I know some of my family follows my blog...so to make things easy on them...or on my 8 followers who I know so generously wish to donate to making my Christmas wishes come true, I am posting the top 10 items on my Christmas wish list here. No worries -- you can thank me later.
Also - no poking fun. Something that the "things that happen when you get older" handbook doesn't tell you, is that as you get older, your Christmas wish list gets lamer. Like super boring.
So without further ado:
1) Jewelry cleaner. Like a really good kind. That actually makes your jewelry shinier, not just wet.
2) A pie spatula/server. Boring, I know. But I realized at our Halloween Party, when someone wanted a piece of the Cutler's apple pie, that I had no way for them to remove said piece from the whole pie. Enter the need for a pie spatula/server.
3) A pizza cutter. We currently have one. But I bought it 3 years ago. From the dollar store. Needless to say, it's not exactly sharp anymore. Truth be told, it may never have been sharp to begin with.
4) OXO Corn Cob Holders. We registered for 4 sets. Which means 4 people can eat corn on the cob at one time. Which is completely un-useful when you have your family of 8 over. And they all like to eat corn on the cob. At the same time. (Sorry about those burnt fingers, Grampa).
5) Black socks. Wow this list really DOES keep getting lamer. I own three pairs of black tights. I own nearly 50 pairs of white socks. I own about 15-20 pairs of dress socks...and they ALL have patterns on them. I'd like 2 or 3 pairs of plain black dress socks. Preferably with some weight to them. I don't want them to look like knee-high black pantie hose. Ew.
6) A Brown North Face Fleece. If this is not possible, I will settle for a brown Columbia fleece (most likely purchasable from Kohl's...but I have not looked). I live in my black and gray fleece zip-ups...but let's be serious -- if I want to wear my brown Uggs, you KNOW I can't roll out of my house in them wearing my black fleece. Fashion faux pas!
7) A Roomba. Specifically the nicest Roomba on the market. However, I have been carefully re-thinking this item ever since my Grampa told me "eh, it's not worth it. they're junk. they're really only neat to look at." (PS - my mom bought my Grampa his Roomba. For Christmas no less. I'd hate to hear what he thinks about the stupid bean-bag shoulder lamp I gave him for Christmas two years ago. Gotta love him!)
8) Gift cards to the following places: My hair salon; My nail salon; Massage Envy or Red Door Spa (only for a 90 minute massage); the movie theatre; any nice restaurants; Target; Giant; Ann Taylor Loft; Old Navy; or Wal-Mart (specifically to buy two pieces of furniture that Todd and I like. If you'd rather buy the furniture, I'll gladly send you pictures/details. I took notes on my blackberry. You know, in hopes of receiving said furniture for Christmas)
9) A new collar & leash for Whinnie. Technically this is on her wish list. But she lacks opposable thumbs and asked that I leave her requests here. She'd also appreciate a bag of anything bacon or peanut butter flavored. Her mom would appreciate any toys that do NOT squeak incessantly. A gift certificate to Bark N' Bubbles for a hair trim would be an added bonus.
10) A Garmin. This is just a super wishful item. Mainly because Todd got a job in DC, and I'd like to go visit him sometime. And well, we all know that I'm entirely directionally challenged. I suppose instead of a Garmin, I'd take pre-printed mapquest directions to Todd's place of employment. That would probably suffice.
There you have it -- my top 10 Christmas wish list items.
Off to do something good so I'm not put on the naughty list!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thankful...Monday?
I missed Thankful Thursday...what with it being Thanksgiving and all -- which meant therefore, that I was not in front of the computer.
So I will post what I am most thankful for today, because I'm not just thankful for these things on Thanksgiving, but all year round.
So I will post what I am most thankful for today, because I'm not just thankful for these things on Thanksgiving, but all year round.
- My amazing husband.
- My incredible parents.
- My hilarious brother.
- My sweet sister-in-law.
- My adorable grandparents.
- My wonderful extended family.
- My caring in-laws.
- My love-muffin puppy.
- My fantastic friends.
- My health.
- My house.
- My job.
There are so many other little things that I am thankful for, but these are the things I couldn't make it through life without. (Well, these things, and food/water/air...but you get my drift).
So to all of you who fit the list -- Thank you. For being you, and making me, me.
