Monday, March 28, 2011

I Win!!!

I'm not going to say I Never Win Anything...because I'm sure I've won something before...I just can't remember the last time....I did win a bike at Bronco Bash my sophomore year...
Anywho...  As we were leaving the musuem on Saturday night there was a table at the entrence with info galor on it...and a fish bowl.  The girl behind the table (whom I think had a noticable amount to drink) asked if i wanted to enter the door prize drawing. 
"Sure! What is it for?"
She informed me that you would win the collection of dvd's displayed...I eyed them...not really caring and dropped my slip in the bowl.

FWD to today. Cell phone rings...727 number....Hello Stephanie this is So & so from Creative Loafing.  You're our winner for the door prize on Saturday night! Just stop by the office to pick up your prize. Do you know where we're located.  "Yes" I informed him, "I designed your space!" ha ha ha

So luky ole me one a door prize pack of DVD's...don't know what they are yet...but don't really care. It just sure is fun to win something...I have a feeling our luck is turning around.  Too bad it wasn't the loto ticket Adam bought Saturday...I guess you can't win them all.

March 26, 2011

It came and went.  My due date.

Adam had the day off work.  We slept in, ran errands and watched movies/napped.  It was a much needed day of rest and productivity. There is now food in our refrigerator and clean sheets on our bed.

We both knew it was the day, but we didn’t dwell on it.  We went about our life.  We could “what if?” all we want, but it won’t change anything.  I asked him…what do you think would be different had we had the baby (besides that fact!) 

I think about it…not much would have changed, but I think we wouldn’t have been a bit more stressed financially.  Adam has worked extremely hard the last 6 months to get bills paid off and us debt free (san my student loans…which is a completely different mountain…in a far far away country Winking smile)  Right now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel…we have a good plan at moving forward with changes in our living/jobs-whether or not they materialize, we’ll have to wait and see.

We ended our day attending an art event at the new Children’s Museum.  It was entitled Sensory Overload.  Lots of dj’s; performance artists, cereal! and a good time playing with the museum exhibits.  You see-you can’t enter the museum without a child; so this was our way of getting in!  Adam loved the water works on the first floor.  We also found out that he’s too tall for the “How tall are you?” exhibit…digital read out cuts out at 6’1”.  Oh and I can run faster than a dog.

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(you can’t beat a bowl of Trix and Coco Puffs at 10pm…)

It really was a lovely day.  And I’m sure our little girl was smiling down upon us hearing our prayers.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Awkward!

Just in case you didn’t know, my family is a bit goofy. 

Luckily, Adam fits in quite well-so well that I think my brother likes him better than me. 

But anyway, those of you who were at our wedding know what went down with my dad’s lovely speech.  Now while I found it humorous, I wasn’t in the least bit embarrassed when he presented Adam and I with shot guns.  I was however surprised.  So surprised that on top of the wedding daze I was already in I had to process the fact that I received my first real gun at my wedding. 
“WHAT?!?! what’s going on I thought…this is a joke…”
I don’t hunt and I don’t have an interest in guns, but the men in my family do.  And since Adam was marrying into it my dad thought it was due time that the man who would live with his daughter ought to have a fire arm.  I guess he didn’t want to leave me out. 
So, while half the hall is in stiches the other half  is in shock and Adam's grandpa is bee-lining it towards us during the speech to check them out, we were getting out picture snapped from 360 degrees.  Being the good sport I held my gun and tried to take the best pictures I could, but it was hard, cause I was cracking up.
Finally our professionally photographer elbowed her way in and we posed for our shot.  Adam looking proud as can be holding his 1st gun and my … well I’m going to be honest. I was trying not to pee my pants.
Now, why am I telling this story…and where is said picture.  Well, I like to take a break every now and then and check out a funny website. 
Awkward Family Photos
Last week they had started a contest; Most Awkward Wedding or Engagement photo.  Hmm I thought…do we have one?  And then I realized it’s pretty awkward to get guns at a wedding and I was definitely feeling awkward at the time.
So I sent it in.
And they put up.

