Hey, guys- I have a wardrobe question that I thought I'd put out there for YOU to give me ideas on!
A while ago, I bought a beautiful Diesel sweater on sale (regular price was like $300!) The sweater is wool cable-knit, with hand made beautiful detail. It's off-white/ivory, with wood round buttons up the front, and a hood.
Here's the thing: it's ANKLE-LENGTH, so it's more of a coat than a sweater. I've had this for 4 years and I don't think I've EVER worn it! Consider the dilemmas:
Can't wear it as a dress, with tights because the knit is too loose and you can basically see too much skin through it.
Can't wear it as a coat because it's not warm enough on it's own, and there's no lining.
Can't wear it as a regular sweater unless I wear a long jacket and even then, it looks kinda funny when I'm outside with a sweater hanging out the bottom of my jacket...
Help! Give me some ideas on how to rock this sweater!
30 October 2008
Menu from "La Maison Bortner"
So I finished up my menu planning yesterday and I even made my grocery list for the next 2 weeks. I try to do menus for 2 week intervals- it's an Excel spreadsheet that has 7 columns (for a 7 day week) and 2 options in each column. Let's face it, sometimes you get home from a long day at work and you decide you don't want to make what was "scheduled", so I like to give myself some flexibility!
Actually, the 14 days of dinner meals ends up stretching to at least 16 because there are bound to be leftovers, with just 2 of us eating. Certain things are great leftovers: lasagna is a GREAT leftover, wouldn't you agree? To me, it sometimes tastes even BETTER when you heat it up the next day! But some leftovers, well their fate is sealed the moment that the Glad press 'n seal wrap makes contact with the dish. So, most of my meals are 30 minutes or less, easy to make, and minmal dishes involved (no diswasher!) We're a big fan of casserole-type meals, because it's easy to make ahead the night before, then just pop in the oven when we get home from work. Plus, it's easier to clean up, with just one dish to soak and clean.
We still like to have some "lazy ass" meals on deck, because inevitably we will have a night like last night, when I get home late from the gym and Dan gets home late from the bar...I mean "WORK" (lol!) and we just don't feel like cooking. Last night, we had what I like to call a "college kid meal" where we enjoyed fine dining of Ellio's Pizza, and Tater Tots. Oh yes. We're classy like that!
So, in case you're wondering, here's a list of what will be cooking in my 2 sq ft kitchen for the next few weeks. Keep in mind, I cook for a husband who is pretty picky, so all of the meals should be "kid friendly" since they're "Dan friendly." I printed my chart and all the recipes for my friend Carmen (who's blog is on the right- check out CeeCee's world and give her a shout!) If anyone else wants some of these recipes, leave me a comment.
Shepherd's Pie
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cheesy Hash Brown Bake
Chicken Pot Pie
Au Gratin Taco Bake
3 Cheese Ravioli
Vegetarian Lasagna
Chicken stew with Dumplings
Broccoli & Ham Bake
Beef & Vegetable Pie
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy 2 Cheese Fettuccini
Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries
Actually, the 14 days of dinner meals ends up stretching to at least 16 because there are bound to be leftovers, with just 2 of us eating. Certain things are great leftovers: lasagna is a GREAT leftover, wouldn't you agree? To me, it sometimes tastes even BETTER when you heat it up the next day! But some leftovers, well their fate is sealed the moment that the Glad press 'n seal wrap makes contact with the dish. So, most of my meals are 30 minutes or less, easy to make, and minmal dishes involved (no diswasher!) We're a big fan of casserole-type meals, because it's easy to make ahead the night before, then just pop in the oven when we get home from work. Plus, it's easier to clean up, with just one dish to soak and clean.
We still like to have some "lazy ass" meals on deck, because inevitably we will have a night like last night, when I get home late from the gym and Dan gets home late from the bar...I mean "WORK" (lol!) and we just don't feel like cooking. Last night, we had what I like to call a "college kid meal" where we enjoyed fine dining of Ellio's Pizza, and Tater Tots. Oh yes. We're classy like that!
