Complete and Utter Randomness

Farewell!

2011-01-11T10:16:00.003-06:00

We have a coworker that is leaving and no one likes him. So we thought we would impart a few words of wisdom to him...

1. Don’t call anyone that isn’t your wife or mother, MOM.
2. Faking coughing for over a month makes your co-workers want to kill you.
3. Whistling is never okay unless you have an office and can close your door.
4. Don’t talk LOUDLY to yourself in order to get attention, it makes you look pathetic
5. Don’t agree to deadlines (repeatedly) that you can’t meet or don’t intend to meet.
6. Don’t demean co-workers or talk down to people, it makes you look pathetic and like an ass
7. No one cares about your weird, creepy obsession “hobby” with butterflies.
8. Don’t fake an injury or self diagnose one, it makes you look pathetic.
9. Don’t fake sick within the first year of employment.
10. Ask questions (and listen) before you make assumptions.
11. Don’t ask your co-workers for a spare two minutes and then proceed to ask them a question about Microsoft that you could have found easily on the internet OR enter them into a 20 minute conversation. Doing this repeatedly makes them hate you.
12. When you thank someone don't use quotes...because that is implying that you're not actually thanking them.
13. Starting a sentence with Sincerely over and over makes you insincere. If you're genuinely sincere it will come across and you shouldn't have to even use the word.
14. You might think that saying "And to your point" over and over again makes it your catch phrase, but really it just means that you never have a point and are just wasting my time.

6 Months in review

2010-10-26T09:55:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe how much has happened and how much time has passed! I blame Larry mostly for not being able to post, you know how time consuming he is!! :)

We had a great summer and are setting up to have a really awesome Fall and winter! Already the leaves are changing and falling, we have the house all ready for Halloween and I think are FINALLY going to be able to carve pumpkins tonight! I love pumpkins.

We've had a busy October so far, every weekend I have had an event! 3 weddings and a Touched Twice Event at church (not the same ring as the movie eh?).

The Touched Twice Event went really well. We were able to help over 450 families in our area get some medical attention or help with food and clothing. It was a lot of fun, and great to meet new people!!

I promise we will have more posts in the last quarter of the year. So far our Events include:
-Craft show at work Nov 10
-Cookie Decorating Party Nov 20th - Cookies will be iced in pretty designs as well as donated to a local non profit in time for Thanksgiving!
-Thanksgiving Ava will be visiting her Dad's family which means I get to drag Larry out for some Black Friday shopping!! (Let's keep that between us for the moment eh!)
-Vegas!! Larry and I are going to Las Vegas for a week from Nov 29-Dec 3 for a conference with his work.
-December 17-January 1 we will be in Canada!!! WOOHOO!!! We haven't been home in too long, so I am more than a little excited!!

Enjoy some of our past moments!

xoxo Sarah

Larry snuggles with our new kitten!!

Ava showing off how fabulous she is :)

Wedding I did which had a love bird theme.

Pumpkin Cake for friend's of ours whose son was turning 1!!

Another Wedding Purple colours which had real lavender flowers!!

Bride and Groom Cupcakes!

Ava and myself at our first Iron Cupcake Madison Event. The secret Ingredient was Coffee! I won for best display!! Woo hoo!!

I have S'More problems...

2010-08-10T15:09:00.004-05:00

I like s'mores.

Okay okay...I don't actually like s'mores, I love them.

Alright alright, I have a very intimate relationship with s'mores. Not only have we formed a life long bond and friendship, they are my bff.

I can seriously...oh and before I say it, this is a no judgment zone...consume upwards of 3 or more s'mores in one sitting. However I ran into a problem last week. You always either run out of chocolate or run out of graham crackers. I ran out of chocolate...an incredibly key component of s'mores.

So I tried to make do to get my "fix" if you will. I found that we had hershey kisses (not the same as the chipmunks) and started cutting them up into slices and placing them on my graham crackers. Then I heated up my marshmallow put it all together and I was good to go.

Well good to go in the sense that I would have no shame, I thought I could get away with eating it quickly so no one would see. I was in the kitchen having a private moment with my s'more and in walks Larry. He took one look at me with chocolate and marshmallow on my face, and one look at the hershey's kiss wrappers and sincerely said "You need help".

3 weeks...

2010-08-04T11:17:00.002-05:00

I just sent the following to my Mother, Sister and Larry. I would also like to share it with you, to ensure that my wishes are carried out:

In three weeks I’ll be under the knife…

If I don’t make it please understand the following as my wishes:
1. I want to be cremated.
2. I want my ashes to be scattered over water.
3. Get rid of all my crap.
4. Someone finish my current romance novel…and then tell me what happens out loud as I will be listening.
5. Make sure Ava grows up understanding her Gnome roots.
6. Larry: You’re not to be in another relationship. I want you to live out the remainder of your life constantly thinking of me and my sweet sweet booty.
7. Melissa: You can have my shoes…also make sure your children and your childrens children know about the gnomes.
8. Mom: Please don’t steal any of my body parts or appendages before I am cremated. It’s creepy. Accept it.
9. Eat cupcakes at my wake.
10. Make sure the picture you use in place of a casket is a hot one…and has my new skinny self.

Shhh it's a secret....

2010-07-22T12:51:00.002-05:00

I love secret rooms. I love rooms that look like rooms with no secrets but the secrets are secretly secreted away.

Larry understands this. He understands that when we buy a house we must somehow be able to make a secret room of secret secretness.

Here are some examples of acceptable secretness:

Ohh look at that nice Bookcase...but wait! SECRET ROOM OF WONDERS!!

I think I'll go workout upstairs...yeah you do that sweetie...bah blam! secret room under the stairs!

This is my favourite...there's like a whole other house...you could be living an entirely different life back there!! Ka-chow!

However the likelyhood of me driving Larry crazy one day and him locking me in my secret room is highly probable. So, a friend and I thought that I should have a secret escape from said secret room, in the event such a thing should happen. I told her I liked how her secret mind worked!

One other problem is that I might forget how to open said secret room, and then we would need a cheat sheet near the secret room, which would completely cancel out any cool secretness.

So there are challenges...but the main focal point is that one day I will have a secret room.
As I like to tell Ava "I'm not asking you a question, I'm making a statement!"

Birthday Man

2010-07-21T11:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Larry's birthday!!! Hooray!!!

I can be sneaky if I want to...it's just really hard for me to keep a secret. I get too excited about it I think.

But I managed to keep it all in this time!! I took 1/2 a day off of work and went to purchase some of his favourite things for a dinner. I even emailed Larry and told him my boss had scheduled a meeting from 5:30-6:30, which would mean I wouldn't be home until 7:30!! See? Sneaky!

I arrived home around 3pm, unpacked the groceries and started baking a chocolate chip cookie dough cake for the ice cream cake that Larry requested. Then I started making homemade candied peanuts and cashews!

Our final menu was a trio of appetizers:
Stuffed Shrimp
Lobster Bisque
Bruschetta

And the Main course:
Shrimp Scampi

So all the while I have my work email open on our desktop, because I needed to make it seem that I was still at work. 6:00 rolls around, and if Larry has left at 5 or so, he should be home soon. So I send a text saying the meeting was so boring, how close to home was he. He texts me back saying he just left. Crap.

I quickly turn off most of the things I was getting ready to make and plate so they don't burn/overcook. Around 6:30 I get everything going again. I set a blanket on the ground with lots of pillows and candles and even had soft jazz playing for background noise! At around 6:40 I hear the back door close, I walk into the living room to find Larry with a very confused and bewildered expression on his face. I yell SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The first thing he says: Where's your car?

Anyways, we had a lovely meal together and evening...although ice cream cake is really hard to make fyi.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY!!!

Catch up

2010-06-10T12:50:00.003-05:00

Okay,

No blog for a while...sorry about that! So much has happened. Larry received a job in Milwaukee (WOOHOO!!) so there was lots of running around, house hunting, packing, moving and unpacking in the last few weeks.

Some of our favourite sayings over the past few weeks, has been to ask each other:
Sarah: "Larry, I have a really important question!"
Larry: "I'm listening!"
Sarah: "When do you have to go back to Florida?"
Larry: "Never never never!!*"

Mostly we have been unpacking, adjusting to our new commutes, and coexisting wonderfully. It has been great to see how easily all three of us seem to have fallen into our own rhythms with one another without as much as a hiccup along the way.

Tuesday we went to the Melting Pot to celebrate Larry's new job and his ridiculous .03 win in Fantasy Football. I know I know, a win is a win. But we had a lot of fun!

Pictures below!

*One of Ava's favourite things to say when she is upset is Never Never Never!

Cupcakes for a Cure!

2010-05-04T21:44:00.001-05:00

We are supporting and running in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure this year.

So this month's Cupcake of the Month are our Light Sunny Lemon Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream frosting and a Pink handmade candy ribbon!

10% of all Cupcake sales during the month of May will go toward our donation goal of $500 for the race!

If you would like to donate without a purchase please click our donate button below!

Thanks for your support!

Take me out to the ball game...

2010-04-29T18:30:00.000-05:00

Now that the Cupcakes have been delivered and are being consumed as we speak, I can let the surprise Cupcakes out of the bag!!

I know two Boston Red Sox lovers, and thought this would be the perfect way to celebrate their birthday's and general being awesome!

It was VERY hard for me to keep these a secret so long, and I am very glad that the secrets are over!!

The cupcakes were Vanilla, and Chocolate (gluten free!). Then I cut the socks and the B out of rolled fondant!