Friday, November 20, 2009
a man's perspective...
I'm an infrequent hair washer. Yup, I said it. I typically wash my hair 3-4 times a week. Having very thick, wavy hair, I can get away with a non-wash day in between. Plus with the invention of Psssst (I get it at CVS), the best dry shampoo on the market, it seems quite difficult to tell when my hair has been freshly washed and when it hasn't.
Now, don't freak out...I ALWAYS shower. My morning shower wakes me up. But truthfully, I live in fear that while I'm in the shower one morning, donning my sexy, plastic, flowered shower cap that makes me look like an 87 year old woman going for a walk in the rain, that Todd will sleepily stumble into the bathroom, see the shower cap, panic, and run screaming down the street in his pajamas. But I digress.
Yesterday morning I got up extra early. I put on my black pants suit, and a new green silk blouse that I've had hanging in my closet (with tags mind you) for almost 8 months. I washed, blow dried, and curled my hair to complete the outfit. I felt business like -- but I was particularly very proud of my clean, curled hair. It had been so long since the curling iron had seen the light of day, and not just the inside of my messy bathroom cabinet.
My hair stayed curled all day long, and I was particularly proud of the new routine I figured out for getting the curl to stay on freshly washed hair. Curl always seems to hold better on dirty hair. (yes, I did wake up early again today to wash and curl my hair, but that's besides the point).
As soon as I walked in the door from work at 6:00pm, my adorable hubby, who was already in prime kitchen positioning making a delicious dinner for two, commented "you look very nice today honey!"
I swooned at his sweet compliment and said "and look at my hair! It's still curly!"
His response: "wow honey! It looks really great for not washing it!"
my heart? on the floor.
Apparently I could have cut the extra 25 minutes of washing & blow-drying from my morning routine.
Now I understand why he DOESN'T understand why it takes me an hour to get ready to go anywhere.
Don't worry honey, that extra 20 minutes in my prep routine? That's just me washing and blow-drying my hair...
Now, don't freak out...I ALWAYS shower. My morning shower wakes me up. But truthfully, I live in fear that while I'm in the shower one morning, donning my sexy, plastic, flowered shower cap that makes me look like an 87 year old woman going for a walk in the rain, that Todd will sleepily stumble into the bathroom, see the shower cap, panic, and run screaming down the street in his pajamas. But I digress.
Yesterday morning I got up extra early. I put on my black pants suit, and a new green silk blouse that I've had hanging in my closet (with tags mind you) for almost 8 months. I washed, blow dried, and curled my hair to complete the outfit. I felt business like -- but I was particularly very proud of my clean, curled hair. It had been so long since the curling iron had seen the light of day, and not just the inside of my messy bathroom cabinet.
My hair stayed curled all day long, and I was particularly proud of the new routine I figured out for getting the curl to stay on freshly washed hair. Curl always seems to hold better on dirty hair. (yes, I did wake up early again today to wash and curl my hair, but that's besides the point).
As soon as I walked in the door from work at 6:00pm, my adorable hubby, who was already in prime kitchen positioning making a delicious dinner for two, commented "you look very nice today honey!"
I swooned at his sweet compliment and said "and look at my hair! It's still curly!"
His response: "wow honey! It looks really great for not washing it!"
my heart? on the floor.
Apparently I could have cut the extra 25 minutes of washing & blow-drying from my morning routine.
Now I understand why he DOESN'T understand why it takes me an hour to get ready to go anywhere.
Don't worry honey, that extra 20 minutes in my prep routine? That's just me washing and blow-drying my hair...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Obsess much?
Last night I had some strange -- and incredibly scary -- dreams about wolves & coyotes.
I kept dreaming that wolves were trying to get in our house. My entire family was at my parents house (including Whinnie of course) and in my dream we kept hearing reports on the news that wolves were prowling the neighborhood. It was late in the evening -- dark outside -- but for some reason we had all of the doors and windows open...I guess to let the breeze in. Anyway, when we heard the reports I scooped up Whinnie and ran up to my old bedroom in my parents house, closed all of the doors and windows and held her against my chest as tightly as I could. But no matter what I did to run away, everywhere I turned, there was another open door or window, with a wolf right outside (showing its gnarly bared teeth and foaming at the mouth) creeping closer and closer to the door.