So, in case you're wondering, here's a list of what will be cooking in my 2 sq ft kitchen for the next few weeks. Keep in mind, I cook for a husband who is pretty picky, so all of the meals should be "kid friendly" since they're "Dan friendly." I printed my chart and all the recipes for my friend Carmen (who's blog is on the right- check out CeeCee's world and give her a shout!) If anyone else wants some of these recipes, leave me a comment.
Shepherd's Pie
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cheesy Hash Brown Bake
Chicken Pot Pie
Au Gratin Taco Bake
3 Cheese Ravioli
Vegetarian Lasagna
Chicken stew with Dumplings
Broccoli & Ham Bake
Beef & Vegetable Pie
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy 2 Cheese Fettuccini
Baked Ziti
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries
Check this out! Will this be the future of cell phones?
Take a look at this concept phone from Samsung! Cool, right?Etiquette Hell
If you enjoy some great stories about the behavior of Bride-zillas, tasteless guests, tacky co-workers, and just all around shocking social behavior, head over to ETIQUETTE HELL
There's tons of categories from shocking wedding etiquette, funerals, birthdays, office workplace, and the list goes on!
Here's one to get you started:
"I received an invitation to celebrate the 1st birthday of an acquaintance's daughter. It requested that guests bring their own lawn chairs and alcohol. Classy. "
There's tons of categories from shocking wedding etiquette, funerals, birthdays, office workplace, and the list goes on!
Here's one to get you started:
"I received an invitation to celebrate the 1st birthday of an acquaintance's daughter. It requested that guests bring their own lawn chairs and alcohol. Classy. "
28 October 2008
Guess what time.....
Guess what time this photo was taken? 8pm? Nope...try 8:45 in the MORNING! Yeah, so ask me why I'm having a hard time getting up in the morning! It looked like THIS today in NYC! I snapped this pic with my iPhone as I was walking into my office building- see the headlights? Yeah, it's not nighttime. See the Empire State Building? Those are people walking TO work, not on their way home FROM work!It was eerily dark this morning- cold, raining, and dark. One of those mornings that would have been PERFECT if you could crawl back into bed and sleep. It's raining pretty hard now, and since it's turning cold, I won't be surprised if I see SNOW flurries in my office window up on the 34th floor today! We'll see....
24 October 2008
Abs in a BOX!
This website sells a cosmetic kit that teaches you how to paint on your abs to make it look like you've been spending 8 weeks doing 1000 crunches a day. They claim that it's waterproof and sweatproof, but how embarrassing would it be to sit by the pool and get splashed and all of a sudden your "abs" are running down your leg!The kit is $69 and it's rumored that the Dancing With the Stars contestants rely on this stuff to make their bodies look ripped. Hmmm... What do you think of Abs in a Box? Worth $69 to try? Would you do it?
NY Cares
Last night, Elizabeth and I met at the Kateri House on West 87th street to volunteer with their monthly cocktail party. Kateri House is a home for the elderly and has 500 residents ranging in ages from 72-105!
We arrived at 6:30, and helped set up, bring residents into the recreation room, and talk to the residents. The theme of the event was "Oktoberfest", and we served german sausage and apple dumplings. The residents were most excited that we even served BEER (it was non-alcoholic, but I doubt that they knew!) There was a band playing german polkas and waltzes, and Elizabeth and I tried to get the crowd going by clapping and doing some polka dances. LOL
I told Dan when I got home not to be jealous, but I think I may have made a few boyfriends! One gentlemen told me, "Next time, wear a SHORTER SKIRT!" and he winked! Ha ha, it was cute, and I love to play along- it makes them feel young again to have a young girl pay attention to them!
I didn't take any pictures during the event, because I didn't know what their privacy rules were, and I didn't want to upset anyone by taking pictures if they didn't want to. But, I did make Elizabeth pose outside the elevators for this picture beside a frame of some of the residents' photos. 
It was a great experience, and we're looking forward to coming back!
23 October 2008
Breaking Bad news with Baby Animals
Ha ha ha Hilarious!
A new book has been published called "Grandma's Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals. It's due out on Oct. 28th but you can check it out on Amazon.com by clicking HERE.
So wrong, but so funny!
