It's another one of those posts that you most likely hate to read about on the Internet, as opposed to hearing it from me directly... but I just wanted to bring to your attention, before you checked our online bank statement, that yes, I did in fact, get a manicure & pedicure on my lunch break today.
I feel like you can look at this one of two ways. On the down side, you can say that I'm spending money frivolously and that I should think about our un-born children who will need that $47 (give or take) for food, diapers, and college tuition. But the way I see it, you can perceive it as though I'm keeping myself looking attractive enough that you'll want to help to make those un-born children a reality in the near future.
Looking at it from my point-of-view, it's clearly a win-win situation for both of us.
I suppose instead of thanking you for letting me spend that money, I should be telling you "you're welcome".
So, my wonderful husband, you're welcome for the attractive nails that I bestowed upon myself for a measly $47 (give or take) on my lunch break today.
Your always-loving-and-ever-so-giving-nottomentionbeautiful-wife,
Me
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Murphy's Law
On Saturday I begged Todd to buy new deck furniture.
On Sunday Todd caved and said we could spend a little extra moo-lah and buy the furniture.
On Monday we put Todd's car in the shop for what we thought was going to be a quick (and cheap) fix.
Today we found out that the car is going to cost 1.5 times more than the new deck furniture.
Isn't that the way it always works? Just when you think you have a little extra cash to spend, Murphy whacks you upside the head and drains your savings.
But considering we'd look a little ridiculous trying to drive our new deck furniture up to Michigan on Friday, we're getting the car fixed.
And because we'd look even more ridiculous tailgating in our own driveway whenever we wanted to have a cook-out, we're not returning the furniture either.
Take that, Murph!
On Sunday Todd caved and said we could spend a little extra moo-lah and buy the furniture.
On Monday we put Todd's car in the shop for what we thought was going to be a quick (and cheap) fix.
Today we found out that the car is going to cost 1.5 times more than the new deck furniture.
Isn't that the way it always works? Just when you think you have a little extra cash to spend, Murphy whacks you upside the head and drains your savings.
But considering we'd look a little ridiculous trying to drive our new deck furniture up to Michigan on Friday, we're getting the car fixed.
And because we'd look even more ridiculous tailgating in our own driveway whenever we wanted to have a cook-out, we're not returning the furniture either.
Take that, Murph!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Belly Dancing update
Wednesday marked week 3 of Belly Dancing class. The first two weeks were a lot of basics and familiarizing ourselves with the belly muscles and how to move them. This week, though? Was a work-out!
I found myself fumbling with moves, and sweating way more than I had the first two weeks. (which I attribute any sweating during the first two classes solely to the crowded room. This week there were significantly less people -- as in about 50% less -- and I was sweating 10 times more than before). And the next day my abs were a teeny bit sore. Not painful...but noticeable.
Anyway, I'm slowly learning how to suck my belly button against my spine while gyrating my hips in a "D" formation. I'm sure that's not the lingo that our instructor would prefer we use, but it's the best mental direction I can give myself to do the moves in (what I think is) correct form.
At one point I whispered to Jess that I felt like I needed to "do the moves with my shirt pulled up so I could watch my stomach". She agreed. And then I quickly added "you know, in the comfort of my own home". As in alone. In the dark. She agreed with that, too.
Anyway, next Wednesday will be the last class in the "fundamentals of belly dancing". But have no fear -- I signed up for the following 4 week class, which is more of a "beginners belly dancing" course.
Come Memorial Day I'll be quite versed in the ways of belly dancing. But have no fear -- I have no intentions of performing my moves poolside in a bikini. Belly Dancing aficionado or not...
I found myself fumbling with moves, and sweating way more than I had the first two weeks. (which I attribute any sweating during the first two classes solely to the crowded room. This week there were significantly less people -- as in about 50% less -- and I was sweating 10 times more than before). And the next day my abs were a teeny bit sore. Not painful...but noticeable.
