Craziness

So I am sitting here trying to figure out how to explain the last couple of days around here.  I sorta feel like I am in an alternate universe of weirdness.

First of all to say that it has be unseasonably hot around here would be like saying that Lindsay Lohan has a few problems.  Seriously, it has been in the low 100's for the past few days.  People...need I remind you that we had the first day of fall a week or so ago.  I know that I live in California but it seems like at any moment Lucifer is going to stop me on the street and ask me where the nearest post office is so he can get a change of address card.

It is supposed to chill out a little this weekend, geez I hope so.

On another weather note we had thunderstorms and rainbows last night.  It was weird to be at soccer practice in California and feel like I was transported back to my middle school days of being drug to my brother's practices and having to figure out where we were going to take cover based on the dark clouds looming overhead.  We just don't get that kind of weather here.

On two occasions we have come home to the smell of smoke.  On Monday we come home to a packed freeway and a fire on a hill about a mile from our house.

Thankfully they got it put out shortly after I took this photo, but man it was a little scary.  No wind though so that was a blessing.

Then on Wednesday we got out of the car to this sight.

Firetrucks at the end of our street.  The laundromat down the street had caught on fire so they closed the main street and diverted all that traffic down our little street.  Now what confuses me is that it takes a GPS system and a bloodhound to get to any main street out of the back side of our neighborhood.  Good luck with that.

I'm telling you it was like the movie Groundhog Day.  We get home after dealing with unusual traffic, park the car, grab the camera and run through the park to see what was going on. 

Just so you know I am a lot less obviously curious without my two kids, but they seem to feel the need to find out what the heck is going on AND are willing to go figure it out.  Me I would have just wondered what was going on but would have been too embarrassed to go poking around. 

I am subtly nosy, they are the obnoxiously nosy....yeah that is it.

However, there was a good side to being in an alternate universe for the past week.

I found these shoes:

Now I know what you are thinking...you are thinking that you know me so well that finding a pair of shoes that I actually bought isn't SO alternate universe-y...but let me tell you this.

They are perfect dressy shoes for all of my concerts.

They fit perfectly.

They are OH SO CUTE!!

AND...

They are Maxx Studio shoes.

They cost $149.00...originally.

I got them for $16.00.

I know...right??

Now, would I deal with 100 degree temperatures, thunderstorms, and brush fires to stay in this alternate universe so I can continue to find good shoe deals??

Ab.so.lute.ly.


More Later

- A Ro

An Eventful Random Dozen

I did watch both episodes of The Event this week, and that seemed to leak into my responses this week.  I am only watching because I fear that, if I don't watch, it will be just like Lost, I won't be in the "in" crowd.  Lord knows that wouldn't be good.

Answer these questions on your blog and then click the button and link up with all of us over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Have fun!!

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!
Nah

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?
Gorillas, or apes of any kind.  They fascinate me.  If you watched The Event you know that our DNA differs from the gorillas by only 2%, maybe that is why I am so curious about them.

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?
I have never seen one nor do I know of anyone who has.  The U.N. must have also watched The Event cause after that episode one might believe that we would need an ambassador.  I do have to admit that I think that extraterrestrials are in the realm of possibility, however, I am not sure we need an Ambassador, but at least someone will be probed before me.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.
If you know me at all you will realize that I have never seen a Hitchcock film.  To keep my The Event thread going I know you are surprised that I even watch that show...huh?.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?
I would have to say home, however home doesn't contain a shoe store so the mall would run a close second.

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)
My favorite Disney princess would have to be Ariel based solely on the songs she gets to sing.


7. What kind of art is your favorite?
I am a performing artist so I would say performing art.  If you mean art in the sense of visual art I would say I love Impressionism the most.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?
I love anything that isn't "corporate" especially things that are creative.  I think that most of the talented people out there are undiscovered, so the more that we discover the more we will gain.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?
Nordstrom Rack.  I actually found a pair of Calvin Klein jeans there that are my favorite.  My favorite in high school and my favorite now...go figure.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.
Believe it or not my first one is my only one...and I might add that I have only had one traffic ticket in my entire driving career.  Anyway, I was in my friends truck, just got married, and was moving some stuff to our new apartment.  A driver ran a red light and hit me in the intersection.  I remember that although my seat belt might have saved my life it left some major bruises and I bit my tongue.  The police said that it was my fault, but before the court date (as I was going to contest it) witnesses came forward to say that she ran the red.  Phew.


11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?
We all have gone back into the store when we realize that we didn't pay for the toilet paper or water bottles that were under the cart.  I think the word dishonest implies that by doing so you would benefit.  I mean can you think of a case where DISHONESTY wouldn't benefit you (not morally, but other ways)? Whether it be telling your significant other that "no those jeans don't make your butt look big", to keeping the toothbrush that got stuck in your cart so that you don't have to unbuckle your toddler to go back into the store...not that I would know anything about that!!