You can also send e-cards with some of these greetings on THIS website. So go on and break some bad news!!
Bruno! Bruno! Bruno!
My friends know that BORAT is one of my favorite movies. Well, then again- I have a lot of favorite movies. Anyway, I'm SUPER SUPER excited for one movie in particular to come out: BRUNO!
It doesn't premier until May 15, but it's filming right now and people have spotted Sasha Baron Cohen crashing all kinds of runway shows in Italy and Paris!
For more info, check out the Bruno Movie Website, which even has some surveillance footage of them filming some scenes for the film!
Wahweewawa!!!
It doesn't premier until May 15, but it's filming right now and people have spotted Sasha Baron Cohen crashing all kinds of runway shows in Italy and Paris!
For more info, check out the Bruno Movie Website, which even has some surveillance footage of them filming some scenes for the film!
Wahweewawa!!!
Thursday gibberish
It's THURSDAY, which means it's one day closer to FRIDAY! Man, I love weekends. I love Friday nights, too- because you go to bed thinking, "Wow, I still have TWO more days to sleep in!" It's a great feeling.
Tonight, Elizabeth and I embark in our second volunteering adventure: this time, not in Spanish Harlem! LOL
Last time we volunteered, we were at a women's halfway home for formerly homeless women/ex-cons, doing a Yoga class. It really didn't feel much like volunteering because we just showed up and did Yoga for an hour. I liked the Yoga, though- and I started taking classes through my gym. Watch out, MADONNA!!
So, tonight we signed up for something that should be really really fun! We're going up to an elderly care home on the upper west side to volunteer at their monthly cocktail party! We'll be serving drinks to the seniors, socializing, and dancing with them. I warned Elizabeth to watch those hands- these old guys have a tendancy to be pretty flirty! Ha ha ha.
We're excited- I'll let you know how it goes!
Tonight, Elizabeth and I embark in our second volunteering adventure: this time, not in Spanish Harlem! LOL
Last time we volunteered, we were at a women's halfway home for formerly homeless women/ex-cons, doing a Yoga class. It really didn't feel much like volunteering because we just showed up and did Yoga for an hour. I liked the Yoga, though- and I started taking classes through my gym. Watch out, MADONNA!!
So, tonight we signed up for something that should be really really fun! We're going up to an elderly care home on the upper west side to volunteer at their monthly cocktail party! We'll be serving drinks to the seniors, socializing, and dancing with them. I warned Elizabeth to watch those hands- these old guys have a tendancy to be pretty flirty! Ha ha ha.
We're excited- I'll let you know how it goes!
We have LASERS!
I love love LOVE this new website I found- it's a tribute to those school photos we all took back in the 80's with the lasers in the backgrounds! If you're interested in a bit of nostalgia, head over to WE HAVE LASERS!
22 October 2008
21 October 2008
Good Question, Jared
See? I DO read my comments! :) For info on the JANET concert, everyone can check out my public blog: http://www.carmineanddan.blogspot.com/.
It was super dee duper!
It was super dee duper!
20 October 2008
Dear Dan:
I know how much you love your flip-flops: who doesn't! They're convenient, comfortable, versatile, and remind of warm sunny days on the beach. But, now it's 50 degrees outside, and it's time to put the flip flops away. Although, you do make me laugh with these blue and black checkered socks underneath your flip flops. Maybe you're starting a fashion trend of your own? :)
Cosby Sweaters: back in style!
You heard it hear first! The "cosby sweaters" are back in style! They're taking NYC by storm- expect to see it trickle down to the midwest in about oh, 3 years. (LOL)17 October 2008
Miss Jackson if you're Nasty...
So here's the pressing question: Will we be seeing Janet Jackson tonight or not? So far, Janet's cancelled more concerts on her tour than she's actually performed, so we're still not sure it's actually on for tonight. Her publicists have issued a statement saying that her mystery illness is due to migraines...hmmm, isn't that convenient? They came up with the perfect illness that comes upon suddenly and then goes away at random, and requires no proof for diagnosis? Yeah, I'm more likely to believe that she has a severe case of PTS: Poor Ticket Sales.
