Yesterday was both a fun day and a productive one. I worked super hard in the morning at the office to get as much done as possible and then Sarah picked me up to get some lunch and do a bit of shopping. We had a really good time and we both found some great deals. I used some gift cards that had been haunting my tote and I'm especially excited about my new yellow heels, new santoku knife and a bridesmaid dress for Hilary's wedding! Then I zoomed home to get Felipe and we ran several errands. I did chores at home and then Sarah I went to a very enjoyable Cooking Divas. Finally we went to Ben & Steph's house to have a few drinks with Amy.
To top it all off my diploma came in the mail. What a good day!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Under Water and Still Breathing
Sometimes I get myself so busy I feel like I am drowning all of the time. Ok, ok I'm sure my family will correct me so I will say instead, MOST of the time I get myself so busy that I feel like I am drowning. But surprisingly enough the last few weeks haven't felt like that. I've been insanely busy with planning parties and work and getting our exchange student back home to Brazil and the garden and the animals and friends... but right now I feel calm. I feel relaxed and great. Even though I'm under water, I'm still breathing.
I think maybe I've grown gills. :)
I think maybe I've grown gills. :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Only Two Weekends Left...
Well, another fun and busy weekend down and only two more to go with Mr. Felipe. This Friday we had a very fun time wishing John, Katie and Daniel a bon voyage. It was definitely bittersweet. We will miss all the fun times we have with them as they head to Minn for John's residency. Sure will miss them...
Saturday was a lazy morning and then into EL for some bike shopping with Miss Samone. I'm excited for her to make a decision so that we can get training!! I also made a return. Yes, I said a return. I rarely actually ever return items to a store, but I did it. It wasn't really that hard at all. I just had to make the time to drive to said store and give the item back to them. Why then I ask myself, if it isn't that difficult to return things, WHY don't I ever do it? I have the best of intentions. I put the ill-fitting article of clothing in the bag with the receipt and then it takes up a spot in my room for months and I never return it. I end up sending it to goodwill, tags and all. What is the inhibiting factor to me in returning items? I'm not sure that I'll know. I can only hope that this is a turning point in my shopping career, from here on out I'll return at least some things... I hope.
Sunday was a big day, graduation day for Felipe. It's hard to believe we've been through a whole school year already. It's also hard to believe that Felipe will be going home in just two weeks! Louco! Graduation was nice, but long. Kirk's (HS principal) speech was very nice as always. He is a great speaker. The rest of the speeches were the bland graduation type you'd expect. Felipe looked snazzy in his blue cap and gown as he walked across to get his diploma. Unfortunately they slaughtered his name. Felipe Ferreira Lisboa Luz is apparently not too easy to say for the average American. Ah well, it was nice all the same.
Afterwards we went to Mom's where we had dinner. All the food was delicious and I ate way too much. CJ was our main source of entertainment. The best was when Mom gave him a full chocolate chip cookie. The happiness on his face was amazing. We all laughed and laughed as he trotted around happy as a lark eating his cookie. We also ended up watching a movie before dragging ourselves home. We watched Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. I loved it! I guess it just shows how much of a kid I am, but I enjoyed the whole movie. What fun.
A small report on the Duck Massacre 2009. We have two ducks that are going to live. The one that I mentioned before has been named Lucky Ducky. The second, who I wasn't sure about I think will live. I had to do a minor surgery on him/her last night. Walker has named him/her Mr. Quakers. Mr. Quackers kept opening his mouth and panting kind of. Last night I gave him a thorough looking over and discovered that his nostrils on his beak were plugged. One needle and some poking later... whola, he can breathe! I am a miracle worker, ha! Very happy that maybe in a week or so Mr Quackers will be doing well enough to join Lucky Ducky and the chickens.
Saturday was a lazy morning and then into EL for some bike shopping with Miss Samone. I'm excited for her to make a decision so that we can get training!! I also made a return. Yes, I said a return. I rarely actually ever return items to a store, but I did it. It wasn't really that hard at all. I just had to make the time to drive to said store and give the item back to them. Why then I ask myself, if it isn't that difficult to return things, WHY don't I ever do it? I have the best of intentions. I put the ill-fitting article of clothing in the bag with the receipt and then it takes up a spot in my room for months and I never return it. I end up sending it to goodwill, tags and all. What is the inhibiting factor to me in returning items? I'm not sure that I'll know. I can only hope that this is a turning point in my shopping career, from here on out I'll return at least some things... I hope.
