April's Thoughts

10 lbs down!

2012-01-27T19:22:00.002-06:00

Derby practice Sun, Mon, and Wed. YMCA Gym Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Rest Saturday. This combination along with the simple question of: "If I put this in my body, will my body benefit from it?" I have lost 10 lbs in a 2 weeks. Ok, so I cheated a little by taking Reveal Extreme. Diet Pill? Yes, thank you. It's herbal... blah blah blah, it doesn't matter what I say about these pills because bottom line is that they are diet pills.... that work.

2 tone + 1 Accelerator with Breakfast and again at Lunch. 1 night time pill (to help calm and rest with a lot of protein)

Best part is I'm eating what I want just smaller portions and timed strategically throughout the day.

It make me a bit jittery- my knees are bouncing up and down while sitting and my mind is running a mile a minute- good thing is that my brain is organizing the thoughts as they run through- making me feel more productive and organized. All in all- worth the $250.00.

I had stopped taking them when I first started because I wasn't eating better and wasn't exercising so I figured there was no point.

But anywho- I know some of you wanted to know so... I'm still taking it and i"ll update you next week. I would recommend this product... if you can stomach spending $250.00.

I

Mrs. Fatty McFatterson

2011-10-23T22:36:00.003-05:00

Remember that time I lost 40lbs?! Yeah- that was awesome. I felt great, I slept well, I LOVED shopping for clothes and life was just better. Then I got cocky and thought I could take a break from dieting (not dieting... lifestyle change.... yeah) and have self control. Then I got fat again. Of course with fat comes unhappiness, aggravation and irritability. Everyone knows that when your thinner (I.E. HEALTHIER) you feel better about yourself- your happier and life is a little easier. I don't buy into fat chicks that say they LOVE their curves and love themselves just the way they are. You know when to classify yourself as a fatty when you're looking at people and immediately labeling them as "skinny bitches" That's when it should click that you, yourself are just not happy with your own weight. I remember when I was 40lbs lighter and when I saw those same "skinny bitches" I was thinking "wow, those are really cute jeans"

Last time I started the Fat Smash diet- It was baby weight that I needed to lose. This time- its just your all around stubborn fat. LIke real fat- the kind you get when you eat a lot. The only difference is that I'm already getting exercise with roller derby- and I've still managed to get fat again. So this time, I'll have to work extra hard and fill the week with more workouts.

THIS time, however, I'm not doing the Fat Smash diet. It would just be too hard- Aiden can't be on that diet and it would be too expensive to cook 2 separate meals every night... and lets face it, it's hard enough for me to cook ONE meal/night. So this time- I'm going with a "diet aid system" I dove right in and purchased "Reveal Extreme"

I'd like to have a different word for it OTHER than "Diet pills" but that is essentially what it is. Google it to learn more- I'm not typing it all in here. It is proven to work and there are many people right here in GF that have used it and have gotten great results. They even tell you that you don't have to diet and exercise and that you'd still lose weight- but C'mon, if I'm spending $225.00 on a weight loss System- I'm going all in, I'm putting all my eggs in one basket, Balls to the Walls if you will... I'm going to do it right with diet and exercise.

Yes, I said $225.00

No, I didn't know it was THAT much. However, I had just spend 1 hour in a dressing room on the verge of tears as I was trying on clothes for work and as I left the shopping area I was driving past Complete Nutrition AS the commercial was playing on the radio. It was a sign. Or at least that's what I was telling myself as I was parking and marching up to the store.

I got in the store, looked at the hot chick behind the counter and said "Give me your Shpeel about Reveal Extreme, I just spent and hour in a dressing room"

So she did. 15 minutes later- I was walking out with a 2 month supply of the separate bottles of this system.

Tomorrow is Day 1. And so it begins. She told me that 100% of people have results if they follow the regimen. I asked her if she was lying- she said no. I asked her if she was still lying and she said "Check back with me in 2 weeks, you can thank me then" So this system comes with their support. I have to go in there again in 2 weeks to talk about my progress. She said "Take out those jeans you want to fit into, try them on every day- in 2 months when they fit- buy yourself new jeans."

Damn she's good. (and hot, if I forgot to mention that part)

ooops, I think I blogged.

2011-10-08T00:15:00.003-05:00

Testing? Testing? one. two. Check. Check.... One. Two.

*Clears throat*

Hi. It's been a while. I don't have a lot to say. Actually I'm sure I have plenty to say. However, because I am tired but wanted to sneak in a quick post here you go...

There was this girl that I thought was SOOOO cool. She was amazing, I wanted to be like her when I grew up. She is a roller girl. She was my girl crush. You know when you admire someone so much and you learn everything there is to know about them. I googled her, I e-stalked her. I liked the way she looked, I liked her style, I liked her attitude. About 3 years ago I went to my very first roller derby bout. I was hooked. As we practiced and practiced and got ready to play I kept thinking "I get to meet her, I get to talk to her"

Well... hello... she is just a girl. From North Dakota. Yeah, it was pretty silly.

It was my very first bout. She was there to play the main bout. I was all giddy and stupid when she kept passing by, skating during open skate. "Oh my, that's her, I get to talk to her, what am I going to say?" This was my internal monologue- it sounded much more awesome in my head.

Finally, we were all stretching and getting ready and she was sitting right across from me. I don't remember what everyone was talking about but I commented on how I liked her glasses. I asked her where she got them, they were very unique. (I really did like them) and she stopped smiling, looked at me and said "Pff.. I don't f*#king know... probably like a glasses store, where else do you get glasses" *eye roll* Later that evening we were at the after party and I was at a table, thanking some other girls for letting us be in the mixer- she looked over gave me another eyeroll and shook her head "Whatever, mixers take up way too much time, no one really comes until the second bout anyway so I don't even know why we have them"

At first I was like "OMG, why did I talk to her, wtf was I thinking! I'm not cool enough to talk to her like I'm her friend or something" Yes, I pretty much reverted back to being an awkward, ugly 8th grade girl. I stayed there... until a week ago.

Last weekend we played against Bemidji. There are also girls on that team that I admire. I like watching their A team play. For the more part- those girls are freakin' awesome. However, there are some girls on that team that aren't so nice. They were like little divas. They complained that everything we did was wrong. If that was the case, then how did we WIN?!

That is when it clicked

I was idolizing this girl for no good reason- only because I liked her style and the way she played derby. Then I realized that even though I may not be an A team player, I could probably hip check that bitch- I may not be AS good as her, but I'm pretty damn close. I could give her a run for her money.

She let me down and made me realize how silly it is that I thought she was cool in the first place. She's just a derby girl. From North Dakota. Just like me... except I'm a nice person (usually) and If someone were to compliment me and want to talk to me, I would take the time to at least say thank you.

The end.

2011-10-08T00:14:00.005-05:00

2011-10-08T00:14:00.004-05:00

Back by popular demand: ME!

2011-01-23T19:42:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I've actually had people tell me that I need to write on here more. So... here I am. What am I up to, you ask?

Well, yesterday we went to a funeral. Some of you may have met our breakfast hostess, Carolee. Her husband, Clay, passed away after a battle with cancer and enduring many other medical problems. The funeral was the longest I've ever been to. It was about an hour and 15 minutes. It was also the most touching funeral I've ever been to. They talked about Clay the whole time. They went through his whole life. From birth to death. They hit on all the major events in his life. Most funerals, they just read the little blurp that is in the obituary. Clay was full of life. He loved with his whole heart all the time. He was married twice. His first wife passed away due to cancer. She died just days before they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He met Carolee shortly after that (in his 70s) and they married. They were married for 14 years. Carolee has also been married twice, losing her first husband to heart disease.

I only met Clay a couple of times and talked to him on the phone a handful of times. I always admired their relationship. He called her Darlin' and Sweetheart and when they walked together, they held hands. She always said that she thanks God everyday for blessing her with two loves in her life.

When he was 12 he and his brothers sang acapella gospel music. They traveled around the country singing. He grew up, married, started a family, joined the military, was deployed in war, came back, owned his own service station and joined a barber shop quartet, where he sang bass. He sang with those same guys for 30 years. 30 years...

He planned his own funeral. He made sure there was a lot of music. The 3 remaining members of the quartet were there and sang some gospel songs. You could tell they were missing something, they were missing their bass line. He had military honors and Taps was played. That's when pretty much everyone in the church (which was packed) cried. I didn't, which was odd because I cry at every funeral. This funeral was different. It was the only funeral where I felt like we were celebrating the life of the deceased instead of focusing on their death.

I didn't plan on sharing all this info when I started typing, but I did because I think Clay was an amazing person. Even though I didn't know him all that well, I feel like I did. Through the stories Carolee told me and through his friends and family at his funeral.

ANNNNYYYWWAAAYYY...

Onto other happier subjects: Tabby is ready to have her baby! We did her tummy pics today. They are BEAUTIFUL and I can't wait to fix 'em up a little and post them :)

It's past Aiden's bedtime, I suppose it's time to go. I promise I'll write more. It is fun, and Facebook is getting old.

my complete lack of awesomeness...

2010-07-31T22:58:00.002-05:00

So I don't like my job... but thats nothing new to anyone. Matt asked me what my 'plan' was. I was like "I don't know..." He asked me what I wanted to do in 10 years. I said "I don't know" He said "well if you don't know, then you'll be exactly where you are now, doing exactly what you're doing now so you have to have a plan"

Alrighty then.

and we're back!

2010-01-17T23:29:00.003-06:00

With everyone posting on their blogs, I didn't want to feel left out, so here I am! Its weird, I see Karissa and Amber almost every day, yet I feel like we haven't spent buddy time together for a long time. Its fun to see everyone writing on their blogs again.

