One For the Money was ok but could have been great. Heigel didn't do a great job but not as bad as I expected. She wasn't able to take on the full Stephanie character which was clearly key for this movie to have worked. Nate didn't have a miserable time and was at least entertained (probably because of the guns and explosions).
For those who have read the books -
Morelli was a little cheesy to me in the movie. He just seemed to be a little over-the-top Morelli. Still cute. No chemistry between Morelli and Stephanie - big miss.
Ranger was dead-on with the hotness factor but definitely not as tough as he was in the book. He seemed softer than the books. Kind of a disappointment. Then again, if I remember correctly, he didn't have a big presence in the first book so maybe his mysteriousness came in later.
Lula's near-death scene was the one of the only big changes they did from the book. I think what was in the book added so much suspense and explained the future bond between Stephanie and Lula. So I was disappointed to see the movie take the easy road out on that one.
Other than that (and small things at the end), they stuck pretty close to the book. But that made it come off as slow to me. I think they should've thought about maybe combining the first couple books. That way the characters would've been more developed and they could've skipped some details to speed things up and include more of the crazy, hilarious stories.
Here are some of the first reviews coming in - not too pretty!
IMDb
Rotten Tomatoes
My recommendation? Skip the movie, read the books!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Will It Be a Hit or Miss?
One For The Money is coming out this Friday!
I've never been one to get really excited about movies, but this one I am so excited for and at the same time, a little nervous. My cousin Jessica got me hooked on the books by Janet Evanovich. This movie is based off the first book in a series of 18 (I'm currently on 16).
They follow this character, Stephanie Plum, who gets laid off from her job and decides to try and be a bounty hunter in Jersey. Let's just say she's awful at it and the situations she gets into are hilrious and intense, not to mention the hotties she has in her life. I'm not going to talk them up anymore than that. Just go read them.
They've casted Katherine Heigel as Stephanie and that's what makes me really nervous. I don't particularly care for her because I don't think she can act all that well (she should take some tips from Nate and Jonathan). So if she doesn't pull this off, the movie is going to flop. I mean, what was the last Heigel movie that did well? She should've never left Grey's!
Most book-turned-movies aren't all that great so it has some odds against it to begin with. But you throw Heigel in there to try and pull off a Jersey girl... hmmmm, I'm guessing a no on the high scores at the box office. Who knows, it could be her big break. It will be interesting to see if they stray from the book too, which they shouldn't. Here's hoping it's at least almost as good as the book!
Watch the Trailer!
I've never been one to get really excited about movies, but this one I am so excited for and at the same time, a little nervous. My cousin Jessica got me hooked on the books by Janet Evanovich. This movie is based off the first book in a series of 18 (I'm currently on 16).
They follow this character, Stephanie Plum, who gets laid off from her job and decides to try and be a bounty hunter in Jersey. Let's just say she's awful at it and the situations she gets into are hilrious and intense, not to mention the hotties she has in her life. I'm not going to talk them up anymore than that. Just go read them.
They've casted Katherine Heigel as Stephanie and that's what makes me really nervous. I don't particularly care for her because I don't think she can act all that well (she should take some tips from Nate and Jonathan). So if she doesn't pull this off, the movie is going to flop. I mean, what was the last Heigel movie that did well? She should've never left Grey's!
Most book-turned-movies aren't all that great so it has some odds against it to begin with. But you throw Heigel in there to try and pull off a Jersey girl... hmmmm, I'm guessing a no on the high scores at the box office. Who knows, it could be her big break. It will be interesting to see if they stray from the book too, which they shouldn't. Here's hoping it's at least almost as good as the book!
Watch the Trailer!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Cuvaison, Diablo Syrah 2009
Feel free to judge my pj selection...
For those of you who don't know, Nate and I enjoy wine. Mostly reds, but occasional whites in the summertime (and with chicken). We are by no means wine snobs. Put me at a fancy wine tasting and I usually offend "winos" by holding the glass wrong or drinking out of order or something. Um... aren't you supposed to drink and enjoy the wine? Enough with the stuffiness! And some of our favorites are the two-buck chucks. Price doesn't always define quality people. We enjoy what we enjoy.
Anyway, in the Fall of 2009 Nate and I went to Napa Valley. What a beautiful place, simply breathtaking! We enjoyed lots of wine. So much so that we joined a wine AND a champagne club not even realizing it. Oops.
Thankfully we picked some winners in the Carneros region. Top on that list is a winery called Cuvaison. Here are a few pictures from their location:
Don't mind our goofy, grape colored grins :)
We also joined Domaine Carneros which features champagne. It was equally as gorgeous!
So after we realized we HAD to enjoy a year's supply of both (due to the contract we signed... Nate swears he was only giving his autograph), we fell even more in love with them.
Needless to say, we ended up not renewing our Domaine Carneros membership because we don't drink champagne often and after a year we have plenty stocked up for special occasions.