Anyway, I'm slowly learning how to suck my belly button against my spine while gyrating my hips in a "D" formation. I'm sure that's not the lingo that our instructor would prefer we use, but it's the best mental direction I can give myself to do the moves in (what I think is) correct form.
At one point I whispered to Jess that I felt like I needed to "do the moves with my shirt pulled up so I could watch my stomach". She agreed. And then I quickly added "you know, in the comfort of my own home". As in alone. In the dark. She agreed with that, too.
Anyway, next Wednesday will be the last class in the "fundamentals of belly dancing". But have no fear -- I signed up for the following 4 week class, which is more of a "beginners belly dancing" course.
Come Memorial Day I'll be quite versed in the ways of belly dancing. But have no fear -- I have no intentions of performing my moves poolside in a bikini. Belly Dancing aficionado or not...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
More scenes from marriage
While watching TV on Monday evening, a preview for the new "Robin Hood" movie, starring Russell Crowe (swoon...I heart him...I can hear my bf Stef gagging right now) came on the TV.
Naturally, my "all-boy" husband was excited and said "Yes! I definitely want to see that!"
To which I responded, "haven't there been a million Robin Hood movies already?"
Todd, looking slightly offended, but mostly annoyed at my girlishness replied "well really there's only been 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' which was almost 20 years ago, and _______." (insert some other Robin Hood-esque movie which I can't remember what he said because I was quickly losing interest)
And then, as if he knew what the little hamsters on their wheels in my head were discussing, he promptly added: "And no, honey, 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' does not count."
Whatever...that movie totally counts. Not to mention I'm sure it's 100% accurate story-telling of the tale of Robin Hood. And the soundtrack is fantastic.
Naturally, my "all-boy" husband was excited and said "Yes! I definitely want to see that!"
To which I responded, "haven't there been a million Robin Hood movies already?"
Todd, looking slightly offended, but mostly annoyed at my girlishness replied "well really there's only been 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' which was almost 20 years ago, and _______." (insert some other Robin Hood-esque movie which I can't remember what he said because I was quickly losing interest)
And then, as if he knew what the little hamsters on their wheels in my head were discussing, he promptly added: "And no, honey, 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' does not count."
Whatever...that movie totally counts. Not to mention I'm sure it's 100% accurate story-telling of the tale of Robin Hood. And the soundtrack is fantastic.
Something I've never done before
I remember when I was in elementary school, my class went to the US Mint for a field trip. I don't remember what grade I was in, who my teacher was, or any of the details of the trip, except for the fact that for a souvenir I came home with a tiny bag of shredded money. The money was most likely discarded cash that had been taken out of circulation for being so badly worn, torn or damaged. What better way to turn a profit than to charge money, for money, right? I remember telling my brother (though I'm sure he's forgotten this) that I was going to dump out the shredded cash, tape all the pieces together to form real money, and then spend it at Toys R Us. Like I was majorly strapped for cash, or something.
Of course I'm sure 5 minutes later I had forgotten about the teeny Ziploc-baggy of cash and was outside riding my bike, never to look at it again. But thinking back on this memory made me realize that I can't pinpoint a single moment in my life where I have been seriously strapped for cash. I've done my share of making poor decisions with my money, or over drafting my college bank account. But I have never been concerned with scraping together some change or a few bucks, just to make a meal.
Today I had to return an item that I had bought online (sorry hubs!) to Nordstrom's. As I was leaving the Pentagon city mall parking garage, after my item return, I pulled up to the cashier, rolled my window all the way down, and pulled out two single dollar bills from my wallet. I handed the cashier my parking ticket and when she swiped it, the amount showed up $1.50. Instead of just handing her both $1 bills, I quickly grabbed two quarters out of my change purse and paid in exact change. She let up the gate, and with my window still rolled down and my other $1 bill still firmly in my grasp, I pulled out of the garage, into the far left lane to turn on to the highway, and stopped at the red light.