Lately, it feels like Kevin, Aiden and I are in our own little routine, with no time to spare. Kevin doesn't get home until 6:15 or later, we eat, go to the gym, come home put Aiden to bed, laundry or cleaning, or "stuff to do" time, then go to bed.

One thing that I'm pretty happy about is that I'm getting more photography gigs. I have 3 weddings set up for this year... senior pics, baby pics and engagement pics. That keeps me busy and puts a little extra money in my pocket. Now only if I can save some money to get some newer camera equipment. As much as I'm going to LOVE going to Hawaii, a part of me kind of wishes that money could have gone to new camera gear. God knows I'm not the best money saver (I could learn a thing or two from Karissa and Amber and their coupon cutting skills) I don't think I spend too much on material items, but more on activities and spontanious purchases for Aiden. :) ok ok and maybe Target visits without a shopping list doesn't help either. I've been thinking of getting a second job to help pay for the camera gear because I really really want new stuff (especially if people are going to start really paying for it) I'd only work like 2-3 shifts a week. Finding the time to work would be the hard part! Plus Aiden wouldn't know what I looked like by the end of the week!

Kevin and I are going to the Y at least 3 times a week (and using our bike at home 2 times a week) I love it! Sometimes we have to remind eachother why we are doing this, but for the most part getting there isn't hard. Aiden also likes the daycare :)

Ok, there, I posted something. Now time to go to bed!

Holiday Baking.

2009-12-12T08:10:00.002-06:00

Yes, I said baking... as in cookies, fudge and holiday goodies. I have never done this before, but since we are not giving gifts this year (saving our moolah for Hawaii) I thought it'd be a good idea. Now, I'm not beginning this venture with high expectations. I'll be happy if just one of my goodies turn out edible. Plus, I went the idiot proof way, and bought the Jello, Bakers, and Planters cookbook. Meaning all my goodies will have either bakers chocolate, nuts or pudding in it! ha!

I'm pretty excited about it!

We went shopping for Birthday/Christmas presents for Aiden yesterday, and got a majority of it done. The biggest gift that he is getting is a play Kitchen set. I know he's going to love it, and we've been waitig all year to get it for him. We also got him a digital camera for kids, a chalk board/white board isle, big box of legos (we thought he's about ready) and some other odds and ends. As I was looking at the toys I thought "where were these things when I was little!" Like that game where you move things with your mind. Anti-Gravity boots (making you able to jump REALLY high)

Once again, I procrastinated planning his Bday party, and now I'm a little stuck on where it'll be. But when they are this little I don't think it really matters as long as theres 1. a cake. 2. friends. and 3. presents!

I can not stress enough how much I'm looking forward to this whole potty training thing to be OVER! He does ok most days but then some days he just doesn't care :(
I also can not wait until he sleeps later than 5:30, 6:00am. We thought we would try to make his bedtime later, but he still got up at the same time, just crabbier. 5:30 is ok on weekdays because thats the time I get up for work anyway. But Saturdays? C'MON!

So there is my rambling for today. I wanted to write on my blog, and didn't have anything interesting to say, but decided to write anyway. Hope you are still checking my blog. yes, you, my 4 readers.

WANTED: Cheeseburger

2009-09-26T23:23:00.003-05:00

I really want a cheeseburger. Yeah, you heard me. The whole point to this post is to declare my NEED for a juicy grilled cheeseburger.

If I had a cheeseburger right now I would put it on a homemade oversized bun. It would be smothered with grilled onions, ketchup and a small amount of mustard. I would have a pickle spear (sorry Karissa) on the side. My cheeseburger would be on a plate accompanied with rippled potato chips and french onion dip.

Doesn't that sound delicious? You know what tastes yummy after a cheeseburger? a big brownie with chocolate frosting on it and a BIG glass of milk. mmmmmmm.

Hotel Rant

2009-09-23T23:59:00.003-05:00

work seems to be the only thing inspiring me to write on my blog, sorry, I think facebook rotted my internet brain.

With that being said, here is my new hotel story.

Today I took a call and it went a little something like this:

Me: "thank you for calling... blah blah... how may I help you?"

Old shivering voice lady: "I want to make a reservation"

Me: "sure! Have you stayed with us before"

Old Lady: "Of course I have! you people never remember a face, do ya, we're just another paying customer aren't we!"

(because I instantly knew who she was by her decrepit old voice and I could totally see her through the effin phone!)

Me: "I'm sorry, I think I missed your name" (because you never gave it to me!)

Old Lady: "Mary Johnson"

Me: "ok, I'm sorry, let me bring up your information so I can make a reservation for you..... are you the Mary Johnson from Dickinson?" (only Mary Johnson in our system)

Old Lady: "No, dangit, I'm not. I'm from Mohall"

Me: "I'm sorry, Ill have to get your information from you, I can't seem to find your name in our system"

Old Lady: "I've stayed there many times, at least 2 last year! I have the reciept from my last stay sitting in front of me right now!"

Me: "Can you give me the confirmation number so I can look up your last stay with us" (because obviously this whole process is 'easier' than just giving me your phone number and zip code)

Old Lady: "2******" (doesn't matter)

Me: "oh, weird, I'm getting an Isabelle Johnson. But you say its under Mary Johnson?"

Old Lady: "Well Hell yeah, its under Isabelle Johnson... thats the name I go by, but my real name is Mary Isabelle Smith" I haven't gone by Mary Johnson since I lived in Dickinson"

Me: Taking the deepest breath possible and trying my damnedest not to laugh my ass off at her stupidity I say calmly "Oh, I'm glad we're on the same page now.. haha... now when are you coming to stay with us?"

Old Lady: "well I don't know yet, my sister has a doctors appointment sometime next week, so I'll call when I know for sure what day"

I couldn't help but giggle as I was thanking her and telling her I look forward to helping her with her reservation later in the week.

Silly lady and not knowing her Doug Damned name!

HI

2009-08-27T16:13:00.002-05:00

HI!!!!

ANOTHER trip to the ER

2009-07-07T21:31:00.004-05:00

Yup... Kevin is in the ER again. He tripped over Aiden's horse and did something to his ankle. He thought he should get an x ray. So here I sit. I hope he didn't break anything!

Here are some more pics from the wedding...

SNEEK PEEK! Mr and Mrs. Suda.

2009-07-01T21:26:00.005-05:00

Well... Here they are... some of them anyway. These are the "just for fun" pics. I haven't gotten the others all done yet, and they are in RAW format... which means they are HUGE files and not easily postable. These pics were just jpegs. so it was easier to post. There are a TON more... but here are some of my favs.

First Dance

My favorite picture out of all of them :)

I don't know why I love this pic so much, but its very artsy :)

Cutest pic of Ali :)

Right after the ceremony

THE kiss :)

Such a little man

HEEEEY!!

Waiting for something good...

2009-06-26T22:34:00.002-05:00

Warning: This is a "poor me" post. This is me venting... because thats pretty much what I do best I think.

First of all... Beginning on July 1st, I will be paid by the hour. I'm currently a salaried employee. Now theoretically this should not affect my annual pay... theoretically I work 40 hours a week (uh huh)...I have the same responsibilities and the only thing changing is that now I have to punch a timeclock. Well, for some reason, this makes me mad. I can't explain the reasons behind my feelings, because I completely understand why they are doing it. But, It constantly feels like I'm being held back with this company. The entire time I've worked at the hotel, I've always had to ask for my raises... never have I been reviewed... I have to remind them that my anniversary has come and gone, and still am waiting for my "evaluation". I don't know exactly how many raises I've gotten, I think only 3 or 4 and two of them were because of a promotion and the others because I had to insinuate that if I didn't get a raise, I'd quit. When I was hired as AGM, I was given the minimum pay for the position. I have a feeling that if a person with my experience walked in, they would have offered them more. Plus all my experience is with THEIR company... pppfff.

Little secret (you know for all 4 of you that still read my blog) I'm lookin' for another job. I need a change. Not only because of the above reasons... but because I'm 28, I've worked there for 9 years and I feel like I am holding myself back just because I feel comfortable there. I feel like I'm letting my mind rot. I'm not learning anything new, I'm not being challenged. I don't want to be one of those crabby, "stuck in her ways" employees. Now, I'm not in a hurry to find another job... I'm just keeping my eye on the classifieds, if anything catches my eye, I'll look into it. Being that my college degree was an obvious mistake, I'm not specifically trained in anything useful so I HAVE to get experience in some sort of field or two so I have more career options.

I would give anything to stay home with Aiden all day. He spends 8 hours at daycare. I only see him for 4 hours a day... 4 HOURS! Thats it. thats all we have. Heidi spends more time with him than I do. I want to be the one to teach him things, like how to behave, manners, ABCs, numbers, potty training. I know he is two, and I know he's going through the terrible twos... but he hits ALL the time. He screams... and boy do I mean SCREAMS. we spend most of our 4 hours with him either telling him not to hit me, putting him in time out, fighting with him in public or getting him ready for bed. We're tired from work, and too often we let him free play alone or watch tv. I think if he was with me all day, he wouldn't need to act out so often to get attention. My house would be clean all the time, I would learn how to cook and I'd feel like cooking more healthy, homecooked meals. However, since we have two car payments, a house payment, utilities, cable (maybe cancelling this), medical bills from Aiden and Kevin's stays and surgeries, student loans, credit card debt, and now the freakin' Jeep's axel and transmission is all F'ed up.... GRRRRR. I can't afford to stay home. I think we should move into an apartment, buy used cars, and eat mac and cheese.