But I don't think we'll ever get rid of Cuvaison since we do drink wine often with delicious dinners and great friends... and after stressful days. They send 1-2 bottles every few months (depending on price) with varying types. It's so fun when the shipment comes in... what did we get, what did we get?!
(for more pics from this trip, visit our album)
Nate made a great point that we should start documenting them with small reviews to look back on and for recommendations. Since my sniffer and taste buds are half broken, I can't smell the corks often, most wines smell a little ammonia-ish to me, and I can't always tell the details in the blends of wines. So for these reviews, I'm going to turn it over to Nate...
The Diablo's earns its devilish moniker with a spicy pepper close that's a real contrast to the more fruity berry attack. It's probably one of the more complex Cuvaison wines I've had, save their super-big cabs (which are what got me hooked on the place. That and winemaker Steve's very approachable vibe). Nice to see that variation in a Syrah, which seemed to end up very flat as they grew in popularity in the mid-00's.
I think this wine would do very nicely with some sausages, and it really did the job with the hearty pasta we enjoyed with it.
----------------------------
...it's amazing how he can say SO much more than me in half the amount of time!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Juicing!
My mom got us (Nate) a juicer for Christmas and we were so excited to put it to use! A little worried that we might make an awful concoction, we called her to walk us through our first batch.
Carrots, celery, cucumber, apples and a little slice of ginger root (yes, I had to ask her how the heck do you cut this thing?). Threw the pieces in there, awful noises happened and then... nothing. Hmm, why no juice?
... but he ended up giving it a "mid-thumb". Not quite a thumbs up, not quite a thumbs down. I liked it. Tasted way better to me than any V8. Ok, maybe not better than V8 Splashes, but definitely close.
Then Nate wanted to get creative. I'm not so sure you should get creative with juicing. Sure make yummy flavors, but he was trying to put everything we had in our kitchen into batch #2. Truly, everything. My mom told him not to try certain things, like the banana he was about to put in there. He was really bummed, so he started listing off everything we had in our kitchen and she would say yes or no.
Then she reminded us that the crazier the ingredients got, the less we'd enjoy it, so Nate settled for being able to add a raw potato to some of the ingredients of Batch #1.
So Batch #2 consisted of carrots, celery, apples, and raw russet potato. Looks so delish, doesn't it?! Yeah... that's the layer of potato chillin at the top. YAK! But surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. I mean, tasting the combination is an odd experience, but definitely wasn't disgusting.
Very pleased with the experience, this is going to be something we will add to our diets. Shooting for at least 3 times a week for obvious health benefits. I don't think I'll let Nate make a batch without *honestly* telling me exactly what's in it though...
Carrots, celery, cucumber, apples and a little slice of ginger root (yes, I had to ask her how the heck do you cut this thing?). Threw the pieces in there, awful noises happened and then... nothing. Hmm, why no juice?
Oh.... that's a cap that needs to come off, oops!
Now we're in business!
Now we're in business!
Batch #1 didn't look all that appetizing, but we braved it. Nate wasn't so sure...
Then Nate wanted to get creative. I'm not so sure you should get creative with juicing. Sure make yummy flavors, but he was trying to put everything we had in our kitchen into batch #2. Truly, everything. My mom told him not to try certain things, like the banana he was about to put in there. He was really bummed, so he started listing off everything we had in our kitchen and she would say yes or no.
Then she reminded us that the crazier the ingredients got, the less we'd enjoy it, so Nate settled for being able to add a raw potato to some of the ingredients of Batch #1.
Very pleased with the experience, this is going to be something we will add to our diets. Shooting for at least 3 times a week for obvious health benefits. I don't think I'll let Nate make a batch without *honestly* telling me exactly what's in it though...
Sunday, January 15, 2012
New Blog Title!
Pursuit of Bliss
*and all the stories along the way*
Other than providing material for stories, this isn't really
Nate's blog so I think it's time to change the title. It took me a while to
come up with it because my blog doesn't have a theme other than just my life.
Sorry for the length and details, but I wanted to share the thought process
that led to the new title:
We all have our life stories, struggles, and happiness. For
each of us, they are equally important, damaging, and motivating. Comparing
life stories is pointless and should be left to the 'keeping up with the
Joneses' types. But I feel sharing stories is one of the best ways to live.
By sharing a story it can bring a smile to someone's day,
someone can learn something new, gain a new perspective, or attack you. It's in
those moments, even in the attacks, that you learn who your life affects and
who you should move on without.
I'm constantly asked "how did you turn out the way you
did?" - no, that's not me tooting my own horn. I've made many mistakes and
bad choices in my life and have many faults; no one knows that more than me.
It's a question I have never been able to answer. Lately,
I've done a LOT of reflection on my childhood and I think I'm starting to
figure out the answer to that very difficult question. It's as simple and as
complicated as I choose to be this way.
