and no matter how many lights we had on it always felt like we couldn't light it up.
It was inevitable that we'd be painting that room. Unfortunately, it was not a small painting projects as in addition to the poopy brown walls, the ceiling and trim was painted a dark tan.
In the process of painting, we had several clues as to what the color was prior to poopy brown... sea foam green. And it appeared that the sea foam green was everywhere... walls, ceiling and trim. I was glad that we didn't have to live with the sea foam green for two years. But I was still really glad to see the poopy brown go.
The ceiling and trim we painted white. The walls we went with Benjamin Moore's Summer Shower. The difference in the color is amazing. The room feels so much lighter. I am loving it.
Unfortunately, I do not have the photobug skillz as it's hard to see the actual color in these pictures. But you at least can see the difference.
I liked to call it poopy brown. Because I found it so gross. It was dark and no matter how many lights we had on it always felt like we couldn't light it up.
It was inevitable that we'd be painting that room. Unfortunately, it was not a small painting projects as in addition to the poopy brown walls, the ceiling and trim was painted a dark tan.
In the process of painting, we had several clues as to what the color was prior to poopy brown... sea foam green. And it appeared that the sea foam green was everywhere... walls, ceiling and trim. I was glad that we didn't have to live with the sea foam green for two years. But I was still really glad to see the poopy brown go.
The ceiling and trim we painted white. The walls we went with Benjamin Moore's Summer Shower. The difference in the color is amazing. The room feels so much lighter. I am loving it.
Unfortunately, I do not have the photobug skillz as it's hard to see the actual color in these pictures. But you at least can see the difference.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ANSWER - Tuesday Trivia: Animals
What is a baby porcupine called?
A porcupette.
Congratulations Laura for being the first to get the correct answer!
A porcupette.
Congratulations Laura for being the first to get the correct answer!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday Trivia: Animals
Tuesday Trivia is a weekly post of interesting trivia questions. Leave a comment with your answer - or best guess - and come back tomorrow to see if you were right. Happy guessing!
<><><>
What is a baby porcupine called?
<><><>
What is a baby porcupine called?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Out of the Office
I am out of the office without access to blog or comments through Monday, June 20. If you're in need of immediate assistance, please contact 911. Or maybe read another blog. I've got some great suggestions to the right in my blogroll. Otherwise, leave a comment and I will respond when I return on Tuesday, June 21.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hump Day Humor: Bridesmaids Outtakes
Hilarious movie. Even John thought so. NSFW
Bridesmaids Outtakes - watch more funny videos
(hat tip Cary)ANSWER - Tuesday Trivia: Disneyland
What attraction at California's Disneyland was transformed into Tarzan's Treehouse in 1999?
The Swiss Family Treehouse, which had been a fixture in the Anaheim theme park since 1962.
Congratulations to Beckles for being the first - and only - to get the correct answer!
The Swiss Family Treehouse, which had been a fixture in the Anaheim theme park since 1962.
Congratulations to Beckles for being the first - and only - to get the correct answer!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday Trivia: Disneyland
Tuesday Trivia is a weekly post of interesting trivia questions. Leave a comment with your answer - or best guess - and come back tomorrow to see if you were right. Happy guessing!
<><><>
What attraction at California's Disneyland was transformed into Tarzan's Treehouse in 1999?
<><><>
What attraction at California's Disneyland was transformed into Tarzan's Treehouse in 1999?
Monday, June 13, 2011
I know it's hard to believe, but I did manage to get some paint on the trim and not just my leg
Our bedroom is officially repainted. SQUEE. I can't not even begin to explain how happy I am to be done with the poopy brown that it was before. The room just feels so much lighter now.
The room is not done. For one, we need to buy a new ceiling fan (yes, we are one of THOSE people. I just get way too hot at night not to have a fan. Even with the a/c cranked down.) and replace our bedroom doors. And the daunting task of finding some furniture pieces that will work better with the bed we already have. Sigh. There's always more, isn't there?
And I know I promised pictures of our newly-painted bedroom. And I will share them. As soon as I take some. I do have this pic of my leg covered in paint:
Unfortunately, the room wasn't finished until late Saturday afternoon, and I didn't get a free moment to take pictures until early yesterday evening when there's not enough natural light in the bedroom to take pictures that would be worth anything.
