Today so far...

The day sucks: barry and I started to argue about $$. He doesn’t understand that vacations aren’t a necesesity. Just because it’s “cheap” doesn’t mean we can afford it. My mortgage is assessing flood insurance because their dumbasses can’t seem to maintain a current policy that I have with my rental condo, so I’ve had to call 8 numbers just to find someone that can email me a damn policy so I don’t have to pay for outrageously expensive, totally unnecessary flood coverage.

It's only 9:30... I have a wedding to go to this afternoon, so hopefully it'll get better. :P

Merry Christmas!

Today went by way too fast. We got to my sister's just before 1 and watched the kids open their presents. I ran out of boxes for the boys, so i put one of Ashton's Tshirts in a Wheat Thins box. When he opened it, he had this confused look on his face like, uh, whatever. he kinda just tossed it aside to get the next gift. it was funny. When we told him to open the box he was like OOOO SWEEEET! (Spiderman tshirt). The kids are so cute opening their gifts. So many "COOOOOOL!!"s before they even realized what it was (like pillow cases and sheets -oooooo.)

Then it was the adults turn to open presents. Barry this morning was like "What's open today?" ("CVS I think") "What can I get my wife at CVS for Christmas?" ("Jerk.") All week he's been playing it up that he had no idea what to get me and was strongly implying that i didn't get anything under the tree today. Well after everyone had opened their presents out comes a gift from my husband! YAY! He went out with Nichole and she helped him pick out a leather jacket that I've been talking about for a while. YAY!!!! He was so proud of himself for deceiving me all this time.

The rest of the day was just eating and relaxing with family. we played a game of balderdash and went on a drive and looked at Christmas lights. The boys the whole time were just rowdy with sugar and new toys. At one point we see all three of them sneaking through the dark hallway with their new headlamps. As they turn the bend and go through some adults, Ashton, quite loudly, states: "SHHH! We're SNEAKING!" Oh, OK. got it. :)

Before we know it it's after 8:00. I have to work in the morning and we have a decent drive home, so we say goodbye and headout.

Christmas is just so much better with kids and loved ones. I am so grateful to have such wonderful people that i call family.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

The Wedding

The wedding was crazy, by the way. it was supposed to start at 1:00, on the beach, with the reception at the beach pavillion following. The weather forcast all week was to have beautiful weather today, with no chance of rain. We wake up this morning to just a crappy day. Misty and windy, overcast and cold. SOOOO, by the time barry and i get to st. augustine beach, the plans changed 4 or so times. We drove back and forth from hotel to condo to hotel trying to figure out where things were happening and to find a place for barry to get ready. They ended up having the wedding in the pavillion, and by the power of the gods above and below, got a hall at the Hampton Inn at 10:00am this morning. I can imagine how that conversation went. "Hello? I'd like to book your hall for a wedding reception." "Sure, what date did you have in mind?" "Right now, please." "Uhhh.... ok. That'll be a gazillion dollars."

So the wedding itself was beautiful, but cold and delayed, which made it feel colder. The reception was cramped, but cozy and very fun. Just a casual party with a beautiful couple. I'll post a pic on here when i've more sleep and am more alert. It was a full day and when we were drivng home, barry and i were comlaining on how tired we were. i asked what time it was and he said 6:30! geez...

So my advice for the day is: Don't have a beach wedding in december.

A Quick Jaunt to the Emergency Room

This weekend one of our best friends got married and Barry was a groomsman. So last night we are at the rehearsal dinner near the beach. It's cold and windy and the preacher forgot, so we are waiting 3 hours for him to get to the beach. What else to do? but drink! Wine and beer a-plenty was flowin' to warm our bodies. They had Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, which i thought i remember having before and loving it! I even give Barry a sip and say Mmmmm! isn't is good? After just one glass i was feeling pretty loopy, since i hadn't had lunch that day. And then they brought out some nuts to snack on until dinner was ready. So I'm chomping on nuts and sipping my wine. Feeling good and visiting friends. Until i start getting these bug bites. And me, of course, starts complaining about the bugs and why i didn't see them. Is no one else getting bitten? Oh, my drink is empty! Another glass? SURE! Well, my grandpa did say i was "Mandi Pandy, Sweet as Candy". The bugs always liked me more anyway. Hm. Dinner starts. Another glass is poured. I'm scratching away on my legs and feet and right under my wedding ring. I start complaining to Barry. Barry, I'm DYING. They're killing me. Barry says to "stop scratching, you look like a heroin addict." But i can't help it! I go to the bathroom to look at my legs and i FREAK OUT. i have "bug bites" more than i have leg skin. It looked like cottage cheese on my thighs, but red and splotchy. I go back and I'm like, uh, Barry, i think we need to go to the hospital. Only now do they say, oh you could have hives. It starts on my stomach and back, and on my chest and arms. THEN i get nervous and my chest starts feeling tight and my throat feels like it's closing in. No good. It's my best friends wedding weekend, and here i am having an allergic reaction to something. poo. So Barry finds out where the closest hospital is and off we go. We get to the hospital at 7:15 and we were seen at like 7:25. They don't mess with throats closing in, i guess. After a quick cocktail of benadril, zantac, and salu-trol something or other, we're back to the party by 9:00! My husband called me a soldier. Hard core partier. :)

But no more Chateau St. Michelle for me. Sucks, 'cause it was SO GOOD!