That's when I saw him. The older, bald, black man...walking with a limp and using a cane to support his balance. A black book bag at his feet. He turned around, and in his hand was a sign that read "homeless, and looking for work. please help."
Without thinking, I immediately stuck my hand -- my diamond encrusted wedding band hand -- still with the $1 bill in it, straight out my window and waved it in his direction.
For as long as I live, I will never forget that look -- the smile -- that pulled across this man's face from ear-to-ear, as he hobbled towards my window, still keeping enough distance as to not scare me, and gently took the dollar from my hand while nodding his head thank you over and over again. And then, still without thinking, I said "God Bless You". Words that I have rarely ever used without a preceding sneeze.
And that man? That homeless man. Dirty, tired, and clearly in pain. Smiled even bigger and repeated back to me "God Bless YOU".
With that, the light changed and I sped up the highway. But I couldn't keep my mind off of the exchange that had just taken place.
I have no way of knowing if that man was truly homeless, or if he just panhandled for a day job. I have no way of knowing if that man used the dollar to buy lunch, or to buy booze. But in that moment, I could have cared less. Because while that dollar by itself meant very little to me, to him it meant so much more. I felt oddly free. And my heart felt full.
So maybe my heart was still reeling from the effects of watching "Idol Gives Back" last night...and maybe Carrie Underwood's "36 cents" was still humming in my ears. But even if it was only 100 pennies worth, I had helped to make that man's day. I gave back to a stranger, without once thinking about the consequences of my action. And that's something I've never done before.
But it's something I will do again.
Of course I'm sure 5 minutes later I had forgotten about the teeny Ziploc-baggy of cash and was outside riding my bike, never to look at it again. But thinking back on this memory made me realize that I can't pinpoint a single moment in my life where I have been seriously strapped for cash. I've done my share of making poor decisions with my money, or over drafting my college bank account. But I have never been concerned with scraping together some change or a few bucks, just to make a meal.
Today I had to return an item that I had bought online (sorry hubs!) to Nordstrom's. As I was leaving the Pentagon city mall parking garage, after my item return, I pulled up to the cashier, rolled my window all the way down, and pulled out two single dollar bills from my wallet. I handed the cashier my parking ticket and when she swiped it, the amount showed up $1.50. Instead of just handing her both $1 bills, I quickly grabbed two quarters out of my change purse and paid in exact change. She let up the gate, and with my window still rolled down and my other $1 bill still firmly in my grasp, I pulled out of the garage, into the far left lane to turn on to the highway, and stopped at the red light.
That's when I saw him. The older, bald, black man...walking with a limp and using a cane to support his balance. A black book bag at his feet. He turned around, and in his hand was a sign that read "homeless, and looking for work. please help."
Without thinking, I immediately stuck my hand -- my diamond encrusted wedding band hand -- still with the $1 bill in it, straight out my window and waved it in his direction.
For as long as I live, I will never forget that look -- the smile -- that pulled across this man's face from ear-to-ear, as he hobbled towards my window, still keeping enough distance as to not scare me, and gently took the dollar from my hand while nodding his head thank you over and over again. And then, still without thinking, I said "God Bless You". Words that I have rarely ever used without a preceding sneeze.
And that man? That homeless man. Dirty, tired, and clearly in pain. Smiled even bigger and repeated back to me "God Bless YOU".
With that, the light changed and I sped up the highway. But I couldn't keep my mind off of the exchange that had just taken place.
I have no way of knowing if that man was truly homeless, or if he just panhandled for a day job. I have no way of knowing if that man used the dollar to buy lunch, or to buy booze. But in that moment, I could have cared less. Because while that dollar by itself meant very little to me, to him it meant so much more. I felt oddly free. And my heart felt full.
So maybe my heart was still reeling from the effects of watching "Idol Gives Back" last night...and maybe Carrie Underwood's "36 cents" was still humming in my ears. But even if it was only 100 pennies worth, I had helped to make that man's day. I gave back to a stranger, without once thinking about the consequences of my action. And that's something I've never done before.