I will be honest here and share that I did not grow up in a
cookie-cutter home or life. I grew up in what they call a "broken
home" with a single mom, three brothers, and a fourth brother added when I
was 14. For the struggles and challenges that I have faced in my life, I choose
to remember the good parts more than the bad.
Every night growing up we had to sit down and eat dinner
together. She didn't care if we hated each other (or if she hated us at that
moment), we ate as a family every night. Some nights we didn't talk. Some nights
we all laughed so hard there was food flying out of our mouths. Some nights
there were tears and faces red with anger. But we still came together because
she chose to make that a priority. No matter what was going on, this was our
guaranteed moment that we were together and could not be taken away.
I strongly believe it's those dinners that gave me the
backbone to face some of the most difficult things I would (and still will)
face in my life. But again, I chose to remember those moments instead of the struggles
that could have given me a crutch to be angry at the world. My Life Choice #1.
As I become an adult, I'm beginning to realize how cruel the
world really is and am a little jaded from it. Not thrown off the track jaded,
just enough to make me cautious and sadly, I'm rarely surprised by the world.
I think the one act that others do that baffles me the most
is judgement, or should I say misjudgement. I'm not talking about "um...
why is she wearing that" kind of judgement - we all do that! I'm talking
about misjudging someone's life and character. This happened a lot to me (and
still does today) simply because of my upbringing.
When people, especially children and young adults, are
judged on family history or appearance often times they don't have the strength
to do any differently than others expect. I don't think those who make up their
minds before they even get to know someone realize just how damaging their
judgements can be. Shouldn't we, as a society, encourage others to succeed
rather than jump to a conclusion based on something they can't change? Thank
God I had the strength to not listen to any of the people who stereotype and
continue to stereotype me and my family. My Life Choice #2.
You only have one family. They're the only ones we will
have. You can't change them, but you do love them even if you try not to. But
that's not how I see life. You can change your life. You can choose how you
live your life. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and
God has a plan for each of us. But I'm also a firm believer that you choose the
route you take on the path of your life, not God.
I think it's safe to say we all have a family member or two
that gets under our skin. They never seem to do right by you - they're always
hurting, manipulating, taking advantage of, or neglecting you. Why be angry?
Embrace it. They're doing it for a reason, focus on that. Figure out a way that
you can explain their behavior to yourself. Doesn't have to make sense, be fair
or right, but at least this way you can see where it's coming from and maybe
not take it so personally.
My life is my responsibilty. I can't blame my struggles on
someone else. Sure, someone else may have caused them, but from there I control
how long it will affect my life. It doesn't all go away easily and certain
things never will, but I've always tried to focus on the lesson in the
struggle.
No matter how bad things are, what mistakes you make, you
can always choose to move forward and try again tomorrow. My mom taught me
that. Life may make you stumble, just never let it make you fall. My Life
Choice #3.
So there really isn't a magic trick that I figured out. It's
simply making choices everyday that I feel are leading me in the right
direction. I'm not always good at it. Sometimes I go 50 blocks in the opposite
direction and sometimes I run in circles, but I'm always moving towards my goal
to find bliss. Everyday, every year, always on the hunt for it. It's my way of
coping with life.
Bliss can be a state of profound satisfaction, happiness and
joy, a constant state of mind, undisturbed by gain or loss.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Guilt Trip?
I'm not sure why this happens, but I feel nothing but anxiety when I have weekdays off. Everyone else is at work and I'm at home with the biggest goal being to relax... shouldn't that be fun?! Conceptually, yes. Reality for me says no. Here's how this morning went;
Nate's alarm went off 7:45am - "I should get up and get going. No, it's my day off, I should sleep in. Hmmm, ok."
9:05am - "Ok lazy, get out of bed and get going. No, I need to relax. Ok, I'll read in bed."
9:55am - "Rats, when did I fall back asleep?! I am so behind, must get up and get going" Laundry is started, kitchen cleaned, breakfast done, checked in at work & sent some emails, and just finished up some yoga moves. Decided to wait until this afternoon to go for my run when it should warm up a little and I can be outside.
Now I sit here, at 11:30am still not able to relax. All I can think about is errands that I could get done and more cleaning I should do. If I wait until later or even this weekend, Nate could help which would cut the time in half, so that would be more efficient use of time. So now we're back to me just hanging out and relaxing.
I just can't do it. I feel like everyone else is working and I'm being lazy. I'm not sure if it's a big guilt trip I put on myself or what, but I think I'm a little crazy. If today were Saturday or Sunday, forget about it. I could sit on the couch in my sweats all day without a care in the world. But that's because nearly everyone else is too.
Does this make sense to anyone? Ugh... off to start the errands...
Nate's alarm went off 7:45am - "I should get up and get going. No, it's my day off, I should sleep in. Hmmm, ok."
9:05am - "Ok lazy, get out of bed and get going. No, I need to relax. Ok, I'll read in bed."