Yes, we made the website…

My mom was all excited and asked what we would win if we won title of Most Awkward Wedding Photo “Umm some “Arthur” movie stuff and a book” I informed her. I think she was hoping for cash.
Anyway-check it out. get some good laughs and if we make finalists I’ll let you know so you can all go vote for us…cause you know I really want to win the Arthur Prize pack. Winking smile
For your enjoyment here’s are a couple more shots taken by our guests of the “awkward moment”
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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Free Week!

Going into this week I had great ambitions of getting things accomplished-groceries, laundry, sewing, a few runs….You see Adam worked every night that I didn’t and I worked the nights he was off.  This seems to be the typical case for us, but I use the time when he’s not home to do the chores.

Well Tuesday (a night off for me) My friend Krista emailed and invited me to go to the hockey game; her boss gave her his tickets.  Sure! I’ll go…I can always get my stuff done tomorrow. 

So we went to the game, sat in awesome seats and had a great night. I even got to see Adam!  Unfortunately the lightning lost…and in my expert opinion, played like high school-er’s.

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Fast fwd. to Wednesday.  Adam and I have lunch before he goes into work. He tells me he’s worried that the concert didn’t sell well.  I tell him, if you get free tickets I’ll go!

So around 4 o’clock I get a call.  They’re comping tickets to employees…he can get 4 tickets….for free…..to……wait for it….

 

Stevie Nicks & Rod Stewart!!!

Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks Heart and Soul Tour 2011 Banner 1

I shoot out an email and text and round up a group.  My one friend, Monica, thinks I’m joking as she’d been trying to WIN tickets all week! 

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My attempt at a Stevie Nicks pic for my dad.

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Kristi & I

The concert was AWESOME! the sets they played were great and we all had a great time dancing and singing along to the hits.  I get home sometime around midnight, exhausted with soar feet and crash into bed.  My chores are not done and there is no food in the house…but that can wait, right?

P.S. I can’t get Do You Think I’m Sexy out of my head!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Auntie Squared

So I guess I  should announce that I'm going to be an Aunt again! 
We found out a few weeks back that Josh (Adam's brother) and Leah are expecting.  They had told us, but then said to keep it mum....so we did :)
We're so excited and can't wait spoil this little one like we do Kylie. 
Baby is due in August and we'll find out the gender....tomorrow!!!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Beautiful Weekend

Look who came down to see us…
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She brought her mommy and grandpa too!
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Adam’s cousin Tena got married this past weekend in Naples. So I took off Friday and we headed south for some fun family time and much needed beach trips!
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Two of Adam's cousins have girls 1 month older and younger than kylie. so it was fun to get them together. 
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remember the “genna” dress?
Well I got to see it modeled by non other than Ms. Genna herself!
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She’s the sweetest baby and super cute.  I was so glad that she liked her dress.
Adam got in some quality time with his cousins and a much needed break from work.
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The wedding was held at sunset and it couldn’t have been a more perfect evening.
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They made Genna’s dress from the pieces of Tena’s they cut off!
It was a wonderful weekend.
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Monday, March 21, 2011

3.14 on 3-13

Our friends, John & Ivee, always have the most creative ideas for parties (they’re spear heading the vodka infusing). After last years successful party, they hosted anther pi party…a day before Pi day.

I whipped up (ya…that’s a lie) slaved away to make the chicken pot pie that was such a hit with my folks and Adam.  I even got a little creative with my cut outs.

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It turned out just as good as the first time and the kids at the party said it was their favorite. Smile pat on the back.

As usual there were tons of pie’s all very interesting and oh so good.  While the standard pies were lacking it was definitely not a let down.  The most unusual and surprisingly good pie (I my book) was the avocado pie.  It looked just like a key lime, but was hard to categorize.  It wasn’t sweet or sour it wasn’t filling it was light and refreshing in a pallet cleansing kind of way.  Once I get back on Facebook, I’ll contact the cooks and get the recipe…even though Adam won’t touch it with a  10’ pole, I’d still like to try it out.

The weather has been increasingly nicer here and it was  a lovely afternoon sitting and catching up with friends we hadn’t seen in too long.