But it's something I will do again.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Scenes from Marriage...
Todd has worked every night this week at the restaurant, thus putting him back home around 11:00 or 12:00 every night.
Last night, after he got home, we went straight up to bed.
But I had a lot of stuff to talk to him about, since I hadn't seen him for more than 10-15 minutes (awake) all week.
So we climbed into bed, and although the lights were out, I proceeded to rapid fire questions, statements, quips, and stories in his direction.
He responded with a few "mmm hmm's", a couple of muted "ha's" and a few grunts, before I realized he was exhausted and quickly falling asleep in the middle of my ranting.
I said "honey, are you listening to me?"
and he groggily grumbled "let's talk about all of this when we have 10 minutes to sit down and talk".
so I tossed my hands in the air and loudly exclaimed "but this IS our 10 minutes to talk!" and then continued to ramble on about how with him working every night, I save up everything I need/want/have to tell him, and by the time he gets home, I'm bursting at the seams to get it all out. Well, before I could finish that statement?...
...he fell asleep.
Needless to say, we still have a lot to talk about. Maybe I'll give it a try again tonight. But this time I'll leave the lights on!
Last night, after he got home, we went straight up to bed.
But I had a lot of stuff to talk to him about, since I hadn't seen him for more than 10-15 minutes (awake) all week.
So we climbed into bed, and although the lights were out, I proceeded to rapid fire questions, statements, quips, and stories in his direction.
He responded with a few "mmm hmm's", a couple of muted "ha's" and a few grunts, before I realized he was exhausted and quickly falling asleep in the middle of my ranting.
I said "honey, are you listening to me?"
and he groggily grumbled "let's talk about all of this when we have 10 minutes to sit down and talk".
so I tossed my hands in the air and loudly exclaimed "but this IS our 10 minutes to talk!" and then continued to ramble on about how with him working every night, I save up everything I need/want/have to tell him, and by the time he gets home, I'm bursting at the seams to get it all out. Well, before I could finish that statement?...
...he fell asleep.
Needless to say, we still have a lot to talk about. Maybe I'll give it a try again tonight. But this time I'll leave the lights on!
Friday, April 9, 2010
I don't think you're ready...for this belly...
Channeling my inner Beyonce to pay homage to the fact that I participated in a belly dancing class this past Wednesday evening. Yes -- modest Melissa, stepped outside the box. I was a teeny bit hesitant, as I was fearful we might have to wear mid-drift shirts for the experience (I'm the girl that puts her sports bra on OVER her regular bra before pulling said regular bra out the side...all while changing the women's locker room)...but fortunately that wasn't the case.
Moving on...
I'm a member of Groupon -- seriously fantastic website btw...(Side story: back in December I got Rockette's tickets for my mom and I -- two for the price of one. Todd stood in the freezing cold in a line of a bazillion people for 2 hours to pick up the tickets for me and, of course, it ended up snowing the day before the show. And didn't stop until mid-February. Thus, they cancelled the show, we got our money refunded, and I still have never seen the Christmas Spectacular that is the Rockette's. But this has nothing to do with this post, other than to say Groupon is great. As is my husband.)
WELL -- Imagine my surprise when a few weeks back, I noticed on Jess' blog that she had signed up for belly dancing. So I called and said "I want in!" and she said, sign up on Groupon! Apparently my trigger-happy typing fingers had deleted the Groupon email earlier that day without a second look. That, or my subconscious knew that there was no way I would sign up for a belly dancing class on my own accord, without knowing that at least 3 people I know were planning to sign up as well. And, low and behold, Jess said 3 other girls from downstairs were signing up. Thus, I jumped on the bandwagon.