Oh, and I am honestly very sad about Michael Jackson's death. I understand he was a freak, I understand he probably did bad things at some points in his life and by no means do I overlook that part of him, but I loved his music. He was talented. I believe he deserves all the praise that he has recieved in his career. No one can argue that he didn't work hard for everything he had (and lost apparently) Almost all of the biggest and best have died an early and unexpected deaths. I can't say I'll miss him, because I haven't been following his story lately, I don't know what he's been doing, he hasn't released any new music. I can say that I will continue to enjoy his music and videos, even if they have been played over and over and over again for the past 2 days. Its just something I don't get tired of. Everyone has their favorite artist/celebrity/athlete.... Michael Jackson was mine and I feel for his kids. The only father they will really know is the one they read about in magazines and watch in documentaries. The oldest is only 12.

Well anyway, thats all the junk on my mind at the moment. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful that I have a job, a husband that loves me so much, and Aiden (smartest cutest kid ever!) On a daily basis I'm a pretty happy person. I just think its time for a change.

*ok I'm done now*

2009-06-09T21:50:00.001-05:00

Whats in the box?

2009-05-22T17:08:00.004-05:00

Last Friday a guest asked if we could hold a package for him. It was supposed to get to the hotel on friday when he was there, however, it got delayed and will be here on Monday. His parents were coming through GF on Thursday so they could pick it up when they were in town. I asked him how big the box was and he told me it weighed 7lbs, but he didn't know how big the box was going to be. I told him if it was too large, we wouldn't be able to hold it for him so I asked what was in the box. He said "all you need to know is that its nothing alive" So I agreed to hold it. The box came on Monday along with our new crockpot (for bisquites and gravy... ewww). In all the excitement of our new crockpot and things, Jan cut open the box, but then noticed the packing lable said it was for a guest so she put the box aside. Enter April.... coming back with lunch, I noticed the box and was like "ooooo whats in THIS one?" As I opened the box, I saw something inside with bright packaging, I pulled out the object to get a closer look. What was it? a big flesh colored vibrator. So here I am in the lobby holding a vibrator. Jan, laughing her ass off, says "PUT IT BACK!" So I threw it back in the box and shut the flaps. But, C'Mon... it was already open! I had to see what else was inside! So I carefully pushed aside the packing paper, and saw the following: An anal probe, another vibrator with a remote control, and an inflatable bondage chair! So by this time, Jan and I are giggling like little school girls. The funniest part is that this guy (and his wife) was having his father pick this box up. But wait... they have to take it across customs into Canada! I'm pretty sure they aren't going to let you take an unmarked box across the boarder when they don't know whats inside. I picture this elderly couple innocently carrying this box of sex toys (I'm guessing worth over 400.00) and the customs guy ripping open the box... HAHAHAHAHA!

anyway, it was hilarious.

Aiden the Builder

2009-05-09T15:43:00.003-05:00

Last weekend Kevin and I bought a shoe rack so he began putting it together and Aiden REALLY wanted to help. He said "wait daddy, be riiiiight baaack, wait" He ran downstairs, got his Bob the Builder helmet and tools, ran upstairs and said "ok, I'm ready help you now"

Cutest. child. ever.

Kevin couldn't refuse that offer, so here they are working together on the shoe rack.

I would also like to add: NOTICE KEVIN USING THE DIRECTIONS!!! I love my husband, he's a real man.

Cindy

2009-04-25T21:57:00.004-05:00

So... what do you think? Not my BEST stuff, but I love the places she brought me to. Cindy's cool, she's my new assistant (unpaid slave). She's an awesome photog herself so its important that she likes these pics. To me they all look the same, just with different backgrounds.

and yes, her shirt says "Its cool to eat at school" just because I know you're gonna ask.

Oh Yeah! I have a BLOG!!! I almost forgot...

2009-04-22T23:01:00.005-05:00

Yeah, so its been a loooong time since I've blogged. Damn Facebook. So as all of you, my 5 faithful followers, already know... Kevin is in Ohio, and I'm bringing Aiden to DL tomorrow. I work this weekend (with Karissa, WOO HOO!) and I start the Night Audit next week...ick. Butto you better get your butt home!!!! Not only because I don't want to work the audit, but also because We have your presents from your parents and because we have yet to celebrate your birthday!

Today I took some senior pictures of Cindy. She's pretty cool, and showed me some awesome places in GF to take pics. Weirdest thing happened... I picked her up at her apartment, and when I pulled up I was like "no freakin' way" it was Katie and Andrews old apt. on 12th ave. north. It was really strange walking into the exact same apartment, but with someone elses stuff in it. There where these two guys sitting there playing guitars (and two more guitars sitting on stands) and they were pretty good, I told them I had a friend that may be interested in jamming with them some time, and they said they're always looking for people who are good enough to jam with. They play mostly blues. It was fun to listen to them. but anywho....

I'm pretty sure I have a chemical burn of sorts on my face. I used this new face wash stuff, and should have looked at the ingredients, as the main thing is Benzyl Peroxide... which I'm allergic to. Thought I may have gotten over that, guess not. My whole face is one big red, itchy, dry mess. Its RED RED, like fire engine red. I look like a molting snake... with bright red skin... anyway, enough of the visuals... but it hurts a lot, and it stings and I can barely move my face....

Good 'Ol Devils Lake Good times at the PaddleWheel!

2009-03-23T22:58:00.003-05:00

Karissa and Wendy. I interupted their serious conversation with a "LOOK AT ME AND SMILE, DAMNIT!"

Wendy looking adorable! I liked this one a lot black and white... so here ya go.

me and my Cous Mindy

"hey, hey, HAAAEYYY!"

Tab told me I should do this...

silly people

2009-03-18T07:49:00.003-05:00

This is what made me giggle this morning... I was standing behind the front desk.... breakfast is in the lobby...

GUEST: "Where do we get our free breakfast?"
ME: "You get it right there" I pointed to the breakfast buffet area 5 feet behind her.
GUEST: "How do we get our free breakfast?"
ME: "You... get it... right there...behind you"
GUEST: "I know where it is but how do we get it?"
ME: "...."
GUEST: "We just sit right there?"
ME: "Yes, you sure do"
GUEST: "We sit anywhere"
ME: "Yup"
GUEST: "Uh.. ok"
ME: " :) "

So the guest and her daughter walk over to a table and sit down

GUEST: "So are you the only one here today"
ME: "yup"
GUEST: "So you'll be the one getting our breakfast"
ME: "....um... no, I'm sorry, I misunderstood you"

(because I am obviously the confused one in this whole conversation)

ME: "You help yourself, its a complimentary, continental breakfast"
GUEST: "We have to get it ourselves?"
ME: "Yes"
GUEST: "uh... oooookaaaay...thats different...."

HELLOOO!!! You're at a Comfort Inn, a three star hotel... its like she never heard of this whole continental breakfast thing before... Then she walked over to the breakfast and said to her daughter "I guess this is all they have"

C'Mon... we have waffles, eggs, pastries, oatmeal, fruit, bread, bagels, juice, 3 cereals, muffins... if you can't find something you like out of all of that.. then go to Perkins down the street!

Then instead of reading the directions on how to make a waffle (you know the three step process of fill cup, pour into waffle machine, turn handle...) She just said "how the hell do you do this? Am I just supposed to KNOW how to do this?"

Then her DAUGHTER who looks like about 7 or 8 said "Mom, it tells you how to do it right there..."

So I laughed as this mother slowly but surely figured out how to make a waffle... they sat down, split their waffle and left, after quitely complaining that there wasn't whip cream and fruit to top it with... hahaha.

Whatever, lady.

2009-03-01T23:27:00.002-06:00

2009-03-01T22:47:00.002-06:00

Tom Reid's Hockey Pub in Saint Paul

2009-03-01T21:50:00.002-06:00

Two for Ones!
Blake and Kelsey
Blake!

Katie and I
Andrew and the Tequila Ladies
Kevin and the Tequila Ladies

Katie and Andrew
Me and Blake in the elevator to the Parking Ramp

2009-03-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

Bathtime! The only time he lets me take his picture... go figure.

2009-03-01T15:52:00.001-06:00

new pics woo hoo!!

2009-03-01T15:46:00.004-06:00

Karissa looking lovely
T-Kev
Doug blowing out his 29 candles
Kevin and Derek being stupid
Ryan and Wendy
Tab and I made these AMAZING birthday visors for Doug's bday

Must...stay...awaZZZZzzzzZZZzzzz

2009-02-05T01:07:00.002-06:00

I work the night audit this Friday and Saturday, I have tomorrow off, so I'm trying to stay awake as long as I can tonight so I can sleep late tomorrow morning to adjust my sleep schedule. Yesterday we were told that we will probably get our "surprise" inspection at the hotel in the next week or so. I think Karissa is getting the raw end of that stick. She's worked her ass off the last couple of days! GO EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER!!! Waking up at 5:30am, working an 11 hour day, and trying to stay up until at least 3am is killer. I don't know how Doug and Jason and my mom do it!

Anyway, to keep me awake I rented "The Secret Life of Bees". Cried like a baby, not "Extreme Home Makeover tears, but close. I love Dakota Fanning. I'm a sucker for sentimental, heartwarming and "coming of age" movies.

Its been a while since I've written anything. I know I'm going to get crap from Doug for not posting his birthday pics, but I haven't even been in the computer room on our "archaic" desktop since we got our Mac laptop. The card reader is on the desktop. Ok, Ok, I'm just lazy.

Aiden is doin' fantastic! He talks up a storm now. The other night, we told him it was time to go to bed and he said "no" and I said, "yeah C'Mon, lets go night night" and he said "NO! 5 more minutes, k?" Kevin and I laughed so hard, he got his 5 minutes. Here's a list of some of the adorable things he says. This is more for my family than anyone else. You have to keep in mind that this is a two year old.

"GUYS! Watch dis!"

"Is MY turn now, k? IS MY TURN NOOOW!"

"I don't yike it, nope"

"Time Out, Kitty!"

