I stalled writing this in the hopes that I would come up with some pictures, but as has been all too frequent occurrence recently, I failed to upload any. The weekend was actually pretty eventful, though.
Friday we WENT OUT TO EAT. Ok, this may not seem like a big deal to some of you, but it's rare for us. It wasn't the greatest meal, but I didn't have to cook it, and we just got to sit, talk, and enjoy ourselves. I demolished entirely too much food, and was a happy, chubby, little weekender.
Saturday was the bigger day. Matt was at our house by 7:30 am, and then we hit the road to visit State College. We made pretty good time, got there, and set up our tailgate. Our neighbors made the mistake of asking Matt about beer, which meant that he talked brewing the entire rest of the afternoon with them, though they admittedly seemed interested. Chris was harassed about forgetting mustard for the sausages, since Matt and I feel strongly that it is necessary, and Chris thinks condiments are an abomination. And right before we went into the game, we stopped by the tailgate of Chris's former RA, Kelly, and she was quite persuasive about us needing to try her tacos. Which of course I did. You can't wave salsa in front of this girl and get away with it.
The game was, obviously, phenomenal. Penn State looked terrible in the first half, and the stadium was dead, but a different team took the field the second half. I don't think anyone in the stands had a voice left. It was so loud! It also wasn't ALL that cold. Of course I was wearing 5 layers, but it was BEARABLE. We even stayed through the ceremony honoring Joe's 400th win. The video was incredibly moving, and you really should watch it. I may have cried.
Mike and Megan (and their boys) watched Harper while we were away, and we're so proud of her! She is always great with them, but she really had some wonderful moments. Sam is 1.5? And Will is 8 months? I'm guessing. So, Harper walked with a stroller for the first time, and did well. Will took her toy, and she sat in front of him, and waited for him to drop it. And when Mike and Sam took her to the dog park, and other dogs showed up, she sat down next to Sam to protect him from them. Apparently, there was a lot of Harper-love going on in the house. I'm so glad, since they had to put down their 9 year old dachshund about 2 weeks ago. RIP Ziggy!
The drive home was painful for Chris, as he was exhausted, but he's a rock star. So...I tried to entertain Harper for a bit before going to sleep, but I didn't last long. Matt stayed overnight, so the next morning he and Chris went back to tearing out framing, drywall, stairs...everything from the contaminated, moldy basement. I went and ran some much-needed errands. More of a typical, busy, weekend day.
Anyway, there's a quick, picture-less (sorry!) weekend update. Hope yours was great, too!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Dogs have the Memories of....Elephants?
I'm not sure this is a true statement, but I was floored when we went to the dog park on Wednesday. Harper was being a maniac...bouncing with energy, even before we got to the park. When we arrived, however, she darted straight to the center of the fenced area and started jumping ALL OVER a woman. I was slightly horrified. I went over and apologized profusely, but the woman laughed and said, "Don't worry about it, I'm used to it. I'm a dog walker." At that point, I said, "C'mon, Harper, let's leave her alone." To which the woman gushed, "Harper! I knew I knew this dog!"
Turns out that she works for the dog walking service that we use and when I used to travel out of state weekly to go to a client site earlier this year, she was the one that would walk the dog. I finished that project in...April maybe? It's been awhile. But Harper still definitely knew who Robin was! (It is also reassuring that obviously she was well taken care of and a big fan of her walker!)
Turns out that she works for the dog walking service that we use and when I used to travel out of state weekly to go to a client site earlier this year, she was the one that would walk the dog. I finished that project in...April maybe? It's been awhile. But Harper still definitely knew who Robin was! (It is also reassuring that obviously she was well taken care of and a big fan of her walker!)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Politics and Marriage
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a gung-ho Democrat. So, revealing my vote from yesterday isn't particularly startling. But, I'm not so much talking about my disappointment over PA electing every single Republican they could, but whether politics should play a role in a marriage.
Chris is slightly more middle of the road than me, but generally is pretty left-ist, too. However, he has been thoroughly convinced (perhaps, in part, by me) that the previous couple of years with no checks and balances were a bad idea. Even I will fully admit that too many policies went through without adequate debate. Chris started to feel that, even if he agreed with Democrats' principles, Republicans needed to be elected so that the process would be slowed down. I, on the other hand, believe that we will merely experience a stalemate for the next two years, and that's not moving anyone "forward".