I have no idea what I was expecting the class to be like. The only belly dancing encounter I have ever had was at Jamie & Ameer's wedding, when they were announced into their reception following a kick-ass belly dancer in an awesome green dress who could swirl her mid section like she was born without bones and was made of jell-o. Best reception entrance I've seen to date.
Well...apparently there's a lot more to belly dancing than just twirling your hands and aimlessly gyrating your hips. For starters, because belly dancing is an ancient ritual dating back to the time of dinosaurs (clearly I wasn't paying attention during the history lesson), there are no real "words" for the moves. So our instructor used modern-day lingo to get us into our positions.
Let me preface by saying I'm obsessed (in a totally non-stalker sort of way) with our instructor. She is graceful and rhythmic, loud and boisterous, well-spoken, easy to understand, a mother of a 3 year old with an amazing body, and she can shake her hips in a way that puts Shakira to shame. And her name is Saphira to boot. Seriously, awesome. (After we left class Jess said "I want to be her best friend". Yeah, I agree.)
So Saphira positioned us all into lines, and started the instructions. We did some belly swirling & twirling, a lot of "closing the car door" with our hips, and some "back-open-front-touch" (which was a glorified cross-over side step motion) all while "holding our baby butterflies ever so gently, and resting them on our bar stools, just inside of our peripheral vision.
Sound complicated? It really wasn't. BUT, it was tough. I like to think I have enough "junk-in-the-trunk" to suffice for a belly/booty shaking contest. But belly dancing is all about controlling your weight shift. Which I was not very capable of. After about 30 minutes of the class, I looked at Monica to my left and said "I have a cramp in my chest". She said "you're probably doing it wrong". And then she said "my hip and my knee really hurt!" So I told her she was probably doing it wrong too. Ahh, I love our honesty with each other.
Regardless, when the whole class was over, we all could feel a little tightness in our abs. Which I took to mean that at some point, we all did something correctly.
All-in-all, I loved it. It was a fun new form of exercise. Though, I don't think I can really count it as a daily work-out until I figure out how to move my hips like Shakira...I mean, Saphira.
One thing's for sure though. We look pretty sweet in the free hip scarves they gave out just for signing up. And I'm really looking forward to next week.
Moving on...
I'm a member of Groupon -- seriously fantastic website btw...(Side story: back in December I got Rockette's tickets for my mom and I -- two for the price of one. Todd stood in the freezing cold in a line of a bazillion people for 2 hours to pick up the tickets for me and, of course, it ended up snowing the day before the show. And didn't stop until mid-February. Thus, they cancelled the show, we got our money refunded, and I still have never seen the Christmas Spectacular that is the Rockette's. But this has nothing to do with this post, other than to say Groupon is great. As is my husband.)
WELL -- Imagine my surprise when a few weeks back, I noticed on Jess' blog that she had signed up for belly dancing. So I called and said "I want in!" and she said, sign up on Groupon! Apparently my trigger-happy typing fingers had deleted the Groupon email earlier that day without a second look. That, or my subconscious knew that there was no way I would sign up for a belly dancing class on my own accord, without knowing that at least 3 people I know were planning to sign up as well. And, low and behold, Jess said 3 other girls from downstairs were signing up. Thus, I jumped on the bandwagon.
I have no idea what I was expecting the class to be like. The only belly dancing encounter I have ever had was at Jamie & Ameer's wedding, when they were announced into their reception following a kick-ass belly dancer in an awesome green dress who could swirl her mid section like she was born without bones and was made of jell-o. Best reception entrance I've seen to date.
Well...apparently there's a lot more to belly dancing than just twirling your hands and aimlessly gyrating your hips. For starters, because belly dancing is an ancient ritual dating back to the time of dinosaurs (clearly I wasn't paying attention during the history lesson), there are no real "words" for the moves. So our instructor used modern-day lingo to get us into our positions.
