Kitchen...

I stopped cold turkey on the kitchen posts. Sorry about that, but working full time and living in a construction zone does little for my creativity.

Nonetheless, the kitchen is done, save for two hours of finish work ( this is literally the same two hours I have been talking about for three weeks, for those of you who have asked! ). Since these photos were taken, we have done some decorating, however, we still have bare walls. I just can't find what I want, so that part will just have to wait. Anyway, no pics of the decorating. It's just my ploy to make everyone come visit. So there.

We now have dishes in those pretty white cabinets, and I love it!

 

This is me. I was at home when the granite arrived, but left shortly before they were finished. When I returned, I felt it necesary to pose like Vanna White.

 

The beloved ( and now adorned! ) window seat. 

 All 93 inches of that bad boy stores every small appliance we own -- and no one dislikes small appliances like I do, so this makes for one very happy girl. My Dad's pretty smart.

 

This is my handsome son. He LOVES the kitchen.

 

On the heels of the kitchen being finished, Jeff celebrated his 31st birthday, which meant it was just the right time for me to attempt a serious homemade coconut cake for his birthday. It took me two days and 3457 ingredients to get to this point.

 

 

And only half the bottle of wine in the background, I promise.

 

You would be correct in assuming that The Mr. chose these birthday candles weeks earlier, but was highly disappointed to learn that they only had one pack left in stock. I guess he was thinking ahead to year 32, when personalized candles are all the rage?

 

The birthday boy liked his cake -- as did everyone else who had some in the days that followed. However, it was overkill. I should post the recipe just to prove the depths of my love for him.

 

And for color, I thought I would show you the ingredients to the fish tacos he had on his birthday,too.

I'm losing it. 

 

 

The kitchen is finished, the Mr. is 31, and it's about to be Labor Day weekend, which means my favorite time of year is upon us...

 

Roll Tide.

 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Kitchen...

I'm typing this post from my phone, so I apologize in advance for errors.
I think today will mark the final day of construction, and I'm almost a little sad. I have loved having my Dad here for this long, and words cannot express how thrilled I am with the almost finished product. Here are some pics from yesterday. Needless to say, its a different place.

Things Are Shaping Up

Lots of tile work was done on Wednesday and I love the new floors. Today they finished the tile, did some painting, and then installed the upper cabinets. To say I am excited would be a total understatement. I am THRILLED with the way things are shaping up. Here are a few pics:

I also love the lighting and the beams painted white...super bright and clean ( for now! )

More to come soon!

Progress!

I'm pretty much amazed by what that Handy Duo ( Dad and The Mr. ) have done in the past four days. After discovering there was much more sheetrock work to be done than they had originally accounted for, they spent much of the day Saturday working on replacing the walls around the cabinet area. All of the cabinet mess from the garage disappeared as well, with a little help from our good friend, BD.

Here are some Saturday pics ( not sure if we can thank humidity or dust for the fine photo quality):

On Sunday, they taped and mudded the sheetrock and started building the new fur down, which is the small dropped portion of the ceiling that closes the gap above the cabinets. I know a lot of people leave them open, and decorate the tops of their cabinets, but I prefer this finish even though it will cut down on my tchotke collection.

So, here are some Sunday Funday pics:

There is a certain mug shot quality to Dad's expression here.

On Monday, while I worked, they did some electrical work, which resulted in nine new recessed lights on the vaulted ceilings, and wiring for the three island pendants.

Thank God he still loves me after all this hard work.

And I think they are pretty fond of one another, too.

The Hunger Games

So, you ask, what does one do without a kitchen for an extended period of time?

They turn their laundry room into one, duh!

I feel incredibly domestic now. As I wash, iron, and fold all The Mr.'s clothes (total lie), I can also make coffee, and a fresh, hot breakfast. In the same room. At the same time.

Bet you haven't seen that on Pinterest.

So here's the set-up.

Not too bad, if you ask me. I've brought out every small kitchen appliance we own for this event, and I even purchased this bad boy.

The card in the middle is inviting me to join their special club for Oster Double Burner owners so that I can get special recipes. Really?

And this is what the pantry looks like now, although slightly more organized than usual.

So, no, we aren't starving or eating out every night, but are instead doing some in-home camping for the time being. And honestly, it's not too bad. In fact, I can smell our Sunday pot roast cooking as we speak.

Let The Games Begin...