9:55am - "Rats, when did I fall back asleep?! I am so behind, must get up and get going" Laundry is started, kitchen cleaned, breakfast done, checked in at work & sent some emails, and just finished up some yoga moves. Decided to wait until this afternoon to go for my run when it should warm up a little and I can be outside.
Now I sit here, at 11:30am still not able to relax. All I can think about is errands that I could get done and more cleaning I should do. If I wait until later or even this weekend, Nate could help which would cut the time in half, so that would be more efficient use of time. So now we're back to me just hanging out and relaxing.
I just can't do it. I feel like everyone else is working and I'm being lazy. I'm not sure if it's a big guilt trip I put on myself or what, but I think I'm a little crazy. If today were Saturday or Sunday, forget about it. I could sit on the couch in my sweats all day without a care in the world. But that's because nearly everyone else is too.
Does this make sense to anyone? Ugh... off to start the errands...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Happy 2012!
For my 2012 resolution I have decided to focus on one goal which is to run a half marathon. SAY WHAT?! Let me clarify that - finish a half marathon. Saying "run" makes me feel like I'm going to participate in actually racing, but I just want to finish the stinkin thing. Jogging, walking, crawling, dragging it doesn't matter what I do before and while I cross that finish line - I just want to cross it!
It wasn't until I looked at the cocktail in my hand on the plane home from FL that I realized my life is about to be adjusted. Committing to running (especially when you're not previously a runner) is kinda a big deal. We all live these 100 mph lives and fitting in one more thing always takes adjustments and sacrifices.
I did just turn 28, so I feel like I should be doing things like this. That is scary seeing that written for the first time. As my cousin Tara said to me, "you're turning 28?? That's SO old!!" I thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head. But her reaction encompassed how I feel.
I know, some of you are shaking your head and saying "that's not old, you're so young" and I half agree. It's not that I feel like my life is nearing its end or anything. I just feel panic that I'm almost 30 and where I thought I would be by now and where I am are definitely not lining up. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and wouldn't trade it for the world. I just thought I would have accomplished more by now. So it's time to get crackin!
I am so lucky to have two of my favorite ladies in the whole wide world join me in this half marathon challenge. Megan Lewis and Aly Boggs-Smitely have graciously (and hesitantly) agreed to jump on board with me and tackle this together. I asked them to join me because they too are not 'runners'. I figured this will keep things real for the three of us as we will have similar challenges. Oh, and because we can easily say to each other "get your a** moving!" drill sargent style and not get offended. Those are the best friends to have!
This week kicks off my start of "training". We haven't completely decided on a race yet, so the exact date is in the air but it will be sometime in the fall. I'm all for attainable goals, especially in the beginning so for now I'm focusing on completing a 5K in under 35 minutes by February. Trust me, this is difficult for me. Definitely doable, but still challenging.
Next up will be the Parkway Classic in April (which is a 10 miler). GULP! That's nearly a half marathon so I figured it will be a good test. Oh crap, what have I gotten myself into?!
The weather was so amazing yesterday (64 degrees in January - seriously?!) so after work all I wanted to do was to get out and run. Didn't have a distance in mind, just about 30 minutes to spare before we headed to dinner with the Jacksons. I was loving it as soon as I got out.
Nate joined me on his bike, clearly bored with the slow pace about a minute into it. So he started to entertain himself by speeding off, speeding back, circling me and singing any song I asked him to. About half way through the run Nate bit it. We're not sure how it happened and usually accidents happen so quickly but this one was in severe slow motion.
Nate went to hit the brakes going downhill but we're guessing he hit them too hard. I heard a screech, turn to look and the back tire of the bike is over the top of Nate's head and he is trying desperately not to catapult over the handle bars. All joking aside, he would've gone face first into concrete, so we're very lucky he didn't.
He was somehow able to keep enough control and even managed to do a couple fancy bounces to the left putting him in the grass where he was able to finally fall. It wasn't a light fall, but at least it was in the grass so there were no injuries. Once I knew he was ok, I almost peed my pants from laughing. Honestly. Somehow I pulled it together to finish the run. Good times!
With quite the appetite, we went to Cafe Rio with the Jacksons and I destroyed a burrito. Rarely can I finish one and I was able to do it flawlessly. I love you Cafe Rio.
OH... speaking of, I have great news! Not sure it's great news for anyone other than us, but they're putting in a Chick-Fil-A right next to Cafe Rio (Falls Church location). SO excite!! Two of my favs in one place! How will I decide which to go to?!
After dinner Julie & Jonathan taught us Pinochle which we played into the early morning hours. I remember hating that game as a kid, but thoroughly enjoyed it last night and can see myself almost enjoying it as much as Euchre. Don't worry, my MI upbringing is still holding strong :)
We also were able to finally exchange Christmas gifts. I've never seen someone so excited to get a pizza cutter as Julie, or as excited to get a pepper shaker as Jonathan.