Sunday was a big day, graduation day for Felipe. It's hard to believe we've been through a whole school year already. It's also hard to believe that Felipe will be going home in just two weeks! Louco! Graduation was nice, but long. Kirk's (HS principal) speech was very nice as always. He is a great speaker. The rest of the speeches were the bland graduation type you'd expect. Felipe looked snazzy in his blue cap and gown as he walked across to get his diploma. Unfortunately they slaughtered his name. Felipe Ferreira Lisboa Luz is apparently not too easy to say for the average American. Ah well, it was nice all the same.
Afterwards we went to Mom's where we had dinner. All the food was delicious and I ate way too much. CJ was our main source of entertainment. The best was when Mom gave him a full chocolate chip cookie. The happiness on his face was amazing. We all laughed and laughed as he trotted around happy as a lark eating his cookie. We also ended up watching a movie before dragging ourselves home. We watched Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. I loved it! I guess it just shows how much of a kid I am, but I enjoyed the whole movie. What fun.
A small report on the Duck Massacre 2009. We have two ducks that are going to live. The one that I mentioned before has been named Lucky Ducky. The second, who I wasn't sure about I think will live. I had to do a minor surgery on him/her last night. Walker has named him/her Mr. Quakers. Mr. Quackers kept opening his mouth and panting kind of. Last night I gave him a thorough looking over and discovered that his nostrils on his beak were plugged. One needle and some poking later... whola, he can breathe! I am a miracle worker, ha! Very happy that maybe in a week or so Mr Quackers will be doing well enough to join Lucky Ducky and the chickens.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Neighbor Dog & Up North
Well, unfortunately last night we found out who the culprit was in the duck massacre 2009. The neighbor has a Siberian husky that got loose and he was kind enough to come over last night and offer to pay for our loss. I thought that was very nice and responsible of him, but it still sucks. To date we only really have one survivor. For the time being I'm going to call him/her Lucky Ducky. Anybody have an idea of a better name???
We had an awards night at the high school last night where Felipe was recognized for being an exchange student and for being a part of the Forensics team. He was the first exchange student ever to participate in Forensics and I am very proud of him.
I got some more things done for the garden last night. I got some tomatoes into the cold frame and also planted some bulbs I had forced indoors. Also the cilantro and dill I had started in the cold frame went out into the herb box. It's so nice to get some things done!! Mike went into town last night and bought a new hose. One of the ones we had was leaking so bad we had to toss it. I was hoping that it was going to rain yesterday as predicted so that I wouldn't have to water the garden, but it didn't. So I stayed up till 11pm so that I could get everything good and soaked. Then, of course, it rained last night or early this morning. That's how it always goes.
Two weekends ago Felipe and I trekked north so that he could see more of what Michigan was like. We went to Jordan Valley pathway where we had a gorgeous hike and then by pure luck we scooted over to stay with Ken and Janet Swanson on Mission Point in Traverse City and had an amazing fun visit with them. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and it was so pretty!! Lastly we made a banzai trip to the Mackinac Bridge so that Felipe could visit the UP (if only for a few minutes). Pictures below...
We had an awards night at the high school last night where Felipe was recognized for being an exchange student and for being a part of the Forensics team. He was the first exchange student ever to participate in Forensics and I am very proud of him.
I got some more things done for the garden last night. I got some tomatoes into the cold frame and also planted some bulbs I had forced indoors. Also the cilantro and dill I had started in the cold frame went out into the herb box. It's so nice to get some things done!! Mike went into town last night and bought a new hose. One of the ones we had was leaking so bad we had to toss it. I was hoping that it was going to rain yesterday as predicted so that I wouldn't have to water the garden, but it didn't. So I stayed up till 11pm so that I could get everything good and soaked. Then, of course, it rained last night or early this morning. That's how it always goes.
Two weekends ago Felipe and I trekked north so that he could see more of what Michigan was like. We went to Jordan Valley pathway where we had a gorgeous hike and then by pure luck we scooted over to stay with Ken and Janet Swanson on Mission Point in Traverse City and had an amazing fun visit with them. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and it was so pretty!! Lastly we made a banzai trip to the Mackinac Bridge so that Felipe could visit the UP (if only for a few minutes). Pictures below...