Don't Look The Gift Horse In The Mouth

Ok ya'll, don't freak out. I'm BLOGGING. It's 11:24. I'm at work. And I'm blogging. On blogger. YESSSSSS. I don't know how long this will last before my IT guy realizes that i can see this, but I'm not gonna tell anyone! I did happen to mention to him that it upset me that took it away from me. I wonder if he felt sorry for me. OH WELL!

(Now I'm never going to get work done...)

Damn the Man

I got word today that i didn't get the position. I'm kinda hot about it, not because i didn't get it, but because i know people more qualified posted for it, and the person that got it may or may not have been the best choice. C'est la vie. There was no interview with the CEO, they just made the decision without all that hoopla bull. If they already knew who was going to get it though, why bother even putting everyone else though the interview process... :P OH well. I have a meeting with my Retail Manager on Monday, so maybe I'll get more insight then. Til then, I'll stay hot about it.

Updates

Not being able to post at work has seriously diminished my posts. So here's an update on things that have happened in the last month:

• My Grandma is getting better. She was out of the hospital and even came home from the nursing home for a few hours on Thanksgiving. She is back at the hospital now, but the thought of hospice is far from everyone's mind - even the doctor is optimistic. She is just getting old, and even though she's almost 80, it's hard to accept.
• There is an opening at the Branch 2 miles from the house and I posted for it. It was a tough decision because I absolutely love where i work. My current office is the "Golden Child" because our numbers are always awesome. Not to mention that I love the people i work with. It will be sad to not see them everyday if i get this position. However, I will be, like i said, 2 miles from my house, saving me 30 miles a day in gas. That's a hefty savings at $3.05/gallon. I already interviewed with the Market Manager and Retail Manager and if i am in the top 2 (4 people posted) I'll interview with our CEO. Hopefully I'll know in about a week.
• I paid off my car and got the title! I officially own my Civic!! WOOHOO!!!! This is awesome!!!
• However, that excitement is quickly dwindled because my car payment is replaced by our home owner's dues. DR Horton paid for the first year. our HO Dues are more than my car payment. seriously. it sucks. Condos are cool because there's no yard work, but it's SOOO not worth it. I could pay a lawn guy less. eh.
• Barry's brother came to visit last weekend and we went shooting. I shot a couple of .40's, a .45 and a 9mm. The 9mm was my favorite, if i could have a favorite. I'm a TERRIBLE shot. TERRIBLE.
• Barry is out in Denver this weekend, snowboarding and visiting Shawn, his best friend that moved out there in Sept. I was invited to the Jaguar game with a guy Nichole and I met at our last Jag game adventure. My husband gave me permission to go on a date with another man! HA! What actually happened was he invited both of us, but Barry'll be in Denver. SOOOO Nichole and I get to go instead! GO JAGUARS!!

I think that's it for now. Late Happy Thanksgiving to all! Happy Hanukkah, and if i don't get back on here, Merry Christmas!

Barry Elfington

BUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9551486138

MySpace Blog

Sooo, since i haven't figured out how to privatize this blog, i posted one on my myspace for 'preferred users only'. Angelle, Eric, and Laurie, you're welcome to check it out if you'd like. :)

My Page

Just Ridiculous...

Soooo... get this: I can log in, open my dashboard, and even go through my settings and compose blogs. It even lets me publish! As soon as i try and view my blog, or anyone else's, for that matter, I get the same familiar words...

Access Denied.

Its taunting me, i know it.

I think my IT guy is busting a gut right now.

"Access Denied."

I hate those words. Anything semi-interesting that i like to look up online at work usually ends quickly when i see those words. Sure, no porn for me at work. I get it. No MySpace? OK, i can live with that. But then they took away YouTube, Online radio, any streaming audio or video for that matter, and even Victoria Secret.com. (I guess cause it has boobies on it.)
Yet I can look up "micro penis" and i get full pictures of peckers of all sizes.

My one Saving Grace was blogger. Blogger kept me entertained when all other websites failed. But, alas, Internet Nanny has found me out. When i got an email from Angelle saying that she left a comment on my page, I clicked on my blog. You can just guess what wonderful surprise i got instead.

Access. Denied.

So now i am reduced to using my home computer to blog. I apologize in advance if my posts start to become more scarce.

Random Cool Grandma Picture

Story Behind the Picture:


Many, many years ago, around Christmas time, my father and I got into a duel of sorts with the used cardboard tubes left over from Christmas wrapping paper. Since that fateful day, and learning of the not-so-sturdiness of cardboard tubes, my father decided to collect cardboard tubes for a re-match, if such a day should arise.

That day came last February, when my Grandparents were in town for their 59th wedding anniversary. The whole family was at the house and dad pulls out DOZENS of tubes.