I'm excited for the concert, and so far it looks like it's still on. HOWEVER, the show is at the Izod center in East Rutherford, NJ, so we have to travel by bus about an HOUR from Manhattan to get there. If we go all the way to JERSEY, and she ends up canceling at the last minute (a la her montreal concert!), I'm gonna be furious!
Here's hoping for the best!
I'm excited for the concert, and so far it looks like it's still on. HOWEVER, the show is at the Izod center in East Rutherford, NJ, so we have to travel by bus about an HOUR from Manhattan to get there. If we go all the way to JERSEY, and she ends up canceling at the last minute (a la her montreal concert!), I'm gonna be furious!
Here's hoping for the best!
Redneck Dentures
I found this website, www.worth1000.com a couple years ago, and I really enjoy looking through the picture galleries. They have photoshop contests with random themes, and it's amazing to see the stuff people come up with. Sometimes it looks really fake, but a lot of the pictures are really cool!Check it out, if you have some free time today. Click on "Galleries" and have fun browsing around!
16 October 2008
Fun for the whole family! (TM)
Step 1: go to www.google.com/maps
Step 2: Gather everyone around the family computer
Step 3: Copy and paste the following latitude/longitudes into the search bar, one at a time:
BUFFALOS: 4°17'21.49" S 31°23'46.46" E
CAMELS: 15°17'40.32" N 20°28'47.42" E
ELEPHANTS: 10°54'13.66" N 19°56'06.15" E
FLAMINGOS: 21°50'36.15" S 35°27'00.60" E
HIPPOS: 6°53'53.00" S 31°11'15.40" E6°54'00.10" S 31°11'11.67" E
ORYX: 24°57'18.60" S 15°51'30.61" E
SEALS: 18°26'45.45" S 12°00'44.20" E
Step 4: zoom in to see the animals from space satellites! Super Duper Awesome, I guarantee!
Step 2: Gather everyone around the family computer
Step 3: Copy and paste the following latitude/longitudes into the search bar, one at a time:
BUFFALOS: 4°17'21.49" S 31°23'46.46" E
CAMELS: 15°17'40.32" N 20°28'47.42" E
ELEPHANTS: 10°54'13.66" N 19°56'06.15" E
FLAMINGOS: 21°50'36.15" S 35°27'00.60" E
HIPPOS: 6°53'53.00" S 31°11'15.40" E6°54'00.10" S 31°11'11.67" E
ORYX: 24°57'18.60" S 15°51'30.61" E
SEALS: 18°26'45.45" S 12°00'44.20" E
Step 4: zoom in to see the animals from space satellites! Super Duper Awesome, I guarantee!
Whoa....maybe I DO need to try to cut out sodas again...even diet!
Scientists in Boston found that drinking one or more regular or diet colas every day doubles your risk of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, and excess fat around the waist, that increase your chance of heart disease and diabetes.
One culprit could be the additive that gives soda its caramel color, which upped the risk of metabolic syndrome in animal studies. Scientists also speculate that soda drinkers regularly expose their taste buds to natural or artificial sweeteners, conditioning themselves to prefer and crave sweeter foods, which may lead to weight gain, says Vasan S. Ramachandran, M.D., a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and the study's lead researcher.
Better choices: Switch to tea if you need a caffeine hit. If it's fizz you're after, try sparkling water with a splash of juice. By controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing diabetes, and not smoking, you can add 6 to 9 1/2 healthy years to your life.
Source: health.msn.com
Poster Boy
For today's internet time waster, I've selected a slideshow of art by a NYC artist who calls himself "Poster Boy." He takes a razor and modifies advertisements in the subway, piecing different posters together to make a statement.
I've yet to see one of these posters in real life in the subways, but maybe I just haven't noticed. I'll definitely keep my eyes opened! I'm sure the MTA comes and rips them down as soon as they see that they've been modified.
Check out Poster Boy's flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26296445@N05/
I've yet to see one of these posters in real life in the subways, but maybe I just haven't noticed. I'll definitely keep my eyes opened! I'm sure the MTA comes and rips them down as soon as they see that they've been modified.
Check out Poster Boy's flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26296445@N05/
15 October 2008
Ole Ole!