Julie grew up making pizza and often makes homemade pizza for us but struggles with cutting it every time. You would think she would have a pizza cutter so one day we brought ours over. Her life was changed. She didn't want to give it back.
Why was Jonathan thrilled over the pepper shaker? Read Julie's blog post for the story that we can't stop laughing about!
Hope everyone else is having a great (and funny) start to 2012!
It wasn't until I looked at the cocktail in my hand on the plane home from FL that I realized my life is about to be adjusted. Committing to running (especially when you're not previously a runner) is kinda a big deal. We all live these 100 mph lives and fitting in one more thing always takes adjustments and sacrifices.
I did just turn 28, so I feel like I should be doing things like this. That is scary seeing that written for the first time. As my cousin Tara said to me, "you're turning 28?? That's SO old!!" I thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head. But her reaction encompassed how I feel.
I know, some of you are shaking your head and saying "that's not old, you're so young" and I half agree. It's not that I feel like my life is nearing its end or anything. I just feel panic that I'm almost 30 and where I thought I would be by now and where I am are definitely not lining up. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and wouldn't trade it for the world. I just thought I would have accomplished more by now. So it's time to get crackin!
I am so lucky to have two of my favorite ladies in the whole wide world join me in this half marathon challenge. Megan Lewis and Aly Boggs-Smitely have graciously (and hesitantly) agreed to jump on board with me and tackle this together. I asked them to join me because they too are not 'runners'. I figured this will keep things real for the three of us as we will have similar challenges. Oh, and because we can easily say to each other "get your a** moving!" drill sargent style and not get offended. Those are the best friends to have!
This week kicks off my start of "training". We haven't completely decided on a race yet, so the exact date is in the air but it will be sometime in the fall. I'm all for attainable goals, especially in the beginning so for now I'm focusing on completing a 5K in under 35 minutes by February. Trust me, this is difficult for me. Definitely doable, but still challenging.
Next up will be the Parkway Classic in April (which is a 10 miler). GULP! That's nearly a half marathon so I figured it will be a good test. Oh crap, what have I gotten myself into?!
The weather was so amazing yesterday (64 degrees in January - seriously?!) so after work all I wanted to do was to get out and run. Didn't have a distance in mind, just about 30 minutes to spare before we headed to dinner with the Jacksons. I was loving it as soon as I got out.
Nate joined me on his bike, clearly bored with the slow pace about a minute into it. So he started to entertain himself by speeding off, speeding back, circling me and singing any song I asked him to. About half way through the run Nate bit it. We're not sure how it happened and usually accidents happen so quickly but this one was in severe slow motion.
Nate went to hit the brakes going downhill but we're guessing he hit them too hard. I heard a screech, turn to look and the back tire of the bike is over the top of Nate's head and he is trying desperately not to catapult over the handle bars. All joking aside, he would've gone face first into concrete, so we're very lucky he didn't.
He was somehow able to keep enough control and even managed to do a couple fancy bounces to the left putting him in the grass where he was able to finally fall. It wasn't a light fall, but at least it was in the grass so there were no injuries. Once I knew he was ok, I almost peed my pants from laughing. Honestly. Somehow I pulled it together to finish the run. Good times!
With quite the appetite, we went to Cafe Rio with the Jacksons and I destroyed a burrito. Rarely can I finish one and I was able to do it flawlessly. I love you Cafe Rio.
OH... speaking of, I have great news! Not sure it's great news for anyone other than us, but they're putting in a Chick-Fil-A right next to Cafe Rio (Falls Church location). SO excite!! Two of my favs in one place! How will I decide which to go to?!
 |
| Nate scoping it out, Jonathan fist pumping in excitement! |
After dinner Julie & Jonathan taught us Pinochle which we played into the early morning hours. I remember hating that game as a kid, but thoroughly enjoyed it last night and can see myself almost enjoying it as much as Euchre. Don't worry, my MI upbringing is still holding strong :)
We also were able to finally exchange Christmas gifts. I've never seen someone so excited to get a pizza cutter as Julie, or as excited to get a pepper shaker as Jonathan.
Julie grew up making pizza and often makes homemade pizza for us but struggles with cutting it every time. You would think she would have a pizza cutter so one day we brought ours over. Her life was changed. She didn't want to give it back.
Why was Jonathan thrilled over the pepper shaker? Read Julie's blog post for the story that we can't stop laughing about!
Hope everyone else is having a great (and funny) start to 2012!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Home Sweet Home
Nate and I are officially home and back to work after a fast, fun, and relaxing break. After 11 days off (1 small blip in the middle where we went to one LONG day at work) I feel more relaxed than I have all year. Granted, many of those 11 days were running around and packed with activity, but still, I am so thankful for it!
We spent the last few days in Florida, starting in Vero Beach visiting my family there. We stayed with my Aunt Kathy and cousin Tara. Our first night we spent with my Grandpa Howard, Grandma Karen and Karen's daughter Cindy. They're the official MI "snow birds" who have a place in Vero to escape to in the winter. We had a great time catching up, grilling out, and challenging each other to ping pong. Ok, I didn't do any of the challenging...