Enjoy, and of course...GO SOX!!

Sushi Cake?

2010-04-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

What could be better than Sushi? Sushi Cake!!

I made this cake for a coworkers birthday. It's made out of our Vanilla cake, and dipped in white candy melts, we then rolled them in white sprinkles for the rice. Then wrapped it in black fondant.

I had a lot of fun making these cakes, hope you have as much fun viewing them!

xo Sarah

5 things I've decided

2010-04-27T12:08:00.007-05:00

1. I'm glad they don't use subliminal messaging anymore, I think I am ~~a sucker~~ very receptive toward hidden messages to buy or consume things. Just today I thought of Butterscotch, and now I want to consume one or more of the following:
a) Butterscotch Pudding
b) Butterscotch Ice Cream
c) Butterscoth Cupcakes -HOW FREAKING AWESOME WOULD THAT BE?!?

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2. Vegans are crazy. I just learned that my cousin is a Vegan. She wasn't always a Vegan so imagine my surprise when all of a sudden I learn this. I made a comment asking her when she had turned Vegan, because I know I've seen her 'chow on cow'* before. She told me to Vegan up my statement because I was making her sick!**

In the word's of an SNL Celebrity Blogger "B*tch Pleeze"

___________________________________________________________

3. Seeing a little old lady in a beat up old Buick all hunched over who can barely see over the steering wheel, and has the license plate: WHATEVR might be the funniest thing I've seen all year.

__________________________________________________________

4. If my coworker doesn't stop tapping her foot on her chair I'm going to take it from her. (Chair or foot, you decide)

__________________________________________________________

5. Making some of the coolest cupcakes in a long time, and wanting badly not to ruin the surprise and ruin it at the same time, and having half of your family tell everyong that this could only mean one thing (That I'm pregnant -wtf?). Is the most annoying thing to happen and makes me despise FaceBook.

That is all!

*Coming up with "Chow on Cow" was the most hilarious and brilliant thing I've done all month.
**I don't mind if you are not into eating meat, but don't be an omnivore for over 75% of your life and just randomly decide to make a change and be all high and mighty about it.

Want to win some Cupcakes?

2010-03-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

Cupcake Carousel is giving away 4 Easter Cupcakes!!

What do you have to do to win? Just leave a comment here telling us what your favourite Easter Memory with your Family is. We'll use a random number generator, and that person will receive 4 Easter Cupcakes in the Mail! (US residents only please)

The drawing will take place on Monday March 29 5:00 pm CST. The winner will be posted, and we will try to contact through email for address, if not check back here on Monday and Tuesday to email us your address!!

If you would like to sign up for our newsletter, and have your information kept for all future giveaways, click here.

Good Luck to Everyone!

Hey I'm Famous!!

2010-03-24T08:59:00.001-05:00

Okay...so not really :)

However, we were just featured on one of our favourites CakeSpy.com!

Thanks goes out to CakeSpy owner Jessie, who took on the hardship of having cupcakes delivered right to her door and suffering through the consumption.

To take a peak at the featured blog, click here!

Beach Wedding!

2010-03-08T15:40:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone!

Well Cupcake Carousel was on a short hiatus, as we visited Marco Island Florida, just outside of Naples. Not only were we able to enjoy a little sun and relaxation, we were also able to witness my Mom and Step Dad say "I do" in a wonderful beach wedding.

So naturally I offered to bake the wedding cake and cupcakes. My brilliant idea popped into my head while visiting one of my favourite baking stores in Wisconsin called Vanilla Bean. While aimlessly walking down one of their aisles some gold sparkling sanding sugar caught my eye. I picked it up studying it thoughtfully when it hit me...Beach Cupcakes!! I quickly called my Mom and explained my idea, which she loved and thus, Beach Cupcakes were born!

We had our standard chocolate and Lemon cupcakes, then I used Buttercream icing in ivory to use as the background for the sand, applied the gold sanding sugar, then used bright blue Buttercream to pipe the waves on the beach. Lastly I added a starfish and clam shell to the "beach" made from rolled fondant.

Not only were the cupcakes delicious, (I think I ate 4!) but they looked great! Everyone loved how they tied in with the theme of the wedding.

Exciting New Year

2010-01-10T17:03:00.004-06:00

I know it's only the tenth day of the New Year, but so far is has been incredibly exciting.

1. My 93 days of lent is going really well. I have missed sushi I will confess, but perhaps that will be my big Birthday treat.

2. I've decided to enter a 5K run in May for Susan G Kolmen Breast cancer awarness. So far I've gone from a 16 min mile to a 13:26 min mile. And I finished 5K which is approximately 3.1 miles in 44 mins.

3. Probably the most exciting news is that I launched my website!! It was hard work, but completely worth it. You can even purchase cupcakes online! The website is: www.cupcakecarousel.net.

Here's hoping that 2010 has been exciting for all of you as well!

93 days of Lent

2009-12-29T15:55:00.001-06:00

Didn't know Lent had 93 days in it did you? Neither did I! Until I felt God calling me to do something pretty sacrificial and challenging. I was at work...a little bored because the week of New Years is not busy at all. I started thinking about common New Years Resolutions and what people strive for so much at the beginning of each year...lose weight, work out more, save money etc.

Saving money definitely is probably the top of everyone's list in this recession, so it got me to thinking, maybe I should give up spending money for Lent. The more I thought about it the more it seemed to become a clear image in my mind. Then I thought...well why just lent? It seems silly to know what I want to give up but wait until the middle of February to start, so we're going from January 1st until the end of Lent which is April 3rd.

Rules: I cannot spend money on anything other than regularly occurring bills right now, example: Rent, Electricity, Food, Car, Gas, Insurance, Day Care etc. etc.

So, no more: Eating out, Movies, Clothes, Scuba gear etc.

My goal is to put at minimum $350 in savings each month, which will total a minimum of $1050. And on April 4th I will make a check of 10% of that total $105 to Life 102.5 our Local Christian Radio Station as my saving tithe.

It's not going to be easy in the least, but I think it will be good for me. Wish me good luck, and all prayers are appreciated!

Christmas Baking

2009-12-18T14:10:00.001-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. With Christmas coming up so quickly and everything at work I think everyone has been busy!

Ava and I have had a nice couple of weeks though, and Larry is coming today!! Woo hoo!! We are so excited!

We had a Christmas Party at work...of course you can't call it that anymore so it was a "Holiday Party" anyways...I was asked to bake some homemade cupcakes, cake pops and cookies!

So I decided to do Santa hat and Christmas Tree Cake pops with chocolate cake and butter cream frosting. Gingerbread cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting (I make a REALLY good cream cheese frosting) and shortbread window cookies with homemade raspberry jam!!

Everything turned out really well, and we had a lot of fun! Pictures are below!

Twin Birthday's!

2009-11-15T20:22:00.001-06:00

Hello!!

It was Belinda and Betsy's birthday this weekend. I made them each their own cake. Belinda is a Nurse so hers had a medical theme. I am pretty happy with my swine flu and medicine bottle.

Betsy is a dentist so she had her own tooth cake! The teeth were so cute and fun to make. She called them bicuspids, so hopefully I did it right!

Lastly a shot of all four of us having fun!!

Lens Crafters...you do not want to piss me off!

2009-11-09T12:56:00.002-06:00

An email I wrote to Lens Crafters Customer Service.

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to inform you that you will be losing my family as a customer. I have been overall underwhelmed and completely dissatisfied with Lens Crafters. Not only in the area of customer service, but with Eye glass quality.

I am working on my second pair of glasses in the last two years. The first pair of glasses I took into the West Towne Mall store to be adjusted, as they kept sliding down my nose. The woman, albeit accidentally, broke my glasses. To “make up for it” she tried to show me a small (less than 6 pairs) selection of hideous glasses to try and replace my chic and feminine one’s simply because I had been lucky enough to find a pair I liked that were on Sale. After much frustration on my part they finally widened the selection, slightly. The glasses I chose have now just broken. The arm of the frame has simply slid off, seemingly for no reason as they have been working fine before then.

Furthermore, the customer service at your West Towne Mall is simply atrocious. Perhaps multi-tasking might seem like a good thing to do, but if your reps would actually see the look on their customers faces they wouldn’t see someone happy for multitasking they would see a customer who does not feel important enough to be given the individual time. Today a female sales rep went to ring up a charge for a gentleman customer. When she arrived at the register she saw that a repair man they had obviously hired to do some work was standing there. Instead of choosing to deliver the change and finish up with her customer, she decided to take care of the Repair man first! Does she not understand that Lens Crafters is the Repair Man’s Customer? I could visually see the transformation on the gentleman’s face of being slightly satisfied with the level of service to completely unsatisfied.

I feel badly for your company, your shiny ads will be seen through soon enough if you don’t focus more on Customer Service to keep the limited customers you currently possess. This is the reason that people purchase goods online, and from other countries the current United States Business Plan apparently has no room for Customer Service.

Do you realize how detrimental negative Word of Mouth Advertising can be? I’m sure the West Towne Mall Lens Crafters will soon find out…

Cake Pops in the Shape of Turkey's...

2009-11-04T11:46:00.000-06:00

Yes, they are cake pops and they are made of cake and yes they do look like Turkey's. Apparently when I say Turkey Cake Pops people think I am using real turkey meat...not sure how they have that idea...but anyways!

I made these last night, they are a lot of work. But they are pretty adorable so I'm good with it :)

Picture/Update Galore!

2009-11-01T23:11:00.000-06:00

Hello!!

