Friday, May 30, 2008

cosmo anyone?


smoking cosmo, lori's camera phone


My girlfriend and I saw Sex and The City last night or I should say very early this morning. I didn't get home until 3:30 AM. We had an awesome night. In honor of the movie, we had to have a Cosmo and the bartender even put some dry ice in it to give it some extra pizazz. It bubbled and smoked for a good 20 minutes. We couldn't stop watching the special effects. We had a leisurely dinner and then dessert and then coffee....... Finally the movie started and soon as they played the opening theme song, everyone was screaming their heads off. Yes, there were many men there in case you were wondering. Most looked like they were drug there by their significant other. I heard one gentlemen tell his wife, "You, so owe me for this one"! I bet she does...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

catch up...


the lake cottage, canon digital rebel xti


I have not been feeling well the past week so I have not had the energy to post anything interesting. I thought I would catch you up on the past week. I finally finished the round trip sweater (it doesn't look as amazing as I thought it would). I went to the lake this weekend to spend some time with my mom. My dad was only able to join us one day (boo!). He farms 1200 acres with my uncle and it was planting time. Yes, I am a daddy's girl. I still managed to have a great time with my Mom. Lots of shopping, garage sales and the world's largest flea market. I was in three states in one day (Ohio, Michigan and Indiana). We spent all of our money on needless crap. We spent all of our petty cash and thought we may have to use our debit card at the toll booth on the drive home. Luckily, I shook my purse and some coins fell out :-). I have been taking a long break from working out because my body just can't take it. My joints and muscles feel like I am 90 years old thanks to my chronic illness that I loathe. And speaking of being old... my mom and I have this discussion over the weekend while at the flea market...

Me: Hey, Mom are you going to buy grandma a new outfit for her goose outside?
Mom: (Laughing)No, your grandpa hit the goose with the mower and the head fell off.
Me: What? Did she junk it?
Mom: No, she still has it outside and she changed it's clothes.
Me: Without a head?
Mom: Yep.
Me: Doesn't grandma think that is morbid? Is grandpa going to buy her a new one?
Mom: I don't know.
Me: Crap, I new I was going to regret not bringing my camera home

Monday, May 19, 2008

green enough...


the emerald grotto, amalfi coast, canon digital rebel xti

He would rather live anywhere but here
She grew up there and loves her family
He has no family ties and thinks that life would be better far way
She finds happiness in everyday things
He does not find happiness in much
She had a life defining experience
He can not understand this world
She has many friends and likes to do for others
He likes to keep to himself and enjoys personal solace
She longs for hugs and needs him to be present now
He does not pick up on her feelings
She wants to be a mom
He does not know if parenthood is in the cards
She lives in the moment
He believes that if he only had a different job, lived in a new state... the grass would be greener
She thinks the grass is green enough

Saturday, May 17, 2008

the whole day just for me...


crackling fire, canon digital rebel xti

This weekend my husband went to Chicago for work so Denver and I were home alone. I decided to plan a very selfish day just for me. I slept in until 11 AM and then I had a nice leisurely lunch. I then decided that I desperately needed a new haircut and some highlights. I was feeling very spontaneous so I decided to risk a new salon. I was a walk in (something I swore never to do). They told me that John would be able to fit me right in. I thought to myself... is it a bad thing that someone could fit me right it? Did someone not show? Was it my lucky day? Did this guy suck at cutting hair?

When John appeared, the little voice inside my head was saying "Flee!", "Get the heck out of dodge!" I felt ill. John had to be the oldest male hairdresser I have ever seen. He also looked like he just rolled out of bed (like me) and that he had been out all night on a bender. I was extremely hesitant but the polite vein in me wouldn't allow me to lie and say that UM... I AM SORRY BUT I THINK I HAVE FOOD POISONING, I GOT TO RUN. LATER, DUDE!

I told John that I wanted a trim, highlights and bangs and kept my fingers crossed. Everything he did freaked me out from the way he kept checking my highlights under the dryer to the way he dried my hair. I was expecting to look in the mirror and see the Bride of Frankenstein but instead was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. I have to say this might be the best haircut I have ever had :-) Just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover.