I voted at lunch. As we're cooking dinner, Chris revealed he hadn't yet, but was thinking about going and voting Republican. I told him that I would be furious with him. This led to a discussion on how much a wife should attempt to influence her husband's actions, particularly when it involves voting. My stance, is that I chose our relationship on the basis of shared values and beliefs, and had we NOT shared those values and beliefs, I likely would not have chosen to marry him. His stance was that I shouldn't try and control him. I think both are valid. I did proceed with the following questions:
"Do you believe we should stop stem cell research?" "No" (#1 in my mind right now!)
"Do you believe companies who outsource should get tax breaks?" "No"
"Do you believe the government should not support the poor?" "No"
"Do you believe only the wealthy should have access to health care?" "No"
"Do you believe that there should be environmental controls on energy companies?" "Yes"
I can't remember the entire rundown of questions I asked, but surely enough, he still fell pretty "left". At that point, he decided to not vote, and save himself from the harassment. I don't know how I feel about this. I don't want to feel like I twisted his arm, but my political beliefs are important to me, as is sharing that with him.
Do you think how your spouse votes should be off limits? Or is it a core value and discussion that should be held?
Chris is slightly more middle of the road than me, but generally is pretty left-ist, too. However, he has been thoroughly convinced (perhaps, in part, by me) that the previous couple of years with no checks and balances were a bad idea. Even I will fully admit that too many policies went through without adequate debate. Chris started to feel that, even if he agreed with Democrats' principles, Republicans needed to be elected so that the process would be slowed down. I, on the other hand, believe that we will merely experience a stalemate for the next two years, and that's not moving anyone "forward".
I voted at lunch. As we're cooking dinner, Chris revealed he hadn't yet, but was thinking about going and voting Republican. I told him that I would be furious with him. This led to a discussion on how much a wife should attempt to influence her husband's actions, particularly when it involves voting. My stance, is that I chose our relationship on the basis of shared values and beliefs, and had we NOT shared those values and beliefs, I likely would not have chosen to marry him. His stance was that I shouldn't try and control him. I think both are valid. I did proceed with the following questions:
"Do you believe we should stop stem cell research?" "No" (#1 in my mind right now!)
"Do you believe companies who outsource should get tax breaks?" "No"
"Do you believe the government should not support the poor?" "No"
"Do you believe only the wealthy should have access to health care?" "No"
"Do you believe that there should be environmental controls on energy companies?" "Yes"
I can't remember the entire rundown of questions I asked, but surely enough, he still fell pretty "left". At that point, he decided to not vote, and save himself from the harassment. I don't know how I feel about this. I don't want to feel like I twisted his arm, but my political beliefs are important to me, as is sharing that with him.
Do you think how your spouse votes should be off limits? Or is it a core value and discussion that should be held?
Monday, November 1, 2010
All By My Se-eh-elf
Yes, I was just singing as I typed that. This weekend, I was all on my own. And loved it. Chris wrapped up his test...didn't feel so great about it...and headed off to State College with the boys. And my car.
I...did very little. I did 4 loads of laundry (and then 2 more after Chris got home) because our washer and dryer had been disconnected while the concrete dried in our basement. For two weeks. For the first 3 loads, I couldn't figure out why the clothes were coming out boiling hot. Especially when we run it on "cold". Then, my brilliant mind bothered to check the water line hook-ups and discovered the contractors had attached them backwards. Ah...I'm a quick one sometimes.
I drove Chris's car for the first time by myself!!! I'm very proud because it is a stick, and it took me entirely too long to learn how to do this. I stalled it twice, but at least Harper and I survived and made it to the dog park. And SHE had a big day because I didn't bring a ball and she actually interacted with other dogs! Gasp!
I'm currently reading The Girl Who Played with Fire. Enjoying it.
I watched The Happening, which was filmed right outside my office, and actually almost enjoyed it. I had heard it was terrible, but it creeped me out enough that I wasn't so thrilled to have watched it by myself, in the dark.
I had breakfast with a good friend I hadn't seen in a month. Good times, good times.
I handed out a lot of Halloween candy. I probably had 100 trick-or-treaters! My neighborhood must be thought of as a good place to hit. The dog was insane and barked at every one of them.