"Time Out, Mommy"

"Stand up, follow me" (He pulls on your hand and If you don't follow him, he gets really mad)

"Go to Elelellelella's house now?"

"I eat yunch, I eat gog gog (hot dog) and gup gup (katchup)"

He's starting to refer to himself as "me" and "Aiden" and he LOVES looking at pictures of himself "thats Aiden, a me a me, Aiden!"

He does and says things everyday that surprise me. I forget that he's two sometimes.

Enough about my perfect baby. Its almost 2am, I get to go to sleep soon!

And Tuesdays and Wednesdays

2009-01-28T07:36:00.002-06:00

I hate them too so far. I'll let ya know how I feel about Thursdays later.

i hate mondays.

2009-01-25T21:20:00.002-06:00

I hate Mondays and tomorrow is a Monday. Thats about it.

I really really really don't want to wake up tomorrow. *sigh* If I feel that way today, then tomorrow morning is really gonna suck. *sigh*

ok, I'm done now.

Oh Happy Day!

2009-01-16T21:44:00.002-06:00

Aiden is OK!!! He's healthy! No cancer, no infection! OH HAPPY DAY! When the doctor called me at work to tell me the good news, I almost cried because I was so happy! I honestly was getting very worried, and scared, and I was thinking the worst. But OMG! He's ok! He seems to still be doing very well. He doesn't complain about pain, and he insn't running a temp. We celebrated by going out to eat with Amber and Bailey. He got to pig out on chips and french fries and chicken strips. (french fries are a pretty big treat) and when we asked what he wanted to do he said "PUPPIES!" So we went to the pet store in the mall, and he got to see puppies and kitties and "fishes". It was the first time he'd been out of the house (beside day care across the street) in a week. He had a lot of fun.

I just wanted everyone to know the fantastic news!!!

PostSecret tour!!!!!

2009-01-12T22:52:00.003-06:00

They just released the 2009 PostSecret tour locations. Winnipeg is one of them! on January 29th. I've never wanted to go to something so badly in my whole entire life! They've never come so close to Grand Forks before. I would probably give my left nut to go, and my right one... and both of Kevin's too!! Gross, I mean where did that come from?

Anyway, so I'm really just posting this bit of information in hopes that Kevin sees it, reads it, soaks it in and realizes that this is the most PERFECT Valentine's Day gift EVER!!!!

This is a test, a test to see if he actually reads my blog. I don't think he does, I think he gets enough of my rambling in person so he doesn't feel the need to read it as well.

Even if he does read it, whose to say that he'll decode the hidden message inside. You know, the one about how bringing me to Winnipeg, MB Canada on January 29th,2009 for the PostSecret tour with Frank (IN PERSON!!!! *SCREEEEAM!*) would be one of the best Valentine's Day gift EVER!!!

Or say, one of my friends that reads my blog can hint to him (throw a brick at him with a message attached, he doesn't do subtle very well) and he can be all like "oh yeah, it was totally all my idea"

The Big Day

2009-01-12T15:56:00.002-06:00

Its done. Finally. Aiden had his biopsy this morning. All went well. We were at the hospital at 7am. He went into surgery at around 8:15. They told us he was in recovery at about 9:15 and by 11am we were on our way home. They took out 4 nodes. The doctor said they were still pretty big (he held his fingers about this...___________ far apart to describe them. We have a follow up appointment next week and I assume that is when we'll get the results as well.

Aiden has a cut about 1" long on the left side of his neck. He doesn't seem to be in too much pain, and he is eating fine. He tries to scratch at it, but we put a large bandaid on it so hopefully that will protect it from his little ichy fingers. There are no stitches to take out, they are the disolving kind. He can't get it wet for 5 days... good thing I gave him a good scrubbin' last night before bed :)

So now we wait for just one more week. just ONE more week.

2009-01-12T15:46:00.004-06:00

On our way to DL

Kevin on the carousel

What kid in DL didn't get to ride this horse in the Holiday "mall" ?

Shop Kitty

Me wearing Tab's hat because it was adorable on me.

Tab, Me and Jess

minus Tab

Me and Dear

Jess, sideways

Awe.

Yellow Light

2009-01-09T16:59:00.002-06:00

Aiden had ANOTHER pre op appointment today and it was decided that he is healthy enough to have the biopsy on Monday morning at 7am. He's pretty much over that horrible cold and he's eating now and back to his happy energetic self. The doctor did notice that he has an ear infection though, go figure. Thats ok though, he can still have surgery. All I gotta say is that he better not get sick again!

I was reading through by blog posts from last year, and I can't believe that next month will mark the year anniversary of Mission Skinny. I also can't believe how I let myself gain some weight back. I have only gained about 7 or 8 lbs. but it looks more like 10 or 15 lbs. I need to kick it up a notch, therefore, Mission Skinny II will be coming again in 2 weeks. Reading all my posts made me more motivated again. Reading all about how happy I was every time I lost weight and how exercising made me feel better made me want to feel that way again. I don't think we'll do phase 1 because Kevin will probably die from it, but Phase 2 sounds good to me. The holiday season, and Aiden being sick through all of it made it difficult to stay on track. Yup thats my excuse, what are you gonna do about it

Well I better go pack, we're going to DL tonight for the weekend. We're going out on the town tomorrow with Tab and Derek.

no new news... I dedicate this post to Amber.

2009-01-06T07:32:00.002-06:00

Aiden did not have his biopsy. He's pretty sick. He has a horrible chest cold. We went to the doctor on Friday, and she gave him antibiotics and a oral steroid to help the inflamation in his lungs. He hasn't been eating well for the past couple of days. On Saturday he wouldn't even drink anything, and only ate one yogart the entire day. He was tired and we just kind of lounged around. On that note, I dont think that I can watch Alvin and the Chimpmunks for the rest of my life, I can probably quote the whole movie, every word.

His biopsy is rescheduled for Monday January 12th. The lump on his neck is almost gone completely though. I don't know if they'll even want to do a biopsy after his doc. sees him on Friday for his pre op appointment, which is good news I suppose, however, I kind of want to do it, just to get a clear answer and ease our minds a little.

My mom was in GF for the weekend, and Marie is staying with us now. She arrived Sunday and she is staying home with Aiden during the day so he doesn't have to go to daycare. Its a big help, we get to sleep the whole night through :)

There ya go, AMBER. :) Sorry I didn't have more for ya :) haha.

Red Light!

2009-01-01T13:59:00.002-06:00

Aiden is sick again. He has a horrible cough and a fever. So its probably a red light for surgery tomorrow. But I'm gonna bring him in at 6:45am anyway so they can judge for themselves. He doesn't sound good though, He wants lots of hugs and keeps telling me something hurts. First it was his ears, which is probably a ligit complaint, but then it was his knee, then his arm, then his tummy, then his ears again so i'm thinking he learned that when something hurts, he get hugs and cuddles and kisses.

So yeah, we're pretty sure that he will not be having surgery tomorrow, postpone it yet another freakin' week or two. I dont know how long I can wait anymore before I cut it out myself! whoa... that was a little graphic, lets pretend I never said that. wow.

Its a go!

2008-12-30T15:56:00.003-06:00

Well, we got the green light for surgery today. Aiden has his biopsy on Friday January 2nd. Its an out patient procedure unless they have to cut deeper than planned, then he'll have to stay over night. We had his pre op. appointment this morning and the doc said that he is well enough to be sedated. His cold his gone, thank God. He does have a rash, but she gave us a prescription for a special oinment to put on his skin.

I'm on vacation for a week. No real point to it I guess, except to take some time off. Aiden had his appointment today, and his surgery on Friday, so I would have missed 2 days anyway.

We won't get results from the biopsy for about a week after, but we'll keep ya all posted.

Its hard work to look THIS good!

2008-12-30T15:47:00.004-06:00

Brushin' his "teefs"

Splaaaaaaashing!

Soaking Mommy

Its gotta be done the RIGHT way. (don't worry, the heat wasn't on it was just air blowing :))

"I dry mommy's hair now, k?"

A little bit of this and that.

2008-12-30T15:23:00.003-06:00

Fuzzybutt obviously in the Christmas spirit :)

awe... I love his kisses :)

he was giving us a gift he made at daycare (its in the penguin) It was a snowman orniment that he colored on.

Opening his doctor kit. He LOVED it.

He knew what all the things were for since they've all been used on him many times this past month.
checkin' out his mouth in the mirror

but who needs the TOYS when you have the BOXES!!!!

2008-12-26T22:43:00.000-06:00

fa la la la la laaaaaaaa

2008-12-25T13:10:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!! So here I am at work, yeah I know.... I should be working, and I am, but C'Mon, it IS Christmas...

There are these 2 rooms right now that have like 20 people combined (it seems like that many anyway) the parents are upstairs drinking and the kids keep coming down in the lobby to get coffee and in the process make a mess of the coffee station, computer desk (which they shouldn't be at in the first place and have been told this) and move from table to table in the lobby, leaving a trail or cups, straws, creamers, sugar, napkins etc as they go. Some of the family is also in the pool area splashing water EVERYWHERE and for some reason, even though they are the only family using the pool, every single pool towel has made its way on every chair in the room, and on the floor and in the hot tub. The girls filled cups with ice and were running around the hallways throwing it at eachother, now there are puddles of water on the tile, and ice on the carpet. They are being more messy than a weekend FULL of people. They keep calling asking for things and I'm just like "MAKE A LIST AND THEN CALL DOWN!" Instead of calling down every 5 minutes and asking me to bring up yet ANOTHER thing to your room... better yet, drag your butt down here and get it from me.

Christmas rant over.

I shouldn't be complaining, I'm only here for 4 hours today, and it is REALLY slow, so its not like I have anything better to do. Its just that the whole family is messy, and needy, and crabby on top of it. They haven't said thank you once to me.

