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04 March, 2011

PotD: Under Construction

Picture it: a room with a dark blue (some might call it "admiral blue") accent wall, the matching tray ceiling glowing with thousands of twinkling stars (or however many glow-in-the-dark stars come in the package...), a white ceiling fan cooling the air...

That's actually as far as the vision goes right now.  We've tentatively picked out the color that the rest of the room will be, and are debating ideas for new furniture.  (I *know* we need an awesome white headboard against that wall, Scott's pretty sure we don't want white because it'll look like a farmhouse, and I'm pretty sure I don't even want to put our existing bed back in there.)

What's on the wall now is just tinted primer, but I love it so much I worry that the actual color won't be as good.  Scott's convinced it's the same exact color, in which case why are we not just buying primer? Either way, "real" painting is tomorrow's project, and I. Can. Not. Wait!

This project hasn't been easy so far - the carpet is fo' shizzle on the to-do list, since it's got some blue spots that'll probably never come out even with the use of the Kilo Memorial Steam Cleaner; Scott can barely lift his arms (apparently paint-rolling the ceiling uses muscles that he doesn't usually use); and I, as the designated cutter-inner, took so many trips up and down the ladder that my thighs are still burning.  Oh - and if you attack a spot of blue paint on the white wall voraciously enough with a wet rag, it WILL come off, along with the white paint, leaving a spot of bare drywall behind.

For now, I'm enjoying our "vacation" in the office.  It's cramped - I'm typing this at the computer desk while sitting at the foot of the bed - but it's sort of fun to wake up and not see the same old things.  And perhaps sleeping in here will inspire our next paint decision...

03 March, 2011

32

Sometimes a girl is destined to try on a fancy dress.  After all, if it wasn't meant to be, it wouldn't have been on the rack in my size and I wouldn't have been wearing my clear-strap bra.

...and as I told Facebook, I justify this little "me time" by pointing out that 32 is really just two 16's.  I should have tried on TWO prom dresses!  And by the way, I love this dress WAY more than I loved my real prom dress, and possibly even more than my wedding dress.  Extra impressive when you consider Scott picked it out. I had my eye on a sparkly orange dress instead.

How appropriate that we went from the store to the theater for West Side Story.  I had to stop myself from singing along to 'I Feel Pretty!'

02 March, 2011

PotD: Party Wagon

Driving home feeling sleep-deprived after an overnight shift? I recommend transporting a bunch of balloons in your back seat. Not only will the swirling colors and lack of rearview mirror functionality keep your mind focused, but you'll also be continually bopped on the back of the head!
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26 February, 2011

PotD: on the ledge

Elphie enjoyed the open window weather this afternoon. Sadly, we came upstairs to an unbearably hot bedroom, so the air conditioner is on for the first time in 2011. Oh well, we enjoyed it while it lasted.

Right, Elph?
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25 February, 2011

PotD: 3 Weeks?


WE HAVE AN EAGLE BABY!!!  Actually, we may have two little chickie-poos up there, but we've only seen what looks to be the back of the head of the second one. (not visible above)

As thrilled as I am to finally have proof of life up there, I'm slightly disappointed to find that it (they?) is probably already 3-4 weeks old.  I came up with that from photos from this entry (3 weeks) and this entry (4 weeks) on the CCB Eagle Nest Blog. Those photos were taken in 2010, but there are 3 new eggs in their nest this year.  I'm totally hooked!

I'm going to exercise self-control and not post all zillion photos I took this afternoon.  But I can't resist showing one more - with the possible second eaglet in the left side of the nest. 


(hat tip to Scott, who was the first to notice the chicks in the nest)

24 February, 2011

PotD: Early

Pictured: the Orange County Courthouse at 7:20 this morning.

Not Pictured: Jamie, annoyed that she is 40 minutes early for juror report time.

Great time doing my civic duty today. Can't talk about it, which is a shame because the whole experience, as Mom predicted, would've been excellent blog fodder. Bonus: I didn't get picked for my jury, so I was out of there before noon and on my way back to work.
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23 February, 2011

PotD: Birds in Trees

Great egrets and wood storks look so silly up in the treetops. You'll just have to take my word, since this picture is so lousy!
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17 February, 2011

PotD: more fog

I miss seeing the road and the rest of the trees on my way to work. I hear it's going to be not much better tomorrow.