On Friday night, Nolan, Jenny, Elizabeth, and I went to La Pinche Taqueria in Greenwich Village. http://www.pinchetaqueria.com/
It's a tiny little taco shack that sells authentic mexican food...CHEAP. (oh, and did I mention that it's BYOB?! Even better!)
There was a 4 piece mariachi band from Acupulco, and they handed a tequila shot to Elizabeth- cheers!
Simple things amuse simple MINDS!
Elizabeth, doing her signature dance: the Robot!
Elizabeth, Carmen, CarmineNolan, the photographer, Elizabeth, and Carmen laughing at her!
I haven't posted the pictures from Saturday's Diesel xXx party yet- but I'm going to, I promise! After the party, we were outside the tent when we noticed that our shadows were quite entertaining! Nolan took these pictures with his iPhone- so funny! Then security shut off all the lights because they realized we probably would have stayed another 2 hrs just playing around like kids outside. Geez, party poopers!14 October 2008
Uhhhh...
I'm at a loss for words: How about a CAPTION CONTEST! Submit your entries by clicking the COMMENT link below!
Manty-hose
Last week, I updated you on the latest fashion for men: slouchy pants tucked into boots. Well, now I've researched a NEW growing trend: MANTY-HOSE! That's right, guys! There's even a WEBSITE dedicted to it! Check it out HERE!Jesus is like a Mountie- he always gets his man??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NOZU2iPA8
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch this music video called "Jesus is my Friend!" It brings the LOL's!
- thanks to my niece, Navy for submitting this crazy clip! Trust me, after you hear it you'll be singing this tune all day!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch this music video called "Jesus is my Friend!" It brings the LOL's!
- thanks to my niece, Navy for submitting this crazy clip! Trust me, after you hear it you'll be singing this tune all day!
09 October 2008
Meal or No Meal
Did anyone watch America's Next Top Model last night? 'Cause Tyra's getting RIDICULOUS!! I'm surprised there's room for anyone else in the room, because her head is so big! She's so full of herself!
And what was up with this stupid HOOD?!
Awck! GAG!
Chicken Nuggets Dunking THEMSELVES!
British artist "Bansky" has opened an art exhibit in Greenwich Village. It's set up to look like a mock pet store, with animatronic creatures. Check out the full article and slideshow of the art installation HERE
Bansky said “I wanted to make art that questioned our relationship with animals and the ethics and sustainability of factory farming.”
What do you think of this provocative art exhibit?
Let's get slouchy!
Women have been doing it for years, but it's the hottest thing this fall for men! I think it looks great- give it a shot, guys (and ladies, tell your man to try it!)
Check out the NY times fashion article by clicking HERE
07 October 2008
Freddie & Peppers
It's the GREATEST little pizza joint! I think we were in Freddie & Peppers at least once a day when Kristi was here! Mmmm... remember the buffalo chicken pizza, Jared? Freakin' A-Ma-Zing!The 6 Most Horrifying Ways Anyone Ever Got Rich | Cracked.com
Some people will do anything for money. And we mean freaking anything. We're telling you right now, this is not for those with weak stomachs or a generally positive view of humanity. Because someti...
CONGRATULATIONS, STEVE and JESSICA!!!
My friends Steve and Jessica got engaged this weekend, and I just couldn't wait to share it with all of you! They are such a wonderful couple, and we've all been waiting for the day when we'd hear this great news!Jess has been our best friend since before Dan and I married. She was in our wedding, and she lived across the street from Dan and I in King of Prussia. When I was a leasing consultant, I met Steve, who became a resident at the apartment complex that we all lived at together. I said right away from the day I met him, that Steve was the NICEST guy I think I'd ever met! I had such a great impression from him that I told all the staff at the office that I HAD to set him up with one of my friends, because he was such a catch!
Jessica and I were at the pool on the 4th of July and I was talking to her about this guy I met, named Steve! I told her he moved in, just around the corner from her apartment, and she HAD to meet him! As we were walking back from the pool, I said, "Hey, let's go see if he's around!" We walked by his apartment, and sure enough, he was BBQ-ing on his balcony. I waved up at him and introduced my friend Jessica. Then, on a whim, I asked him if he was going to watch fireworks. He said he didn't have plans, so me and Jess made an impromptu 4th of July party and invited him!