I know there are a ton of pictures and I apologize, but wanted to get everyone and update of what has been going on the last few weeks!

I had my craft fair at work. It was a very long and hardworking 2 days but a lot of fun. I was able to really be as creative as I wanted to be with all of my cupcake and cake pop decorating. I made the following:
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Smores Cupcakes
Chocolate with Buttercream
Vanilla with chocolate shavings with buttercream
Chocolate Cake Pops (Christmas trees and cupcakes)
Pumpkin Cake Pops (ghosts and Pumpkins)
Handmade truffles
Chocolate milkyway cookies

I was able to network with a lot of nice people and have even had some repeat orders. The Halloween cupcakes below were for a woman I work with. I made gravestone, bleeding brain and mummy cupcakes! Those were a ton of fun!

I even have a 72 cupcake order for November 20th! Along with a ton of turkey cake pop orders.

We had so much fun on Halloween, Ava did so well trick or treating. She was very polite to everyone and had a lot of fun. Michelle dressed as the Mad Hatress, Justin as the Austronaut and myself as Robyn Hood had a very fun time on Halloween. We went down to State street where they have this huge party every year. It was fun to see all of the different costumes. We had a DELICIOUS meal at 5 guys, and then headed back to a dance club. They had more of a concert going on so we played pool for a bit. It was very fun. All in all we had a great couple of weeks!

We're looking very forward to seeing all of our extended family in Georgia in a few weeks!

Have fun with all of the pictures!

I am a Bacon Activist

2009-10-30T10:51:00.002-05:00

I wrote this email to my Mother after hearing the tragic story of my sister being unable to persuade our mother to wrap her Filet Mignon Steak in Bacon.

Enjoy!

Dear Miss Giordano,

I am emailing as a representative of my client Melissa Couto.

The only thing that she wishes for her birthday is filet mignon wrapped in Bacon. I understand that you are refusing her one birthday request. We are asking for your cooperation in reconsidering the addition of Bacon to the Filet Mignon Steak.

In the case of Mrs. Mulberry (plaintiff) vs. Mr. Duneberry (defendant), Mr. Duneberry was found guilty for not complying with Mrs. Mullberry’s birthday request of wrapping Filet Mignon in bacon.

The charges in this case were quite large and included:
-One new Skirt or Dress of the Plaintiffs choice
-One new pair of shoes of the Plaintiffs choice
-Two new pairs of earrings of the Plaintiffs choice

Note: In addition to the above my client will choose to exercise her right to bring up a certain “short coming” that you currently possess.

If you do not wish to be penalized in the same fashion I would suggest ensuring my client that there will be bacon wrapped around her filet mignon steak tonight.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Regards,

Sarah
Bacon Rights Activist
Bacon Attorney At law LLC

Motorcycles, Spelunking, Cake Pops, Pies and Pumpkins, Oh My!

2009-10-11T21:39:00.000-05:00

I apologize that the pictures are in no particular order. Blogger imports pictures in reverse order that you load them. But I'll write a little something about each!

Motorcycle: Our new friends love pretty much everything Larry and I do. Scuba diving, Motorcycles and Sky diving! Everything our parents want to hear eh?
But I was able to ride on the back of Justin's Motorcycle, he and Michelle were racing and it was so much fun. Then we stopped on a deserted road and Justin and Michelle taught me how to ride a motorcycle in first gear. Not to worry I didn't go over 25 mph! It was a LOT of fun though.

Spelunking: We went to Mt. Horeb this weekend to a coworkers party. We had a lot of fun. We went on a cave tour, which was fun minus the three year old. Ava wanted to keep moving and the tour guide kept stopping so yeah...that wasn't so fun.

Cake Pops: Have you heard of cake pops? Neither had I! They are officially my new favourtie thing though. I made Ghosts and Pumpkins for Rogers Party.

Pies and Pumpkins: Last weekend (Oct 3rd) we went to a pumpkin farm and picked a lot of pumpkins. Somehow I ended up with 7. Ava was obviously cute that day. We also grabbed a big bag of apples and I made three delicious apple pies out of them!

Ava's Birthday Cake

2009-09-23T20:35:00.003-05:00

Since Ava is three, it's only fitting that she have three birthday cakes right? That's how it works eh? Or that's how it should work...

I made a White cake, with chocolate shavings folded in. I'm kind of a genius like that...

I will post more information about her actual birthday when Ava stops being so incredibly sick to her stomach that she can actually enjoy her cake!

Productive meetings...

2009-09-23T09:35:00.003-05:00

Coworker: "Okay, let's think of an example. Let's say we have customer from Indonesia, and they are from the university of...uh...What's the capitol of Indonesia? -pause- Bangkok! So they are from the University of Bangkok blah blah blah..."

Me whispering to coworker: "Bangkok is the Capitol of Thailand..."

Petting Zoo

2009-09-05T16:07:00.003-05:00

Ava and I went to a petting zoo today to see all of the animals she was all excited.

Florida Scuba Diving Extravaganza

2009-09-03T20:12:00.004-05:00

Larry and I had such a wonderful time together! Thanks so much to Larry's uncle Jim for letting us use his absolutely beautiful Condo.
The Sunday morning after I arrived we woke up very early to go to the charter boat and on our dives. It was an absolute blast! Our first dive was on a boat called the Red Sea, I can't even explain what it feels like to jump off the boat into the water. That rush of sea water filling your line of vision. You feel disoriented at first and start kicking toward the surface so you can find your way back to the line. After giving everyone a goofy grin I let the air out of my BCD so I could swim down and toward the line. Grabbing hold of the line and swimming down, I started looking for Larry. Once I knew he was behind me we started swimming towards the bow of the boat. It was incredible. Imagine swimming down 20 feet, 30 feet, 40, 50, 60 feet and stepping onto a sunken ship. All the while shimmering bait fish are creating waves all around you. It was absolutely breath taking. Our dive master showed us a lovely octopus snuggled into a port hole. He graced us by sending some tentacles out to see if we were tasty.
The second ship we dove was a Naval ship called The Strength. The bow has actually separated from the Stern. There was a slight current in the water, but we saw a lot more fish, some Jelly's and sea cucumbers.
For the rest of the week we did some snorkeling and then eventually the next Saturday we made it out to dive again. This time it would be just Larry and I.....

For the record, it doesn't matter how much you know the person above water. Below water is a completely different story. I think I can honestly say Larry and I both experienced some frustrating moments underwater where we wanted to say something but couldn't. But it was magical all over again. To my absolute delight as soon as we dropped down into the jetty I found a huge beautiful sand dollar.
For those of you who don't know I adore sand dollars and have always wanted to find one on the beach. I made some high pitched girly noise through my regulator. Larry actually found another for me, and we continued to drift along in the current. Or at least that was our intent. But see the current had other plans. It decided it was bigger and better than us, and carried us way off course. When Larry and I decided to surface because we couldn't see much we stopped at our safety stop of 20 feet for three minutes. Apparently Larry was wearing some sort of fish cologne because as we were waiting this fish...who looked somewhat like a baby shark. With the dive flag holder in one hand Larry desperately tried to get the fishark to leave us alone, he would not relent. He would swim away, then come back, swim away and come straight back. I decided to surface as I thought we seemed off course. Sure enough when I popped out of the water we were VERY far away from shore. Desperately trying to tug on Larry's dive flag line, I was finally able to get him to surface. We realized we were far from shore so we started swimming towards it.
The dive boat that we had been on last Sunday ended up driving by us and asked if we were okay. We made our signals to let them know we were okay, but they asked us to come aboard because we were sort of in the middle of a boating highway.

After we arrived back on shore and took a quick break we were back in the water looking for a rum runner that had just been discovered off of St. Andrews bay only a few months ago.
Isn't that amazing? Who knows how long it has been there, it's only 25 feet off shore, and no one knew about it until it started to surface a few months ago. There were fish everywhere feeding off of algae and playing. We saw some sting rays, and Larry indulged me in finding baby Sand dollars.

We had a wonderful vacation together. I hope you enjoy our pictures!

Our mystery fish. It was a Remora Suckerfish!

Chocolate Mousse Cake I made

Fish!!

Sand Dollars

Going on our Jetty Dive

Beautiful view from Uncle Jim's Condo

Exerpts from Coworkers

2009-08-13T12:21:00.002-05:00

Me: "Do you calculate your miles per gallon?"
Debbie: "No...I just fill up my tank and go. Why?"
Me: "I've been caculating mine, I save all of my receipts and calculate the MPG, then every so often I tally all of the receipts to see what my overall MPG is...What?"
Debbie: "You're a freak of nature. I think you need Larry to move up here because you're obviously bored."
Me: "That's not true! Larry calculates his MPG...well he started doing it..."
Bill: "It's okay Sarah we all know you have OCD."
Me: "I do, I fully admit and embrace my OCD."
Bill & Debbie: "We know"

Apparently my OCD is that bad. I always thought I had it slightly under wraps...

Get over yourself!

2009-08-12T16:29:00.003-05:00

You know what I am tired of? People complaining. I am so effing tired of that. Someone just told me that a comment was made that I should be coached when speaking to managers.

You know what I say to that? Suck it up and get over yourself! I really don't care who you are or what you do. I work just as hard as you do at my job and you don't see me throwing my title in your face.

People are so effing sensitive. If you tell me you want to add something, or change something at the last minute I don't care. It is YOUR responsibility to get it to me on time. Telling me you want to add something a week before it's due is completely irresponsible. I'm not a flipping babysitter.