I washed my car after Chris got home because it reeked of boys, beer, and boys who had eaten chili and beer. It visibly had an entire bottle of beer dumped down the front windshield. It's better, but I'm still smelling the nastiness today. The husband may be banned from taking my nice, new car in the future.
Well, there's a choppy, quick rundown of events. Hope your weekend was fun, too!
I...did very little. I did 4 loads of laundry (and then 2 more after Chris got home) because our washer and dryer had been disconnected while the concrete dried in our basement. For two weeks. For the first 3 loads, I couldn't figure out why the clothes were coming out boiling hot. Especially when we run it on "cold". Then, my brilliant mind bothered to check the water line hook-ups and discovered the contractors had attached them backwards. Ah...I'm a quick one sometimes.
I drove Chris's car for the first time by myself!!! I'm very proud because it is a stick, and it took me entirely too long to learn how to do this. I stalled it twice, but at least Harper and I survived and made it to the dog park. And SHE had a big day because I didn't bring a ball and she actually interacted with other dogs! Gasp!
I'm currently reading The Girl Who Played with Fire. Enjoying it.
I watched The Happening, which was filmed right outside my office, and actually almost enjoyed it. I had heard it was terrible, but it creeped me out enough that I wasn't so thrilled to have watched it by myself, in the dark.
I had breakfast with a good friend I hadn't seen in a month. Good times, good times.
I handed out a lot of Halloween candy. I probably had 100 trick-or-treaters! My neighborhood must be thought of as a good place to hit. The dog was insane and barked at every one of them.
I washed my car after Chris got home because it reeked of boys, beer, and boys who had eaten chili and beer. It visibly had an entire bottle of beer dumped down the front windshield. It's better, but I'm still smelling the nastiness today. The husband may be banned from taking my nice, new car in the future.
Well, there's a choppy, quick rundown of events. Hope your weekend was fun, too!
Friday, October 29, 2010
While I Was Sleeping
Last night was entirely too eventful for a time when I should have just been asleep. Chris is out of town. He takes his PE test today....duh duh duh...good luck! He NEEDS to pass this time around. He was soooo close last time, and just couldn't take another round of studying. And...I'd prefer (selfishly) to have him not spending every evening and weekend shut away in the den.
Anyway, it was me and the fur-babies... First up? Harper would not stop trying to sleep on the bed. She takes up more room than Chris! And insists on practically laying on top of you. This is compounded by Monster already sleeping up there and hissing at him continuously. Not fun.
Next? A smoke detector started it's "low battery beep" around 12:30. I was betting on the 3rd floor hallway one since it had gone off 2 days ago, so I pulled it. Then, of course, Harper was awake and had to go outside. Come back in, try to sleep. Nope. Not the right smoke detector. Ok, I pull the 2nd floor one. Try to sleep. Nope. Still beeping. At this point I give up, and let the dog freak herself out. Somehow I started to sleep through them. In a house with 4 stories and, I believe, 6 smoke alarms, it would've taken way too long to narrow it down.
Then...I hear horrible yowling. Ok, Monster's a Siamese, and pretty frequently will walk around squawking, but this didn't stop. I get up. The baby gate had slid down the doorway and trapped him in the guest bedroom with his litter box. (It's there because of the basement being torn apart for renovations.) Of course, the stinker had also not done a good job of covering his business, and the whole place STUNK. But, ok. Rescue the cat, go back to bed.
FINALLY...I should admit I was awake for this one. The plaza next to us started mowing the lawn outside my window at 7:20am. Yup. Noise ordinance definitely prohibits this prior to 8. So, first tactic? Go outside in bathrobe, stare them down, and let the scary-looking German Shepherd bark at them. Did nothing. Next? Start calling the Borough zoning office. Who were actually very helpful and sent someone out to talk to them. Chris may not love this, though, as his office acts as partial township engineer...sorry if you hear about this later, hun!
So...long night. Cranky morning. Hopefully not a long day!
Anyway, it was me and the fur-babies... First up? Harper would not stop trying to sleep on the bed. She takes up more room than Chris! And insists on practically laying on top of you. This is compounded by Monster already sleeping up there and hissing at him continuously. Not fun.