Adam was a slacker on the picture taking…so unfortunately I can’t share the glorious vision of all the pies….

Blueberries are in season soon…our mouths are already watering.  Time for PIE!

Do you have a favorite pie?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

This is HARD!

It's almost embarrassing to say how often I want to open Facebook.


Then I realize that I really don't care about half the things on there anyway. I mean don't get me wrong I LOVE seeing family and friends and what they're up to, but there is just a lot of stuff that is unnecessary time wasters.



I have to keep telling myself it's just a habit. It's only been a week! Hopefully after this next week it will be a little easier to move through the internet and not be tempted.



And for the record, No I haven't cheated or peaked.



How are all of you coming with your sacrifices??

Friday, March 11, 2011

Stubborn Principle

Remember when I said I’d like to add more of the Magenta color to our room?  Well of course it put a bug in my ear and I looked online at Crate and Barrel-just to see what they had.
Lo and behold I found this:
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Can you say PERFECT? 
But wait.  It gets better.
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$29!!! that is sooooo do-able! It makes me want to dance around and sing Hoopla! hoopla! hoopla!
My mind started dreaming of how lovely they’d looked on either side of our bed while I typed in 2 and hit Add to Cart.
Then I went to check out.
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I did a double a take. What? $96????
Then I saw the shipping.
*!J@J!*#&@JFJ@**!!!@##VJSEKIfiksue!!!!!!!!!
I quickly closed the cart and shut down the internet.
Wait no-that’s a lie.
First I SCOURED the internet for a “free shipping” promo code to Crate and Barrel, tried to see if they would ship to the store or better yet if they were in our store here.  And THEN after all that failed I shut it off.
I’m sorry, but I’m NOT paying more in shipping than my item costs. No Way Jose.  Why? because that would be $50’s a lamp (with tax) and I’m not Paying No $50 for a little lamp to sit by my bed.  Sorry I have principles… and a budget.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Staging

We have decided to try and rent out the condo then find a house for ourselves and our 3!! dogs to live someplace in Pinellas county.  Our goal is to get it rented sometime this summer and being close to a University we’re hoping for a graduate or a medical student.
Unfortunately our house is not in as ship-shop shape as one would like, but what can you do…we’ve got to much stuff.  So seeing as our room has been recently cleaned out, re-arranged and organized I thought I’d snap some “staged” pictures that we could use when posting the rental.  And since I've recently blogged about our updates I thought it was only fitting to give you a tour. It sure has come a LONG way since this:
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So here is the MUCH better-cleaned up version:
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note to self; buy longer bed skirt.
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We recently moved our dressers to frame our bed which really opened up the room and eliminated our night stands.
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I would love to be able to not have the treadmill or dog bed in here…so much nicer!
  IMG_5146 Loving the new dresser!! Adam FINALLY filled his drawers.


And here are some fun detail pictures….


Adam finally got around to hanging our Clyde Butcher prints:IMG_5148

If you don’t know it, I L.O.V.E. black and white photos, this was given to us for our wedding…perfect.IMG_5150


I fell in hard for this next photo way before I met Adam (it was at least 48” tall) and when I saw it at the Clyde Butcher studio I had to have it.  Now if only i could afford to get the odd sized framed! It’s 9x14.  It's by Jeff Ripple, who irronically only photographs S. Florida and N. Michigan!IMG_5151


A while back I thought our bed needed some color, so I decided to make some throw pillows. I ordered this fabric that for some reason I was really drawn to (and I HATE birds!) and it matched perfect! I also really like how the magenta pops…maybe someday I’ll bring more of that color into our room. IMG_5153


Books…Think it’s time I get a new bigger book shelf?IMG_5157
Check out the RANDOMNESS that I am….IMG_5159



And a couple special Items…
IMG_5163 IMG_5164  When I was 18 I was cast as Winter White…these are my shoes that my dear friend Christine and I painted AND Glittered in her basement one late night.  They were worn only a handful of times, but I will always cherish them and the memories and dreams they represent.