Sigh...maybe next week?
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16 February, 2011

PotD: Lunch Date

You can tell this ibis is used to people. The ones at the house would never come this close to people!
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14 February, 2011

PotD: Killer Instinct

Milo and Elph playing tag under the bathroom door.
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12 February, 2011

PotD: Bird Sex!

The sandhill cranes were out this morning, and I thought I'd try to replicate this picture, only with Elphie sitting in the doorway.  Unfortunately for me, the grill is further on the patio than usual, and got in my picture attempts.  But while I had the camera out, the bird closest to me flapped her wings wide. I lifted the camera to my eye to get a picture of the wingspan. The other bird jumped on her back. I snapped the picture. The second bird dismounted.


The whole thing took less than 30 seconds.  Scott missed it completely, though to his credit he did hustle back over when I said, "umm...I think they're mating!"  I actually Googled 'sandhill crane mating' to make sure that's what I had seen.  Yep - that's definitely bird sex.

Actually, it's been a big "circle of life" 24 hours here in the neighborhood, though all out-of-order.  On my way home last night, I stopped at the dumpster and snapped a picture of the eagle nest, complete with one bird peeking out the top.
And then around sunset, we spotted a sandhill crane family out front.  The colt is in the middle:

At this point, I think I'm done with wildlife photography for the weekend. But we're planning on heading out to enjoy the beautiful weather today, so who knows what we'll see?

11 February, 2011

PotD: Birds on a Wire


This photo was taken on Flamingo Crossings Blvd., where I have yet to see a flamingo!

09 February, 2011

PotD: "Sweet" Sunrise


Scott and I carpooled home last night, and therefore back in this morning. Since I'm not usually on that side of town at that time of day, I took the opportunity to snap the sunrise. Sadly, I think I missed the best colors by about 2 minutes. Stupid power lines!

On my way home this afternoon, on a road where the speed limit is a painful 20 MPH, I observed that Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" isn't nearly as cool going 20 in a Hyundai as it is going upside down in a roller coaster.

08 February, 2011

Crazy People

Scene: Waiting room of doctor's office
Time: 7:04 am

Man: I'm here for bloodwork...and whoever I'm with, make sure they know I'm really bad with needles.
Receptionist: (smiling) Just let them know when they come and get you. They'll take care of you.
Man: OK, because I can't handle needles at all.


Time: 7:08 am

Woman: Does he even know I'm here?
Receptionist: Excuse me?
Woman: Does he know I'm here? My appointment was at 7. I have to be at work at 7:30 and I can't wait much longer.

Time: 7:12 am

Nurse: Number 2061? (we are handed pagers when we check in, but rather than actually use the pagers, they use them like those take-a-number strips at the deli)
Woman from above: Do you know where Dr. M is?
Nurse: Do I... know where he is?
Woman: I had a 7:00 appointment and (rising from chair) forget it. I have to go. I'm going to be late for work. (slams pager down at reception desk and storms out)

Time: 7:25 am

Man from above: I'm really bad with needles.
Phlebotomist: Okay, no problem.
Man: No, I'm really bad with needles. So make sure I don't see one at all or I'll freak out.
Vampire: Okay...
Man: I once had one (pause for dramatic effect) break off inside me!
Vampire: Oh...wow...
Man: umm...
Vampire: did you have any water this morning?
Man: umm...no...
Vampire: ok, I'm going to go and get you some water and give you a chance to calm down.
Man: okay...
(Vampire grabs an empty styrofoam cup and literally bolts from the room.  Jamie, in the next chair over, realizes that this man is between her and the exit and wills her blood to pump out faster so that she can escape before he pukes)

These are verbatim conversations from this morning.  I'm not sure how the crazy woman EVER thought she'd be in and out of the doctor's office in 25 minutes or less (I'm giving her a minimum of 5 minutes travel time to work).  And really, if she starts at 7:30, she's done at 4. The doctor is open until 7 pm - why not schedule an after-work appointment?  You KNOW she went to her work location raving about the terrible service there.  And to think - she didn't even have a chance to sit in an empty exam room for a minimum of 10 minutes! 

As for the man, pardon the expression, but MAN UP!  Put on your big girl panties and suffer quietly. No one - not even the person doing the blood draw - gives a damn about how afraid you are of needles.  It's not going to make her do her job any more gently. If anything, it could make her nervous and end up hurting you even more.  Especially since the girl taking his blood is the one who blew out both of my elbow veins last time.