I topped off the day with a manicure/pedicure, chick flicks and a crackling fire. The best part is my husband wasn't here to make me feel guilty or see the bill!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

round trip...


Noro Round Trip Sweater, canon digital rebel xti


I am almost finished with my Round Trip Sweater. I started this shrug type sweater almost two years ago when I first learned how to knit. I learned to knit from my wonderful friend, Andrea. This was the first project I started after many, many scarves. The problem with knitting is that there are so many projects that you want to do that you end up starting on multiple projects. Getting around to finishing any of them has been my challenge. I can't wait to be able to wear this in the fall. Another couple of days and I should be finished.

Monday, May 12, 2008

paradise...


bird of paradise, canon digital rebel xti


What is paradise? For me it encompasses the following:

Finding happiness, even if for only a moment
Traveling to new places
Laughter of friends, family and myself
Truly helping someone else in need
Eating something wonderful
Engrossing myself in a movie (in order to forget my reality)
Seeing life through the lens of a child
Knitting and cooking when I can sneak a few minutes
Being on the water
Having a family to lean on
Snuggling with my golden retriever
Faith in something bigger

Everyday is truly a gift, find a little "paradise" in your life today.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

happy mother's day...


my family, canon digital rebel xti


I love you mom! I got the pleasure of spending this weekend with my family. It was a dual celebration... mother's day and my brother's graduation day for his MBA.

Thanks for all that you have done for me mom and our family. We wouldn't be who we are today without your guidance and love :-)

Saturday, May 10, 2008

introducing pedro telluz...



A few months ago I received a brochure at church regarding Compassion International. It talked about children in need all over the world including the US. I decided what the heck, I would add this to all my other charitable endeavors and sign up. I marked that I would accept any child no matter the country or age. This week in the mail, I was informed that I would be sponsoring Pedro. Pedro is fourteen and from Bolivia. He likes cars and group games. He wants me to send him lots of photos, stickers, writing tablets and pictures from magazines. How sweet is that? I will be Pedro's sponsor until he graduates from high school. I have committed to write letters, provide financial relief and encourage him for the next four years. Pedro you are one lucky little guy! You are going to be so spoiled!

Friday, May 09, 2008

forgetting how old I am...


VanHalen ticket stub, canon digital rebel xti


Are there things that you do in life that reminds you of your youth (80s music, reruns of the love boat)? I have been having a lot of flashbacks about events in my life lately.
A friend of mine asked me to go to the VanHalen concert the other night, and I accepted. I was like is it Sammy or David Lee? I was a Sammy fan people but unfortunately if I wanted to see Eddie, I was going to have to tolerate Mr. Roth. All the songs reminded me of high school parties and cruising around with my friends and ex-boyfriends. Do you remember the Jump video? And I used to think that was the coolest video ever on mtv.
Well let me tell you, David Lee Roth has had some serious plastic surgery even to his chest (I swear). He is still full of himself, parades around the stage, still foul and acting as if he still is the chick magnet of the century. Personally, I was grossed out but it was very entertaining. It also made me forget how old I was for two hours and reminded me of a time when I never worried about my health :-). As you can see from the ticket stub, no cameras were allowed so the best I could do was take a lame picture of the stub. I wish I would have had my high powered zoom lens so you could see the fake chest!

Panama!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

back from baja...


me at the shrimp stand Ensenada, Mexico, canon digital rebel xti


beach scene, La Mision, Mexico, canon digital rebel xti


I am back from Mexico. I was able to shut everything off on this trip which was really good for me. I ate whatever I wanted, took a break from excercising, stayed up late, slept in and listened to the ocean everyday. Does it get any better?

It was fun to laugh and drink margaritas. I ended up getting sick the last day probably from the mexican shrimp cocktail I had from the street vendor in Ensenada. I knew better but it was soooo good. It's amazing how fresh food and the smell of the ocean mixed with sunshine can make you feel well.