Next? A smoke detector started it's "low battery beep" around 12:30. I was betting on the 3rd floor hallway one since it had gone off 2 days ago, so I pulled it. Then, of course, Harper was awake and had to go outside. Come back in, try to sleep. Nope. Not the right smoke detector. Ok, I pull the 2nd floor one. Try to sleep. Nope. Still beeping. At this point I give up, and let the dog freak herself out. Somehow I started to sleep through them. In a house with 4 stories and, I believe, 6 smoke alarms, it would've taken way too long to narrow it down.
Then...I hear horrible yowling. Ok, Monster's a Siamese, and pretty frequently will walk around squawking, but this didn't stop. I get up. The baby gate had slid down the doorway and trapped him in the guest bedroom with his litter box. (It's there because of the basement being torn apart for renovations.) Of course, the stinker had also not done a good job of covering his business, and the whole place STUNK. But, ok. Rescue the cat, go back to bed.
FINALLY...I should admit I was awake for this one. The plaza next to us started mowing the lawn outside my window at 7:20am. Yup. Noise ordinance definitely prohibits this prior to 8. So, first tactic? Go outside in bathrobe, stare them down, and let the scary-looking German Shepherd bark at them. Did nothing. Next? Start calling the Borough zoning office. Who were actually very helpful and sent someone out to talk to them. Chris may not love this, though, as his office acts as partial township engineer...sorry if you hear about this later, hun!
So...long night. Cranky morning. Hopefully not a long day!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
An Inside Joke
Fairly early on in our relationship, Chris and I visited my grandparents in New Hampshire. (and have every year since) On the drive up, we passed a Moose-crossing sign. I have gone to New Hampshire every year of my life, only missing the trip twice. I have NEVER seen a moose. Regardless, Chris and I decided it was our goal to see a real, live moose, and to remind us of that, we started imitating Bullwinkle. Badly. But, it's continued to be a silly little thing we do, throwing up the moose antlers (otherwise known as jazz hands), and saying "Hey, Rocky..."
To this day, we have still never seen a moose. It would be nice. However, I'm posting because Alexander Anderson, Jr., Bullwinkle's creator has died. We can't help but be sad that someone that contributed to a fun aspect of our relationship has passed on. So, here's a small tribute to Mr. Anderson, and below is the link to the BBC News article.
To this day, we have still never seen a moose. It would be nice. However, I'm posting because Alexander Anderson, Jr., Bullwinkle's creator has died. We can't help but be sad that someone that contributed to a fun aspect of our relationship has passed on. So, here's a small tribute to Mr. Anderson, and below is the link to the BBC News article.
Rocky and Bullwinkle creator Alexander Anderson Jr dies
Friday, October 22, 2010
Because I've been too quiet...
...I am filling out Tina's survey. Looked fun, anyway. So here's a bunch of random stuff about me.
Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? Couple of "real" people, but lets stick with Christine O'Donnell. C'mon, grow a brain, lady.
How do you flush the toilet in public? With my hand, but then proceed to wash well. I’m not too germaphobic. (Tina's answer, but I agree.)
Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? I swear I have never NOT worn it. Even if a stupid cop tried to claim I wasn't wearing it when he pulled me over for speeding in high school. I took it off to get my wallet. Don't do that people! Stay put til they talk to you!
Do you have a crush on someone? Forgetting about Chris...I think Daniel Craig is pretty yummy. I need a new Bond movie. Stat.
Name one thing you worry about running out of. Deodorant.
What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? Ok, my favorite one I've heard is Bette Davis. Not true, but I like it.
What is your favorite pizza topping? Olives, or Hawaiian.
Do you crack your knuckles? That's just dangerous. My fingers pop out of joint. Yucky anyway.
What song do you hate the most. Currently...Just the Way Your Are or whatever the title is by Bruno Mars. Just overplayed.
Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? No. Thank goodness.
What are your super powers? I can read minds. You didn't know that? Better watch out now. ;)
Peppermint or spearmint? Either. Both. Yum.
Where are your car keys? In my purse. Usually on the hook of our "mail center".
Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? Any and everyone's.
What’s your most annoying habit? I'll go with I'm a leg shaker. One of those annoying fidgeters that will make an entire bench move.
Where did you last go on vacation? New Hampshire.
What is your best physical feature? My eyes.
What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Salsa, Soy milk, tortillas.
What superstition do you believe/practice? Hmm...I always say "bless you" if you sneeze?