I wonder if they both survived?

PotD: Best Laid Plans

I tucked my gate remote into my car visor, thinking it would be a convenient place to store it. Great plan, up until the sun was in my eyes, I flipped down the visor, and my remote flew out and dangled there in front of my face. And then I almost crashed because I was laughing so hard.

I should probably move that...

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07 February, 2011

PotD: Weather

It's been like this all day. Blah...
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03 February, 2011

PotD: stage parents

I know this is a terrible photo, and it's blurry and impossible to read, but trust me to paraphrase: "I have so many talents and so many extracurriculars that my mom obviously puts certain members of Jamie's family to shame!" It's the bio of one of the 4 boys who play Billy in this show.

And also: scrape together your pennies and go see Billy Elliot. OMG, I can't remember the last time I went into a musical knowing next to nothing about it and fell so completely in love with it.

Let's hope Act II is just as good!
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02 February, 2011

A Little Change

Today's Photo of the Day... isn't really.  It's actually a PhotoShop of the Day.  And truth be told, it's not even that.  It's a clumsily doctored photo done on Paint.  With a back story.  So let's start there, and attempt to use full sentences with subjects and verbs.

(but before I start, in defense of my poor writing, I'd like to say that I'm sleep-wacky right now.  I worked midnight to 8:30 this morning, having had a 2-hour nap from 8-10pm, and then came home and slept from 10-4. that makes me not sleep-deprived, but definitely off-kilter a bit)

A few days ago, I got an e-mail from Scott with this photo attached (seriously, click the link) and a note that says "don't you want to see the picture where Ozzy bites his head off?"  And I thought yes...yes I do.

And before the "big reveal," I thought I'd mention that Scott met young Master Bieber a few years ago when he was supposed to be doing a fan meet and greet type of thing.  Scott was, to put it kindly, unimpressed with the kid's attitude towards his fans and his handlers.  To this day, it's fun to say "Bieber" and see what sort of face Scott makes.  To put this in perspective, he had a more positive impression of Charlie Crist!  So anyway, here's the loving gift I made for Scott:

01 February, 2011

PotD: Birds (not) on a Wire

I set out to take a picture of the birds on the light poles that I see every morning. The fog and the location of the sun pulled the focus, but I still think it's a pretty neat shot.
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31 January, 2011

PotD: Shopping

I ordered the pair on the left. They're on clearance and only go up to a size 9. I bought them anyway. Fingers crossed that I can squeeze my fat calves into them...
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29 January, 2011

PotD: Impuse

World Market impulse buys are always cool. We got these for AP and self-rising flour. Keeping it on the counter is more ergonomic, since I'm a master baker now. They have smaller ones, too. Maybe for cornmeal?
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27 January, 2011

PotD: Summoned!

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26 January, 2011

No PotD Today

There is no photo today because I left my Purpleberry at work.  Even with the laptop on my lap, I feel disconnected. 

How disconnected? Scott got home an hour ago tentatively holding a jury summons in my direction and this is the first time I've shared that with the outside world.

Jury duty.  In a new county.  In a month.  I'm #100, and am hoping they only call 1-99.  On the bright side, I know it won't be the Casey Anthony case!

25 January, 2011

PotD: Might Rain...

Glad I'm already home!

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24 January, 2011

Honest Review of a Preview Cruise

As I believe I mentioned before, Scott and I bought each other a 2-night preview cruise of the Disney Dream for Christmas.  The cruise was this past weekend, and we had SO much fun and ate SO much food and had SO many new experiences that nothing I could possibly type could possibly encompass it all.

The whole trip wasn't "OMG BEST VACATION EVERRRRR" by a long shot.  Our dining room servers were by far the worst I'd ever had. The assistant server was actually not bad, and would probably thrive if paired with a different partner, but the server barely spoke English, didn't introduce himself, didn't check on whether we liked everything, served me the wrong food enough times that it became comical (him: "your tuna" me: "those are beets." true story!), and literally dropped the food on the table and walked away without explaining the dish. The food was very hit and miss.  My entree on the first night was inedible, and Scott's was maybe the best thing he ate the entire weekend.  Our stateroom was missing a phone and an alarm clock.  There's a hair dryer in the bathroom, but the only outlet sized for the hair dryer was on the desk. We even had a bad service experience on Castaway Cay*.