And hence, the beatings began. It was about 13 minutes of hilarity, watching the whole family, ranging from 2 to 78 years old, go crazy with cardboard tubes until there was nothing left of the tubes but unraveled cardboard.

Ok, here are some more pictures:

Braydon, being adorable as usual.


Getting ready for the slaughter.

Eric King!

Hey all! most of my blog readers know Eric, so i wanted to let you all know that he has decided to jump on the bandwagon and creat a blog! So please, add him to your links and show some love. :)

bearic.blogspot.com

My Grandma.

If you know her, you are a happier person because she is in your life. Her laugh will brighten your day and her hugs warm your heart.

I absolutely love her.

And she's dying.

She battled and won lung cancer last year. As she was weakened by chemo and radiation, she fell horribly down a full flight of stairs and survived to dance at my wedding less than a year later.

After finding cancer on her brain, she was able to strengthen herself for brain surgery and demolish any trace of it. But they wanted to do radiation, 'just in case.'

And now, she is shutting down. Since finding the tennis ball-sized tumor in her brain, she's been up and down so many times, i've lost count. It's been the worst roller coaster for us. I can't imagine what it's been like for her. Now she can barely talk, can't walk and can't stop swelling up without steroids being pumped throughout her weak body. Everytime she gets well enough to go from the hosiptal to the nursing home (for therapy) and they think she's ready to go home, something else shuts down. Last night she was back to the hospital for stomach pain and now has a bladder infection. Once that's under control, it's back to the nursing home.

Hospice is now being talked about. If hospice is brought in, there's no more medicine except for pain and no more hospital visits. Her body will just have to shut down.

I know it's inevitable. She can't be around forever. But why not? Why can't she give me one more hug? Why can't I spend one more night at Grandma's house and wake up to the smell of her amazing scrambled eggs and cheese lofting from up the 65 year old staircase? What i wouldn't give for her to take my money in one more card game of 13-Wild.

Now i'm wondering: Should i try and fly up there one more time to see her alive? to truly say goodbye, knowing that this time is the last time? Or should i remember the last time i saw her: At my wedding, where she was strong and smiling and happy? I don't want to be selfish.

I want her to know how much I LOVE her. How much I will MISS her. I want her to know how much she has made my life that much more wonderful.

Tagged by Angelle

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

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

1. I always think of the right thing to say after the conversation is over. By that time, it's too late or just silly to bring it up again. It ticks me off every time.

2. I can't stand confrontation. My heart starts puttering if someone honks at me in traffic. I really wish i could be more assertive and argue better. (Barry seems to win almost every discussion we have.)

3. I once took a picture of myself in a bubble bath for Barry. I tried to make it look all American Beauty with the bubbles. It didn't turn out quite like Mena Suvari. The picture ended up torn and in the trash.

4. Barry and I use 'natural family planning' by using the Creighton Model. In doing so, we found out that I have PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It means my body doesn't ovulate, or ovulates very irregularly. Even if i we wanted to get pregnant right now we probably wouldn't be able to. I'm taking Metformin to try and help regulate me. I haven't noticed any difference, but it's not quite been a month on the meds.

5. I'm horrible at keeping secrets. I have one right now though that Barry doesn't even know about that a friend of ours told me. It's a big one and I have vowed to not eff this one up.

6. I want to have a baby and Barry doesn't (right now). I want to be pregnant and then I want to hold him or her in my arms and know that Barry and I created them. I am terrified that it will happen and we wouldn't be able to afford them.


Ok, since i don't know have many Blogger's Friends, I'm only going to Tag Rhiannon and Mike. Angelle tagged the other blogger friends of mine. I'm also going to tag Eric King, even though he doesn't have a blog - maybe this will get him to start one.

1977 JC Penney Catalog

Oh my. I recieved this as an email forward today. Which it looks like someone stole from a blog. So here is a blog, stolen from an email, stolen from a blog. Enjoy.

Last weekend I put an exhaust fan in the ceiling for my wife's grandfather. While my wife's brother and I were fitting the fan in between the joists, we found something under the insulation. What we found was this:

A JC Penney catalog from 1977. It's not often blog fodder just falls in my lap, but holy hell this was two solid inches of it, right there for the taking. I thumbed through it quickly and found my next dining room set, which is apparently made by adding upholstery to old barrels:

Also, I am totally getting this for my bathroom:

There's plenty more home furnishings where those came from, however I'm not going to bore you with that. Instead, I'm going to bore you with something else. The clothes. The clothes are fantastic .

Here's how to get your ass kicked in elementary school:

Just look at that belt. It's like a boob-job for your pants. He probably needed help just to lift it into place. The belt loops have to be three inches long. And way to pull them up to your armpits, grandpa.

Here's how to get your ass kicked in high school:

This kid looks like he's pretending to be David Soul, who is pretending to be a cop who is pretending to be a pimp that everyone knows is really an undercover cop. Who is pretending to be 15.