What color are your bed sheets? Tan plaid.
Would you rather be a fish or a bird? Bird. Maybe. It'd be amazing to fly, but I'm terrified of heights.
Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? Yes, but my car has bluetooth. So I look like I'm talking to myself.
What are your favorite sayings? For years I had, "Smile, it makes people wonder what you're thinking" taped to my computer.
What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? Recently Teenage Dream by Katy Perry has been in my head *every* *morning* when I wake up. Going a little batty.
If you could go back or forward in time,where would you go? Back. But not within my own life. I'd want to see ancient Rome, or the Wild West or something.
What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? I'll go with Air Force One. Not sure.
How many kids do you plan on having? Two. Tops.
If you could kiss anyone who would it be? See above crush.
What do you do when no one is watching? Sigh, probably eat something weird. Like a jar of pickles.
Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? Probably blaze of glory. I'm assuming the "peacefully" would involve an extended disease, and I'm just not into suffering.
Coffee or Tea Love coffee. Black. Don't gunk it up.
Favorite musician(s)/bands you’ve seen in concert? The seen in concert part is hard...um...saw a bunch of concerts in high school, but don't so much like a lot of those bands now. We'll go with Weezer?
Have you ever been in love? Duh.
Do you talk to yourself? Of course. Just not in the car. That's bluetooth. ;)
I'd love to see your answers!
Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? Couple of "real" people, but lets stick with Christine O'Donnell. C'mon, grow a brain, lady.
How do you flush the toilet in public? With my hand, but then proceed to wash well. I’m not too germaphobic. (Tina's answer, but I agree.)
Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? I swear I have never NOT worn it. Even if a stupid cop tried to claim I wasn't wearing it when he pulled me over for speeding in high school. I took it off to get my wallet. Don't do that people! Stay put til they talk to you!
Do you have a crush on someone? Forgetting about Chris...I think Daniel Craig is pretty yummy. I need a new Bond movie. Stat.
Name one thing you worry about running out of. Deodorant.
What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? Ok, my favorite one I've heard is Bette Davis. Not true, but I like it.
What is your favorite pizza topping? Olives, or Hawaiian.
Do you crack your knuckles? That's just dangerous. My fingers pop out of joint. Yucky anyway.
What song do you hate the most. Currently...Just the Way Your Are or whatever the title is by Bruno Mars. Just overplayed.
Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? No. Thank goodness.
What are your super powers? I can read minds. You didn't know that? Better watch out now. ;)
Peppermint or spearmint? Either. Both. Yum.
Where are your car keys? In my purse. Usually on the hook of our "mail center".
Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? Any and everyone's.
What’s your most annoying habit? I'll go with I'm a leg shaker. One of those annoying fidgeters that will make an entire bench move.
Where did you last go on vacation? New Hampshire.
What is your best physical feature? My eyes.
What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Salsa, Soy milk, tortillas.
What superstition do you believe/practice? Hmm...I always say "bless you" if you sneeze?
What color are your bed sheets? Tan plaid.
Would you rather be a fish or a bird? Bird. Maybe. It'd be amazing to fly, but I'm terrified of heights.
Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? Yes, but my car has bluetooth. So I look like I'm talking to myself.
What are your favorite sayings? For years I had, "Smile, it makes people wonder what you're thinking" taped to my computer.
What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? Recently Teenage Dream by Katy Perry has been in my head *every* *morning* when I wake up. Going a little batty.
If you could go back or forward in time,where would you go? Back. But not within my own life. I'd want to see ancient Rome, or the Wild West or something.
What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? I'll go with Air Force One. Not sure.
How many kids do you plan on having? Two. Tops.
If you could kiss anyone who would it be? See above crush.
What do you do when no one is watching? Sigh, probably eat something weird. Like a jar of pickles.
Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? Probably blaze of glory. I'm assuming the "peacefully" would involve an extended disease, and I'm just not into suffering.
Coffee or Tea Love coffee. Black. Don't gunk it up.
Favorite musician(s)/bands you’ve seen in concert? The seen in concert part is hard...um...saw a bunch of concerts in high school, but don't so much like a lot of those bands now. We'll go with Weezer?
Have you ever been in love? Duh.
Do you talk to yourself? Of course. Just not in the car. That's bluetooth. ;)
I'd love to see your answers!
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