It was beyond scary.
Fortunately I woke up before any of the wolves got in the house or anywhere near Whinnie and I. But I woke up in a cold sweat, panicked as to Whinnie's where-abouts. No worries, she was sleeping on top of my pillow, right above my head. (That's right, she climbs ON my head at night to push me out of the way so she can drift off to dreamland on MY pillow. I enjoy it more when she does this to Todd.)
I'm pretty sure I had this dream because ever since I found out about the coyote that snatched up Jessica Simpson's little dog Daisy (so heartbreaking), I have been petrified that when I walk Whinnie at night, there must be 10-15 wolves on the border of the woods, waiting to pounce on us and steal my puppy.
I'd like to find a dream book and figure out what dreaming about wolves means...but I'm pretty sure I already know the answer. What does it all mean?
Clearly I'm obsessed with my dog.
I kept dreaming that wolves were trying to get in our house. My entire family was at my parents house (including Whinnie of course) and in my dream we kept hearing reports on the news that wolves were prowling the neighborhood. It was late in the evening -- dark outside -- but for some reason we had all of the doors and windows open...I guess to let the breeze in. Anyway, when we heard the reports I scooped up Whinnie and ran up to my old bedroom in my parents house, closed all of the doors and windows and held her against my chest as tightly as I could. But no matter what I did to run away, everywhere I turned, there was another open door or window, with a wolf right outside (showing its gnarly bared teeth and foaming at the mouth) creeping closer and closer to the door.
It was beyond scary.
Fortunately I woke up before any of the wolves got in the house or anywhere near Whinnie and I. But I woke up in a cold sweat, panicked as to Whinnie's where-abouts. No worries, she was sleeping on top of my pillow, right above my head. (That's right, she climbs ON my head at night to push me out of the way so she can drift off to dreamland on MY pillow. I enjoy it more when she does this to Todd.)
I'm pretty sure I had this dream because ever since I found out about the coyote that snatched up Jessica Simpson's little dog Daisy (so heartbreaking), I have been petrified that when I walk Whinnie at night, there must be 10-15 wolves on the border of the woods, waiting to pounce on us and steal my puppy.
I'd like to find a dream book and figure out what dreaming about wolves means...but I'm pretty sure I already know the answer. What does it all mean?
Clearly I'm obsessed with my dog.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Not singing (OR pooping!) in the rain...
I don't entirely mind the rain. I enjoy cuddling up on the couch next to the fireplace, watching Numb3rs on DVR all day while it pitter-patters outside. (that was my day off yesterday) But I do mind the fact that my dog minds the rain.
Only Whinnie can eat two full bowls of dog food, a handful of doggy treats, a few bites of string cheese, several potato chips (good GOD why isn't our dog a heifer?), and a few pieces of ham from Todd's sandwich, and NOT. ONCE. NEED. TO. POOP.
You're probably thinking "hmm, a dog that doesn't need to poop...sounds good to me". And you'd be right. If said dog wasn't ALSO passing gas every 3 minutes like she was cross-bred with a skunk. And if said dog wasn't ALSO asking to go outside every 30 minutes by hopping off the couch and standing in front of the TV barking at you like you have a squirrel sitting on your head.
Poor whinster pup did not go #2 all day yesterday. Not because she was constipated (TMI, I know)...not because I didn't take her out (I stood in the rain with her 7 times...SEVEN...no poop produced)...and not because she didn't need to go. It was solely because when it's raining and the ground is saturated, she simply can not fathom squatting long enough to go #2 for fear of getting a wet rear-end. Each time we went out, she quickly peed, shook from head to tail to try and fend off the rain, and then turned around and high-tailed it back up to our front door to get in out of the cold.
I haven't called Todd yet to inquire as to her bowel movements today, but I'm definitely concerned about whether or not she's gone yet. And the more I think about calling him to ask, the more I think about how much closer we're getting to parenthood. Because I hear when you have a baby, your daily conversations go from "what'd you do today? what'd you have for lunch? etc. etc." to "how many times did the baby poop today? what color was it? solid or soft? etc. etc."
I've heard people say before "if you want to see if you and your mate are ready for a baby, try raising a puppy first." Well even though she's almost 4, considering how worried we get about Whinnie's bowel situations, I'd say we're well on our way to being good parents. Even if it is just parenting a dog.