When we purchased our "big kid" house in November 2009, there were many reasons we fell in love. I wanted a separate formal space and The Mr. was fond of the manly wood-paneled office. We loved the neighborhood, the privacy, and the fact that there was still a lot to be done. Yes, we are gluttons for punishment.

We knew the biggest overhaul would be the kitchen, and now, almost three years later, we are tackling it. After months of planning, drafting and re-drafting of prints, and numerous calls and e-mails to our Construction Extraordinaire, aka my Dad, we started our project on Friday. To give you some background, this is what the kitchen looked like the day we bought the house:

And within four months, it looked like this. One can only handle so much bright red wood stain and unfortunate wallpaper for so long.

I loved our interim fix. The Mr. picked the cabinet color and was quick to remind everyone who complimented us that he chose the paint. I'll admit, he got it right.


And then I came home from work on Friday to find the kitchen looking like this:

With this in the garage:

And these two handsome dudes taking care of business:

If anyone can do it, they can. So, in the spirit of the Olympics, I say, "Let the games begin!"

Alabama

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged...

A series of major tornadoes hit the great State of Alabama last week, leaving thousands homeless. As it happened, I watched on TV, knowing that the storm was coming closer and that at any time I would lose power. As I watched it swirl above Tuscaloosa, my heart ached and for the first time in my life, I felt a little afraid of the weather. Keep in mind -- I grew up on the Gulf Coast, where hurricanes are a part of life -- but for some reason, this one really got my attention. Along with my Mother and the pets ( The Mr. was in Canada ) we took shelter in one of the guest bathrooms. I could hear the sounds outside and worried about what we would find when the door was opened. To my surprise...nothing more than a few limbs. We had escaped the worst of it, but I knew that we were indeed lucky.

In the days following the storm, I spent countless hours at the Junior League of Birmingham's Bargain Carousel ( my placement and something I am passionate about ). The stories of tragedy came from all walks of life, and on a number of occasions, I found myself slinking off into a corner to dry my eyes. One person after the next, all weekend long, recounted their tale. And amazingly, no matter the scale of their loss, they each ended by saying, "But we were lucky.".

And indeed they were, just as I was. For the storm had passed, left its mark, and moved on, leaving us among those who made it through alive. I realized over the past week that one's life can change in an instant - a split second - and for that, we should spend each moment treasuring our fortune of friends and family. I was, and am, moved to tears by what this state has endured, but I am reassured by the constant and abiding spirit of good hearted people, willing to lend a hand. For it must have been that same spirit that Julia Tutwiler spoke of when she wrote our state song so many years ago, adding these lyrics:

Little, little, can I give thee,
Alabama, mother mine;
But that little -- hand, brain, spirit,
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take the gift and giver.
Take and serve thyself with me,
Alabama, Alabama,
I will aye be true to thee

What You Don't Know...

Aside from the updates about Charlie Sheen , my favorite part of US Weekly magazine is the section entitled "25 Things You Don't Know About ( Insert Celebrity Name Here )".

I really liked Martha Stewart's. She told us that she enjoys rap, but specifically Eminem. She also informed us that she carries fresh lemons with her when she travels - because who doesn't? Oh yeah, and she used to trap muskrats as a child.

That Martha is one well-rounded chick.

All of this led me to think about what I would include in the column should they ask me about my 25 things. And just in case they do, here they are:

1. Most terrifying moment: Watching my mother "dance" with a grizzly bear on skates at a local skating rink. The things that journalists do to get their stories....
2. I hate the word "snack". Not when I say it, but when you do. And don't you dare tell me you're gonna "munch" on a "snack". Ugh.
3. I fiercely believe that people should not co-mingle grocery staples in a marriage. A girl who grows up on skim milk and wheat bread should marry a man of the same ilk. Should he favor whole milk and white bread....well, you're in trouble.
4. I love dance crazes. MC Hammer : Check. Roger Rabbit: Check. Soldier Boy: Check. Dougie: Check.
5. I hate alligators. I cannot emphasize this enough.
6. As a child, I wanted to be one of two things - A) an archaeologist and B) a marine biologist. Then I grew up, realized I hated school, I wanted enough money to pay my power bill, and that both required extensive time in the heat. Nevermind.
7. I've never admitted this outside my family and no offense to those of you who have them, but I really don't like black dogs. No reason. Just don't.
8. I once had a cat named Orangie In The Supermarket. Yes, you called him all four names.
9. I'm distrustful of people who don't eat mushrooms.
10. 7x8 still gets me every time. Here's looking at you, Dad!
11. I was in the Scripps Howard Alabama Spelling Bee in 1995. Losing word: languid.
12. I really enjoy Scrabble ( see #11 ).
13. I like asking the people at Taco Bell about the meat quality EVERY time I go. It evokes a classic response. And it makes my husband laugh until he cries, which is my real intent. Who cares about the meat!
14. I hate haunted houses, hayrides, and horror films.
15. I think chopsticks are useless in America. I believe in the addage of "when in Rome", and to me, Surin of Thailand is not REALLY in Thailand and therefore, I will use my fork, thank you very much.
16. I enjoy reading Shakespeare. It's good stuff.
17. I almost was arrested in Kindergarten for mail theft ( accomplice only...not actual perpetrator).
18. Adults who have obsessions with Mickey Mouse, or any character for that matter, freak me out.
19. I have two pair of glasses- one for "public" and one for "home". The "home" pair are so totally amazingly 1980's nerd that I just had to have them. I, for one, think I look smashing in them.
20. I roll my eyes a lot. Oh wait, you knew that?
21. Favorite Sandwich : Tomato with Mayonnaise, Salt, and Pepper!
22. I've already picked out where I'm retiring and I talk about it all the time, as if retirement is in the near future. Isle of Hope, Georgia, here I come!
23. I vehemently believe in the power of Karma.
24. Not once, but twice, I cut my bangs into spikes in the weeks leading up to Easter. Literal spikes. Nothing is more embarassing than taking communion and having the Priest look at you as if you are from another planet.
25. Some people like to be called "brilliant" or "beautiful". Me? I prefer "efficient".

Did you learn anything? Here's to hoping US Weekly gives me a call -- I'm ready!

Another Day In Paradise

Tonight I found myself "cyber-stalking" a friend of a friend on Facebook...yep, it's creepy, but you all do it.

I don't know this person and more than likely never will, but I couldn't help but admire her. Perfectly dressed with a dazzling smile and a "fun" job, her hair was flawless in every picture.
She had a bevy of Lilly Pulitzer dresses, and she even managed to have her husband dressed to match her more often than not. You may think that's strange, but I would just kill over in delight if The Mr. wore a pastel bow tie to match my Easter dress.

The perfection was over the top...her cat and dog even smiled in their Christmas card photo. Both of them...the cat and the dog.

I spent a few minutes perusing her pictures and becoming increasingly jealous of the perfection. Here I was, sitting in my less than glamourous pajamas, flanked by my two little dogs. Let me be perfectly clear...my two Maltese ( always white ) who for some reason appear more tan today and smell horrible. Since the Mr. is out of town, I ate a hot dog for dinner and while I have a pile of laundry facing me, I'm instead watching the Bachelor, a show I despise. Why? I can't find the remote. Did I mention that my Christmas tree is still up, my car is in desperate need of a wash, and I have dry cleaning that I haven't picked up in a month?

I wondered what people like that do...you know, the perfect ones...on Monday nights at 8:00. In my mind, they have just finished a three course meal made of only local, organic produce, and are settling in with a fantastic glass of wine. Their clothes are ready and ironed for tomorrow, the laundry is done, the bed is made, the white dogs are white, and they are just sitting around being perfect. One can become jaded with their own life pretty quickly with thoughts like these...let me tell you.

But as I looked around at the chaos, the formerly white dogs, and the kitchen towel I just added to the laundry pile, I realized that nothing is perfect. Try as I may, I'm not and my life is not, but I'm pretty darn lucky. Seeing the perfection has a lot to do with being thankful, and that, I am.

And I bet, if I looked really hard, that perfect girl probably has a giant zit in half those pictures.

It's a new year, so I figured I would take advantage of the snow day today by doing a little blogging. I'm not promising a new year full of daily blogs, but I really am going to try better in 2011...no, really, I am.
So where to begin?
Since I have been an absentee blogger for so many months, I thought a run-down of 2010 would be fun. Just to catch everyone up to date, I'll hit the high points.
You may recall a blog post in January about us going to Pasadena for the National Championship game. It was such a fun way to start the new year, and to think that tonight a new National Champion will be named blows my mind...my, oh my, how quickly 2010 came and went. I'll leave my commentary about tonight's game to myself.