It's been a busy weekend. Between the 5+ hours it took us to finish painting the trim in the bedroom (I abhor painting trim btw), going out with some of my favorite people, getting up early yesterday to go sailing with John's family and my first bikram yoga class in about 10 months, I'm just exhausted.
Though it was a good exhaustion, it's a good thing vacation is coming up. I could use the rest.
The room is not done. For one, we need to buy a new ceiling fan (yes, we are one of THOSE people. I just get way too hot at night not to have a fan. Even with the a/c cranked down.) and replace our bedroom doors. And the daunting task of finding some furniture pieces that will work better with the bed we already have. Sigh. There's always more, isn't there?
And I know I promised pictures of our newly-painted bedroom. And I will share them. As soon as I take some. I do have this pic of my leg covered in paint:
Unfortunately, the room wasn't finished until late Saturday afternoon, and I didn't get a free moment to take pictures until early yesterday evening when there's not enough natural light in the bedroom to take pictures that would be worth anything.
It's been a busy weekend. Between the 5+ hours it took us to finish painting the trim in the bedroom (I abhor painting trim btw), going out with some of my favorite people, getting up early yesterday to go sailing with John's family and my first bikram yoga class in about 10 months, I'm just exhausted.
Though it was a good exhaustion, it's a good thing vacation is coming up. I could use the rest.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Second Families
Many years ago (many many years), there was a group of engineering students. They were a tight group of friends.
The group quickly expanded as each got married and then expanded again not that much later as they began to produce offspring.
They stayed in touch pre-Facebook and Twitter by getting together at first for baby showers and then as the number of kids continued to grow (final count: 16) (I think) for yearly campouts and weekends at the lake.
In recent years the expansion has continued as the kids have gotten married and started to produce their own offspring.
To strangers in restaurants and the people with the unlucky fate of being in the next hotel room or condo, they're known as that group of loud, obnoxious people who can't stop talking and laughing and throwing people into pools.
To us - me and my family - they're known as the Aggies. My parents' oldest friends. The kind of friends you don't lose touch with. The kind of friends who drive halfway across the state for the day to support each other during important life milestones. The kind of friends who become second families.
Our stories and memories are countless. The other parents would never let any of the kids get away with anything. We've traveled all over the state of Texas to hang out with each other. And have even gone out of the state and the country.
Next week is another trip. This time to Playa del Carmen for my friend's wedding. It's going to be awesomeballs.
We call our trips and get togethers Aggie Reunions. When I was little, I thought everyone had an Aggie group and went on Aggie Reunions. I did eventually realize that while not everyone has a group called the Aggies, they do have a group of people whose bond is so strong they would do anything for each other.
And that's only right because everyone needs a second family to help keep them in line.
The group quickly expanded as each got married and then expanded again not that much later as they began to produce offspring.
They stayed in touch pre-Facebook and Twitter by getting together at first for baby showers and then as the number of kids continued to grow (final count: 16) (I think) for yearly campouts and weekends at the lake.
In recent years the expansion has continued as the kids have gotten married and started to produce their own offspring.
To strangers in restaurants and the people with the unlucky fate of being in the next hotel room or condo, they're known as that group of loud, obnoxious people who can't stop talking and laughing and throwing people into pools.
To us - me and my family - they're known as the Aggies. My parents' oldest friends. The kind of friends you don't lose touch with. The kind of friends who drive halfway across the state for the day to support each other during important life milestones. The kind of friends who become second families.
Our stories and memories are countless. The other parents would never let any of the kids get away with anything. We've traveled all over the state of Texas to hang out with each other. And have even gone out of the state and the country.
Next week is another trip. This time to Playa del Carmen for my friend's wedding. It's going to be awesomeballs.
We call our trips and get togethers Aggie Reunions. When I was little, I thought everyone had an Aggie group and went on Aggie Reunions. I did eventually realize that while not everyone has a group called the Aggies, they do have a group of people whose bond is so strong they would do anything for each other.
And that's only right because everyone needs a second family to help keep them in line.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hump Day Humor: My Drunk Kitchen
"So far, the only thing I think we need is champagne and eggs." Sounds about right.