Here's how to get your ass kicked on the golf course:

This 'all purpose jumpsuit' is, according to the description, equally appropriate for playing golf or simply relaxing around the house. Personally, I can't see wearing this unless you happen to be relaxing around your cell in D-block . Even then, the only reason you should put this thing on is because the warden made you, and as a one-piece, it's slightly more effective as a deterrent against “man love”.

Here's how to get your ass kicked pretty much anywhere:

If you look at that picture quickly, it looks like Mr. Bob 'No-pants' Saget has his hand in the other guy's pocket. In this case, he doesn't, although you can tell just by looking at them that it's happened - or if it hasn't happened it will. Oh yes. It will. As soon as he puts down his matching coffee cup.

Here's how to get your ass kicked at the beach:

He looks like he's reaching for a gun, but you know it's probably just a bottle of suntan lotion in a holster.

How to get your ass kicked in a meeting:

If you wear this suit and don't sell used cars for a living, I believe you can be fined and face serious repercussions, up to and including termination. Or imprisonment, in which case you'd be forced to wear that orange jumpsuit.

How to get your ass kicked on every day up to and including St. Patrick's Day:

Dear god in heaven, I don't believe that color exists in nature. There is NO excuse for wearing either of these ensembles unless you're working as a body guard for the Lucky Charms leprechaun.

In this next one, Your Search For VALUE Ends at Penneys:

As does your search for chest hair.

And this -- Seriously. No words.

Oh wait, it turns out that there are words after all. Those words are What. The. Heck? I'm guessing the snap front gives you quick access to the chest hair. The little tie must be the pull tab.

Also, judging by the sheer amount of matching his/hers outfits, I'm guessing that in 1977 it was considered pretty stylish for couples to dress alike. These couples look happy, don't they?

I am especially fond of this one, which I have entitled 'Cowboy Chachi Loves You Best.'

And nothing showcases your everlasting love more than the commitment of matching bathing suits.

That, and a blonde girl with a look on her face that says 'I love the way your junk fights against that fabric.'

Then, after the lovin', you can relax in your one-piece matching terry cloth jumpsuits:

I could go on, but I'm tired, and my eyes hurt from this trip back in time. I think it's the colors. That said, I will leave you with these tasteful little numbers:

Man, that's sexy.

Miss Mandi Homemaker

Go me. I cooked dinner last night! Barry does about 99 percent of the cooking in our household. If it wasn't for him, my diet would consist of mac and cheese and tostino's pizza. But for whatever reason i decided that i would throw together chicken parm. SOOOO, i bought the cans of tomato puree and created the sauce - no Prego for my baby! I spiced and diced and let that simmer. Then I sliced (cutlet style), breaded, and lightly pan-fried the chicken breasts in olive oil, topped them with an italian six-cheese blend (yay Publix) and finished it off in the oven. I even made garlic bread. I plated it and served it to my wonderful husband, who was sitting on the couch watching TV (my usual position while he cooked and served to me). The best part about it: It tasted GOOD!

WOOHOO!

That'll keep me good for another couple of months until i get the itch again. Thank God for Cook-y Husbands. :)

Andrew the Amiable

The family went to my sister's on saturday for a get together. They had Andrew for the weekend (Christy's stepson) and i could just eat him up, he's so sweet.

We were watching the Gator game when Andrew comes up to me with a DVD. Killer Klowns From Outer Space i think is what it was called.

Andrew: Aunt Mandi, do you wanna watch it? Its really scary!

Aunt Mandi: Nah, no thanks buddy.

Andrew: It's ok. It is scary, but i'll hold you.

Thank you, Sir Andrew. :) He's such a doll.

New Neice?

SOOO I have this friend, we'll call him Frank. My friend has 2 beautiful girls that Barry and I call our nieces. Their mother is not in the picture because she's a crack whore biotch. You know you're worthless when are the mother and you lose full custody. She wasn't even granted supervised visits. Worthless. Except that she produced my two beautiful neices. But i don't think she had to do much for that.

OOPS! This was supposed to be about my new neice.

Ok, So, to make a long story short, my friend "Frank" is now in a relationship called a "V". He started dating a woman who is married, but she and her husband are swingers and the husband knew about it all along. Infact, they hung out all the time, together. She's the tip of the V. Get it? Well, things ended up getting serious, and they are all now living under one roof. Frank, my 2 neices, the husband and wife, and their 3 children. And then we get the news about 7 months ago that Wife is pregnant. With Frank's baby. (Husband is fixed).

OH, LORD.

On October 25th, New Niece is born. She's beautiful and alert and perfect in any way a newborn can be. She's Frank's, just like my 2 other neices are. I'm going to love her just like her older sisters.

Here's the thing. I absolutely adore New Niece's Sisters. Since they've had a crack whore biotch of a mom most of their lives (or no mom at all), Barry and I have been there as much as possible. We have them spend the night and take them places when we can. But now there are 6 of them. SIX. Are we obligated to show the others the same affection? Do i have to invite all 6 of them to spend the night? Do i have to buy 6 Christmas presents? Our wallets can't afford it. I don't know if my heart can afford it. Am i being selfish that i am afraid to get close to the other kids?