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| Up North 05-15-2009 |
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Spring and whatnot
Have not been blogging for a while so I thought I'd just start and try to catch up. Can't catch up if you don't begin...
Last weekend was a fantastic holiday weekend that we spent in Columbus. It was gorgeous weather. It was also great spending time with the whole family. I was so excited to see Doug and Christy and my new little niece (to be). We threw a baby shower for her at the house. It turned out so nice. I was the main organizer for the shower, but I had tons of help and it turned out beautiful! Patricia was my visionary and we got told several times that we should think of party planning professionally. I have to admit, the thought has crossed my mind several times. I'm going to think about it some more and maybe something will develop eventually.
Fresh off of that party I have another party to work on today. Felipe's open house/going home party. It's hard to believe Mike & I have been parents of a teenager for almost a year. We will miss him. I need to get some invites designed today. Brazilian colors, here I come!
This morning was a sad day for our little farm. Our first real taste of varments. We've had some minor wild animal problems in the past (thinking of an interesting story with Mom, me and a raccoon) but this morning 5 of our 9 ducks were victims! Something dug under their outdoor cage and wrecked havoc. I'm pretty bummed that my duck and turkey venture this year did not go well. I guess that's part of farming and learning. On a happier farm note, the baby goats and the goats in general are doing great. They are looking healthy and happy.
Lastly, I got an enormous amount of gardening and yard work done yesterday. After we got home and the car unloaded, Suzzy came over and we got the Farmers Market garden planted. I'm looking forward to the market this year. I think this year we will be just a bit more organized than last. Baby steps. I always have these big visions of what I want my projects to turn out like. Sometimes I have a tough time living up to my visions... But I learned my lesson (at least a little bit) about the market. I still have the same vision but now I realize it might take me a bit to get to it. More detailed garden updates soon.
Last weekend was a fantastic holiday weekend that we spent in Columbus. It was gorgeous weather. It was also great spending time with the whole family. I was so excited to see Doug and Christy and my new little niece (to be). We threw a baby shower for her at the house. It turned out so nice. I was the main organizer for the shower, but I had tons of help and it turned out beautiful! Patricia was my visionary and we got told several times that we should think of party planning professionally. I have to admit, the thought has crossed my mind several times. I'm going to think about it some more and maybe something will develop eventually.
Fresh off of that party I have another party to work on today. Felipe's open house/going home party. It's hard to believe Mike & I have been parents of a teenager for almost a year. We will miss him. I need to get some invites designed today. Brazilian colors, here I come!
This morning was a sad day for our little farm. Our first real taste of varments. We've had some minor wild animal problems in the past (thinking of an interesting story with Mom, me and a raccoon) but this morning 5 of our 9 ducks were victims! Something dug under their outdoor cage and wrecked havoc. I'm pretty bummed that my duck and turkey venture this year did not go well. I guess that's part of farming and learning. On a happier farm note, the baby goats and the goats in general are doing great. They are looking healthy and happy.
Lastly, I got an enormous amount of gardening and yard work done yesterday. After we got home and the car unloaded, Suzzy came over and we got the Farmers Market garden planted. I'm looking forward to the market this year. I think this year we will be just a bit more organized than last. Baby steps. I always have these big visions of what I want my projects to turn out like. Sometimes I have a tough time living up to my visions... But I learned my lesson (at least a little bit) about the market. I still have the same vision but now I realize it might take me a bit to get to it. More detailed garden updates soon.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Clear Roads Beckoned Me....
Well, we've finally lost all of the snow and ice. It's still very cold and the skies are occasionally sending down some flurries and rain, but nevertheless the roads are staying clear. I was in the barn last week saying hello to the pregnant goats and my bike (her name is Mari) was hollering at me. She (my bike) clearly stated that the roads were clear and ready to go now and she didn't want to wait for warm weather to get out of the barn. I begrudgingly realized that she was right and if I had any hope of surviving the DAL MAC later this year I better get going now. So, 4 days and 38 miles later, my keister is sore!! But, I've been really enjoying the evening light that we gained on Sunday. I've been getting an average speed of 10 miles per hour in the cold and wind we've had this week. For an extremely winterized (ie. out of shape) body I think that's pretty good. I'm excited to try a longer ride this weekend and spend a couple of hours on the road. Hopefully the sun stays out!