Watch this. Slightly NSFW due to language.
(hat tip Dooce)
Watch this. Slightly NSFW due to language.
(hat tip Dooce)
ANSWER - Tuesday Trivia: Presidents
Which U.S. president had a seven-seat hot tub installed on the White House lawn?
Bill Clinton
No winner this week. Come back next week for a new question.
Bill Clinton
No winner this week. Come back next week for a new question.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday Trivia: Presidents
Tuesday Trivia is a weekly post of interesting trivia questions. Leave a comment with your answer - or best guess - and come back tomorrow to see if you were right. Happy guessing!
<><><>
Which U.S. president had a seven-seat hot tub installed on the White House lawn?
<><><>
Which U.S. president had a seven-seat hot tub installed on the White House lawn?
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Short List of Current Loves
Meeting new people
Brunch
Brunch with mimosas
Getting rid of the poopy brown color in our bedroom (pics to come)
New jobs
Explaining my nickname
Girl dates with good friends
Upcoming vacations
Clean sheets
Brunch
Brunch with mimosas
Getting rid of the poopy brown color in our bedroom (pics to come)
New jobs
Explaining my nickname
Girl dates with good friends
Upcoming vacations
Clean sheets
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Book Review: Every Last One
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
This is a story of everyday life of a normal, dysfunctional family told through the first-person narration of the mother Mary Beth. Until it's no longer normal everyday. The stark observations Mary Beth makes about her husband, children and friends are emotional and revealing. The relationship descriptions, especially those with her girlfriends, felt very true and an accurate portrayal of real life.
I wasn't sure at first if I liked Quindlen's writing style. But it took about 5 pages to get used to it. After which I plowed my way through it finishing the book in a day. Partly in thanks to a road trip where I had several hours in the car I could devote to the captivating characters and their story.
Some might argue that Mary Beth lacks emotions. I don't think she does. I think she suppresses them and as a result we might think her emotionless. Of course this just could be Quindlen's writing style as she was a journalist.
Either way it is a heart-wrenching book. You definitely don't want to be far from the Kleenex while reading this one. It left me feeling like I need to appreciate more the blessings I have. And a book that grips me so I can't walk away from it, a book that takes me for such an emotional ride, a book that stays with me for days - if not longer - after I finish it is a book I can honestly say I liked a whole hell of a lot. Even if it left me a weepy, sobbing mess.
Disclosure - No one paid me in any way, form or fashion for this review.
Next month - Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
This is a story of everyday life of a normal, dysfunctional family told through the first-person narration of the mother Mary Beth. Until it's no longer normal everyday. The stark observations Mary Beth makes about her husband, children and friends are emotional and revealing. The relationship descriptions, especially those with her girlfriends, felt very true and an accurate portrayal of real life.
I wasn't sure at first if I liked Quindlen's writing style. But it took about 5 pages to get used to it. After which I plowed my way through it finishing the book in a day. Partly in thanks to a road trip where I had several hours in the car I could devote to the captivating characters and their story.
Some might argue that Mary Beth lacks emotions. I don't think she does. I think she suppresses them and as a result we might think her emotionless. Of course this just could be Quindlen's writing style as she was a journalist.
Either way it is a heart-wrenching book. You definitely don't want to be far from the Kleenex while reading this one. It left me feeling like I need to appreciate more the blessings I have. And a book that grips me so I can't walk away from it, a book that takes me for such an emotional ride, a book that stays with me for days - if not longer - after I finish it is a book I can honestly say I liked a whole hell of a lot. Even if it left me a weepy, sobbing mess.
Disclosure - No one paid me in any way, form or fashion for this review.
Next month - Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
ANSWER - Tuesday Trivia: Planets
Which planet experiences 42 earth years of constant summer followed by 42 earth years of dark winter?
Uranus, because of its unusual (almost 90-degree) tilt as it orbits the sun.
Congratulations to Peggy Brister for being the first - and only - to get the correct answer.
Uranus, because of its unusual (almost 90-degree) tilt as it orbits the sun.
Congratulations to Peggy Brister for being the first - and only - to get the correct answer.
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