And now, there's New Niece, tying this briar patch of a family tree together for life.

It's just a strange situation, as you can agree...

Any advice?

Braydon's Infectious Smile

Here are some pictures of my nephew from our church's bazaar last weekend:

When the Cat's Away

...the mouse is lonely. :(

Barry went camping and climbing this weekend with Dave and Jen, but because i had prior commitments i couldn't go. They left Friday and will be home tomorrow night. It wasn't so bad this weekend because i was so busy, but today i feel mopey and sad. I'm sure our overcast crappy weather isn't helping my mood; I just want him home. And then, of course, my cats aren't helping. I can't imagine how Laurie does it with kids. This morning was a disaster. i don't know if they miss their daddy or if they didn't like the new litter box, but i woke up to 3 puddles of cat pee in the bathroom. at least it was on the tile. They say that if you are around a smell for more than a few minutes or so, you don't smell it anymore unless you leave and come back into the room. NOT SO with cat pee. My shower this morning was not a pleasant experience. All i could smell was cat pee.

I wonder if i peed on the tile i would feel better about Barry...

Public Service Announcement

Hey all!! There was something in our local paper recently about unclaimed money. A woman in a small county in Florida received about $20,000 in an unclaimed something-or-other her late husband had that she didn’t know about.

SOOOO, I’ve decided to tell my friends and family that, YOU TOO, could be the owner of money that you never knew about! I, unfortunately, did not win. But maybe you’ll have more luck!

The link below is a portal to ALL the state’s unclaimed property websites. Good luck and HAPPY HUNTING!

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR MOOLAH!

P.S. There will be a small finder’s fee to anyone who finds money as a direct result of this email. (Just kidding!)

Ashton, The Parliamentarian

Last night at dinner, Ashton and Braydon were already done eating when Denise just sat down with her plate. Braydon gave her one of his toys to hold. Ashton saw Denise with the toy and quickly said,

"Mommy, you can't play with toys until you finish your dinner!"

I wonder if he's heard that before?

Boob Shelf

My new kitty Hiro seems to have found the perfect place to lay down and relax: On my Boob Shelf. Nice. I'm glad their comfortable, Bud. It's a good thing i like you. :) Nah, who am i kidding? I love it, especially when he's all purr-y. So cute.

When i was in HS i started to write a book called "101 Uses for Big Breasts" I guess i could add one more to the list: Kitty Cuddler.

Here's a picture of Takari and Hiro meeting:

PS I just Pulled another Laurie! that's 5!

Mandi aka Laurie Blogger

Ok, so i guess i'm a bloggin' fool today! Count 'em, 4 blogs today. GO me. I feel like Laurie. :) Now if someone would comment on them, that would make me happy. Anyway, I really DO do stuff at work. Today just happens to be a bit slow. And plus, I’m a great multitasker. I found this website through blog lurking on a friend blogger’s blog:

http://www.jesusoftheweek.com/

Enjoy a chuckle with me today!

Witnessing Heartbreak

Let me tell you how we aquired Hiro. My sister called me yesterday to ask me if i knew anyone who wanted a kitten. They got one on Saturday and Braydon is already hacking & coughing. Also, Braydon is just too little to understand how to handle him and is tossing and kicking the poor little guy. So i get the phone call. The only issue is: Ashton is already in love with Hiro and Denise hasn't yet told him that he's going away. So last night I walk into the room with Ashton's face buried into Denise's lap. He's completely heartbroken. It was so sad. I've never seen him cry like this before. He wasn't mad, or hurt. And he cried for a long time. Even after he had calmed down, he walked back into where i was with Hiro and sat a good distance from us, just huffing and staring at this creature that would've been his best friend. I told him he could come by anytime and visit. "Can I go to Aunt Mandi's house when we leave here?" No, it's a school night hun. "Can I go to Aunt Mandi's house tomorrow?" We'll see. How about this weekend? "Ok..." he says, defeated. Poor guy.

Our Family is Growing!

Barry and I.... have an addition! It's a boy!! A boy kitty, that is! HA... Our family has grown to one more. Meet: Hiro Nakamura! (Hiro for short) He's not quite 8 weeks old, all gray with gray eyes. His big brothers are still getting used to him, and Harley's being a big pussy. ha. He doesn't realize that he is literally 15 times his weight. Anytime Hiro gets close, Harley hisses at him and runs into the other room.

More pictures to follow with his brothers!

Visit with the Gallers

We went to Orlando this weekend to visit the Gallers and meet Erin. We had a great time! We walk in the their villa on saturday night to the sounds of Mike and Jason screaming at the TV about the Gator game. It was good to see Angelle and Mike's parents and the Konicki's and Megan and Erica also, even though it was just for a shore while. (Too bad the Gators lost.)
I just can't believe how much Leah talks! It's hard to believe that Leah and Braydon are so close in age. Braydon is still wearing 6-12 month pants and 12-18 month tops. And his vocabulary is still very limited. Leah, on the other hand, seems to have almost a full grasp of language. It just boggles me that she's not quite 2 1/2 yet! I do wish we had more time together, though. I hope we can get together more often. I love spending time with Angelle and everyone and I am sad every time we say goodbye. Hopefully we'll get together again soon!
Here are some pictures from Downtown Disney:

I'm an Adult, Go Figure?