That said, once the staff gets into the swing of things, I have no doubt that the cruising experience is going to be top-notch. 

The ship itself is exquisite, with chandeliers everywhere that sparkle like diamonds.  The art in the stairwells is beautiful, and varies from 20-foot paintings to production art from Pixar movies.  The ship also has "enchanted art," which are basically framed flat-panel screens that sense your presence and animate for a few seconds.  Walt Disney sketches Mickey Mouse, pirate ships fire cannons, and scenes from cartoons come to life.  I was absolutely enthralled, and kept pausing in front of them to watch them again and again.

The furniture in the public areas is modern and rich and beautiful. And comfortable, too. There were at least a half-dozen places I wished I had more time to sit with a good book. Alas, I had neither time nor book.  The theater and the movie theater are both beautiful, and the shows are spectacular.  There are even nightclubs where loud music and bright flashing lights have been replaced with softer tunes and puffy chairs.  And our stateroom, though a bit smaller than on the other Disney ships, was beautiful and bright with comfy furniture and plenty of storage space.

I would recommend a vacation on the Disney Dream to anyone. But not just yet. Give them six months to settle in before sailing off into the sunset.

*On Castaway, the seat literally broke off of Scott's rented bike on the farthest point on the trail from civilization, bruising his calf and scraping/bruising his stomach where he was nearly impaled by the handlebar. The only good news is that he fell forward onto the handles instead of down onto his testes. Once we walked back to the closest tram spot and rode the tram across the island, we went back to the bike rental shack where I told the worker that the bikes had been ditched. Scott asked about the location of first aid, and I asked for a refund.  He offered me another bike (no thank you) or a float rental (in January? bwahahaha), but said he couldn't give me my money back. I guess now I understand why they make you sign a release before renting!

POTD: lazy

I think the Scrubbing Bubbles are getting lazy. Power tools? I thought they were supposed to do the work for me...
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17 January, 2011

PotD: Rainy Day


The weather is gray and rainy. All you want to do is nap, but you can't find your favorite teddy bear. What do you do? Just follow Milo's lead and cuddle with yourself!

16 January, 2011

PotD: Chocolate Chip Snowmen


When cookies attack: these cookies joined together in the oven to form mutant four-tier snowmen of deliciousness. We dispatched them with a spatula and two hearty appetites.

15 January, 2011

PotD: Taken for a Walk


Who needs a collar and leash? Certainly not Elph - she'll take herself for a walk. No human required!

14 January, 2011

PotD: Let the Eagle Soar


This is actually a picture of the eagle landing.  With wings spread and one foot in the air, the only thing keeping this from being a really great picture is the fact that you can't see its head!  Here are some bonus photos:




PotD x 2

Below are two photos I missed posting earlier in the week:
Scott displays his "big catch" (which is actually a 6" baby hammerhead shark and a little trick photography)
A completely NOT trick shot of a Florida red-shouldered hawk

13 January, 2011

PotD: Stripes


Not pictured: striped scarf or one of my two striped knit ski caps (one of which Scott was wearing around the house earlier while the windows were open due to an unfortunately scented carpet cleaner). 

What can I say? Scott has his argyle and I have my stripes!

Also, please don't judge me by these hideous shoes. I only wear them when it's too cold to go out without socks.  I need boots!

12 January, 2011

PotD: Dinner


It's a breakfast-for-dinner sort of day.  Mmm...scrapple!

09 January, 2011

PotD: cuddles in sunbeams

I was in the office and Milo was crying and crying and crying. Ever since I sat down, he's been on my lap purring and purring and purring. It's nice to feel loved!
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08 January, 2011

PotD: Knobs

Disclosure: this photo is part of my "CarMax Owner's Page." I didn't take it, but I sure enjoy looking at it. 

I went out into the garage and just sat in the car pushing buttons today. (before anyone suggests it, no danger of CO poisoning - garage door was open and the car wasn't on)  Then I let Scott sit in the driver's seat and I tried out the legroom in the back.  Verdict: a few inches more space than in the other car, but I still wouldn't want to be a grown-up stuck back there on a long trip!

07 January, 2011

PotD: (non) Identical Cousins

Behold! This is the scene in my garage right this very second.  Scott and I went out this afternoon to test drive a car I was pretty sure I was going to buy.  AND I BOUGHT IT! The new car doesn't yet have a name, but I can assure you it's not going to be anything suggested thus far on Facebook.