12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?
The second question is easier to answer than the first.  1) why it is 107 degrees in California in September 2) where all the people are going on the 101 at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon 3) what Paris Hilton did to gain her celebrity status, just to name a few.

I would tell them not to judge the whole based on the actions of a few.

In Summary:  I did watch The Event and obviously it had an impact on my thinking this week. I am a good driver, but would never watch any Hitchcock movie unless Chevy Chase decided to redo them all...then I am in.  I have a hard time believing in stereotypes although I do believe they are a part of being human. I do think that we are foolish to think we are the only life forms in this galaxy, but to appoint an ambassador seems a little odd. Most important I am a very honest person and believe that telling the truth is always the best policy unless I ask if these new Calvin Klein jeans from Nordstrom Rack make my butt look big...then lie like a dog!!


More Later

- A Ro

Tell Me Why Tuesdays

No Weekend Purge this week due to my Michelle birthday blog and Project 365.  So my Tell Me Why Tuesday is weekend event themed.  If you look closely you can pretty much tell what I did this weekend and most of it was complaining about traffic and heat.  Phew...

Enjoy, if you can :) 

1.  Why is it September 27th and the temperature is 107 degrees? (I am serious it is 107 degrees) #ohyeahiliveincalifornia

2.  Why is it that it took me 3 hours to go about 40 miles on Saturday? #ohyeahiliveincalifornia

3.  Why was I so glad that Rich loves me enough to actually drive in the bumper to bumper traffic for 3 straight hours? #imayormaynothavealittlebitofroadrage

4.  Why is it that being around people who share the same problem and have the same heartache makes things just a little easier? #wearenotinthisboatalone

5.  Why did I not understand one word of the movie Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps? #maybeishouldhavenetflixedthefirstone OR #youmeanthefederalreserveboardisactuallyagroupofpeople???

6.  Why was I SO glad Andrew found a friend to go to the Muse concert with him? #ifitistooloudyouaretooold

7.  Why was I so happy to have had the first soccer game on Saturday? #earlymorningtempsonly80not107

8.  Why was I miserable at Andrew's 2:00 pm baseball game on Sunday? #afternoontemps107not80

9.  Why are my running shoes living on the back porch? #theyneededabathaftertubofyogurtincident

10. Why am I wishing that I was Samantha Stephens from Bewitched? #myabbyturnsonethissaturday...inarkansas

11.  Why am I looking forward to 8:00 pm tonight? #CHUCK

More Later

- A Ro 

Happy Birthday Michelle

 

Today is my sister-in-law Michelle's birthday.

She met our crazy family when Andrew was just a baby.

We loved Michelle.

We loved the way Greg loved Michelle.

He found someone who gave him purpose and direction.

We were so happy to have Michelle as a member of our family.  (Isn't my Andrew SO cute)

She fit in perfectly.

She is such an amazing "Titi" to all of her nieces and nephews.  She loves them all so very much

She loved my Bella.

And my Boo.

Sami

Tyler

And our newest niece...Abby.

Finally, her own little boy to love...Joseph

She is a great sister-in-law.

Very generous and kind, and an amazing photographer.

She really knows how to capture someone's good side, even mine.

You would think that she is the luckiest gal around.

I mean she is married to a GQ model...

...and mother of the cutest kid on the block.

But really, we are the lucky ones!!  Thanks for putting up with us...we love you and having you in our family.

Happy Birthday!!


More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 39

My project 365 is a day late because yesterday I did a post for my sister in law's birthday.  So here is my week in pictures.  

Sunday:

New Cooking Light Recipe

I tried a new Cooking Light recipe.  It was Mushroom and Onion Patty Melt.  I love rye bread and this sandwich was very tasty.  I hope to post the recipe this week.

Monday:

CHUCK!!!

I know this is cheating as I didn't take this picture, but it was the highlight of my day today.  It was the season premiere of our favorite show.  It was great to all sit and watch together.  I love Monday nights.

Tuesday:

Sicky Girly

Bella woke up with a fever, sore throat, and runny nose today.  Even though it was just a common cold she had fever so we stayed home.  This picture shows her pouty sick face, but in reality she is such a good sick kid.  She doesn't complain and is still her good natured self.

Wednesday:

Christmas Already

We were at the mall tonight and we saw these decorations.  I was aghast, until I saw a sign that said they were filming a movie at the mall so they had decorations up.  I wrote a post about it here.

Thursday:

A Bad Picture of the Farmer's Market

We went to the Farmers Market tonight.  Got some really yummy peaches and strawberries.  Also some avocado...I love avocado.  I forgot to take a picture so this is as we were leaving.  I know, better luck next time.

Friday:

Photographer Bella

Andrew was at a friends house tonight so Bella Rich and I went to get frozen yogurt after our errands and trip to the mall.  She was snapping pictures and got this good one of us.  I love my weekends with her.