I always wondered when it would be when i would receive "Adult Status". For whatever reason i thought i would feel a definitive moment in my life that i would become that 'old person' my parents were/are. Adult Status is defined as someone who has a 'real job'. Someone who eats their vegetables, who is morally set, and who seems to know just about everything.

My definitive moment actually came when i realized that there is not gong to be a specific moment. To my nieces & nephews, i already am that Adult. That 'old person'. To my parents, I'm still their Child (with Adult Tendencies). I have friends that range in ages from 21-60+. And to them, we are Equals. Some are about the same age as my parents. I can talk to them just as i talk to anyone my own age - about silly things, serious things, and those strange conversations that fall in between. We even talk about sex. And it's not weird or 'gross' to talk to people my parents age about sex. In fact, I say 'Good for you'! (It's just my parents that still kinda ick me out to think about). I'm glad that there's no one to tell me that i have to become an Adult. Apparently, it's OK to have Adult Status and mess up or be silly every once in a while.

I now realize: That 'Adult Status' my parents had growing up? I have it too, to my nieces and nephews, anyway. Its kind of like a secret identity. I'm a super hero to my nephews. To them i am an everready battery that can run around and play with them and never get tired. To my nieces I'm the coolest woman on the planet that can do no wrong. I'm sure I'm 'old' to them. ...I guess that's okay.

*evin grin*

I love the way my boobs look in this bra. :)

YESSSSSS!

The food was great! The people were great! Barry called it just like WoHop (which is the Chinese restaurant in NYC that his family would go to all the time). I didn't enjoy it as much as i did Hing Loung - but i didn't have the same dishes. We'll be going back again this weekend for DIM SUM! the only place in Jax that has it! YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Hong Kong Bistro

Being with Barry has some great benefits. (And that part's great too!) What I mean is, he has taught me how to appreciate good food. One of the first places he took me for a food lesson was a place called Hing Loung. It was a chinese restaurant that got it's stuff shipped from New York, so it had REAL Chinese. They actually had 2 menus: The menu they gave the american folk and the, they had the "Blue Menu". (You had to ask for the Blue Menu.) I'm talkin' braised scallops in black pepper sauce and Beef with Chow Fun noodles. It was SOOO GOOD!! I never wanted Wok n' Roll again. For years we would eat there. The owner knew us by name. And then, on a horrible Tuesday, we found out they were closing. Gas prices were too high and it was driving costs up. I was so sad! Where was I going to eat chinese? I suddenly felt a void in my life of eating. Going to China and NY this year were so great! The girls at work call me a Chinese Food Snob because i never order the from the Takee Outee Place when they get delivery. Ew.

Well, my life may now be complete again. I saw a new place go up on the way home from work called Hong Kong Bistro. I finally stopped on monday and picked up a menu. The first good sign was when i walked in, everyone in there were chinese. When she handed me the menu something made me ask "Do you happen to have Chow Fun Noodle?" She smiled and said, "OH, you want the REAL menu." (2nd sign: They have 2 menus!!) When i got home i looked it over and WOW i saw stuff on there that we had IN Hong Kong! YESS!!!! SOOO, since they were closed yesterday, we're going up there tonight. 3rd Sign: I just read a forum on Chinese food in jax and read some GREAT things about it. And it's only been open a MONTH! I'll let you know how it goes! WOOHOO!!

So, I found this website...

A new favorite when i'm bored, or at least when i don't feel like working. It's http://www.doingitwrong.com/ . . random pictures of random wrongness. Here's some examples:

So check out the site! :) There's way more, but i don't feel like uploading all those pictures. :)

Naked Antics

After the whole hostage situation at my parents, my sister decides to let the boys play in the bath for a little bit. Jason (bro-in-law), Barry, and I are in the computer room when Naked Braydon runs into the room laughing and screaming, his diaper in hand. Not 30 seconds go by when Naked Ashton (4 yrs old) runs right behind him, with his Superman undies outstretched in his hand, laughing and running around. Braydon runs his naked butt up to me and hands me his diaper. I'm like 'aw, shucks, thanks' until i realize that it's full! I walk out of the room to see Denise laughing her ass off and between breaths saying "I told him to give it to you!!"I'm glad she thought it was so funny.

...Oh the joys of being a mother... I can't wait. :)

Braydon, Oui Oui!

Ya'll. My nephew is the most rediculously cute little thing EVER. He's 2, but his verbal skills are really behind and he's a bit smaller than the average 2 year old. This makes his facial expresions, gestures and grunts all the cuter. When he does speak he sounds like a little French boy: "Dah-DEE!= Daddy". Last night we were at my parents house for dinner (once a week we all go over and have a family dinner.)
After we were all finished eating, Braydon proclaims: "Mom-EE! Bath!" Denise (sis) says, 'ok Honey, we'll see.' A few seconds later he is busy playing with the sliding glass door (open, close, open close, open...) when my dad wants to walk through. In all his 3 ft splendor, he slams the door shut, stands in front of it with arms outstretched and says "PAPA! BATH!" in the most serious tone. Like, "You are now my hostage until SOMEONE gives me a bath!!" Needless to say, 10 minutes later there's a naked 2 year old running around the house. But that's another blog. :)

Zzzzzzz...