And so, I'd like to introduce you to my car.  She's practically new - 2 years old with only 10,000 miles. Upgrades from my current car include power windows and doors, cruise control (which, at some point, I'll have to learn to use), side airbags and functioning knobs and buttons.  Oh, and integrated satellite radio (3 months free). 

And the color?  In 2011, Hyundai calls it 'dark sapphire blue.'  It probably had a different name two years ago, but I think that's an apt description.

The only upgrade Frances has that this car doesn't is tinted windows.  And frankly, I was shocked at the clarity of the world through these windows on the drive home.  We'll see if I end up tinting them. At least then people were less likely to see me rocking out to Phantom at traffic lights...

So that's all for now.  I'm sure you'll see more over the next few days.

06 January, 2011

PotD: Big Ouch!

I was in a conference room today, and it had a giant calendar held on the wall by giant push pins. I couldn't resist the photo op!

(also Scott? I think I found what you need in your office to hang up that beautiful calendar I made for you!)

(also also: I'm getting old lady hands. I should really consider regular moisturizing!)

05 January, 2011

Cousin Awards

On Facebook today, my cousin Alicia implied that she’s my favorite cousin. I countered by joking that Steve is my favorite. (Steve, for those of you who didn’t grow up with us, is older and tortured us and forced us to call him “Uncle Steve.” We were literally terrified of him.) And then Laura proclaimed herself “Most Conveniently Located” cousin, which she is. This got me thinking about my extended family, and I tried to think up ridiculous superlatives for each one of my cousins. (there are many more – these are just the children of my mother's siblings with whom I’m friends on Facebook)


Alex – Most Recently Facebook Friended Cousin
Alicia – Cousin with Citizenship in the Most Countries
Aubrey – Most Collegiate Cousin
Beth – Best Roller Coaster Buddy Cousin
Dawn – Closest in Age Cousin
Jeff – Curliest Haired Cousin
Jenn – Cousin With the Best Holiday Newsletters/Worst Cousin to Play Circus Acrobats With
Joanne – Cousin Most Likely to Give Good Financial Advice
Laura – Most Conveniently Located Cousin/Cousin Who Had the Best Wedding Food
Naomi – Most Pregnant Cousin
Steve – Most “Uncle” Cousin
Suzanne – Westernmost Cousin

I could never pick a favorite, a prettiest, or a smartest. I loved growing up with the ones aged from Jenn to Dawn. I’m grateful to be close with many of those younger and older. And I’m sorry to have lost touch with the ones who aren’t on this list. These folks were the closest thing I had to siblings until I got married and inherited an honest-to-goodness sister (in-law). Anything I learned (or didn’t learn) about sharing or cooperation probably had something to do with them.

And of course, I heart them all!!

PotD: on sale

New favorite food! These Green Giant single-serving veggie blends are delicious, and currently on sale at Publix for $1 each. We stocked up!
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04 January, 2011

PotD: Dreamy


Fireworks! Giant kites with LED lights in them! Oh, and the biggest, newest ship in the Disney fleet!

The Disney Dream came "home" this morning amid tremendous fanfare. I'm so glad I woke up at 2:30 to go see it! Disney sure knows how to throw a party... if only it hadn't been pre-dawn.

(and if I do say so myself, I like this picture better than the official Disney pictures)

03 January, 2011

PotD: that's not nice!

No, fu** YOU, persimmon!
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02 January, 2011

PotD: Who Am I Anyway?



Cat isn't really sure whether to go into the bathroom for people with boobs, hips, and one leg or the bathroom for two-legged square people.

This is at the AMC, where we saw Black Swan. It's a movie about a ballerina who goes mad, and reminded me of The Sixth Sense or American Psycho, only with more fingernail clipping and cuticle tearing than ANY movie should have.

It was good (not that you'd think that from my review) but I'm not sure I want to see it again.

Of course, I saw some things that I'll be seeing again and again in my mind...

01 January, 2011

PotD: wash me!

Milo took the opportunity to nap in the laundry room, which is generally off-limits, while I was packing up Christmas.

He knows once he curls up in the "cute sleep" I won't kick him out. When he does it, he looks so tiny. I can hardly believe he's going to be 10 this year!
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