I hate people today.

Adventures in Scuba Diving!

2009-08-09T20:08:00.003-05:00

This weekend I finished up all of my Open water dives, which means...I am now officially PADI certified and can dive anywhere in the world.

It was a truly wonderful experience. There's nothing quite like it. The weightlessnes, being able to breathe with your head completely underwater. Coolest thing ever! While sitting at the bottom of the lake doing all of our exercises small mouth bass would come up to watch and hang out with us. They were so close and some even let us touch them before swimming away.

We all had so much fun and I've met some really great people. We even learned that a company doesn dives every Sunday and Tuesday for $25 which includes all of your gear! That's a great deal, trust me!

Enjoy some lovely photos of the group!

Justin and Michelle pose for the camera!

Myself and my dive buddy Sarah!

Tired from Diving

BCD's, Flippers and Snorkles Oh My!

2009-08-05T14:34:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's right. I'm happy to announce I have a beautiful new BCD that just arrived today in the mail. After being scolded by the mail people about using my company name on something I skipped back to my desk and slowly, carefully opened the box to see my wonderful new possession.

It was even more beautiful than I imagined.

The only problem of course is that it's not pink. Trust me, if I could I would deck everything I owned scuba and otherwise in hot pink. But apparently as I was told on Saturday Scuba gear follows the same trends as skiing gear and at the moment Hot Pink is not in. These people obviously know nothing.

I also purchased my wonderful new fins! There are two kinds of fins in the scuba world. A full fin, or a split fin. The full fin gives you more power and allows you to move faster in the water. However it also takes more leg power to use them and if you're not terribly athletic your leg could cramp up. Split fins allow the water to pass through your fins more easily, thus making your kick not as effective, but easier on your legs.
Mine is a cross between the two. I know I know I just said there were only two kinds, so sue me! It's technically a full fin, but it has a soft rubber part in the middle of the fin that allows the fin to be more flexible, allowing the water to pass around the fin more easily.

Next came my wonderful mask. I tried so hard, begged even for a pink mask but i was denied...I wonder if I could paint around the mask in pink? Instead I bought a very comfortable mask which is an open style. While we were in the pool I had a mask with only a front view, meaning my peripheral vision was kaput. With my new mask I can have a complete 180 view of the fishies.

I know I promised a snorkle, but I lied. I hate snorkles. I did not buy one. Funny enough I bet that's the one piece of equipment I actually could purchase in pink. Life is cruel that way...

Grasshopper VS. Sarah

2009-07-30T12:19:00.004-05:00

So last night, I am getting ready to turn in, doing the usually things, making sure dishes are put away, transferring wet clothes to the dryer etc. Every few seconds I stop because I keep hearing this horribly annoying ticking noise. It sort of sounded like a nail clipper.
So I dress in my pyjamas and get into bed to read the bible with Larry. We start reading through 2 Kings chapter 18 and I keep pausing. Obviously curious finally Larry says:
Larry: "What's wrong?"
Me: "I keep hearing a sound, it's annoying me."
Larry: "What kind of sound? A sound on the phone or a sound in your apartment?"
Me: "A sound in my apartment, it's kind of like a ticking..."

I check around for a bug hitting the light, you know how bugs are. I don't see anything so I try to ignore it and go back to reading.

We eventually make it through chapter 18 and 19, and are asking each other about how busy we will be the following day before we're both too tired and eventually say good night.

I know what you're all wondering...do we make kissy noises on the phone. The answer is: of course we do.

I'm exhausted at this point, but can't get back to sleep because of the incessant ticking sound. Finally perhaps 30 minutes later I throw the covers off to investigate. I turned my bedroom light on and look slightly outside my door to a window in the hall way and to my absolute horror I find a gigantic grasshopper near the ceiling. Not really scared, more annoyed I search for a flip flop to hit the grasshopper and finally be able to go to sleep. Alas I can only find girly non flip flop shoes. Not to be discouraged I take my girly shoe and on my tip toes start waving it at the grasshopper to persuade it to leave. It doesn't even flinch!

I call Larry...using my phone a friend option:
Larry (groggily): "Hello?"
Sarah: "IT WAS A GRASSHOPPER!"
Larry: "Huh...what?"
Sarah: "The noise! It was a grasshopper! Now it's near the ceiling and I can't reach it, how am I supposed to get it down?"
Larry: "I thought it was an emergency"
Sarah (impatiently): "This IS an emergency!!"
Larry: Sighs "Okay do you have a broom or something?"
Sarah: "No but I have a vacuum cleaner? OOHHH good thinking, I will just suck it up in the vacuum cleaner!!"

Still on the phone I run to the living room closet to grab the vacuum cleaner. After assembling the wand I look up at the grasshopper ready to suck it into the vacuum cleaner...
I could physically see the grasshopper tense, and I thought to myself ...he is totally going to jump off of the ceiling and make me freak out...
And without missing a beat as soon as I slowly start to lift the wand towards the grasshopper he jumps all over the place, I freak out emit a girly scream, drop the vacuum cleaner wand (which is still running) run into the bedroom and close the door. Let me remind you, I am still on the phone with Larry, who I am sure thinks I'm insane at this point.

Sarah (in a weak voice): "He jumped"
Larry: "No kidding..."

After I muster up the courage to open the door I see the grasshopper sitting on the wall close to the ground, I grab the vacuum wand and suck him up. Feeling victorious that the whole ordeal is over I shut the vacuum cleaner off and look down (I have a bag less, where all of the stuff you suck up sits in a see through container) and he's still alive. And now...he's angry. Frantic I don't know what to do so I turn the vacuum cleaner back on for about 30 seconds to let him spin around, thinking surely he must be dead NOW!? Nope, still alive...looks a little more angry.

I don't have time for this! I thought to myself. So I drag the vacuum cleaner back to the living room closet, close that door. Go back into my bedroom, close my bedroom door and put towels underneath the door. I say goodnight to Larry again and try to go back to sleep.

Except now instead of a ticking noise, I can hear a plunking noise. I will say I am not closed to the idea that I made the noise up myself. Nevertheless I can't sleep. I have an irrational fear of feeling the wrath of bugs I have wronged. My mind started racing to the possibilities of the grasshopper finding it's way out of the vacuum cleaner and crawling out of the long tube to call on his troop of grasshopper buddies convincing them to storm my house and...well...eat me? I was not thinking rationally.

I reluctantly go back into the living room and turn on the light, and get the vacuum cleaner out. The grasshopper is climbing its way up the plastic retainer, with one leg missing, and every so often he stops to give me, what I can only imagine is the grasshopper finger. Exasperated that he still isn't dead I plug the vacuum cleaner back in and run it for 2 full minutes. Stop, slowly, holding my breath I avidly look for movement. To my horror the grasshopper jumps up and bangs against the container, shaving ten years off of my life. Now I'm angry, he's angry the room is full of tension. I turn the vacuum back on with a vengeance willing the dirt and lint to fly faster. Still I can see through the tornado the grasshopper is still alive clinging to the sides.

I start to lose patience and control of the situation...even considering just throwing out the vacuum and buying a new one. I look over to the table and see my jar of pennies. Brilliant! I will suck up the pennies and one of them will surely hit him in the head and kill him. one penny flies in, miss. The next penny, miss. I take a hand full of pennies and they run through the vacuum cleaner raining down into the container, all of them miss.

Defeated, I don't know what to do any longer. Surely this is some sort of machine and no longer a bug! I start shaking the vacuum cleaner, and finally I see I am breaking his spirit. I slowly turn off the vacuum cleaner and open the container ever so slightly. Taking the pointy end of the wand in my right hand I start wildly stabbing into the container, the grasshopper is still trying to limp away! But eventually I am victorious, and the grasshopper moves no more.

Exhausted, sweating, tearing up a little (he did put up a good fight!) I slowly drag myself back into bed. Before I fall off to sleep I pray that I do not have nightmares involving bands of grasshoppers infiltrating my house, stealing my child as retribution for killing their king.

I control the price of Gas

2009-07-16T14:33:00.003-05:00

I know what you're thinking...
'Sure ya do Sarah, isn't she so sweet? She thinks she controls the price of Gas! That Sarah, she always was kind of slow...'

But I do. For the past four weeks straight every single time I have filled up my tank for my new car Gas has decreased in price the second I have finished fueling.

Don't believe me? Yesterday the prices in Madison were holding strong at around $2.39 a gallon. Today I filled up my tank near home at $2.39. When I was driving in to Madison I noticed that the price of gas was $2.33. That's 6 whole cents people. At the ten gallons I used to fill my tank that's 60 cents -for you non math wizards-.

So next time you need to fill your tank just give me a call, I'll let you know when I'm filling up. Wait about 5 minutes and your bound to have cheaper gas...

Ethics Training

2009-07-06T15:45:00.003-05:00

Judy: 'Eric, Frank told me that everyone in the office took a vote and I have the best...uh behind, although that's not the word he used.'
Eric: 'Aww Judy lighten up Frank's old'
------------------------------------------------------------

Eric: 'Judy it sounds like things aren't going to get better with Frank...so I'm transferring you to Direct Sales'
Judy: 'WHAT THE F$*&# Eric, I can't sell Sh*t!"

------------------------------------------------------------

Frank: 'You better not say anything bad about me or you'll regret it'
Judy: 'I'll run you over with my car old man!'