Right before we were about to go to sleep (Tara already in bed), Aunt Kathy noticed that there were people in her front yard. It was midnight so this was a little odd. Sure enough, we run out there and see a mob of kids (and by kids I mean 15-17yrs. old acting like they're 2) running away and yelling not so nice things at Tara. We couldn't quite grasp what they left behind. Our rental car was covered in something that was several different colors. The yard looked like it snowed. Mandi (their chiuaua) was barking up a storm and Aunt Kathy yelled "get em Mandi" but she only went so far then high tailed it back into the house. All bark, that one ;)
My heart stopped when I saw the car covered. I was looking all over it and calculating the possible damage costs Avis would charge us. Nate and I would've ran after the kids but we were so puzzled. Were they sticky notes? Is that plastic forks in the ground? Is that straws coming out of the wheels? What on earth?! We looked closer and sure enough they put post-it notes all over the car, plastic knives, forks, and spoons filled the yard....
Tara woke from her slumber with all the commotion and came outside. Needless to say, it didn't feel like just a prank so Tara and I jumped in Aunt Kathy's car to try to find the kids. We quickly passed a car full of kids about to drive past the house (obviously to look at their handi-work).
So maybe what happened next wasn't our brightest moment, but I was really worried there could be damage to the car and Tara was clearly offended as she was the target. We went on mission "tail those kids and confront them." I'll spare you the details, but we were able to stop them (don't ask how) and it wasn't the most pleasant exchange. Our inner fighter came out in both of us when they denied being involved, but we got the license plate number which was our biggest goal.
We started driving back to the house and saw Nate and the neighbor from across the street (he came over when he heard the commotion too) running to find us. Apparently they could hear us politely ask those kids what they thought they were doing and became concerned. We were relatively nice, just stern. Don't mess with these girls ;)
We got back to the house and Aunt Kathy had called the police (still at this point we weren't entirely sure there wasn't any damage). I told them, "no worries, I got their license plate." Aunt Kathy said "great what is it?" .... I briefly forgot the plate number (shoulda just grabbed a sticky note off the car!) but remembered later.
The cop shows up, we tell him who it was and that they were at a house in the neighborhood. This cop was special. You could tell he was trying so hard not to laugh. But he went to the house and came back saying the parents claim the kids never left the house and that the same thing happened to them too a few nights before. Yeah, sure... then why did we just go after the kids Dukes of Hazard style as they tried to leave the community in their car? Whatever.
Luckily, no damage and it was a breeze to clean up. The cop even helped. The mailbox was covered in sticky notes too, so he checked inside and came out with a handful of more plastic ware. Makes sense. We got a good laugh out of it, but kids are strange these days. Apparently it's the new thing instead of toilet papering a house. I will give them this, it's much easier to clean up. Way to get the wrong car though ya idiots!
The next morning Tara and I kicked some butt at Zumba and then we got ready to visit with Grammy. She's still in rehab for her leg, so we "broke her out of jail" for a fun lunch by the water. I love her so much - her strength and determination to get through anything is something to be admired. It was amazing to watch how well my Aunt Kathy takes care of her too. She's such an angel and our entire family is so very lucky to have her there to help! I don't even want to think of how different things would be if she wasn't there. We also stopped in to visit Grandpa Paul who is at home while Grammy is in rehab. He misses her so much, but hopefully Grammy will be able to go home in just a few weeks.
We then had a homemade pizza party at Grandpa Howard & Grandma Karen's and Nate and I got to enjoy... The Chair. Grandpa has this massage chair that is AH-mazing! Kinda hurts, but it's a good hurt. Trust me when I say, it massages everywhere and is simply awesome. You get strapped in like you're going on a roller coaster! He calls it his "treatment chair". Nate and I had about 5 treatments each while we were there. Grandma Karen also made some homemade baileys which I can't wait to make a batch of our own - so yummy! Stay tuned, adventures with that one is sure to follow. We finished the night off with a little creme de menthe~
The next morning was the day of New Year's Eve. We had a lazy morning and then ran over to give Grammy another kiss goodbye (we also had to stop back at Grandpa's because I forgot my sweater - always leaving crap everywhere!). I hate leaving family. I wish we all lived close together. It's just too hard to say goodbye and not see each other more than once or twice a year, if that. Nate and I promised our next visit would be at least 72 hours as we always seem to jet down there for only 24-48 hours :(
But after all the holiday fun and running around, we wanted a few days alone to ring in the New Year and relax before heading into 2012. So we headed further south to Delray Beach. I'll address it now since I've already been asked a million times - no, there was no marriage proposal. Nate is sneakier than that and refuses to let me see it coming. Good luck with that buddy ;)
We were pleasantly surprised by Delray. It was very nice and more quaint than touristy. They had a HUGE 6 or 7 block party for New Years Eve which we enjoyed. Music, dancing, photo booths, etc. flooded the streets and was a great party.