I am in the middle of this BORING confrence call... We're rolling out a new product at the bank, and i've been selected (ooooo...) to be the rep from our office. the woman who is selling us this product has the most BORING voice! :( I'm blogging just to stay awake!

Rain Rain...

I would say "Go Away" but I really don't want it to. It has been raining ALL Day today and it doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon. The sound of the cars swishing through the puddles outside the office window is pretty hypnotizing and all i want to do is put my head down and take a nap on these loan documents i'm working on. I wish i were at home laying in bed with Barry!

Our Weekend - WWE Style!

So, Barry and I did so well loosing some weight before the wedding, but since then (5 months ago) we've both re-gained everything and then some. SO we're going trying and be more active. Barry has gotten back into Tennis, playing with his Dad, Aunt and Uncle in the mornings. Then on Saturday, he took me out and started to give me lessons. I sweat my katookas off, but had a good time and am developing a deep appreciation for McEnroe and Agassi. After that we went to my church, where they're redoing the hall we had our reception in. Barry and I took a heavy duty vaccuum cleaner to all the air vents and intakes. I don't know why i take more pride in making sure my church is clean and nice than i do my own home. Anyway, Barry didn't complain at all (even though he thought he was suckered into it) and we had a good time. Then we came home, showered (finally!) and had dinner with Jenn and Dave. Jenn made vegitarian lasagna and we played Dirty Minds. The lasagna was YUMMY!

On Sunday we were too lazy to get up to play tennis. Barry ended up having to work on some appraisal stuff so i stayed in bed and watched The Fugative on TBS or something. By the time it was over, Barry was done with his work and we ended up watching (of course) UFC on Spike TV. This reminds Barry that he wants to wrestle with me. So we end up full-blown wrestling. We pushed our couches to make more room, he puts us into position and he says "Ok, take the pass." (DURPH?!?) I'm giggling to whole time making crude remarks when we get into certain provacative positions but I'm actually holding my own. At one point Barry ends up slamming me to the carpet so my neck crinkles like an accordion. Needless to say i tapped out. He's ready to make this a regular thing. I can just imagine what our downstairs neighbors are thinking! I would love to video tape it because i know we look pretty funny! Probably something like this:

We'll see what happens tonight!

pic

Phew. Ok, don't get me wrong, i really enjoy this blogging thing. But why did it take me 10 minutes to figure out how to change my picture? There seems to be some updates that i would like to see to make my blogging experience more enjoyable. Anyway, for whatever reason my other pic didn't work anymore, so i decided to put this one up, which i really like. It's one of the few i have where Barry is smiling. Enjoy :)

It Was Calling My Name

You know i had to do this one!

Your Boobies' Names Are...

The Bamboozas

Boobie Name Generator

Hmmm...

Sooo, it's 3:23 (don't believe what the time stamp tells you) on saturday afternoon and i'm watching the US Open with Barry and messing with the computer. I look around and know that my house is a shit pot mess, the dishwasher needs to be emptied and then refilled, the laundry basket is full, the front door is still not reported to insurance, and i can think if at least 2 OTHER house projects i could be doing... yet it feels so good to just sit on my fat ass and DO nothing. Hmmmm.... Oh look! Salt & Vinegar chips within my reach - sweet!

Feeling the Pressure

DANG. So i guess i'm supposed to post more. Angelle yelled at me for not having anything up in the last few days. OK OK OK... I'm new to the blogging thing, gimme a break! :) I'll try and post more often. Just remember that I don't have cute kids that run around and say witting things like "Check out the Gun Game!" (Which is by far one of my favorites, Laurie). Maybe i'll start posting some of the smart ass things Barry says to me, like when i say I'm hungry, he says "Well I got somthin' you can eat. Heh, Heh, Heh." ...OK, I'll have to work on some better ones.

Scary Moment...

So, after Barry and I came back home from dinner last night I noticed that our front door was open - again. I said "Barry! You left the door unlocked again!" So he went and locked it. As I was going to bed i checked it one more time and noticed it was only 1/2 turned, so i went to click it all the way. It wouldn't budge. This is strange because it's a brand new house and it always clicked right into place so easily. So i opened the door to see what was wrong. Our entire door jamb was kicked in! Between 3:00 on Friday and last night, some one tried to break in to the house! We didn't notice it earlier because we never use that front door. So, at 11:00 last night, i'm calling the police to file a report. It took him an hour to get there, but when he came he gave us the police report said there's not much he can do. He called it Criminal Mischief. I'm half wondering if my neighbor's friends were drunk off their asses and fell into the door, because there aren't any foot prints on the door itself. I'll post pics after i take them for the insurance people tonight. I'm soo grateful that the dead bolt did what it was supposed to do. We had Barry's laptop just sitting out on the coffee table. Luckily the boys (my kitties) were at our friend's house over the weekend. We are definitely going to start settng the alarm from now on. we've been idiots not doing it so far.