------------------------------------------------------------

Quiz Question:
If the company is conducting an investigation into harassment what should you do?
A) Check with other employee's to corroberate your story
B) Delete all emails that may leave a trail
C) Cooperate with HR should you be asked any questions
D) Start your own investigation

I chose D.
------------------------------------------------------------

Bugga Bugga Cupcakes!

2009-07-04T17:24:00.003-05:00

So I signed up to make a treat for Church this weekend. We have a fellowship time, where there are baked goods, coffee and lemonade.
Of course I couldn't resist doing something cool for the kids, thus I made Bugga Bugga cupcakes. Ava is responsible for the name. She calls bugs Bugga Bugga and I think it's too cute so I borrowed the name for my cupcakes.

Actually I bought the rights to use it from her. All it took was three cupcakes. She's a hard bargainer!

Bugga Bugga's getting ready for faces!!

Patiently applying the Bugga Bugga faces.

Aww look at those smiles!

The Butterflies have sparkles!!

And the caterpillars were dusted with gold.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

2009-07-01T09:21:00.007-05:00

I made 32 Canada day cupcakes last night! 12 went to everyone at Ava's daycare and 24 to work. There are only 13 left so if you want one you better hurry!! Oh, and there's a raspberry in the middle of the cupcake!

Recognize the Red Foil Liners!

Scuba diving

2009-06-23T15:53:00.004-05:00

So this past weekend I had an introductory lesson for Scuba Diving. For those of you that don't know me, I'm pretty much a fish. I've always been fascinated by all things underwater. Scuba diving on Sunday was amazing. It's hard to describe the feeling of taking your first few breaths underwater. I can completely understand how it might freak some people out. The hardest part is being underwater and reminding yourself to breathe.

My instructor Casi was a great teacher, she said I seemed to have a knack for it, which, of course, always pleases me! So I signed up with them to complete my first level PADI certification. Which means I will be able to scuba dive anywhere in the world. There are a whole variety of different courses you can be certified in, they all sound very very cool!

Larry's going to become certified as well, we're both really excited for our new hobby we can explore together.

So my current obsession, as it were is The Blue Hole located off the coast of Belize. It is pretty much the coolest thing you've ever seen. Saving my pennies now for my future Belize trip!!

Pearls

2009-06-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

I know this is a crappy post. I hope to write a full one out later today.

5 Things I learned about getting my passport photos taken...

2009-06-18T14:40:00.002-05:00

1. It is harder to get a Canadian Passport than any other passport in the world.

2. Your head has to be between 31-36 mm in your photos. Also it takes Walgreens three tries to get between 31 and 36.

3. You can't smile in your photos, smiling means your passport will be returned to you.

4. No matter how nice the man taking the pictures is, he will eventually lose patients with me as I take over the computer to center my picture correctly.

5. My right shoulder is taller than my left shoulder...I mean NOTICEABLY taller.

Going to Florida

2009-06-18T13:28:00.002-05:00

While planning my trip to Florida for the end of August, Larry for some unknown reason keeps telling me what the temperature is. As if he believes this will entice me. Really it is deterring me from going. I don't like super hot weather.

Larry: "Wow it's 103 degree's here today!"
Sarah: "That's hot enought to melt your bones. It better not be that hot when I come down in August! If it's so hot my bones melt when I come down there I'm going to punch you in the face with my melted bones."
Larry: ::chucking:: "I don't think it will hurt that much."
Sarah: "Agreed, it might be more like a melted slap"
Larry: "I'll just bring you inside where it's cool, then when your bones harden up again, I'll kiss you and make you melt all over again."
Sarah: "Awwww"

To sum up: We're super gay :)

Wedding

2009-06-11T10:30:00.004-05:00

So last weekend I catered a wedding for friends. I made all of the cupcakes and the wedding cake for them. It was a lot of work but I loved it, I had a lot of fun doing it and everything turned out pretty well.

Their cupcakes were lemon yoghurt and chocolate raspberry. Their theme was somewhat beach wedding. I say somewhat because they had seashells on the invites and they planned to be married on the beach...then it ended up being 50 degrees and raining...

I cut out little seashell shapes from the left over fondant and covered them with edible glitter. Everything had glitter on it because she loved glitter. Which was fine by me because I love glitter as well!

Mini Golf!

2009-06-10T15:09:00.002-05:00

We went Mini golfing with work...something about building team happiness or something. It was fun though, we had yummy fajitas for lunch and played mini golf. I finished 5 under par!

I'm hilarious

2009-06-09T15:12:00.002-05:00

We've been trying to access the Summit Credit Union Bank's website for about two weeks. Larry has been talking to their IT trying to figure out why we can see their website at work but not at home.

I sent him a screen shot of what I could see, from work today and the email chain followed:

Sarah's Email: ::Picture of Website::
Larry's Email: 'They recommended that I clear my Internet cache.'
Sarah's Email: 'They just want your emoney… I am so hilarious it’s scary… '

I am hilarious, I don't care what anyone else at works says.

My New precious...

2009-06-04T08:35:00.003-05:00

I bought a new car!! Before you say "Yeah big deal" I would just like to point out that this is my very first car with my very first car payment ever! I am very excited! It's so pretty too. It came loaded with features which are nice, it used to be a company car for a local company in Wisconsin. It's a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. The good thing is my coworker has the same car, his is an '05 and he has had great luck with his!

Larry's visit

2009-05-31T20:41:00.004-05:00

We have had such a great time with Larry this visit. We've been swimming conquering Play Parks and even maybe found a good new car? Fingers crossed! We both love him so much.

Ava shows us the real way to eat corn on the cob!!

And Cake!!

musings from Gustavo and Bake-Tress

2009-05-20T19:18:00.002-05:00

Larry and I were reading the Bible a couple of days ago, we're in 1 Samuel. We are reading about Samuel appointing Saul the King and in the my version it states: "...and that is where the saying 'Was Saul a Prophet?!' came from."

So yes, I've decided to bring this catch phrase back. I've been working it into every possible conversation. Most people look at me like I'm crazy, but I'm guaranteeing that in 6 months everyone will be saying it.

So our conversation proceeds...

S: "See how I repeated myself* and didn't become angry? That's called growth, yep I can grow...I mean Was Saul a Prophet?" -Then I laughed uncontrollably.
L: "Yes dear, I'm very proud of you."
S: ::Wipes away a tear:: "I know right? I am so hilarious, the world is a better place because I'm in it."
L: "You make my life better."
S: "Awwww, So before me your life was in ruins?"
L: "Yes, BC it was awful."
S: "No not BC! BS...ooohh crap, that didn't work out exactly as I wanted."

*I hate to repeat myself. It used to actually make me angry...but I'm working on it.

Thoughts from the Gym...

2009-05-16T13:53:00.003-05:00

Here are the thoughts that cross my mind when I am at the gym...

"Why is that girl wearing such tight clothes...?"

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"Why is that dude pulling up his shirt to wipe the sweat off of his face...they have free towels..."

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"Why doesn't this guy next to me wear deoderant?"

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"Why is this weird dude wearing jeans, a dress shirt and a belt to work out in?"

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"Why is that other dude wearing khaki shorts with a belt to work out in?"

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And an exerpt from conversations with Larry and Sarah:

Me: "There was this girl at the gym who had ::ahem:: some big personalities..."
Larry: ::not understanding:: "Oh so she was really nice to you?"
Me: "No, she had huge boobs"

Tiffany's Wedding cake!

2009-05-10T13:06:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of my first attempt to make a tiffany's wedding cake for friends who are getting married in June. I'm pretty excited about the result seeing as how this was my first time using fondant!

Cupcake Fun!

2009-05-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of some cupcakes I made this week. They were lemon Raspberry. There was a whole raspberry in the middle of the cupcake.

The first picture has a cream cheese frosting with sugared lemon peel on top, and the second (pink/yellow) is a butter cream frosting. -The cream cheese is WAY better.

Church Bulletins

2009-04-28T12:30:00.001-05:00

Those wonderful “Church Bulletins!”

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters ...

These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins:

1. The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

2. The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

3. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

4. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

5. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

6. Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

7. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

8. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

9. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

10. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

11. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

12. Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

13. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

14. Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

15. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

16. Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

17. The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

18. This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

19. Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

20. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

21. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM.

Please use the back door.

22. The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

23. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

2009-04-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

New Member of our Family...

2009-04-26T22:12:00.003-05:00

Yes everyone, I'm proud to say that after approximately 14 years I have finally purchased a beautiful Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer in Onyx Black.

It's so pretty I almost cried. And I may or may not have kissed it when no one was looking. I'm just saying.

So of course in true do' Couto style I baked all day today. I made Strawberry cupcakes with a whipped cream frosting, Chocolate cupcakes with a buttercream frosting and Vanilla cupcakes with a somewhat accidental chocolate frosting that turned out to be the best frosting I've ever tasted, and I generally dislike frosting. I know it's an oxy moron of sorts.

So pretty!

I want to play hookey

2009-04-24T13:39:00.001-05:00

It iss 80 degrees and sunny outside. Tomorrow it will not be 80 degrees and it will be rainy. Therefore, I should be allowed to play hookey. I'm pretty sure it's a law.

Apparently you do not need basic math skills to be a property manager...

2009-04-20T22:05:00.002-05:00

This is the email I sent to my old landlord this evening. When I originally signed my lease I received 1 month free. Which I then prorated over 12 months. The number of times I have had to call to remind him of this after receiving letters stating my account was over due was more than once. Should I only have to say it once? I've said it now 3 times.

And here Ladies and Gents is number 4:
Brian,

Please let me see if I can finally put this to rest. I am completely astounded by the check you sent me -45 dollars.