Only Whinnie can eat two full bowls of dog food, a handful of doggy treats, a few bites of string cheese, several potato chips (good GOD why isn't our dog a heifer?), and a few pieces of ham from Todd's sandwich, and NOT. ONCE. NEED. TO. POOP.
You're probably thinking "hmm, a dog that doesn't need to poop...sounds good to me". And you'd be right. If said dog wasn't ALSO passing gas every 3 minutes like she was cross-bred with a skunk. And if said dog wasn't ALSO asking to go outside every 30 minutes by hopping off the couch and standing in front of the TV barking at you like you have a squirrel sitting on your head.
Poor whinster pup did not go #2 all day yesterday. Not because she was constipated (TMI, I know)...not because I didn't take her out (I stood in the rain with her 7 times...SEVEN...no poop produced)...and not because she didn't need to go. It was solely because when it's raining and the ground is saturated, she simply can not fathom squatting long enough to go #2 for fear of getting a wet rear-end. Each time we went out, she quickly peed, shook from head to tail to try and fend off the rain, and then turned around and high-tailed it back up to our front door to get in out of the cold.
I haven't called Todd yet to inquire as to her bowel movements today, but I'm definitely concerned about whether or not she's gone yet. And the more I think about calling him to ask, the more I think about how much closer we're getting to parenthood. Because I hear when you have a baby, your daily conversations go from "what'd you do today? what'd you have for lunch? etc. etc." to "how many times did the baby poop today? what color was it? solid or soft? etc. etc."
I've heard people say before "if you want to see if you and your mate are ready for a baby, try raising a puppy first." Well even though she's almost 4, considering how worried we get about Whinnie's bowel situations, I'd say we're well on our way to being good parents. Even if it is just parenting a dog.
Monday, November 9, 2009
I hope you're still holding your breath
because I fully intend to finish my walk down the aisle, reception, and if you're REALLY lucky, honeymoon recaps by the end of this week. Hooray!
Then I fully intend to publish all of my wedding blogs into a book with a program I read about online. (That's exactly what it is: a program to turn your blogs into a book...you know, for self keeping...like a diary...but whatever).
I can hardly wait for the nationally syndicated reviews of my fabulous book. I'm already imagining the 2 thumbs up endorsement that my mother will give me to be printed on the back cover.
Move over Hemingway...watch out Salinger...take a back seat J.K. Rowling.
New York Times best seller list, HERE I COME!
Then I fully intend to publish all of my wedding blogs into a book with a program I read about online. (That's exactly what it is: a program to turn your blogs into a book...you know, for self keeping...like a diary...but whatever).
I can hardly wait for the nationally syndicated reviews of my fabulous book. I'm already imagining the 2 thumbs up endorsement that my mother will give me to be printed on the back cover.
Move over Hemingway...watch out Salinger...take a back seat J.K. Rowling.
New York Times best seller list, HERE I COME!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sorry that you had to find out on the internet hubby...
...but I may or may not have (read: definitely) visited Old Navy on my lunch break today.
And I may or may not have (read: definitely) picked up a cute gray sweater dress, navy jersey dress and new pair of gray tights.*
BUT in my total defense:
1. I needed new tights. The two dresses are perfect compliments to said tights.
2. I saved 30% on all of the above items, each individually, for having an ON coupon.
3. They were also selling college team t-shirts, so I may or may not have (read: definitely) picked up two matching Michigan shirts (one for you dear, one for me) because I know how much you: a. love anything Michigan; b. love anything Michigan on me; and c. love wearing matching Michigan clothes with me on game day. Oh wait, you don't actually like c.?
4. I haven't been shopping in FOR-EV-ER (at least that's what it feels like. And no, I do not think wal-mart, CVS, the grocery store, and Jo-Ann fabrics count as shopping)
5. I did it completely out of love -- buying new clothes to look good, so that you continue to think I'm beautiful. Crucial, right?!
ok, so maybe #5 was a bit of a stretch. OK OK so maybe they were ALL a bit of a stretch (minus the 30% off each item - TOTALLY a good deal. And minus the Michigan shirts...because anything Michigan flies in our house). But after staying at work until 7:00pm tonight, having had a little retail therapy on my lunch break today definitely made the day that much easier to swallow. So thank you hubs (in advance) for understanding my need to shop -- and my love of a good bargain.