That night, a big group of us all went out to watch fireworks, and we layed out on blankets in a big field. Jess and Steve were in their own little world, laying on on a blanket and looking up at the sky- it was so cute! We all kind of winked and knew that it was a match!
And now, 4 years later, here they are! Engaged! Ok, Cory and Elizabeth- I'm setting my sights on being a matchmaker for YOU girls next! LOL
06 October 2008
umm....tad bit scary?!
As I talked about before, Elizabeth and I signed up for volunteering with NY cares. I found an event next week: "Singalong with Seniors" and I signed up, but by the time Elizabeth logged on, the event was FULL. Instead, she decided to sign up for "fun and games with patients at the Presbyterian Hospital" on the same night. Sounds nice, right? Fun and boardgames at a hospital on a Wednesday night! She's thinking it may be children, or cancer patients, or seniors- what a nice way to give back, right? WRONG!
She got an email today with the details and here's what it said:
"You must show picture ID as you enter the main doors. If the security guards ask where you're going, just say Payne Whitney (or 11th floor). Proceed straight ahead towards the information desk (there's a big "I" over it). We gather at the couches and chairs off to the right of the info desk. There is a brief mandatory orientation for first time volunteers that is given by the staff of Payne Whitney. It is important that you get there on time. It is much easier for everyone if we go up to the unit together as it is a lockdown unit.
Once inside the psychiatric wing, we will be setting up board games in the recreation room for the patients. Also, two volunteers will monitor the reference library. In the library, we will start a sign up sheet for patients who are interested in accessing the Internet and time the patients so that everyone gets equal access to the computers..
Appropriate clothing is required. This means no tank tops, short skirts/shorts, or low necklines. The hospital also has a "no sandals" policy. Since many patients struggle with impulse control, the therapists ask that you dress conservatively as they do enforce this policy. Confidentiality is very important because the people at the clinic may not want anyone to know they are there.
You will never be left alone with a client and you should not go off on your own with a client. This facility is a 64-bed short-term in-patient psychiatric unit. Patients are there generally for 11 - 16 days though some are there longer. There will be staff on hand at all times.
...so.....YEAH, Elizabeth cancelled, and I offered to cancel my event too, and we signed up for a yoga class together with formerly homeless women. Still, the class is in EAST HARLEM, at night, so we're going to have to be careful!
Geez, was this such a good idea after all? LOL
She got an email today with the details and here's what it said:
"You must show picture ID as you enter the main doors. If the security guards ask where you're going, just say Payne Whitney (or 11th floor). Proceed straight ahead towards the information desk (there's a big "I" over it). We gather at the couches and chairs off to the right of the info desk. There is a brief mandatory orientation for first time volunteers that is given by the staff of Payne Whitney. It is important that you get there on time. It is much easier for everyone if we go up to the unit together as it is a lockdown unit.
Once inside the psychiatric wing, we will be setting up board games in the recreation room for the patients. Also, two volunteers will monitor the reference library. In the library, we will start a sign up sheet for patients who are interested in accessing the Internet and time the patients so that everyone gets equal access to the computers..
Appropriate clothing is required. This means no tank tops, short skirts/shorts, or low necklines. The hospital also has a "no sandals" policy. Since many patients struggle with impulse control, the therapists ask that you dress conservatively as they do enforce this policy. Confidentiality is very important because the people at the clinic may not want anyone to know they are there.
You will never be left alone with a client and you should not go off on your own with a client. This facility is a 64-bed short-term in-patient psychiatric unit. Patients are there generally for 11 - 16 days though some are there longer. There will be staff on hand at all times.
...so.....YEAH, Elizabeth cancelled, and I offered to cancel my event too, and we signed up for a yoga class together with formerly homeless women. Still, the class is in EAST HARLEM, at night, so we're going to have to be careful!
Geez, was this such a good idea after all? LOL
No Janet?