The lease is $650/Month for 12 months = 7800.
$7800 - $650 (1 month free) = $7150
$7150/12 Months = $595.84/Month
My rental check for 11 months was $595 x 11 = $6545 - $7150 = $605

Which is the exact amount my last check, for the month of March was made out to.

Please send the $45 dollars still owed on your balance ASAP.

I almost said "Or I will file in small claims court, Don't think I wont I hate you that much"

But that wouldn't be a very Christian thing for me to do would it?

Proud Momma!

2009-04-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

So I am proud to say that Ava went to the bathroom on the potty for the first time tonight. She's shown slight interest in the potty as we've been working on it for maybe the past 8 months or so. I've just been encouraging her to get used to it and to understand that this is where we go to the bathroom.

Tonight she sort of sat on it for a little bit, and then got up, then sat back down for longer. When she stood back up again she had gone to the bathroom!! I was so proud of her I scooped her up for many hugs and kisses.

Then proceeded to call everyone I knew :)

Way to go Ava!

Monkey's

2009-04-16T09:03:00.001-05:00

Conversations with Ava

2009-04-10T09:46:00.002-05:00

Driving to daycare/work this morning the following conversation transpired.

Ava: OH NO LOOK MAMA! A DINOSAUR!
Me: Where?
Ava: THERE E IS!
Me: Okay let's drive SUPER FAST!
Ava: SUPERFAST!
-Repeat conversation three more times-

Me: Oh No! Look Ava, a Dinosaur!
Ava: ... No, No Dinosaur Mama
Me: Oh sorry...
::Pause::
Ava: OH NO MAMA LOOK A DINOSAUR!
Me: HEY!

To Sum up: Only Ava is allowed to point out the Dinosaurs!

This is why I hate shopping

2009-04-09T15:56:00.003-05:00

Last night at staples it was pretty dead and I brought my purchase up to the counter where I saw batteries which made me remember that I needed lithium batteries for my digital camera...this conversation followed:

Me: ::Pointing to small battery display:: "Oh do you have an actual battery display that has all different batteries?"
Woman behind register: "Oh yes if you can see just behind the camera display there's..."
Man fiddling with something nearby: ::Interrupts:: "Or we have batteries right here at the register Miss"
Me: ::Straight faced:: "If those were the batteries I was looking for I wouldn't be asking the question."
Woman behind register: ::stifling laughter:: "They're behind the camera display to your left."

To sum up: I have no patience for people with no brains!

I like to confuse my friends...it's my favourite pastime

2009-04-07T14:44:00.002-05:00

me: I have a couple of random unrelated questions for you.

Jason: oh?

me: How do you feel about Mushrooms?

Jason: 1up

me: And what are your thoughts on grass?

Jason: grr

me: Are you for or against grass?

Jason: :(

me: that's not really an answer sir I'm going to have to ask you to stay focused.

Jason: la la la

me: sigh
If you were tiny-er would you have any objections to living under a toadstool or mushroom?

Jason: -er, eh?
what is a toadstool?

me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom

Jason: i am already familiar with mushrooms

me: Yes as it clearly states: The term "toadstool" was often, but not exclusively, applied to poisonous mushrooms or to those that have the classic umbrella-like cap-and-stem form...tsk tsk subject cannot read...better jot that down.

Jason: oh... the fun kind

me: So back to my original question...would you have any objections to living under a toadstool or mushroom?

Jason: ... if i were tiny... as in smurf-size?

me: yes
Would you have any objections?

Jason: are we in a hypothetical pretend world with cartoon cats?... or are we still in the real world?

me: real world
Wow you are taking a LONG time to answer a simple question

Jason: how big is a smurf?

me: sigh
How do you feel about squatters?

Jason: is a squatter the same thing as a loafer?

me: What's a loafer?

Jason: what's a squatter?

me: This interview is over

Jason: What?

When gnomes are involved hilarity always ensues!

2009-04-07T13:42:00.004-05:00

So for whatever reason we call my Mom the Gnome. She's short (under five feet) and wore these pointy "desert boots" forever. She pretends she doesn't like being called the gnome but we all know she loves it.

Anyways, my Mom and Sister sent me a ridiculous check for my birthday and here was my thank you email:

Thank you both so much for the lovely cards and the money. I have no idea why you sent so much!! I appreciate it though and Thanks.

I will have to buy something shiny and pink…but wait, I don’t want to attract too many gnomes with something shiny…hmm re-think…I will have to buy something cute with polka dots…no no that won’t due they’ll just follow me around thinking it’s their mushroom…

I’ve got it! Some beautiful plants for our new house!! No…then Larry Ava and I will just have to deal with squatters…Hmm this is more complicated than I thought…I’ll have to give it a little more in-depth thought. I’ll let you know what I come up with!

It is in my opinion that whenever you can work the word squatters into a conversation there's always laughter! I'm pretty sure my random bursts of laughter and hushed giggling while composing the above email confirmed to my coworkers that I am indeed crazy.

Birthdays and cake!

2009-04-06T12:41:00.003-05:00

It was my birthday yesterday...So I made a cake for work...how did I get roped into making my own birthday cake for other people to eat?

I have no idea...
Enjoy!

Because I'm nice like that...

2009-03-31T12:34:00.006-05:00

It was a coworkers 30th birthday yesterday, and because her husband is a loser with a capitol L I made sure her day was bright and cheery!

I baked little flower cakes:

And made sure she had 30 balloons!

The cakes are my favourite part! They are so adorable!

The big News we've all been waiting for!!

2009-03-27T20:54:00.004-05:00

So, I know I was being mysterious in an earlier post about wonderfully wonderful news that I would have to share. I wanted to make sure it was official before I allowed myself to become too excited about it. Since I know how the way of the business world works and how things can go.

But today it was made semi-official. Semi-official in the sense that I was told, presented with a formal letter that was detailed and outlined.

Yes people that's right...I got me a promotion! :)

You are now blogging with the new Business Analytics Specialist. The title itself makes me all giddy and want to squeal with joy! The pay increase and actual duties made me actually squeal with joy!

I'm very excited for my promotion, I've worked really hard this past year to prove that I wasn't just another lead entry person. That I had idea's, good one's that made the company a lot of money and also saved the company a lot of money.

There will be a couple of people who will be a lot less than pleased to learn this news...they will find out on Monday (while I'm moving thank goodness!), then HR will send out a formal notice on Tuesday. So other than dealing with two formerly direct coworkers who will probably hate me for a couple of months I'm really excited and can't wait to start!

Hmmmm.....

2009-03-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

I wonder why this comic made me think of IANO....

Canadian Get Fuzzy

2009-03-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

Ahhh soooo funny

2009-03-23T08:33:00.002-05:00

I know I've been posting comics a lot lately, but being so busy with work and moving and all the stuff life likes to throw at you...yadda yadda yadda

Ava and I had a fun weekend it was gorgeous outside and since we felt as though we had been cooped up all winter long we deserved a fun break of running around like crazy. We went to a park on Saturday where Ava proceeded to become disgustingly muddy. I hate being dirty. I just don't like it. Ava thought it was fun at first, but then saw her cool dora shoes were covered in mud and decided immediately this would not do. She started crying and I tried to take her shoe off and bang it against the table but then she wouldn't let me put it back on because it was still incredibly muddy and...well I'm sure you can imagine the madness that ensued. After a nap and running the clothes through the wash we changed and headed back out in the sunshine to the Zoo. Ava enjoyed walking around the zoo looking at the animals, and they happen to have a cool playground with rubber instead of disgusting dirt. She she was able to go down the slide a million times with no fear of mud!

We went to a new church on Sunday and had a great time. Ava immediately enjoyed playing picnic with the other little girl who was in there, and I enjoyed the service. We're not settled on the church yet since moving to Evansville will put us about a 1/2 hour away. Then Ava pretended to nap and we headed back out to the zoo for a good two hours to play.

All in all it was a great weekend just us girls.

From the sous chef

2009-03-22T20:00:00.003-05:00

Larry here. So, I've got some brown sugar and chocolate chips laying around begging to be used in something, so I go online and find a recipe for a chocolate chip cheesecake. Making cheesecake is about the easiest dessert you can make and this one is no exception. Enjoy the pictures while I'm enjoying the taste.

Some more comics to make you giggle

2009-03-20T08:01:00.002-05:00

Happy First day of spring! Spring brings many things, today it brought the coldest day in two weeks (go figure). Hopefully it will start to bring more flowers and new buds on the trees. I can't wait to move, we have a lovely porch where I intend to plant some lovely flowers. I've also decided that I plan on having an Easter egg hunt this year with Ava. I think she's too young yet to just spread gobs of candy everywhere and hope that she finds it all, so I think I'll buy those colourful eggs that you can put candy and little treats inside. Maybe we'll even make Easter themed cookies!

I miss Larry.

An exerpt from today

2009-03-18T21:15:00.002-05:00

Bill: "Oooh Accruals are due whoopee! ...Oh wait I don't have any accruals. Aww it's so unfortunate I receive all of these emails regarding accruals but I never get to do anything with them."
Eric: "It's a cruel world"
Me: "BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *coughs violently* hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha"

To sum up, my coworkers rocked today and I love corny jokes.

2009-03-17T08:20:00.002-05:00

If you would like a little window into my sense of humor please read the following two comics.

I laughed so hard I started coughing and almost threw up. I'm a classy lady.