The late winter and early spring months passed without much excitement. We spent a lot of time working on our house, which was fun. On a day like today, it makes me happy to think that the azaleas will bloom again soon, and that there is actually green grass underneath the layers of ice.

In June, we went to Memphis for a family wedding, but I couldn't let my extended visit pass without a trip to Graceland. Yes, Graceland. It was amazing and I am still intrigued and slightly jealous that I wasn't a personal friend of Elvis'.

One of my best friends had a baby this year and in August we celebrated with a baby shower at my house, and before long, baby James Bradford was here in September.

The Mr. and I are pretty fond of him already.

August also took us to Savannah and Hilton Head for a much needed vacation and a special treat ...dining at Paula Deen's! The food was good, but I could've left the Yankees at home. Listening to people ask questions about okra made my stomach turn.

There seemed to be one wedding after another this past year, and I'm pretty sure those are coming to a quick end, as babies seem to be stealing the spotlight. One of my friends from college, Lisa, and her sweet husband Chris, were married in September. What a beautiful bride and wedding!

October brought a trip to Mobile and my ten year class reunion. While the turnout was a little disappointing, it was a lot of fun to see old friends and to visit my alma mater. Since the Mr. and I graduated together, it was a really fun thing to share. In fact, this picture of us was taken at the very place we first met...as high school juniors. But that's another story for another day.

Of course the fall meant football, and since the tailgating train came to a brief stop in 2010, we spent lots of time at home watching the Tide. Let me correct...The Mr. spent lots of time watching the Tide...I spent my time doing other things around the house.
All of this brought us to December and one of the most joyous holiday seasons we have ever had. It started with my office party at our house the first weekend of the month and continued into the new year. We had just about EVERYONE we love in our home and well, I'll just let that be another post, because that's just too much fun for one day! Happy New Year!

Get On The Bus...

It’s been almost three months since my last post, and while I said I was fully and totally committing myself to blogging, I lied. I kind of have a real job and a house to clean, a dog to walk, and a husband to entertain. Who am I kidding…I don’t walk the dog and I doubt the Mr. finds my “musings" entertaining.

However, I could not let today pass without a post. It’s a Monday, yes, but not just any Monday. For many children, as I have learned from Facebook ( my source on children ), it’s also the first day of school, which brings me to share this sad, yet entirely true tale with you.

It’s 1988 and I’m pretty damn cute. But it was on this very day in that year that I learned being “cute” gets you absolutely nowhere in life, and it certainly doesn’t get you to school on time.

My Mother had put my hair in a side ponytail job and I was wearing a bright green shirt with a Coca Cola logo. I think I had on white shorts, but I know I was carrying a baby blue book satchel and I was some kind of excited as that yellow school bus rounded the corner to pick me up for school. I waited patiently...well, half patiently really.. as my family gathered on the porch to waive me off. I have always been fiercely independent ( thank God), but perhaps my parents often judged my independence for intelligence beyond my years. Who knows.

What I do know is that no one really took the time to discuss riding the bus with me. Ever.

So, as the bus pulled up to the big brick front of Daphne Elementary School and all of the other pint-sized monsters disembarked, I stayed behind. And since I was small, no one noticed. Not even the junior high kids who were still on the bus awaiting their turn to be dropped off down the street. Nope. No one said a word, and there I sat, pretty as a peach, in my own little world just waiting to go to school….when I damn well felt like it.

We get to the junior high and the remaining children disembark, leaving satchel-toting, side-ponytail wearing Emily behind. Just me and the yellow bus and no one else….not even the driver who scurried off to teach Algebra.

When they found me, they escorted me to the principal, whereby some strange fate I found my older stepsister who was starting junior high the same day. I sat on a barstool behind the school desk and when she walked in, wearing a blue sailor style dress, I balled.
I just thought you could ride until you felt like it and then ask them politely to take you to school. But, as I rode back to the elementary school in the junior high principal’s Cadillac, I realized I was wrong. And I felt as stupid as a kindergartner can feel.

I know now that the “Oh, Bless Her Hearts” must have abounded, and that surely my teacher thought I was certain to be the classroom village idiot. I know they called my Mama, who surely must’ve wondered herself why I would do such a thing. What she didn’t know is that that call would become the first of many she’d get about me

Moral? There’s not one really, except this.

Just because another school year had begun and another year has passed, don’t ever forget what it feels like to be a child on the first day of school. It’s magical and sweet, no matter where you end up.

Best Wife Ever Goes To.....