The Big Apple

Barry and I had a great Labor Day weekend. We went up to NYC to visit with Barry's brother Willie and enjoy the sights of the city. It was a whirlwind of walking, eating, eating and walking, and a bit more eating and walking. We got a great deal on a hotel so we stayed right in the Financial District of Manhattan - walking distance from Ground Zero. I guess everything in NYC is walking distance, since that is ALL we did! Well, we ate too :). First thing Saturday we went on a Helicoptor tour of Manhattan. It was freakin' sweet flying around the Statue of Liberty. Also, I saw where Chandler Bing worked (heheh). We went to the Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium and the MET. As we walked around the city it was like every other place we looked was something out of a movie or TV show. We ate Cheesecake at Juniors, which is where Bobby Flay lost his Cheesecake Throwdown. We passed by Pommes Frites, which i saw on a Food Network special. We saw where Grace's interior design office was and countless other famous landmarks. :) We also saw Avenue Q on Broadway. It's a musical that combines Sesame Street (puppetry) with the adult humor of South Park. It was SOOOO Funny!!

We also went and saw where Barry grew up in Flushing, Queens. We walked around Flushing Meadow Park, the park that he played in as a kid. Click here to learn about this famous place and all the cool stuff that goes on there. :)

As i mentioned earlier, we had a bit to eat. The whole weekend revolved around where our next meal was going to be and making sure we walked enough between meals to work up an appetite! Here's a list of all the yummy stuff we had:

Yakatori (Japanese meat and veggies on sticks)
Dim Sum in Chinatown (i don't know the name of it)
Malaysian (i'm not sure if this is the same resaurant, but it looked pretty much like this)
Lox & Bagels (THE BEST Lox i have ever had. We were gonna have some shipped, but it's $30/pound and then another $30 to ship to FL... ouch.)
Guss's Pickles
Katz's Deli FAMOUS pastrami sandwich
El Faro's Spanish cuisine
REAL NY Pizza in Flushing (can't find a website)
Korean @ KumGangSang
& Taiwanese...

phew. i'm full just writing all that...


Ok, well, alot more stuff happened, but this is turning out to be long enough. I don't have any pictures on this computer to show, but go to my myspace page and you can see a few shots.

(I guess i went crazy with that hyperlink feature! Me likes.)

Let's Do the Time Warp Again!

So, i have no idea why i'm on pacific time. I told the computer i'm from FL, but it keeps saying i'm posting 3 hours earlier than i am. I'm definitely not up at work at 5:29am, let alone coherent enough to write a blog... anyone know how to fix it?

The Secret to a Successful 4 Month Marriage

When Barry and I were dating we would take little post it notes and put them all over the place with cute little sayings. That was like 4 years ago. Well, last week i was cleaning the desk and i found the little post it notes. So I enjoyed a mischevious giggle and put a sticker on his laptop. Then the other day i found an "I'm thinking of you" on my hair dryer, so Monday i put a "I'm glad you're my husband" in his wallet and i found an "I love you" in my bathroom book. It's so fun to see the notes every day, even if they were already discovered, to put a smile to my face at 6:30 in the morning. My "I love you" note in my bathroom book was rediscovered this morning too! I thought he put one in each page, but it was just me replacing it on the next page and forgetting i had done so. We'll see if he finds my "I love being married to you" on his mouse.

Probably more than you need to know, but what the hell...

1. Where did you meet your husband?
The bowling alley is where we first remember meeting, and then we went to Bozz's house to watch Clerks.
2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
HA! The first conversation we REMEMBER having was about the first time I *bleep bleep*(right after i got my wisdom teeth removed). I'm a trooper! (HAHA!)
3. Where was your first date?
Ocean Walk Resort in Daytona
4. Where was your first kiss?
In my room in Daytona on my bed. Ok, i'm kinda sounding like a skank here...
5. Did you have a long or short engagement?
I'd say it was long by comparision, but it went by very quickly!
6. Where did you get engaged?
As we passed underneath the Sunshine Skyline bridge in Tampa Bay on a Carnival cruise ship. :)
7. Where were you married?
St. Catherine's Catholic Church Orange Park, FL
8. How did the reception go?
Everything seemed to run very smoothly! It just went by so quickly!
9. How was the honeymoon?
UnBELIZEable! We went to Belize and then China - you couldn't ask for a better honeymoon(especially since they were gifts!!)

If you read this and have not already responded, YOU are tagged!

Welcome!

Ok, so I love to read about everyone's personal lives. I thought it was only fair to include one of these of my own. :) Besides, it's way more fufilling than reading about poor Owen Wilson and Michael Vick... I'll post one of these from time to time. I'm sure it won't be as much as Laurie or Angelle, but i'll give it a whirl. :)