More updates soon, and I would check back often because as soon as one this is official I will be making an officially awesome blog about something officially awesome...

sigh

2009-03-11T18:37:00.001-05:00

My Step dad is very very ill. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. An impromptu trip to Canada may be in order.

All you have to know is:
1. it sucks when people you love are sick and
2. I hate my ex husband so much.

That's it that's all.

Off to the windy city

2009-03-07T20:43:00.004-06:00

Hopefully I'm not blown away...oooh seriously, I think I am soooo hilarious!

Going to Chicago for work, it will most likely suck a little being cooped up with coworkers for 12 hours straight in a hotel room...why does everyone think this sounds like fun?

I've packed WAY too many clothes and WAY too many shoes, but at the moment I deem them essential so they're coming.

Ava and I had a pretty good day today, just running some errands, she did well walking through Walmart. Yep, no cart for her. She carried chocolate chips like a champ and generally followed my directions, and therefore earned herself a nifty new book. I didn't generally do anything important and bought myself 8 new books at Half Price books tonight, which is pretty much my favourite place in the world. But come on I only spent $20 on 8 books!! How can one go wrong??

Then I went out for sushi, if I were stranded on a desert island and could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be the spicy tuna roll from Takara. The absolute best thing you have ever tasted, and for some reason they seem to make it more spicy at night than during lunch, or perhaps the young sushi man somehow sensed I was a spicy girl (considering all of the rolls I ordered were spicy) and decided to make my night extra spicy, who's to say?

Anyways enough of my ramblings! Have a good week!

tomorrow the you know what is going to hit the fan

2009-03-05T21:21:00.002-06:00

please pray that I don't get caught in the cross fire!

Cutest Thing Ever Part 2

2009-03-04T21:04:00.004-06:00

"OH MY GOODNESS!"

D day

2009-03-04T08:24:00.001-06:00

We sign the papers today making everything official, pray it goes smoothly and without interruption.

That is all.

Tax problems

2009-03-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

So I tried doing my taxes online myself (aka with Larry's help as I asked questions every 20 seconds) and after entering all of my information it said my return should be around $1300. I've never had such a low return in my entire life, even when I was 16. So I thought okay I must be doing something wrong and sent mine and Adams return in to the woman who usually does our taxes. She comes back and tells us that filing together would equal an amount even lower than my filing by myself.

I'm pretty sure she's currently a crack baby. I mean wtf? She is claiming that Adam would have to pay $1700 in back taxes if he files by himself (to which she added in an email "I don't see how that's fair to him if you do decide to file separately", to which my internal reply was riddled with curse words I don't say out loud, being a lady and all).
Adam and I spoke at length about this, he's not making any more or less money than 5-6 years ago before he was married and he was receiving like 2-3K back each year.

So what I want to know is, is this President Bush's fault or President Obama's? That punk President Obama owes me about $1k extra according to his fancy ass-backwards calculator that I have screen shots of to prove Mr, don't think I've forgotten about that because I haven't.

I know IANO favors it being Bush's fault, but what do the rest of the masses have to say?

Get ready to be excited!!

2009-03-01T21:01:00.005-06:00

I was finally able to catch Ava reading one of her favourite Spot books. This is the cutest thing in the world, I just love when she reads this book to me.

Backyard Makeovers!

2009-02-27T15:24:00.005-06:00

So while I was down in Florida Larry unfortunately had to work. So what was a girl to do? Read a book? Drink fruity drinks out of a coconut? Lay in the sun? Naww I completely redid the entire back yard. Well it needed it!! Plus I have a hard time relaxing it's a gift or curse I haven't completely decided.

Here's before:

After lugging about 25-30 loads of pine needles out of the back I arranged them hap-hazardly in the front.

Here's a picture of the back with all of the pine needles in the front and the timbers ripped up:

I found a turtle while ripping the timbers up!

And here's the finished product! We planted knockout roses and azalea's in the L Larry dug when he moved in.

We planted Indian Hawthorn and Sky Pencil's in the back and laid out cypress.

All in all I'm pretty proud I was able to accomplish so much in a week. I seriously don't think I've ever sweat so much in my entire life. It wasn't even that warm!!

I'm devestated to leave, and have warned Larry that should I ever see so much as a weed in my beautiful backyard I'll have his head on a platter!

Sillyness!

2009-02-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ava has some sweet shoes!

2009-02-17T21:03:00.002-06:00

My apologies for the shakyness! Enjoy I probably won't post until I come back from Florida!

Larry is way smooth...

2009-02-12T14:18:00.001-06:00

Original email to Larry:

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
·Romance 9.5 and
·Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as
·NBA 5.0,
·NFL 3.0 and
·Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

·Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,
Desperate.

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind,
·Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while
·Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
·If that application works as designed, Husband1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1..
·Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your sys tem resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend
·Cooking 3.0 and
·Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck!
Tech Support

Larry's Response:

It sounds like Desperate just didn’t find the right version of Husband 1.0. The packaging of the software can be quite deceiving since there are many different builds of the software and some packaging is flashier than others. I think when system performance starts to degrade, installing Love Language 1.0 will normally put the system back to where it needs to be.

Personally speaking, I installed Wife 1.0 and had very poor results. It was a system resource hog and was a very high maintenance program. The best thing I did was to uninstall and find the perfect version of Wife 2.0. The system seems to run so much smoother with Wife 2.0 and I find that it’s constantly in pursuit of self-maintenance. This one’s a keeper for sure. Plus, Wife 2.0 came with a free version of Daughter 1.0 which is really fun to play with and is a great source of constant amusement. What a deal!!!

He's so smooth!

LOST...or something

2009-01-29T09:13:00.002-06:00

So Larry had to work very late last night and I decided to type up some notes from the first little bit of LOST so he would know what he missed. Seeing as how I never even watched the show until last week I'm pretty sure he would have been better off not reading the email at all...

Lost:

Maggie? Had a baby boy. They showed a flash back of it. There is a boat that's sailing it has the english guy on it the one where that other skinny nerd implanted the memory.
"We'll be in and out, he'll never know we're here Maggie, don't underestimate him." I think maybe they are sailing towards the island?

Then the group of people are walking in the brush, the red head has a headache. the skinny nerd just asked if she had dizzyness and double vision, and she said yes both. Then she said do you know what's happening to me, he said no nothings happening I won't let it happen. OH DUDE some guy tripped a wire and explosives went off. I don't know who's dead but now they're surrounded by arrows. and some chick in a tank top is holding a gun to them. It's miles the skinny scientist and the red head. The girl seems to know the skinny scientist dude.

Back on the boat with the english man. she insulted the english dude. They are going to go find the skinny dude's mom I think. Daniel is the skinny scientist dude.
"If your going to promise me something des please promise me you'll never go back to that island. Why would I ever want to go there?"

now I'm telling you.

A little exerpt from last night...

2009-01-28T11:37:00.003-06:00

Larry: "We want to make sure that the unit doesn't get too hot that it overheats"
Sarah: "Wait...so are you talking about units that produce hot air in the winter and cold air in the summer?"
Larry: ::confused:: "Um yes, when I say 'Air Conditioner' I'm talking about a unit that conditions the air."
Sarah: "You now realize that this entire time* I thought you were talking specifically about AC/Air Conditioners that blow only cold air."
Larry: "..."

To sum up...I'm kind of an idiot...

*Entire Time = Since we started dating...so for over a year and a half...

Just a little video of advice in the struggling economy

2009-01-27T20:58:00.001-06:00

http://www.hulu.com/watch/1389/saturday-night-live-dont-buy-stuff

I'm kind of a geek

2009-01-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

Okay, most of you probably don't know this, but I am a HUGE HUGE fan of the series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I have read every single book cover to cover since being introduced to them and essentially stealing the book from a friend in 1999. Tragically Robert Jordan passed away from cardiac amyloidosis in 2007.

He and his wife (who was also his publisher) chose another writer to finish the book and follow the carefully laid out notes for the final book. There are/will be 12 books in total plus I think there are actually a few prequels.

I've read a lot online about them possibly having a movie deal for this etc. I am the first one to say: "DON'T DO IT!

I think this would be absolutely butchered by Hollywood. Unless it's done by someone who has read every single word of every single book they won't get it. They'll start cutting scenes and inserting a bunch of crap that doesn't mean anything. Every word Jordan wrote means something. Perhaps not in the book you're reading at the time, but pick up the next one or two and you will see how even the most seemingly insignificant line actually has a purpose that ties everything together.

The only comment I agreed with was regarding making it into a 30-40 hour mini series. I think it would be even more successful than trying to make it Hollywood. They could really devote the time to character development and to getting the sets perfect. They have the option of using computer graphics for the more "magical" scenes etc. They would acquire income from commercials, plus if praying they directed/casted the mini series correctly would have sky rocketing DVD sales. (Pssst! Larry...We'll be buying the whole set so make sure to budget for it!)

If you like fantasy type novels with a great story I really do recommend reading this series. And you're in luck because you won't have to wait three years (as I have...impatiently I might add) for the final book as it is supposed to be released this year.

2009-01-22T08:23:00.000-06:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

It kinda looks like this...

2009-01-20T19:02:00.000-06:00

Do I have a career in photo shop or what?

Dear President Obama,

2009-01-20T11:40:00.002-06:00

Congratulations on being inaugurated.

Below you will see a screen shot I cleverly saved after inputting my information into your tax calculator.

You know where I live so you can send the money at any time.

Sincerely,

Sarah

P.S. I'm watching you buddy.

THIS JUST IN!!!

2009-01-18T00:22:00.001-06:00

LARRY SHAVED HIS GOATEE OFF!