Let me preface by saying I'm obsessed (in a totally non-stalker sort of way) with our instructor. She is graceful and rhythmic, loud and boisterous, well-spoken, easy to understand, a mother of a 3 year old with an amazing body, and she can shake her hips in a way that puts Shakira to shame. And her name is Saphira to boot. Seriously, awesome. (After we left class Jess said "I want to be her best friend". Yeah, I agree.)
So Saphira positioned us all into lines, and started the instructions. We did some belly swirling & twirling, a lot of "closing the car door" with our hips, and some "back-open-front-touch" (which was a glorified cross-over side step motion) all while "holding our baby butterflies ever so gently, and resting them on our bar stools, just inside of our peripheral vision.
Sound complicated? It really wasn't. BUT, it was tough. I like to think I have enough "junk-in-the-trunk" to suffice for a belly/booty shaking contest. But belly dancing is all about controlling your weight shift. Which I was not very capable of. After about 30 minutes of the class, I looked at Monica to my left and said "I have a cramp in my chest". She said "you're probably doing it wrong". And then she said "my hip and my knee really hurt!" So I told her she was probably doing it wrong too. Ahh, I love our honesty with each other.
Regardless, when the whole class was over, we all could feel a little tightness in our abs. Which I took to mean that at some point, we all did something correctly.
All-in-all, I loved it. It was a fun new form of exercise. Though, I don't think I can really count it as a daily work-out until I figure out how to move my hips like Shakira...I mean, Saphira.
One thing's for sure though. We look pretty sweet in the free hip scarves they gave out just for signing up. And I'm really looking forward to next week.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
More Scenes from 395
Traffic was back to a halt this morning (well this week...but today was particularly slow) now that Spring Break is over.
So, back to my old habits, I rode in the left hand lane and inspected the debris on the side of 395. I didn't see as many exciting things as the last time, but I did see two real gems.
1. A small rawhide dog bone. 
Like a dingo bone (if you're familiar). The same small size that we give Whinnie. Completely un-gnawed upon. No bite marks. Very dirty of course, from being on the highway. I feel bad for the poor dog that was bribed into the car (although I don't know a single dog that DOESN'T enjoy a good car ride) with a fresh rawhide, and no sooner had it's owner rolled down the windows for a good doggy-oxygen-high, than the poor pup dropped his bone right out the window. I bet he later got scolded for devouring said bone so quickly. When in reality, he never even got a taste. Heart-breaking.
Like a dingo bone (if you're familiar). The same small size that we give Whinnie. Completely un-gnawed upon. No bite marks. Very dirty of course, from being on the highway. I feel bad for the poor dog that was bribed into the car (although I don't know a single dog that DOESN'T enjoy a good car ride) with a fresh rawhide, and no sooner had it's owner rolled down the windows for a good doggy-oxygen-high, than the poor pup dropped his bone right out the window. I bet he later got scolded for devouring said bone so quickly. When in reality, he never even got a taste. Heart-breaking.and this little beaut...
2. A glass salt shaker with a metal top. Just like this one:
only this one was empty. So it's possible it was once a pepper shaker. Or even a cute little cinnamon or nutmeg shaker (a la Starbucks "condiments" center). Regardless, the most fascinating fact was that it was fully intact. Fully recognizable. It may have been cracked somewhere, but that wasn't in my line of sight, and I knew from the full shape, exactly what it was. But I'm baffled by how the shaker came to be on 395. IF by some weird off chance, someone was in fact a-salting (get it? ha) their food while driving, and then decided to toss the shaker out the window, how is it possible it did not break? My experience with glass hitting pavement is insta-shatter. Perhaps someones car overheated on 395, and in a rush to grab all things important in their vehicle before it burst into flames, their beloved salt shaker fell from their grasp (a short drop) and rolled into the median. Panic would definitely have stopped me from seeing such a travesty. Fortunately those salt shakers cost about $2 at any home-goods store. Or for the more frugal, one can be "borrowed" from a local Denny's, free-o-charge.
I love creating mindless scenarios about people and their products.
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