Last weekend was our annual Dodd-Moore Reunion. This is basically an anniversary celebration for Mike & I. Three years ago the Dodd/Keenan/Stephenson/Voison family ventured to the far north to join Mike & I at my parents house for our engagement party. The next year they did it again for our wedding and then we didn't want the visiting to stop. Cause, gosh darn it, we like them! So for the last two years we have been doing an annual reunion. We invite Mike's family and all of our wedding party and our family to get together for a weekend party. The last two years have been here in the far north. We've had a fantastic time. We drink, eat and play lots of games. From bowling to pictionary to a hike in the rain or in the dark field we just have a good time. This last weekend was no exception. We drank lots of wine courtesy of Momma Moore and Cork & Bottle Winery. We went on a great hike at Sleepy Hollow and ate some delicious food. I cannot wait until we travel to Cleveland next year for the big todo!
Last weekend was our annual Dodd-Moore Reunion. This is basically an anniversary celebration for Mike & I. Three years ago the Dodd/Keenan/Stephenson/Voison family ventured to the far north to join Mike & I at my parents house for our engagement party. The next year they did it again for our wedding and then we didn't want the visiting to stop. Cause, gosh darn it, we like them! So for the last two years we have been doing an annual reunion. We invite Mike's family and all of our wedding party and our family to get together for a weekend party. The last two years have been here in the far north. We've had a fantastic time. We drink, eat and play lots of games. From bowling to pictionary to a hike in the rain or in the dark field we just have a good time. This last weekend was no exception. We drank lots of wine courtesy of Momma Moore and Cork & Bottle Winery. We went on a great hike at Sleepy Hollow and ate some delicious food. I cannot wait until we travel to Cleveland next year for the big todo!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hmmm...
Well, it took me a bit to update on the detox. But here it is. All went well until Friday evening. I tried to do the saltwater flush Friday evening and again Saturday morning. I achieved bloating and feeling awfully sick and not much "flushing". I made through the rest of Saturday, but by Sunday morning I was barely functioning and I caved. I switched over to a different detox program and I feel better to say the least! I'm back to real food again and I'm still feeling good. I have analysed what happened and I have the perfect mix of detox programs for my body for the next go 'round.
I don't know if the lack of food gave me a cooking buzz or what, but I have been going nuts lately. For many of my creations, I was very proud of the results. Felipe was excited for my first pudim. I think it turned out pretty well. I'm going to try a different recipe next time. I've attached some pictures.
Saturday, Mike got us some tickets to a Saginaw Spirits game and it was really fun. Felipe got to see a hockey game for the first time, even though the Spirit lost. Felipe has just about covered the sport spectrum now since he's been here. He's gone to a MSU football game, a Tiger's game, a Piston's game and a hockey game. Hooray for sports!
Sunday, once I got feeling better I wanted to head outdoors. Mike, Felipe and I decided to explore the Maple Rapids State Game area a bit. We headed into Section A of the flooding zone and had a lot of fun scooting across ice and trying to find which way to go. We didn't make it too far on our chosen path, but we have plans for our next exploring trip there.
I don't know if the lack of food gave me a cooking buzz or what, but I have been going nuts lately. For many of my creations, I was very proud of the results. Felipe was excited for my first pudim. I think it turned out pretty well. I'm going to try a different recipe next time. I've attached some pictures.
Saturday, Mike got us some tickets to a Saginaw Spirits game and it was really fun. Felipe got to see a hockey game for the first time, even though the Spirit lost. Felipe has just about covered the sport spectrum now since he's been here. He's gone to a MSU football game, a Tiger's game, a Piston's game and a hockey game. Hooray for sports!
Sunday, once I got feeling better I wanted to head outdoors. Mike, Felipe and I decided to explore the Maple Rapids State Game area a bit. We headed into Section A of the flooding zone and had a lot of fun scooting across ice and trying to find which way to go. We didn't make it too far on our chosen path, but we have plans for our next exploring trip there.
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| February 2009 |
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