We have Janet Jackson tickets for next Friday, Oct. 17...but I'm not holding my breath that the concert will actually HAPPEN. Janet's been cancelling shows left and right due to rumors of "exhaustion," which I think translates to a case of PTS: "Poor Ticket Sales!"
Hmmm... will I be getting an email from Ticketmaster, notifying me of a refund? We'll see...
Hmmm... will I be getting an email from Ticketmaster, notifying me of a refund? We'll see...
03 October 2008
1-2-3 bar
Yesterday, KRISTI arrived in NYC! She'll be here with us until Sunday evening. We went out to a new bar I found called "1-2-3 Bar", check it out: $1 burgers, $2 shots, and $3 beers 7 days a week, all the time! The burgers are sliders-just little ones, but still, what a GREAT deal!We met up with Kathryn, Jason, Elizabeth, Mike, Katie, and Tiffany, and sat outside on the patio at our own picnic table. It was a little chilly, but we're trying to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible before winter creeps in! We ended up getting these 3 foot tall beer tubes- hilarious!
I took a picture of kathryn, dan and jason with my iPhone, and I also had to show you a picture of this: FRIED cheese ravioli! Have you ever heard of this? Dan thought they were amazing!
01 October 2008
Alex
Ready to have your heart ripped out? This Saturday, my mom and dad will be saying goodbye to their little foster son, Alex. Alex's mother was battling drugs and alcohol, and he was was immediately placed into foster care after birth. My parents actually brought him home from the hospital as a newborn!Social Services has been working with his birth mother , and she's been having monitored visits with Alex. The ultimate goal is to reunite the children with their parents, after they've been through parenting classes and counseling. However, the courts decided that the mother should not regain custody of little Alex, and he should instead be adopted permanently.
Alex's mother asked my mom and dad to adopt him, and they desperately wanted to, but at their age (66 and 65) they decided that it was not in his best interest.
My parents are really excited about his new family. The mother is an RN, and she will be taking a full year of maternity leave to transition Alex. The father owns his own landscaping company. They are both bilingual parents in English and French, and they have 2 adopted girls from China (they are ADORABLE!) so it will be great for Alex to have 2 big sisters!
Here's a photo of my mom with Alex, and my 3 nieces: London, Navy, and Freja. Below, is a picture of my Dad with Alex this summer. 
As you can imagine, the situation is full of mixed emotion: my parents are grateful for Alex's new family and joyous that he will be adopted, but it is agonizing to let him go, and I'm sure the transition will be a bit frightening for him as well. Alex is 18 months old, so it's a blessing for his new parents that he will not remember the adoption, and he will always know them as his parents. But at the same time, it's terribly painful for my parents to have to see him go. They truly love him, and have raised him as their own, giving him a wonderful home and lots of love.
It's a tearful week for my mom and dad, knowing that each day is getting closer to the day that they will have to say goodbye to their little boy. So, please remember my mom and dad in your thoughts and prayers. It takes a lot of strength!
1 more sleep!
Guess WHAAAAAT??? Tomorrow, Kristi is coming to NYC! I can’t believe she’ll be here tomorrow- you know when you plan something, and it seems so far away, and then ALL of a sudden, it’s HERE?! Say a prayer for her as she flies from Indy tomorrow- I know it will be hard, as it will be the FIRST trip away from her 2 babies. But I’m excited to have her all to my self! : )
Things are coming together for Dan’s birthday party this Saturday, but he made it CLEAR: NO cake, NO balloons, NO candles- he’s so opposite from me! At this point, we’re planning on having a small group of 8 meet for dinner at a restaurant around 8pm, and then we’ll head to M1-5 around 11pm, and meet up with the rest of the crew. Lots of monster energy drinks so that we can stay out all night! It’s not a party unless you don’t come home til 6am!
Things are coming together for Dan’s birthday party this Saturday, but he made it CLEAR: NO cake, NO balloons, NO candles- he’s so opposite from me! At this point, we’re planning on having a small group of 8 meet for dinner at a restaurant around 8pm, and then we’ll head to M1-5 around 11pm, and meet up with the rest of the crew. Lots of monster energy drinks so that we can stay out all night! It’s not a party unless you don’t come home til 6am!
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