I just don't get when parents let their kids (5-10) run around hotels by themselves... its just like letting them run around in an unfamiliar neighborhood, would you do that? NO! Its actually worse, because anyone could just grab your kid and force them into a room. Plus, don't let your kids run around with no shoes or socks on. Think about what people drag in on their shoes when they are walking the halls and in the lobby.... gross, bring the flip flops. Don't come down to breakfast in your night gown or bare feet.... a hotel breakfast area is like any other restaurant, with health codes... no shirt no shoes no service! You wouldn't walk into a Perkin's with bare feet!

ok so maybe the rant wasn't over yet. Or maybe I'm just too bored.

Anyway, I really am in the Christmas Spirit, so Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is having a fantabulous day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDEN!!!

2008-12-23T01:08:00.004-06:00

I love you bubby.

Out and About sometime last month

2008-12-21T10:00:00.006-06:00

*BING*

oooo la la

Pretty in pink

Tab, Wendy, Heather and Farnum

Sistas

How can he be so big, and she be sooooo tiny?!

haha CHEEEEESE!

Wendy and Ryan

Strike a pose Jess!

Jess gave Doug a Banjo. I'm sure he's learning how to play it pretty fast. This was pretty much the best gift ever for Doug. (besides like every gift that Karissa has ever gotten him :)

Thanksgiving pics

2008-12-20T14:17:00.006-06:00

Aiden's first pumpkin pie experience. He liked the apple much better :)

cutie pie. I like his new sweater

Grandpa and his buddy
Kevin and his Mommy.

Aunt Carol and my Mom.

My Grandpa wanted to know what it felt like to have hair :)

Kevin and his turkey. It was amazing!

DELICIOUSNESS!
Gramma and me
We ate at 1pm... which is usually his nap time, you could definately tell.

"Think Positive"

2008-12-19T23:52:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday, we brought Aiden to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo for an appointment to see a pediatric oncologist. This appointment was to simply get a second opinion and probably set up a biopsy on the node that is STILL swollen. We are, of course, trying to rule out Lymphoma (yeah, I know scary word, but there's no way around it) All I have to say is what a waste of time, and gas. First, we didn't even see the doctor that we were referred to by his primary doctor (Dr. Z., who I might ad is amazing) Somthing was screwed up and we ended up seeing a different peds. Oncologist who decided that he would like to order a biopsy because the lump felt "harder and bumpier than he would like it to be" ... but before he ordered a biopsy, he wanted us to see an Ears Nose and Throat Doc (ENT) for yet another opinion. We waited an hour after our appointment time to see a doctor that hadn't even recieved Aiden's medical records (you know all the IMPORTANT stuff like his CT scan, x rays, hospital reports, blood work...) that the cancer center peeps were supposed to WALK over to them... so he based his "opinion" on just looking at Aiden for 5 minutes and determaining that we can wait ANOTHER 2 and 1/2 weeks before doing a biopsy. This has been going on since the Saturday before Thanksgiving. He said that he sees kids with swollen lymph nodes like this at least a dozen times every winter, and that sometimes it can take months for them to go down. So he sent us home and told us to come back on December 29th.

Well, you know what we discovered... when you visit with a cancer doctor, then read WebMD, and sit and stew over this whole theory for 2 weeks; waiting is NOT an option.

So We visisted with Dr. Z. yesterday during Aiden's regularily scheduled Well Baby check up. Dr. Z apologized for the mix up, she seemed a little... upset that things did not go as planned, we were supposed to see this other doctor who she had already spoke to, and knew our story, and who was going to probably set up a biopsy and we shouldn't have had to see the ENT at all being that Aiden has seen the ENT specialist here in GF twice now.... so anyway, we all decided that a biopsy needed to be done asap, and that we were done dealing with Fargo. Only catch is that Aiden currently has an icky weeze and cough and cold, so he can not go under an anestetic for a biopsy until he is completely healthy for a whole week. SOOOO.... in hopes that he gets better soon, we have scheduled a biopsy for January 2nd with a pre-op appointment on the 30th to see if he is healthy enough to have the surgery.

They will remove the entire node, which is actually a very easy proceedure. It only takes like 15-30 minutes and its same-day so he'll get to come home. I dont' know how long it will take for them to find the results of the biopsy. I just want this over and done with.

Everyone is telling us to think positive. We are doing that to the best of our abilities. Its scary, thats for sure. I've stopped reading WebMD, as I am blocking the word "Lymphoma" out of my vocabulary for the next couple of weeks.

We are focusing on having an AMAZING birthday party for Aiden. He LOVES SpongeBob and even though I do not, we are having a SpongeBob themed party. When I finally caved in to the idea of a "Bob Bob" party, I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to REALLY DOOOO this. Balls out, man.... when Aiden walks into that room, he's going to think he is actually IN Bikini Bottom and that he himself IS SpongeBob. I can't wait to see his face!!! He's going to LOVE it.

I work everyday next week, (yeah Christmas too) so Kevin, Aiden and I are having just a small Christmas thing with just the three of us (I mean 4 counting FuzzyButt, who BTW hasn't taken one single orniment off the tree yet) Ham is Aidens favorite, right up there with hot dogs and pizza anyway. So we're having that for Christmas dinner. Santa will come in the morning and I can't wait to see how he reacts to MORE presents under the tree.

So thats how its been around here. I've been meaning to post a bunch of pics from Thanksgiving, but our computer is being a giant bitch and throwing temper tantrums. I'll try again tomorrow when I have more time.

Aiden Update.

2008-12-03T16:41:00.002-06:00

Aiden is in the hospital again. The nodes on his neck got more swollen and he had a pretty bad allergic reaction to the antibiotic that he was on so they had to take him off that, and now they are giving him the IV antibiotic again. They gave him a CT scan today, and we are waiting to hear from the doctor what that shows. If it shows an absess (sp?) then he will have surgery to remove the nodes completely. If it is just an infection, he will have to be on IV antibiotics for a while (like a week or more) and can not stop that until the lump is completely gone.

Kevin went to Urgent Care last night because he is having gull stone attacks. He still has stones in the ducts that go into the liver and they need to pass, so he was in A LOT of pain. Kevin went back to Urgent Care again this morning because the attack was SOOOO bad. But they just gave him morphene and sent him on his way, so chances are he'll keep having these attacks until the stones pass.

SO thats our story, I'll keep you updated.

Its good to have him home again!

2008-11-23T14:32:00.003-06:00

Yup, Aiden is home now. He's napping in his own crib right now, and I'm sure he's glad to be home too.

Thank you all for your well wishes.

Although his gland is still pretty swollen, the doctor said it could still take a while for it to go away completely. He is on 2 different antibiotics (one because Kevin has Strep throat and tonsilitis and its more of a precaution)

Yesterday he was taken off his IV antibiotic and given two separate oral antibiotic. One of which he had a pretty bad allergic reaction to. He broke out into a nasty red rash and has to be on an antihistamine for that to go away. The rash was nearly completely gone when he wokeup this morning. He is now allergic to two different antibiotics. Good to know I guess.

He also got Thrush while in the hospital because the antibiotics kill all the bacteria in your mouth, even the good stuff that protects it from yeast, so they painted his mouth and he has a bright purple mouth, which he actually thinks is hilarious.

His new thing is calling Kevin "Kevin" instead of "daddy". I don't know why on Earth he started doing this, but its freakin' adorable. He'll be looking for him "KEEEEEVIIIIN, WHERE AAAARE YOUUU KEVIIIIIN?!" and "SHHHHHH KEVIN IS SLEEEEPING" It drives Kevin crazy, but I think its funny.

But any way, there is your update. I'll let ya know how his appointment goes on Wednesday :)

Quick Update

2008-11-21T14:04:00.003-06:00

Well, it looks like Aiden might be out of the hospital by Sunday. His gland is slowly going down, for those of you who don't know, he is in the hospital because of an infected gland on his neck and a relentless fever that, thank God, has broken finally after like 5 days. He is on IV Antibiotics and although he is one very tired and cranky baby, it is holding in there for the most part.

Last night his IV came out of his vein and all the medicated fluids filled his poor little hand. It was soooo swollen that his fingers looks webbed and they were tights and bright red and purple.

He likes the wagon rides around the hallways and the Elmo balloon that Mariah gave him. He was in his best spirits when Doug and Isabella came to visit. He ran to her and gave her a BIG hug. He also really enjoyed Skyler, Zane and Stacy's company. I think he liked the change in faces. He was his normal happy self when he was running around with Isabella, Thanks so much for brining her in.

Well, off for a nap for me and then back to the hospital I go.. I'll updat eyou when he comes home.

halloween pictures, finally!

2008-11-12T21:48:00.002-06:00

Daddy's big helper.

High Five! Aiden helped Kevin and Ben rake our yard.

"OOOFFFFF!!!!!"

cute little tail

ME: "Aiden, what does a Dinosaur say?"

AIDEN: "CHEEESE!"

"CHEEEESE"

no thank you

2008-11-10T21:14:00.002-06:00

I do NOT want to get sick, no thank you very much
No thank you, I would not like a house 3 feet from my house
Thanks but no thanks to the mountains of laundry waiting for me
Its monday? No thank you, I like Fridays much better.
25 degrees outside... NO THANK YOU!

That about sums it all up. You see the pics below? Isn't Leah adorable? It was a lot of fun to shoot her senior pics, she lives out in the middle of no where with awesome things all around to take pics of. Broken down cars, rusty garages, torn down buildings and an outhouse. She herself was fun too.