Nate picked Crane's Beach House which is a tiny and private resort nestled in a ridiculous amount of palm trees for maximum privacy. Only 28 rooms, this place was adorable and a perfect escape (especially because it was only 1 block from the ocean!).
It really made us feel like we were on a tropical island, it was so great! They had two pools with waterfalls and were surrounded by hammocks in their own little corners for a perfect nap spot. I'll take a place like that over a crowded Marriott any day!
We had great weather, their food was amazing there but the only downside was the jellyfish. They apparently have been a problem for a while. They were literally everywhere so it wasn't smart to swim :(
For my birthday, the Spartans pulled off a surprising win in triple overtime! We made a bar that has an open deck onto the inner-coastal waters our home for the day to watch the game. We met this adorable and fun couple. They are Spartan fans from outside Grand Rapids and had their dog too who was even sporting a Spartan scarf! We screamed, cheered and about had a heat attack with them all day.
Later Nate and I went to this amazing restaurant for my fav - filet mignon. Seriously was the best I have ever had. Just perfect! Nate got the pianist to sing me happy birthday too. It was a great birthday!
Our last day the cold front set in so we decided to drive along the beach up to Palm Beach area for lunch. Holy mansions! I've never seen so many especially on the ocean. We were tempted to go door to door to ask them what do they do and how do they do it! We grabbed sandwiches, took them to the beach & gazed out at the ocean and watched the surfers before having to leave.
Always sad to leave, but it was the best way to wrap up our break. Not to mention one of my birthday presents was upgrading to first class. It's quite the experience and I'd like to do it everytime - just need to get some advice from those Palm Beach millionaires so we can afford it!
Our baggage was on the flight behind us returning to DC so we had to wait and got home way later than we should have. But it just made the feeling of coming home that much better. There's something about laying in your own bed & putting your head on your own pillow that is priceless. Ahhh, home sweet home!
We spent the last few days in Florida, starting in Vero Beach visiting my family there. We stayed with my Aunt Kathy and cousin Tara. Our first night we spent with my Grandpa Howard, Grandma Karen and Karen's daughter Cindy. They're the official MI "snow birds" who have a place in Vero to escape to in the winter. We had a great time catching up, grilling out, and challenging each other to ping pong. Ok, I didn't do any of the challenging...
Right before we were about to go to sleep (Tara already in bed), Aunt Kathy noticed that there were people in her front yard. It was midnight so this was a little odd. Sure enough, we run out there and see a mob of kids (and by kids I mean 15-17yrs. old acting like they're 2) running away and yelling not so nice things at Tara. We couldn't quite grasp what they left behind. Our rental car was covered in something that was several different colors. The yard looked like it snowed. Mandi (their chiuaua) was barking up a storm and Aunt Kathy yelled "get em Mandi" but she only went so far then high tailed it back into the house. All bark, that one ;)
My heart stopped when I saw the car covered. I was looking all over it and calculating the possible damage costs Avis would charge us. Nate and I would've ran after the kids but we were so puzzled. Were they sticky notes? Is that plastic forks in the ground? Is that straws coming out of the wheels? What on earth?! We looked closer and sure enough they put post-it notes all over the car, plastic knives, forks, and spoons filled the yard....
They put straws in the wheels too.
Tara woke from her slumber with all the commotion and came outside. Needless to say, it didn't feel like just a prank so Tara and I jumped in Aunt Kathy's car to try to find the kids. We quickly passed a car full of kids about to drive past the house (obviously to look at their handi-work).
So maybe what happened next wasn't our brightest moment, but I was really worried there could be damage to the car and Tara was clearly offended as she was the target. We went on mission "tail those kids and confront them." I'll spare you the details, but we were able to stop them (don't ask how) and it wasn't the most pleasant exchange. Our inner fighter came out in both of us when they denied being involved, but we got the license plate number which was our biggest goal.
We started driving back to the house and saw Nate and the neighbor from across the street (he came over when he heard the commotion too) running to find us. Apparently they could hear us politely ask those kids what they thought they were doing and became concerned. We were relatively nice, just stern. Don't mess with these girls ;)
We got back to the house and Aunt Kathy had called the police (still at this point we weren't entirely sure there wasn't any damage). I told them, "no worries, I got their license plate." Aunt Kathy said "great what is it?" .... I briefly forgot the plate number (shoulda just grabbed a sticky note off the car!) but remembered later.
The cop shows up, we tell him who it was and that they were at a house in the neighborhood. This cop was special. You could tell he was trying so hard not to laugh. But he went to the house and came back saying the parents claim the kids never left the house and that the same thing happened to them too a few nights before. Yeah, sure... then why did we just go after the kids Dukes of Hazard style as they tried to leave the community in their car? Whatever.