Saturday:

LA Live

Andrew got tickets to the Muse concert for his birthday and he took his friend David.  It was at the Staples Center so Rich and I drove them down there and saw a movie and hung out at the area downtown called LA Live.  It was a very cook area.  We had lots of fun, but no Bella this time she was at her dads.

In Summary:

Not the best pictures this week.  My recipe pictures didn't really show how yummy it was, Bella had the red eye going and some of the pictures this week I didn't even take myself...Geesh...I'll try better next week.  I had a very busy weekend with lots of driving...have I mentioned how much I hate driving??  Thankfully all I had to do was ride...thanks Rich.  I took care of my sicky girly and didn't even get sick (she says knocking on wood) and the good news is I have a whole new week ahead of me.

More Later

- A Ro

Phew!!

It started as an innocent trip to the mall to go to The Gap.  You see, I have these 40% off one item coupons that are good each of the four Wednesdays in September, and I have had my eye on these pants since August:

They are Perfect Trouser Pants.  The reason I love them is they fit me perfectly and are the correct legnth.  I am not a unusally short person, but it seems every pair of pants I try on I would need to wear 6 inch stilettos to actually be tall enough for them not to drag on the floor.  That isn't a good idea for numerous reasons not the least being that sometimes people just call me...Grace.  SO...considering that it is the third Wednesday in the month and I have yet to use one of my coupons I talked Rich into going to the mall with me before dinner.  When I mean talking Rich into going I mean..."hey I'm going to the mall you wanna come?"...and he says sure.  I think he likes hanging out with me, but that is just a guess.

So we went to the mall to buy my Gap pants.  And I see the following things:

Do you see what I see??

A freaking wreath...not one of those festive fall wreaths a wreath with a RED BOW and CHRISTMAS COLORED BALLS!!!

AND A FREAKING CHRISTMAS TREE!!!

People it is September 22nd...the first day of fall.

C'MON!!!

As I was standing there with my mouth gaping open.  It is bad enough that society allows the commercialization of Christmas at all.  It is the birth of Jesus Christ not some holiday made for people to exploit and make money off of.  And now they are starting in September.  What kind of people run this mall?  What kind of people would even shop here? (besides me in my search for 40% off Gap pants) Who's brilliant idea was this? Who do I talk to to put a stop to this nonsense?!?!?!

Then I notice this sign:

So in the words of Emily Litela




More Later

- A Ro

You Ready for Some Random???

It is time for the Random Dozen...hosted by Linda.  Click on the above button and head over to Linda's and link up your own answers.  It is a lot of fun...for sure!!

Here is my go at it.


1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? (I just came from my dad's ceremony wherein he was given a medal of honor by the French government for service in France in WWII. Pictures to follow.)
Wow...anything I say pales in comparison.  Rich has won some awards when he was in the Navy for air traffic controlling.  My kids have won various awards in school, and I have won a singing competition or two, but nothing like your dad's...that is such an honor Linda!!

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
My husband retired after 20 years in the Navy as an air traffic controller.  My Dad was a captain in the Air Force.  Both my Grandpas served in the US Military too.

I am very proud of them all.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you. 
The National Anthem gets me every time.  Whether singing it by myself, with a crowd, or watching someone else it always gives me those goose bumps.  

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality? 
I am the oldest.

Natural leader - check
Reliable - check
People pleaser - check
Needs approval - check
Perfectionist - and double check

Yep.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
Rich wrote in his wedding vows to me how much I remind him of my Dad (who passed away 8 years ago).  He told me that I was kind, compassionate, and would do anything for anyone, always looking out for other people.  I hope I am doing my Dad justice.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo? 
I am a diva and a girly girl.  I like wearing skirts.  I like feeling feminine.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
Once or twice.  I put my head back on the pillow.  Done.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.
"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"
"These toilets are GINORMOUS"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear"
"Aunt Bethany, does your cat like jello?"
"Clark she can't see her eyes are frozen"

Love those movies.

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
Gonna have to go with the old faithful...pumpkin.  Yum.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?
Just getting out all of our fall decorations, and making Halloween cake pops and cookies.  I love the fall.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
My student Scott brought me homemade cookies, just because.  It really made me smile.

(they were so yummy...thanks Scott)

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?
Sad to say that I never got to meet Rich's parents.  They died when Rich was young.  I met his aunt and uncle, who raised him, when we dated in high school.  His aunt Dolly always liked me and told me how she could tell how much Rich liked me too.  I wish I could thank her for bringing Rich to Iowa to live after his dad died.


In Summary:  Wow this random was easy.  I have been around military folks all my life and now I am married to one and I couldn't be more proud of him.  I am going to get my commissary card soon and could be happier.  I am the epitome of an oldest...a diva that needs constant stroking and attention, and thankfully I have a husband who doesn't mind that job.  I have not met a pillow, car seat, couch, floor that I can't lull me to sleep.  Love the fall and Halloween because just around the corner I can pull out my copies of Elf and Christmas Vacation!!

More Later

- A Ro