So we have a hearing to go to on Thursday because the neighbors want to build onto their house, making their addition 3 feet from our house. That pretty much makes all of our window on that side of our house useless. we will never again see the light of day. We have to go tell the courts "no thank you, sir" hopefully our pleas will be heard and their request for a building code waiver will be denied. Our main argument will be that their addition being so close to our house (and JUST within fire code) will bring down the value of our home upon resale. But what do we know, right "everyone lives that close in New York"

Leah

2008-11-09T18:29:00.002-06:00

2008-11-07T17:16:00.002-06:00

Kevin, some mexican guy, Derek and Tab

Bristol Palin
Blond Karissa

Vampire Bill and Sookie

Doug and Kevin (Golden Brown)

2008-11-07T17:14:00.001-06:00

Jacob and Jordan

2008-10-28T21:26:00.005-05:00

when boys are giggling like this.... watch out, it usually means trouble.

biggest tree ever.

upside down

mommy's boys

two seconds before the fight broke out.

These are Theresa's handsome little guys... ok they aren't so little anymore. But they're still adorable. I love the one where Jordan is kissing Theresa on the cheek, and Jacob is just looking cute. (he's too old to give mom kisses on the cheek)

chillin' at home this weekend.

2008-10-12T22:40:00.002-05:00

He says "CHEEEESE!!" Now, but always closes his eyes because he knows there is a flash coming.

cheese again.
This is his mask for his nebulizer. He LOVES it! He likes to act like a monster and chase after everyone. he says "YARRRRRR"

Dr. O'Brien! Quick, Elmo is Code Blue... get the crash cart STAT!! hahahaha, I love this picture
You may remember the picture that we did like this last year, he's so adorable!

love/hate relationship

2008-10-07T21:45:00.002-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I like it because you can see what people are up to, how their doin' and look at their pictures. I hate facebook because even though you 'know' most of the people that you're 'friends' with its really not KNOWING them. Sure we get the quick status updates like "April OBrien is...wishing she didn't have to do dishes" and you can look at pictures and people can look at your pictures... I don't know- there's still something about it that I don't like. I've started adding people as friends just to see where they are, what they're doing.... what they look like, who they're with and how many kids they've had. After I'm done snooping, I pretty much never look at their profile again, I don't post on their wall, I don't accept their applications. I'm pretty sure thats the only reason they ad me as a friend as well, like all my old classmates from HS that I have completely forgotten about until I see them on someone elses friends list. I guess I just really like Blogger because although its available for anyone to see if they're browsing through, only a few handfulls of people really visit my blog, and thats how I like it. I'm not updating for "jane whatshername" from HS, I'm posting for my friends and family that know me the best. And apparently the occational annonymous person who visits every once in a while oh and Mr. Toast who occationally still stops by. But I'll still check my facebook every time I'm at a computer- why? Its like an obsession- like those people who check their email 500 times a day.

Another love/hate relationship... Ugly Betty. Why, oh WHY do I love that show!

Anyway- so how about that True Blood on HBO. Thanks to Derek, we're hooked. Its my new favorite show ever. If you haven't watched it yet- HBO 11pm (central time of course) Sundays.

ok, I'm rambling. ok, so that whole post was rambling... I'm getting back to my blogger roots.

blogger slump, potty parties and one chipped tooth.

2008-09-29T22:24:00.002-05:00

As I was going from blog to blog in my favorites... I noticed that no one has written anything in forever, but that made me realize that I haven't written much either. Here I am, posting about pretty much nothing, in hopes that it will start some of those blogger juices that I know is still in all of you.... C'Mon people BLOG!!!

As the title says... Aiden is one step closer to being a BIG boy! He has now successfully used his potty 3 times. I know, its only 3 times. But he's getting the concept and he's excited about the potty, for the most part. I've never been so excited to see pee in a potty. I can almost see that diaper pale being tossed into storage.

I don't know how I did it, but I chipped my front tooth. I mean REALLY chipped it. I am hoping to get into the dentist tomorrow to get it fixed, because I feel like an idiot. How I can not know how it happened is beyond me.

Kevin is feeling better, he went back to work today. He's still a little sore, but doing very well.

So that pretty much covers it all. We seriously need a hobby.

Kevin-1 Gallbladder-0

2008-09-18T21:59:00.004-05:00

Kevin survived the "battle of the gallbladder" and he came home today with one less organ than what he had when he woke up this morning.

Yup, he got to come home. Technology baffles me sometimes. Its amazing how someone can go in to the hospital, have a body part removed using a small little scope, wake up from anastesia and then go home less than 12 hours later with a prescription for pain killers.

He's doing fine now, he's sore, and the pain meds make him very tired, but he's doing just fine. He's been sleeping all evening. Aiden woke up this morning and when I went to get him from his crib, he was confused that it was Mommy and not Daddy coming into his room. "Daddy, go?" He asked. I had explained to him last night that daddy has an owey in his tummy and he has to go to the doctor... so when he asked "daddy, go?" I said "remember Daddy has an owey and has to go to the doctor" Then he did something that made me realize that he does actually listen to me, and remembers what I say... he lifted his shirt and pointed to his tummy and said "daddy, owey tummy" He remembered where daddy's owey was. I know, its a story that only the mother cares about, but I was very amused at the fact that he can comprehend things like that and he's not even 2 yet. When Kevin got home, Aiden was very aware that something was different and when we were eating dinner, he said "shhhhhhh daddy sleeping" and then mumbled mismashed words like "shhh" "tummy" "daddy" "owey" "night night" LIke I said before... My kid's a freakin' genius. At least I think so. And I'm the only one that matters, so...

So Kevin has to go to get Lab work done tomorrow, just to make sure he doesn't have any stones in his Common Bile Duct. mmmmm.... Bile.... If there IS a stone, he'll have to have that removed sometime soon. They would sedate him slightly and go in through his mouth and shove a tube all the way down.... ick. Lets pray that he doesn't have to do that.

Here's a handy illistration of a gallbladder and a Common Bile Duct, in case you had no idea where your gallbladder and bile duct is... now you know.

Attack of the GALLBLADDER part 1

2008-09-17T20:38:00.002-05:00

Short Version:

Kevin went to ER last night because of severe tummy pain... er I mean upper to mid abdominal pain... men don't have "tummies"... he waited at the ER... and decided he was fine again and we left, even though the nurse and myself thought this was stupid, but Kevin insisted he was fine. All the way home I teased about how he is a stupid male, acting like he doesn't need medical attention. We got home, I put Aiden to bed, and as I was walking past the bedroom I heard Kevin groaning in pain; he was laying on the the bed in a ball holding his stomache and when he saw me standing in the doorway, he said "I'm a stupid man"

So I called Doug, and he picked Kevin up and brought him BACK to the ER.

Sure enough he was having a gallbladder attack, and the ER doc referred him to a surgen, that he saw today.

Kevin has surgery at 7:30am tomorrow morning to get his gallbladder taken out. Poor hubby. Now you all are updated.

I'll let you know how he's doing tomorrow.

Stacey and Nate... sneak preview

2008-09-13T14:18:00.004-05:00

head table
rings

beautiful cake

best flower girl and little ring man EVER!
Not my favorite of the two.. but still adorable
unity sand
super cute
beautiful bride

2008-09-08T22:34:00.001-05:00

2008-09-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

Is this better Stacy?

hahahaaha... gotchya!

what? Too many pictures you say? Impossible!

2008-09-08T22:04:00.003-05:00

So I realized today that its been a while since I've actually written anything on my blog, I've just posted a lot of pictres. Answer is simple... there just isn't anything to report I guess. As for the diet thing... well I gained 2 pounds... then lost them... then found them... then lost them again. So I'm holding steady at a total loss of 40lbs. Which I'm very happy about, but we're starting to slack too much, so I'm dusting off the ol' bike and starting over.

Kevin gets to go to Portland on Thursday for about a week for work, some big important PT thing. Yeah, Angela, I'm totally bummed that I don't get to go with, it would have been nice to see you again and hang out in your new hood. But I get to have fun too, I'm taking pics at Stacey and Nates wedding in Morehead. I have a lot of things in mind for them and I can't wait!

Aiden is doing wonderfully. We're trying to start the potty training thing, but he's still too little to understand the WHOLE concept. He tells us "I poopy" AFTER the fact. It'll happen though, he's catching on. Its amazing how much he talks now. Yup, pretty much the smartest kid in the world, I woudn't be surprised if he cures cancer by age 5.

Jason moved out of our house yesterday and into his new apartment. I hope you like it! Its a nice place. Kevin is over there right now watching football (they TIVOed it so they can watch it without the commercials) Go Packers... I mean... errrr.. Vikings...GO VIKINGS! sorry Karissa!

2008-09-04T22:57:00.002-05:00

What does a Fishy say?

2008-09-04T21:42:00.002-05:00

Fun at the Splash Park

2008-08-19T22:33:00.004-05:00

Cutest Picture EVER!

and we're done...

Drying offHe likes to tell us where his nose is... we get updates many times a day, just to make sure we know that it is still there, and it is fact... his nose.

Amber's B-Day

2008-08-19T22:19:00.002-05:00

Amber and her... ah... her Ryan

Hotel Gang
Blake and I
Birthday Girl Amber... oh and stacy too :)
Nice Smirk
Kyle and I

BBQ

2008-08-08T22:44:00.005-05:00

yeah, I'm jealous
Antie Amanda spinning Aiden around. He LOVED it
Bailey being absolutely positively the cutest baby girl to ever grace this planet.. I mean my god look at that adorable child!
AWE! They're holding hands... THEY chose to do this... they're all about PDA
Zane smiling perfectly like a good little boy!

random candids... I hate this kind of picture!
another horrible candid.. nice pose Blake A Roo!
Yummy... corn!
Story time with Auntie Amber.
Zane and Stacy. Zane is Aiden's best boy bud.

What a Weekend!