IMG_5156     My grandpa Joe made this cross.  Everyone in the family has one-he was an amazing carpenter.  This will always grace the head of my bed.


I hope you enjoyed our room…now if only it always looked like this!!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Sacrifice

3. the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
Yes, it is that time again…a little later this year, but Lent is here.  It’s interesting every year to hear about peoples sacrifices they choose to give up and more so the questions I get “Why?” “what’s the purpose?”

I’m not hear to discuss the purpose of Lent the meaning behind it all.  Because honestly, this is something that I have known and lived with for (gulp) 32 years.  It is a 2000+ year tradition, no that’s not the right word, duty? honor? penance?, that my family partakes in. 

My Catholicism is as much as who I am and where I come from as my Prussian/Polish/Fr. Canadian background.  It’s something that just is.  I could run away from it, like a lot of people I know, but then I’d be leaving behind a part of who I am.  And each year as I get older I reflect more and more on the deeper meaning of sacrifice and almsgiving and prayer. 

Now I can’t speak for Adam, but I do try every year to find a vice that will be difficult and not self gratifying (loose weight) to give up, but I also always try to set spiritual goals as well as goals that have to do with making me a better person.  It usually is something like-Don’t have mean thoughts about people, be more patient, don’t be quick to judge.  And honestly those are the hardest to accomplish.

How many times have you walked past a complete stranger and thought “Ug that is the ugliest sweater!” Or cursed someone for cutting you off?  I hate to admit I’m really quick to judge. And deep down it’s embarrassing.  I think to myself, “Stephanie, you don’t know where that person is rushing to-maybe they’re late to work and it’s their last strike.  Or that sweater was her grandma’s whom she just lost.” 

Lent is not only about sacrifice, but about becoming closer to God and living in a way that brings you closer to God.  So I will continue my quest this year to be a better, more kind person-especially to those I don’t know and who don’t know I’m not being kind inside. Because I’m not the only one who hears my thoughts….  I will also be giving something up …. are you ready for this?




Yep. I thought about it and realized that it is one thing in my life that I don’t NEED – nor does it make me a better person – and half the time it is a waste of time. Time I could be putting to better use.  This is going to be hard, because it’s become such a habit, I think it will be more difficult than giving up beer or coffee. (which I’ve done)

At mass today the gospel really clicked with me-it resonated with me because in a way this is how I practice my faith.  I've never been comfortable with preaching my belifes to others and actually become uncomfortable when others do to me.  So I took comfort in hearing these words today and as we begin Lent it's a good refresher on how to deal with the sacrifices we'll be making over these next few weeks.

Matthew 6: 1 - 6, 16 - 18


"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

As you all enter into the Lenten season please keep a few special people in your prayers; My Aunt Sandy who’s undergoing chemo; My Grandma who is old and ill and hanging on; and my friends father, Johnny, who is also battling cancer.  I will keep you in mine and pray that you too will emerge on Good Friday a better person.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Meet the Club

Book club is coming up and I thought I’d share with you some pictures Adam snapped at our last meeting that I hosted. Turn out was pretty good and we all had a great time talking, eating and drinking. 

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Lindsay, Michelle, Kiralinda, Karen and Sonia…deep in discussion.

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We like cramming around little tables…hurry up Adam finish our big beast!

IMG_4940It was Ivee’s Birthday-Lindsay made a Yummy cake. And yes those are my Christmas cards still up in the middle of January.IMG_4944

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Becky. Her husband is in the Architecture program at USF so we can relate to what he’s going through…and her lack of a husband.

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Sid and new member Elizabeth.

 

This month we’re Reading Coyote Blue.

I’m about 1/2 way through it.  It’s different, a light read, but as Tara put it, a bit beatnik.  It’s definitely a different generation that I.  That’s the cool thing about our club though-we really do read a lot of books I would never had given a second glance at and it is interesting what you learn about your friends from their choices, styles and comments.  This has definitely been a fun group and a good effort  I look forward to what’s in store next.

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I found this on the camera.  Too cute not to snap a picture of it; Jordan cuddling Bruiser.