While the Mr. was traveling on Monday, I decided to delight him with a special
e-mail, to be opened upon his arrival in Hanover, Virginia. He got it alright. And he called as soon as he did. It went a little like this:

Mr: " I landed. Got the email. Total dork. "
Me: "Good. I'm not a dork. Did you even read it?"
Mr: ( Laughing, but trying to sound macho )" Um, yeah. You really have a lot of time on your hands when I'm away"
Me: "Maybe so."

And he's right. Maybe I do have too much time on my hands when he's away, but it's not like I spend it doing worthless things, like cleaning house or doing laundry. I instead choose to do productive and educational things, like sending the Mr. the email below:

Dear Jeffrey,

As your wife, I think it is one of my many duties, dutiful as I am, to keep you informed about exciting facts and trivial tidbits. You can think of me as your personal Trivial Pursuit, except edgier and more savvy for the business traveler, such as yourself. So, as you embark on your three day journey into northern Virginia, please allow me to inject some excitement into your life. Hold on to your seat....

Hanover is a place of rich history, chock full of names from my sixth grade history book. It's kinda boring stuff, but here's the important fact: they have one of the country's largest amusement parks, King's Dominion, located nearby. It was opened in 1975 and admission is reasonable. Not that you care...you'll be working.

There are a hell of a lot of white folks in Hanover, 88% to be exact. You'll find them at the amusement park, or at an NRA meeting. Hanover was named one of the country's most "conservative friendly" cities in the US in 2010. You should fit in well.

I tried to find someone interesting from Hanover, but came up empty handed. That is unless you are a NASCAR fan and have heard of the Grubb brothers who were forced to forfeit their titles due to drug abuse. Well there's them and Lucy Washington, Dolly Madison's sister. You know... Dolly was the First Lady who went on to great fame in the bakery business? Zingers?

As for dining, which I know will be one of the finer points of your day, I have chosen a few selections for your perusal. There is always the old Hanover Tavern, which according to Yahoo is a "good place to go get a drink and relax after work before you have to go home to the wife and kids". Apparently, all the history and amusement parks don't make for one big happy family in Hanover.

Another selection would be the Houndstooth Cafe, which judging from the picture looks utterly depressing. Someone said they have a good "derby pie", which I believe to be chocolate and not something you would choose. Plus, the parking lot was empty in all the pics I saw, which leads me to believe that the Houndstooth Cafe isn't something many people choose.

My final suggestion would be to stick close to the hotel and find a Subway. I didn't see that Hanover necessarily has a Subway, but you get my drift.

Nonetheless, I hope this has enlightened you and will enrich your experience in Virginia. You will be missed in Birmingham, but I am sure you will bring much joy to the people of Hanover, while your there doing whatever the hell it is you do.

Much Love, Your Wife

Yep, it's dorky, and yep, I have way too much time on my hands, but at least I know where I don't want to vacation this year.

Everybody's Working For The Weekend....

After an exhausting day off of work on Friday, during which I enjoyed a doctor's visit for a kidney infection, I have to say it was a pretty good weekend. Lord knows we needed it. I feel like we've been stuck on 80 mph for the past 6 months, so I have vowed to use the weekends for relaxation at least until the month of June. See how generous I am with myself?

Friday night we ate Chinese. That was the highlight. If that's not a sign the Mr. and I are getting old and boring, I don't know what is.

Oh wait...yes, I do. Our trip to Sam's Club on Saturday. The Mr. loves Sam's Club more than any place on earth. He wanted to go "look", which meant we bought staples like paper towels, charcoal, and laundry detergent. We almost got crazy and bought a yogurt/sorbet maker, but after we merrily strolled it around for 30 minutes, I declared that it would find the same fate as every other "specialty" appliance we have ever owned....we'd use it once and then it would end up underneath some cabinet, never to be used again. The Mr. was proud of my reasoning, although I sensed he was a little disappointed. He really likes "specialty" appliances.

Saturday night we did do something fun, and quite unexpected. We took our Mini, top down and all, to one of my favorite places in the world --- good ole' Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We ate dinner at DePalma's ( a fave of ours for years!) and then came home. It was so much fun and such a great way to end an otherwise uneventful Saturday!!

I slept late on Sunday - 7:30 - woo hoo. And then I did nothing. At all. All day. I decided to take my pajamas off before dinner....figured that was the polite thing to do. The Mr. made his world-famous BBQ for dinner and we watched a really bad movie -- Couples Retreat. I don't like movies to begin with, but bad ones make me want to scream. I refrained from screaming this time, and instead just slept.