2008-07-27T23:17:00.003-05:00

This weekend:

Was Kevin's Birthday Friday
Our 5 year Anniversary Saturday
My mom and Dad's anniversary (32, I think) Saturday
Stacy and Kyle's wedding Saturday
Grandmas birthday Sunday

We had a blast this weekend. We ventured to Devils Lake and quickly noticed that our Jeep's A/C wasn't working. We roasted the entire way to DL. Friday night we went out to celebrate Kevin's birthday (and Tabs because her's is next weekend and we won't be able to see her) We got to see Jess, which is always a good time! The 26th was our anniversary! Whoo hoo! 5 years, one kid, a house and NO divorce, we're obviously doin' something right so far! It was also my parents anniversary! We drove out to Maddock (reminding you that we did not have A/c) for Stacy and Kyle's wedding. It was beautiful! They had it out at a farm that had this beautiful man made lake with a cute little island in the middle with a little bridge that connects it. See pics below. It was a perfect day for a wedding! Congrats Stacy and Kyle!

Aiden didn't get that great of a nap that day, and given the heat and the fact that he ate dinner like an hour and a half later than usual, he was a crab MONSTER that day. He was screeching and running around and just overall a little terror. But I don't blame him, we should have planned better :) I lost my camera for a good 24 hours, only to find out that my cousin Mariah accidentally stole it, silly girl!

I made Lonnie turn on the Juke Box at the 11th Frame just so I could play "Love of a Lifetime" and dance with Kevin on our anniversary. He only let me play that one song before he turned off the juke box so he could watch the races or something. How very romantic.

We met with Aiden's new babysitter last thursday. Surprisingly, he loved it over at her house. He warmed right up to Heidi and it went really well, I feel less anxious about leaving him there soon. This week is his last week at Karissa's *tear*

My Beautiful Family

2008-07-27T23:12:00.004-05:00

Aiden's Great Grandma and Grandpa Hammond. It was my G'Ma's birthday today! Happy B-Day Grandma

It was also my Mom and Dad's Anniversary

2008-07-27T23:08:00.003-05:00

awesom little island that they got married on.

Don walking Stacy down the isl.
After the ceremony.
Can you believe I used to babysit these little twirps! I feel so old! Ian can DRIVE now!

Kevin's B-Day!

2008-07-27T22:56:00.003-05:00

GONNA SCREEEAM!

2008-07-12T08:22:00.004-05:00

Grr! I just need to complain before I explode!

I HATE when people wait until they are checking out to UNLOAD- in a fit of rage- all the things that pissed them off while they were staying here at the hotel. This lady was staying for $49.00 on a Friends and Family rate (a rate that is a PRIVILEGE not a requirement, she even got it on the weekend!) came down this morning and with a LOUD and angry voice complained that she could not BELIEVE that we would let people into her room EVERY day of her stay (she was there for 9 days!)

We just finished getting all new air conditioners in all the rooms this past week, and now there is plastic over the windows because they are painting the exterior of our building (it needed it)... updates must be done, and since we can't exactly just close our doors for 2 weeks, improvements must be done while guests are staying here. Whether it be new carpet, furniture, remodels... you get it. every time people get pissed off. What do they expect? for us to never update anything, just keep everything as is?

First of all, this lady was told at check in that we would need to get into her room to do these improvements.

She claims that someone was in her room every day she stayed.... c'mon lady, if you want to make a reasonable complaint, fine, but don't flat out lie.

The a/c guy was in her room for an hour and a half one day to install the a/c. He was in it again a few days later to patch up the wall paper around the unit. That took 30 minutes tops. That is the only time someone was IN their room! Then she said "anytime we wanted to do something, there was someoe in our room! We couldn't change into our swimming suites to go swimmig so we had to completely change our plans for the day! We couldn't see out our windows! " First of all Lady, the windows were just covered up yesterday. I remember when the guys went into that room (it is right near the lobby) and no one was even in there until they were half way done!

I asked if she had mentioned the inconveniences to any of our other staff members the numerous times we had seen them this week and she said "no, why should I, you should just know that we were being inconvenienced with all the construction"

She was yelling at me by the end, and said "I will not settle for less than 2 free nights"

Gee, thanks for the option lady. I adjusted off her 2 nights, apologised and now here I am bitchin' about it.

Moral of this story... If you have a problem with something, let the front desk staff know right away so we have a chance to remedy your issue. Also, a hotel must have construction at one point in time or another, just be patient! Its only 1 or 2 nights out of your entire life, don't act like we killed your cat or something. You always have the option to go somewhere else, dont' stay and get more mad just so you have an excuse to complain and get money off at the end!

Whatever happened to honesty, seriously.

4th of July Weekend at Woodlake!

2008-07-07T19:28:00.006-05:00

Alicia and mom were going to go tubing, but the boat battery died

Mom and Morgan feeding the fish

Nice face, old man!

SPLASH!!

I love the look on Aidens face... and Zane is such a perfect little poser!

Stacy's son Zane, he's a real cutie! He just turned 5 on Sunday

WHOA! Close up!

Proof that Brian is a brave man!

First ride on a boat

Brian and Zane hangin' on the deck

"WOOOOOO!"

Papa and Aiden in the water

Yummy... hot dogs off the grill, can't get any better for a little boy!

Aiden playing "GETCHYA" with Auntie Dee and Papa

Second boat ride ever (mommy wasn't invited to his FIRST boat ride!)

Alicia being beautiful

Zane's first fish!

Long Weekend

I know I'm adorable

Playing in the awesome pool that Nana got Aiden

He spent most of the weekend playing in the water

Nana and Aiden feeding the Sunfish

Girls Weekend

2008-07-02T22:48:00.002-05:00

My friend Em and I decided we needed a girls weekend. I haven't seen her in FOREVER and we needed to get together so we spun the globe and we landed in Miles City, MT... population 8000.

I'm too tired to tell the whole story, so I'll write in detail tomorrow. I couldn't get all the pictures loaded onto my computer either so here are only a few...

enjoy.

Oh, I will tell a quick story from last week... Fuzzybutt ran away, got arrested and thrown in kitty jail. He was there for no more than 6 hours. In those six hours he caught the most vicious kitty cold imaginable. Poor thing, I've never heard a cat cough before... did you know that cats can cough? its gross. Oh and to blow his nose he just blows nasty cat snot all over everything. We got fined $35 for having a cat without a collar or vaccination information.

Girls Road Trip to Montana!!

2008-07-02T22:44:00.002-05:00

My friend Em and I getting ready for a night on the town in Miles City Montana.
Em and I visiting the Painted Canyon near Madora

Salem Sue, the worlds largest holstein cow in New Salem, ND
BadLands
purdy

I came home to a sick little kitty. Poor baby!

2008-06-22T22:55:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not standing on him- it kind of looks like I am :) I'm holding him up in the air with my feet... and using my hands to take a picture... um... dont' try this at home.

Aiden's new career option.... just like Mommy

2008-06-22T22:41:00.003-05:00

He's takin' a picture of me while I'm taking one of him :) He thought it was hilarious!

Aiden's first picture with a REAL camera... He's got some work to do on his composition, but he's got the "pushing the button to make the light flash" part down very well!

"Show Me Your Guns"

2008-06-22T22:24:00.002-05:00

2008-06-19T22:53:00.001-05:00

Mr. Cool Guy

Fathers Day.. Sorry Kevin, you were talking in this pic, but its the only good one of Aiden :) Look at his skinny little body and his big "I just ate" tummy.

ahhhh... 83 degrees! There is hope for the summer yet

2008-06-19T22:46:00.004-05:00

Aiden on the way to Art Fest. Kevin picked out the shirt btw, he said, and I quote "Doug will like this shirt, lets get him this one"

Alway running somewhere. I have a hell of a time getting good pictures because he hates the camera and he's always on the move. oh, and notice that ugly gold Honda parked in our driveway?!! Yeah, its our rental car that we've had for a whole month, because the idiots STILL don't have our Jeep fixed!
Kevin and Aiden resting after our long walk today in the beautiful sunny weather
chasing bubbles

Devils Run-The Garage.

2008-06-07T13:58:00.004-05:00

yeah, not the best angle with all that junk in the way, but there wasn't anywhere else to set the camera down.

hahaha.. 1...2...3... SPONTANEOUS!
The awesome bass that doug built from scratch.
Fighting Irishmen

peace blake :)

Alicia and shy shy Derek
How many drinks does it take before karissa doesn't run from the camera?

Devils Run

2008-06-05T02:52:00.003-05:00

Fun was had by all! Saturday we all took in the parade. It was a long one, and Aiden kept wanting to run out into the street. He got his first taste of candy, come to think of it, I've never given him anything really even LIKE candy... he could take it or leave it. Saturday night we had a fire pit at Tab and Derek's garage. I haven't had that much fun in a LOOOONG time! I'll post those pics too, eventually.

I also went to Tabs cousin, Melody's Pampered Chef bridal shower, which only encouraged me more to have my own, so Amber and I are planning one. BTW, I'll call ya tomorrow Amber!

Doug's dad, Tom, had us out to his place for a BBQ. Aiden got to run around with Isabella and the other big kids, he had a blast, he thinks he's bigger than they are I think.

On Sunday, we went to the Show and Shine in the park. It felt great to be outside in the WARM sun... this week its been rainy so far. ick.

I work the night audit shift tomorrow night so I'm trying to stay up as late as I can right now (its 3am) so I will sleep late tomorrow and feel rested enough to stay awake all night Thursday. Wish me luck... I'm not sleeping again until Friday night!

Jason has gotten us hooked on "Heroes" if you haven't seen the series, MY GOD you have to rent the first 3 seasons, its awesome! It has caused us many late nights this week. "just one more" and before you know it, its 1am!

Aiden is starting to stir. Have a good Thursday everyone!