Luckily, no damage and it was a breeze to clean up. The cop even helped. The mailbox was covered in sticky notes too, so he checked inside and came out with a handful of more plastic ware. Makes sense. We got a good laugh out of it, but kids are strange these days. Apparently it's the new thing instead of toilet papering a house. I will give them this, it's much easier to clean up. Way to get the wrong car though ya idiots!
The next morning Tara and I kicked some butt at Zumba and then we got ready to visit with Grammy. She's still in rehab for her leg, so we "broke her out of jail" for a fun lunch by the water. I love her so much - her strength and determination to get through anything is something to be admired. It was amazing to watch how well my Aunt Kathy takes care of her too. She's such an angel and our entire family is so very lucky to have her there to help! I don't even want to think of how different things would be if she wasn't there. We also stopped in to visit Grandpa Paul who is at home while Grammy is in rehab. He misses her so much, but hopefully Grammy will be able to go home in just a few weeks.
We then had a homemade pizza party at Grandpa Howard & Grandma Karen's and Nate and I got to enjoy... The Chair. Grandpa has this massage chair that is AH-mazing! Kinda hurts, but it's a good hurt. Trust me when I say, it massages everywhere and is simply awesome. You get strapped in like you're going on a roller coaster! He calls it his "treatment chair". Nate and I had about 5 treatments each while we were there. Grandma Karen also made some homemade baileys which I can't wait to make a batch of our own - so yummy! Stay tuned, adventures with that one is sure to follow. We finished the night off with a little creme de menthe~
GO GREEN!!
The next morning was the day of New Year's Eve. We had a lazy morning and then ran over to give Grammy another kiss goodbye (we also had to stop back at Grandpa's because I forgot my sweater - always leaving crap everywhere!). I hate leaving family. I wish we all lived close together. It's just too hard to say goodbye and not see each other more than once or twice a year, if that. Nate and I promised our next visit would be at least 72 hours as we always seem to jet down there for only 24-48 hours :(
But after all the holiday fun and running around, we wanted a few days alone to ring in the New Year and relax before heading into 2012. So we headed further south to Delray Beach. I'll address it now since I've already been asked a million times - no, there was no marriage proposal. Nate is sneakier than that and refuses to let me see it coming. Good luck with that buddy ;)
We were pleasantly surprised by Delray. It was very nice and more quaint than touristy. They had a HUGE 6 or 7 block party for New Years Eve which we enjoyed. Music, dancing, photo booths, etc. flooded the streets and was a great party.
Party hats on and ready!
They even had a 100 ft. Chirstmas tree!
Instead of a ball drop they had a "Fiat Drop"
At the stroke of midnight, they shot out hundreds of ping pong balls and had a very impressive firework display.
No better way than to ring in the New Year in 80 degree weather and in flip flops!
Nate picked Crane's Beach House which is a tiny and private resort nestled in a ridiculous amount of palm trees for maximum privacy. Only 28 rooms, this place was adorable and a perfect escape (especially because it was only 1 block from the ocean!).
If you look out the room's window or you walk out the door, this is what you'll see - green & palm trees everywhere :)
Same thing as you walked through the grounds - they even had Christmas decor and trees still up everywhere.
No worries here, that's for sure!!
It really made us feel like we were on a tropical island, it was so great! They had two pools with waterfalls and were surrounded by hammocks in their own little corners for a perfect nap spot. I'll take a place like that over a crowded Marriott any day!
We had great weather, their food was amazing there but the only downside was the jellyfish. They apparently have been a problem for a while. They were literally everywhere so it wasn't smart to swim :(
Nate's always up for a dare!
But, the beach was beautiful as usual~
For my birthday, the Spartans pulled off a surprising win in triple overtime! We made a bar that has an open deck onto the inner-coastal waters our home for the day to watch the game. We met this adorable and fun couple. They are Spartan fans from outside Grand Rapids and had their dog too who was even sporting a Spartan scarf! We screamed, cheered and about had a heat attack with them all day.
Later Nate and I went to this amazing restaurant for my fav - filet mignon. Seriously was the best I have ever had. Just perfect! Nate got the pianist to sing me happy birthday too. It was a great birthday!
Our last day the cold front set in so we decided to drive along the beach up to Palm Beach area for lunch. Holy mansions! I've never seen so many especially on the ocean. We were tempted to go door to door to ask them what do they do and how do they do it! We grabbed sandwiches, took them to the beach & gazed out at the ocean and watched the surfers before having to leave.
Always sad to leave, but it was the best way to wrap up our break. Not to mention one of my birthday presents was upgrading to first class. It's quite the experience and I'd like to do it everytime - just need to get some advice from those Palm Beach millionaires so we can afford it!
Our baggage was on the flight behind us returning to DC so we had to wait and got home way later than we should have. But it just made the feeling of coming home that much better. There's something about laying in your own bed & putting your head on your own pillow that is priceless. Ahhh, home sweet home!
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