And that brings us to today...another Monday. The Mr. is in Virginia for the week, so Rudy and I are holding down the fort....that, and working for the weekend!!! Lake Martin here we come!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Although I'm a day late ( imagine that! ), Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!
I spent the WHOLE day with my Mom, so top that all you "quick phone call" or "brunch" kids out there. The WHOLE day, starting with a pancake breakfast, and ending with a home-cooked meal, with a little golf and a movie thrown in for color. Yep, I'm officially the best child ever, although I didn't need Mother's Day to remind me of this. Here are some pics...enjoy!

Me and Madre

She loves Golf Carts. And apparently iced tea, too.

The Mr. and The Mother


This is my son. His name is Rudy. He is shorn.
He did NOTHING for Mother's Day for me.

We're Just Like You...Only We're A Nielsen Family

From time to time, I am taken aback by the Mr.'s reaction to things. For instance, he seems totally mesmerized by spices, especially the kind in tiny glass jars . Well, that and trashy reality shows like the Real Housewives of New York.

But today, however, he took it to a whole new level. Let me set the scene:

Two months ago we recieved a postcard in the mail stating that we had been selected as a "Nielsen family", and that additional information would be coming soon. I nearly tossed the card, not caring to participate in a mass research program regarding television, as watching TV isn't something I do much of. I was met with a response of "what are you thinking?", as the Mr. yanked the card from the trash and proceeded to explain to me what an immense and immeasurable honor it was to be a "Nielsen family". This was followed by his proclamation that he had "dreamed of this for years".

I know what y'all are thinking, but sadly, he was serious.

Two weeks later a large package arrived with even more information about becoming a "Nielsen family". To peak the interest of people like me, they even tossed in two crisp one dollar bills, just to show us that they meant business. As I stuffed the cash in a kitchen drawer, I once again thought to toss the package, but left it for the Mr., knowing he'd really never take the time to fill out the first Nielsen survey, which was included as a pre-req for continuing this little journey.

What the hell do I know? He did.
And then came today -- May 8, 2010.

"Nielsen" called the Mr. as he sped down Highway 280. Here's the convo:

Mr: "Yes, this is Mr. Jensen ( pause )..."Oh, Hi Claire!"

( At this point I'm waving my hands and mouthing expletives for him to simultaneously slow his speed, and tell me who the hell Claire was)

Mr: "I've been waiting for your call, Claire. We are so honored to become a part of the Nielsen family. "

( Oh, me? I'm just vomiting in the passenger seat at this point.)

Mr.: "Mmm..yes, we have three. Mmmm, yes DVR....Oh okay!!!....Umm, Yes.....Great, Claire. Sounds great."

( I'm staring out the window wondering what ole' Claire was thinking about this overzealous doofus on the other end of the phone. Was everyone this excited?)

Mr: "Well, this will be great. So, we just use the journals, and we get a cash incentive. How nice!"

(My sarcasm was ceasing..."cash incentive" is my middle name.)

Mr: " I'll be checking the mailbox for it. Thanks again for choosing us, Claire. We are really proud."



I was laughing outloud by the time the Mr. and his new lady friend, Claire, hung up. He was beaming ear to ear when he told me "we'd" be keeping TV journals and "we'd" get $35 for it. As I laughed, he asked me how much money I'd made today and then I reminded him that I had worked, and I felt certain it was more than 35 bucks.



For another 10 minutes I got the scoop on this "Nielsen family" we'd become a part of. I was also instructed to keep our family TV journal in the basket on the coffee table "with a pen next to it at all times". Sure. I'll get right on that. Does this clan also have meetings at their compound in the woods?



I haven't broken the news to him yet, but while he's planning for this year's holiday card to say "Merry Christmas from The Jensen's, A Nielsen Family", I just read that we are one of over a million families to be included.

It's gonna be a long weekend.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I don't even know what Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of, but hope you've enjoyed it in the traditional sense -- sombreros, margaritas, mariachi bands, and well, cheese dip.

I just got home from work -- yes, at almost 11pm. Nothing like a 15 hour day to get a girl pumped up about being back at 7:00 am tomorrow.

The Mr. enjoyed this "holiday" alone-- drinking Coors and eating an assortment of frozen delicacies, the likes of which aren't really meant for dinner, although they were really a hit with him. This is where men are different...but that's another blog for another day.