2008-06-05T02:46:00.002-05:00

Aiden's first taste of Candy, good thing he ddin't really like it!!
mmmmmm... yummy, I think

No thanks, Nana, you finish it!

2008-06-05T02:43:00.002-05:00

Amber and her little sister Jayden
Aiden and Auntie Alicia
Isabella with a handful of goodies
Awwwwwe.... Doug and Isabella... thats just Doug's bag! Kidding!
Papa and Aiden

2008-06-05T02:38:00.003-05:00

Daddy and Aiden, and Karissa too! Yay! I got a pictur eof Karissa and she's SMILING!
Bailey and her Gramma Dixie
Jayden waiting for candy
Jayden being ADORABLE
Tab (what a hottie!) and Derek with a funny face :)

Devils Run Weekend

2008-06-05T02:34:00.003-05:00

Jason "cool guy" Beutow

Playing with mommy's necklace
Our Gang

Adorable, right?!Aiden was worried about her bare feet, so he picked up her shoe and INSISTED that he help her put it back on!

2008-05-25T21:16:00.001-05:00

Stacy, Brian and Woody's hand
me and Clyde. Isn't he ADORABLE! He's stacy and Brians new family member.

2008-05-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

huh?
cheeeeeeeze
in Papa's shoes

Mission Skinny: Woo Hoo!

2008-05-25T20:56:00.003-05:00

Lost 2 lbs this week! bringing my total to 34 lbs lost!

This week was killer. Aiden was sick all week, he threw up again friday night. Poor thing. My parents decided to come to town yesterday and spent the last two days with us. Kevin and I took advantage of the free babysitting and went out with Stacy and Brian. Always have a great time with them!

Jason checked in to the "O'Brien Inn" today and will start work on Tuesday. Well anyway, just thought I'd update.

Have a good Monday!!

4 am Bathtime.

2008-05-21T18:52:00.003-05:00

It all started Monday. Karissa called to tell me that Aiden was vomiting. Ick. I picked him up from Karissa's and we chilled at home all day and night. Nothing a little SpongeBob and Pedialite can't fix, right? I put him to bed and he seemed to be feeling better. Then around 2 am Tuesday morning, I woke up in a panic... stomach, ick... bathroom-- NOW. Yup, I had caught it... I called in sick to work (which I don't do very often) and slept until noon. Aiden went back to Karissa's. Around noon Kevin came home sick from work, yup he got it too. damn flu bug. I must say, men are big babies when they are sick. Just try to deny it, I dare you! Luckily Aiden seemed to be fine again. That is until 2am Wednesday morning when he awoke, vomiting again. We changed him, cleaned up the mess, put him back down to sleep. 4am... he's up again vomiting, I don't know where it all came from, I'm convinced he had snuck out of his crib and ate a 4 course meal before returning to bed and throwing it all up. Thats where the 4am bathtime came in. Of course, he thought it was play time, but after all was settled, he fell back asleep and was not heard from for the rest of the night. Kevin called into work today and although I'm feeling very tired and a little weak, I think the worst has passed and we're on the road to recovery.

As for Mission Skinny; I lost a whopping .4 lbs... not 4 lbs.... .4 but thats ok, it was bound to happen sometime. I'm not done with this diet, just at a stand still. We'll break through it soon enough.

American Idol Finale is tonight. We're cheering for David Cook. Thats all I really have to say about that.

I'm excited to say that Jason (gotta get used to calling him that) is our new night auditor at the hotel. I'm just happy that he's going to FINALLY live in grand forks and there's no backing out of it now! He'll be living with us for a while until he gets his own place.

Oh, and I didn't mean to FORGET but it was my MOM's 29th (yeah right) birthday on Saturday! I wished her a happy birthday IRL, but wanted to say it here too!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! Glad to hear you had a good day, even if we weren't there to celebrate it with you!

just for something new to look at..

2008-05-08T23:08:00.005-05:00

chillin
What? he doesn't always like pants
A Good Read

tummy tickles

The real man of the house

30 freakin' pounds!!!!!

2008-04-27T12:51:00.006-05:00

HELL YEAH!!!! I've lost 30lbs in 73 days. Not bad if you ask me! I lost 3 lbs in the past week! I was a little shocked that I lost that much actually. I don't feel like I've lost any weight, but then again I never really do. I stepped on and off the scale like 5 times just to make sure.

I've never been the type to weigh myself, so I don't know how much I weighed before I got married, or before I had Aiden because I didn't really care all that much, so I'm only guessing when I say that I'm pretty sure I weigh less now than I did before I got pregnant, but a little more than what I did when we got married. Next time I go home, I'll have to try on my wedding dress and see if it fits. Or maybe I'd just be setting myself up for disappointment.

When I started this diet, I didn't set a goal weight. But I can honestly say that if I maintained the weight I'm at right now I'd be happy, so I guess I've hit my goal weight. But that doesn't mean I'm going to start slacking on the diet! It just means that every pound that I lose after this point is just a bonus! I think that I'll start trying to tone now. Get rid of that icky baby fat around my tummy that is clinging there like it has nothing else to do.

On to something more news worthy... Jason came home from Iraq yesterday. Blake, Aiden and I met him and his parents at the airport. He was so happy to be home! I can't blame him. He immediately handed over his new camera, a Canon 40D, which is the camera I want. We ate at the Blue Moose because he wanted a good steak, real potatoes, and a nice stiff drink. Since Butto likes his steak MOOING, I didn't look at him while he ate, but I'm sure he enjoyed every bite. He'll be in DL for a while to hang out with his parents and for some R&R but then he's planning on moving to Grand Forks. It'll be nice having him around again. Welcome Home Butto!

Oh, and Aiden was a SUPERSTAR on the local news last night because there was a news crew at the airport when the troops arrived and he's so darn cute, they couldn't resist putting him in the clip. Yeah, its just for 2 seconds, and he's wearing his oversized Sioux hat, but its only a matter of time before agents start calling for him. We're about 5 minutes into the broadcast...

its finally PLAY OUTSIDE WEATHER!

2008-04-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas

2008-04-19T23:50:00.012-05:00

Heres SOME pics of our trip. It took me forever just to load these ones.

Vegas at night
Paris Casino

Hot Tubbin'
Hot Tubbin'
New York New York
Bilagio water show
Vegas lights

Car Show

Awe-dorable

I lOVE this pic
me being semi-cute

Planet Hollywood Casino right across the Strip from the Jockey Club (where we stayed)
The outlined area is the Jockey Club, where we stayed... all the lights around it is CONSTRUCTION... the orange star is about where our room was. Aparently I am a soft sleeper as the construction bothered the hell out of me, while everyone else slept right through it.
Yeah, like in the movie "Big" Kevin played the big foot piano in F.A.O Swartz
dork

awesome waterfall in the Venitian
Kein and I in the Venitian
Coke Co. This is the "around the world" beverages.. you get to sample Coke products from countries all over the world, it was fun.

Not all of them were taste

in the Bilagio
Ceiling in the Bilagio entrance-thats blown glass.
yes, I'm in a mini skirt... yes I have hot legs, and no, I will probably never wear it again.
Stip Club night
Derek pondering the meaning of life

Oxygen Bar... we loook hot.

Our last big meal in Vegas-we ate at Circo in the Bilagio-it was really really good.

Fun in the Sun

2008-04-12T19:33:00.002-05:00

We're having a blast here in Vegas! We're seeing the sights and taking in some AMAZING restaurants. Lovin' every minute. Today we went to the Car show that we actually came here for. It was fun, 81 degrees today. Ahhh.. shorts and tank tops! I can't wait to post some pics when I get back. We're here for a full week, and I don't think we can even take a small nibble out of all the stuff there is to see and do here. Tomorrow we're going to Pen and Teller, Monday we're going to a drag show/dinner theater. Tuesday we're getting all spiffed up and treating ourselves to a very fancy dinner at the Vanitian. Right now we just have some down time before we head back out to The Strip.

Karissa, hope you're enjoying your week off (well except Bailey, but she's a princess so I'm sure you don't have it too hard! haha.

I miss Aiden, and talked to him today... ah, love.

till next time...

We're in VEGAS BABY!!

2008-04-09T20:55:00.002-05:00

So we began our weeks vacation yesterday! We drove from GF, dropped off Aiden with the In-Laws, picked up Tab and Derek and high-tailed it out of there and headed for Bismarck. We stayed at the Comfort Inn there (duh, where else would we stay) and the hotel there is great! We flew out of Bismarck on Alligent Air. It was my first time flying and it was AMAZING! I was a bit nervous, no where near what I thought I was going to be, but after take off I was relaxed and enjoyed the 3 hour flight. I loved it! As we approached Las Vegas, there was some strong winds, and a lot of turbulance and that was a bit stomache turning (especially for Tab... poor girl) but it was awesome. I loved being above the clouds, and the desert looks beautiful from 20,000 feet, as did the mountains in Utah. I would rate my first flying experience as a 10 out of 10. The Las Vegas air port was Crazy busy! I can't imagine what this place looks like on the weekend!

When we got the the Jockey Club, we checked in, but headed right out to the Strip. We wondered a little and ate at the restaurant my parents recommended "Earl of Sandwich" which was very yummy, I recommend it to anyone who cares. Tab and Derek headed to the Ministry concert at the House Of Blues and Kevin and I worked out and not I'm blogging... go figure on vacation.

Tonight we're hittin' the town. We're having a blast, although we already miss Aiden like crazy, but when we checked in with Grandpa, he seems to be doing okay. Thanks to Blake for watching Fuzzybutt while we are gone :)

well some bitch just came and wants to use the computer so... enough for now.

Oh, and the 65 degree weather is WONDERFUL, considering that it is only like 40 at home today :)

later!

Now I can like the song and not feel ill about it.

2008-04-04T22:45:00.001-05:00