Sorry I know I'm the only one who cares but I still can't believe it.

(He looks totally hot...HOT btw)

That is all.

Stop...Just stop it

2009-01-16T08:20:00.004-06:00

I can't take it anymore. If my coworker sends me ONE more sob story email about why she is not coming into work I will smack her. Or possible shoot a cannon in her general direction...

Here is the context of today's email. Granted we are experiencing cold weather and -20 wind chills blah blah blah but you live in this weather and you chose to live an hour away from where you work. I have no sympathy.

I just wanted to let you know that I will be staying at home today again. I just cannot see it being a good idea taking Thor out in this weather to ride in the vehicle for about 1 to 1 ½ hours in this weather. To switch to another vehicle and drive 30 more minutes. I am truly sorry about this; if it was just husband & I we would have no problems driving but if it is all of us I just don’t see it being a good idea. Of course I will be working from home so if you need me call or email

This is yesterday's

I am sorry but because of the cold weather I am just staying home with Thor. I cannot see putting him at risk out in this weather. I will work from home as much as possible. If you need me please call and again sorry.

WHAT RISK?
It's not as if she drives a convertable with the top down 24/7 she drives an effing minivan. Heat the stupid car up and he won't even know what's going on! I hate people.

My theory? She knows she's being a wimp and that's why she apologizes so much. Bunch of crap this is.

I replied to her email and said: Next time you intend to send an email like this I shall require you insert violin music.

I guess that's why I always receive a DO (Development Opportunity) on my PMD in the area of interpersonal skills......

Who's in the mood to carry a Fat Princess?

2009-01-15T18:45:00.003-06:00

This is Larry here. So, one of my coworkers clearly does not have enough to do at work. He's usually on the internet about half the day looking for the latest video games news. I'm ok with it because I just sit back and enjoy the fruits of his searching while I do my work. I've smiled and nodded at most of his findings, but he came across this new game that looks like it's going to be really fun. Everyone get ready for .......... Fat Princess.

As you can see by the video, it's a very cartoonish looking game. It's a multiplayer game for the Playstation 3.....sorry for you XBOX losers. The main premise is that the teams are divided into 2. Each side has the opponent's Princess in their own castle. The object is to make it to the opponent's castle, pick up your team's Princess, and carry your fair maiden back to your own castle. Sounds easy? The funny part is that you can find slices of cake around the entire level that you can feed to the opponent's Princess in order to fatten her up and make it more difficult for the other team to carry her. Throw in the fact that you can beat up on the opponents, kill them, and make them start back over at their castle and you have a game with lots of multiplayer goodness. I just hope they include the capability to voice chat with your teamates so you can coordinate together and help each other.

http://ces.gamespot.com/story.html?sid=6203034&tag=topslot;title;4

For IANO

2009-01-15T14:37:00.001-06:00

I thought she had your colouring...

Dear ____________

2009-01-15T12:26:00.004-06:00

Dear Geist Family,

Your boxes are huge! I cannot fit them in my car!

Sincerely,

Sarah

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Coworker,

I don't want to hear your sob story of why you're not going to "risk your child's life" just because it is snowy/cold/icy out. If you're not coming in, just say: 'I'm not coming in today'.

Sincerely,

Sarah

P.S. If you continue to send these emails I will request that you insert violin music.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear pushy lady trying to make me look bad,

Keep trying, you just look weird and pushy to everyone.

Sincerely,

Sarah

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Landlord,

Please remove my f*&#^ing snow from my walkway or I'm coming for you.

Sincerely,

Sarah

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Car,

Please stop all of this 'I refuse to start' nonsense. It's getting old, and I will trade you in. Don't make me threaten you again!

Sincerely,

Sarah

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Executive Man,

Stop looking at me in that weird way, it's creeping me out.

Sincerely,

Sarah

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stupid questions of the day

2009-01-14T12:30:00.003-06:00

Me: ::eating my sandwhich::
Coworker: Are you eating lunch?
Me: ::blank stare::

------------------------------------

Random lady walks by desk and see's my jar of peanut butter:
"So you like peanut butter?"
Me: ::blank stare::

------------------------------------

Boss Lady: Do you want to go to lunch?
Me: ::blank stare::

------------------------------------

Me: ::shooting a training video::
Coworker: Oh are you doing the training videos?
Me: ::blank stare::

------------------------------------

To sum up people ask me a lot of dumb questions. I also should never consume Nyquil on a work night.

Dearest Montreal,

2009-01-13T14:48:00.005-06:00

Don't waste your time.

Love,

P.S. No, I don't I'm sorry. I can pass you a glass of infrastructure and some Pizza though...

Ava has a great fake mustache

2009-01-13T12:08:00.001-06:00

See

Weekend snipets

2009-01-11T14:05:00.010-06:00

Early Saturday morning:

ML: "Knock Knock"
Me: "Who's there?"
ML: "Interrupting Cow"
Me: ::Pause, says quickly:: "Interrupting Cow who?"
ML: ::Inaudible sound trying to interrupt but doesn't make it::
Me: ::Snickers::

-------------------------------

Saturday night:

After winning two huge poker pots in a row...

Me: "I thought you were going to take my money?"
ML: "You just wait...Knock knock"
Me: "Who's there?"
ML: "Interrupting Cow"
Me: ::Thinking, seriously? repeats above::
ML: ::Repeats above::
Me: "You're not very good at this joke"
ML: "Yeah..."

-------------------------------

Sunday:

Me: ::glances at the score of the Eagles/Giants game:: "Oh I guess the Giants did sco.."
ML: "Score a field goal?"
Me: "Yeah, it's 11-10 so I guess the turno..."
ML: "The turnover wasn't completely wasted?"
Me: "...get out of my head please"
ML: ::chuckles::*

------------------------------
Me: -Barbie movie preview comes on- "Ooooh this is the movie you've wanted to see eh?"
ML: "I get to pick next!!"
Me: ::Makes inappropriate Barbie and her best friend lesbian comment::
Movie: Shows Barbie and her friend going in for what we were sure was a kiss but settle for a hug.
ML: "ooooh they almost kissed, she was too nervous"
Me: "HAH!"

To sum up: Larry has been unsuccessful with knock knocks, I kick ass at poker and Barbie is a closet lesbian...or something.

*Perhaps making up for the knock knock joke?

Foooooooooooooooooooooooooooood!

2009-01-09T09:49:00.006-06:00

So you knew I would have pictures of the food as well right? I mean I wouldn't disappoint you guys like that! I made the famous octopus stew for our little dinner party, which was a huge hit, although next time I'll make a few adjustments. We also had a hot crab dip, fresh shrimp scampi, a spinach and artichoke dip and mini cheese cakes for dessert.

So enjoy some of our fun pictures!!

ooh looky at how long the Octopus is!

Joseph watches me tenderize!

Joseph's turn to tenderize!

Larry shows us how a man does it.

Mmmm look at all that octopus!

It cooks down like mushrooms!

It's done!

Our beautiful table!

Mmm Cheesecake!

Did ya miss us?

2009-01-09T08:47:00.008-06:00

Hello all!

I fully recognize that I have been a slacker but I also fully recognize that I don't care! It was above and beyond fun being with our little family for ten days. We all sort of fell into a nice and easy rhythm with each other. And best of all it all happened naturally. We decided what we wanted to do every day, because our children are nappers our days are broken into two parts morning times and afternoon/evenings. Overall we had a blast!

We took the kids to the park, to Pump it up, Bowling/roller skating, to the museum. Which basically means we're the coolest parents ever! We even made bird feeders!

We had a very nice Christmas together. Actual Christmas day we flew into PNS, and had to file a lost luggage claim...whoops! Then we drove home and on the way the airport actually called me back to say they had found my luggage, somehow it ended up in Orlando, but we prayed about it and God found it! Then Larry had made an absolutely delicious Lasagna for dinner and we had some friends over, it was nice and relaxing.

Our Christmas was Saturday night/Sunday night. We opened presents on Saturday because knowing the kids they would never sleep with unopened presents under the tree. I received some lovely presents from Larry including the Once DVD and sound track, plus a very thoughtful gift of a DVD movie with our pictures on it. Joseph's big presents included a Handy Manny drill/saw that you can use the little tools to fix when it's broken, a wicked race car track and a Walle DVD from Ava, which he almost leapt over the ottoman to hug her. Ava received some very cool Little people toys and a Wow Wow Wubbzy DVD. Larry received some homemade presents from me including two different scrapbook type presents and a homemade scarf. But his most famous present the one I referenced in an older post was I adopted a wolf for him. So he has a certificate and picture and a little wolf stuffed animal. Also 2 years of the Family Handyman.

For New Years we were pretty low key, we grabbed a pizza with the kids and came home and watched Walle together. Where I, managed to successfully shush the kids three times since I apparently like it more than they do! Then Larry and I watched Episode 2 & 3 of the new Star Wars movies. I did not care for Episode 2.

The way home was absolutely dreadful. Spending those ten days together in what seemed so much like all of our home was the hardest thing to leave. There was much crying and tissue usage. Then, I accidentally forgot my keys at Larry's house along with my jacket, and we were stuck in Atlanta for 6 hours. But I wouldn't change a single thing.

And now enjoy a myriad of pictures:

Question of the day...

2009-01-08T11:03:00.001-06:00

If you're only using one knife would you rather risk getting Jam in your Peanut Butter or Peanut Butter in your Jam?

-Note- And yes I do mean Jam as I happen to think Jelly is disgusting.