I'm off to bed. Buenos noches mi amigos!

Okay, I'm Really Gonna Do This....

It was 80 days ago exactly when I wrote my last blog, which means many of you have probably forgotten altogether that I even had a blog....to be quite honest, I kinda had, too.



But I'm back kids, and with a vengeance. I'm really gonna do this this time.



Lots has happened in 80 days -- some good, some bad, and some just plain ugly, but that's life. I realized recently that I was in fact an adult now, with "big kid" problems, many of which are timely, expensive, and miserable to handle. Growing up is hard...but I guess I'm getting my dose now since I never had one of those traumatic teenage existences, replete with acne and prom dates gone awry. Life was good then, and ultimately, I guess it still is now.



So, what has happened in 80 days? Here's the brief list...



1. Every single woman I know found out she was pregnant, which means I have spent countless hours cooing over sonogram pictures which are so incredibly hard to figure out. This figure does not include me, which is good, but many congrats and much love to all those it does include. Now how's that for happy news?

2. We rented my old house to a great family who seems to be enjoying their new pad. The catch? We had about 3 days to move everything out of the place, and in case you weren't aware, we have lots of stuff, most of which was hiding in the depths of our basement. Now it hides on, around, and underneath our pool table which suits me fine. I never liked the pool table anyway.

3. We undertook a major overhaul of several rooms in our new house, including new furniture ( some stolen from my Mother, but new to me! ), and painting and decorating. We needed to do it, but the deadline was this past Sunday because of a shower I was hosting. Had I known the power would go out in my house about 45 minutes into the shower, I would have done nothing. Who cares if your drapes and pillows match when your guests are sitting in the dark?

4. I spent countless hours, day in and day out, co-chairing the Books, Art, and Music section of the Junior League's Bargain Carousel. I like yard sales, and books, art, and music, so I figured I would love this. But, not so much. I'm just gonna leave it at that.

5. We found a snake, as large as a zoo specimen, in our back yard. This really didn't eat up much of my time in the last 80 days, say maybe an hour tops, but I include it for effect.

6. My Mom's house flooded, thanks to a washing machine line disaster. Nothing says fun like ankle deep water surrounding everything you own!

7. Oh yeah, and Rudy got his first professional haircut, leaving him looking like an oddity from a clan of miniature lambs. Again, this only took a second of my time, but it's been a little traumatic on the entire Jensen household. It's like we took in an old mop, and came out with a spindly-legged baby lamb, resembling nothing of the Rudy we know. Counseling is helping, thanks for asking.



So, that's the quick and dirty on the last 80 days....not as much fun as Mr. Verne's version of traveling around the world, but that's just life!

Snow

It's been well over a month since my last blog post, but I was so overwhelmed by the Tide's big win, followed by the Saints victory, that I have been too excited to post!

I wish....

In all honesty, the last month has been a storm of excitement of a different kind---the kind no one wants, like car accidents (yes, plural ), water main leaks, real estate contracts gone awry, and the flu. I suppose the flu was the highlight...it was just "regular" and not "swine", so that was a good thing, as my friend Martha would say.

None of ya'll wanted to read about that anyway, so consider it a gift.

But now it's snowing and my sweet pup Rudy just loves it. I love it, too, because it meant a half day at work, followed by the President's Day holiday on Monday...it's kinda like a four-day weekend, if your into a "stretch".

The downside of the snow is our new driveway, which is simultaneously long and steep. I heard several "Whatcha gonna do when it snows?" comments from folks when they first saw the house, and well, I just rolled my eyes. What did they know? Who worries about that?

Hello today.

There's no getting down the driveway...not in a car, not on foot. So, my Mini sits perched at the top as we speak, and I consider myself lucky to be inside because my "trip" down was quite remarkable. Purse in one hand and McDonald's in the other, I set out on foot, sans shoes. Within ten feet I realized it was a disaster waiting to happen. There were two options. I could go back to the car and sit, or just sit down right there and slide on down to homebase.

I chose the latter. My feet are still like ice blocks, my McDonalds was lost somewhere halfway, and the pants I wore to work, well, there not exactly "professional" any longer.

Stay warm, enjoy the snow, or whatever, and enjoy the pics.

You got it...that long black patch...I was there.

The car's at the top...it was a long way down.

He should be in a dog show...well, maybe not.