*I wanted to post pictures of my purchases, but sadly could only find a picture of the navy blue jersey dress I bought. WHICH btw I got at a steal...regularly $15 (cheap to start) on clearance for $9.99, less 30% -- I got the dress for around $7.00 -- bargain!
And I may or may not have (read: definitely) picked up a cute gray sweater dress, navy jersey dress and new pair of gray tights.*
BUT in my total defense:
1. I needed new tights. The two dresses are perfect compliments to said tights.
2. I saved 30% on all of the above items, each individually, for having an ON coupon.
3. They were also selling college team t-shirts, so I may or may not have (read: definitely) picked up two matching Michigan shirts (one for you dear, one for me) because I know how much you: a. love anything Michigan; b. love anything Michigan on me; and c. love wearing matching Michigan clothes with me on game day. Oh wait, you don't actually like c.?
4. I haven't been shopping in FOR-EV-ER (at least that's what it feels like. And no, I do not think wal-mart, CVS, the grocery store, and Jo-Ann fabrics count as shopping)
5. I did it completely out of love -- buying new clothes to look good, so that you continue to think I'm beautiful. Crucial, right?!
ok, so maybe #5 was a bit of a stretch. OK OK so maybe they were ALL a bit of a stretch (minus the 30% off each item - TOTALLY a good deal. And minus the Michigan shirts...because anything Michigan flies in our house). But after staying at work until 7:00pm tonight, having had a little retail therapy on my lunch break today definitely made the day that much easier to swallow. So thank you hubs (in advance) for understanding my need to shop -- and my love of a good bargain.
*I wanted to post pictures of my purchases, but sadly could only find a picture of the navy blue jersey dress I bought. WHICH btw I got at a steal...regularly $15 (cheap to start) on clearance for $9.99, less 30% -- I got the dress for around $7.00 -- bargain!
3 days ago...
...I meant to make a special post.
As of 3 days ago (or Monday if you will) Todd and I had officially been married for 100 days! Now we have been married for 103, which is still exciting, but I had been anticipating that big round number of 100 ever since I stalked our knot.com page and saw we had been married for 95 days...so I started counting down to 100, and then forgot, and well, here we are 103 days in.
So, here is my short & sweet "State of the Union" (ha) address of our first "100 days":
First of all: Best 103 days of my life so far. Married life is super fun!
As of 3 days ago (or Monday if you will) Todd and I had officially been married for 100 days! Now we have been married for 103, which is still exciting, but I had been anticipating that big round number of 100 ever since I stalked our knot.com page and saw we had been married for 95 days...so I started counting down to 100, and then forgot, and well, here we are 103 days in.
So, here is my short & sweet "State of the Union" (ha) address of our first "100 days":
First of all: Best 103 days of my life so far. Married life is super fun!
Some of the memorable things we've done as husband & wife in these first 103 days (in no particular order) include:
- been to the Dominican Republic
- watched my brother get married
- had our first apple picking adventure
- crashed several neighborhood nights
- watched countless Michigan games (and other sporting events)
- developed a common love for Numb3rs and Flash Forward
- cooked innumerable breakfasts, lunches & dinners together
- thrown our first and last Halloween Party
- hosted several college football parties
- bought a new(er) washer & dryer
- celebrated my 27th birthday
- played in (I watched) numerous Moose Knuckles softball games
- dealt with the loss of a job
- painted a bathroom
- decided to hold off on painting any other rooms for a loooong time
- watched our circle of friends grow, as our personal (pre-married) friends became friends with each other
- bought a big TV for the living room
- completed Todd's M-Den (man cave/basement)
- joined our bank accounts, insurance policies, and all other legal aspects
- started the "when to have a baby" discussions (ok, maybe only I have done this)
- realized that we truly do compliment and complete each other
- fallen further in love with our little Whinnie
- fallen further in love with each other
- furthered not just our love and devotion for each other, but strengthened our friendship
I could go on and on, but this sets a precedence for the next "State of the Union" (ha) address that I will deliver...which probably will be for our 1 year anniversary.
And YES, I know I have to recap the ceremony and reception and honeymoon still. I'm just slow rollin'.
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