Morgan's Phlog

PS

2009-12-28T22:20:00.003-06:00

For those of you wondering - tons more has happened in the last few months. And I plan to post some more photos soon. In fact, ISSB is remodeling the bathroom as I type (there are sure to be good ones from this "little" undertaking). So stay tuned, I will try to be better at this.

Until then, here is one of Sarge to tide you over.

July 2009 - December 2009

2009-12-28T21:44:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted in a while. Believe it or not, we have been busy. But, really, who isn't. So in a homage to busy people, here is the last 5 months in photos:

Early August we bid so long to Nina who has headed off to get a PhD at UC Davis.

In Late August we had the MN Wedding Reception. Family, friends, pork, and a HUGE bonfire = perfect night on the farm!
Here is the new and improved Jindrich Clan at our Rehearsal Dinner.

Then the real deal. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Baum. And our little family had a photo in front of the famous Daniel Johnston mural as a Christmas gift for little Lucy!

MN Bridal Shower

2009-07-29T18:50:00.002-05:00

Amy, my best friend and Maid of Honor, was a trooper with hayfever.
Me and my mom!
BIG thank you to Senora H (Nancy) and Rachel for being the best hostesses with the mosteses!!!

And to all the lovely ladies that joined us too! See you all in August for the MN Reception.

Grassroots Music Festival Hits Hutch!

2009-07-29T18:42:00.003-05:00

RiverSong Festival premiers in Hutch this Summer.

Here is me, Big Pete, mom and Walllllter in front of the main stage. Mom and I volunteered all weekend.
Romantica rocked the house on Friday night.
Pert' Near Sandstone played on Saturday, four guys, amazing sound:

And good ol' Jim Post was a real hit!
For hundreds of photos go to the Flickr feed.

See you all there next year.

Playing in Knoxville with Annie, Hope and Angela

2009-07-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

I spent the Fourth of July with some of my favorite girls. We bought flower girls dresses, made pizza, went to the zoo and had lots of fun!!!

This was my first meeting of little Hope, but she instantly took to me and couldn't wiat to give me a hug!
At the zoo!
Ready to get her hands dirty!
Good little helper!
Mmm-mmm goood!
Bubbles in the yard.
Annie and her new turtle friend we met at the zoo.
Angela and Hope.
My little bug!

Great Meatloaf Off of 2009: And the Winner is....

2009-06-04T18:32:00.003-05:00

We held the first ever Great Meatloaf Off. The day begin with a trip to Central Market South for a bunch of supplies. Everyone was home cooking up their meatloaves!

And everyone arrived; we had nine hungry judges. We had four wonderful meatloaf submissions.

We put out all the meatloaves with little flags in them (ISSB is a very good flag maker).
The meatloaves were all different. They all had different combinations of meats, different seasonings, veggies, toppings, etc. I made two very different loves, one was ISSB's family recipe and I also made my mother's recipe, the one I grew up eating.

Everyone got their “test tasters” plates and their score cards and sat down around the house to make their decisions.
So after everyone was done judging, we tallied up all the scores:

And the winner was............
ISSB's mom's four meat meatloaf!

Here is the recipe:

1 lb. meatloaf mix (ground beef, veal & pork)
1 lb. ground turkey
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (less if using dried, but they're fine)
1-2 eggs
1 chopped onion, sauteed if you have time
1 grated carrot
The rest of this I eyeball, and since you're a good judge I'd leave it to your discretion:
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder (this is the only thing I ever use it in, but I think it works better than fresh)
dijon mustard
ketchup
oregano
S&P

Panko mixed with EVOO & S&P for topping

Mix gently with your hands and put in oiled loaf pan, top w/panko.
Best to let sit and flavors mingle for at least a couple of hours to a day before baking at 375 about an hour.

Barbara was awarded this cookbook that was recently located at the used book store:
And the runner up was my mom!

Here is the recipe:

2 lb. ground beef
1 cups fresh breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 chopped onion, sauteed if you have time
A lot of chopped garlic
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Mix with your hands and form in to a round loaf and place in a Clay Coyote pie plate or in a castiron pan. Cook at 350F for 45 minutes.

At 45 minutes, pour over a mixture of:
¼ cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

And let it cook for another 5 minutes.

Overall the Meatloaf Off was a success!!! Hope that you try these out, happy meatloaffing!!!

New England in May

2009-05-25T11:34:00.003-05:00

We traveled to New England for a week to do some wedding planning, celebrate Micah & Erica's vows and enjoyed a fun week with friends and family!

Forest Beach - our ceremony site, we were checking out where we want the whole thing to take place.
The Jetty.
View of the Great Gatsby from the beach! Look at those porches - they are just waiting for us to sit and relax on them!!!
Then on to Micah & Erica's wedding in Boston: ISSB, Noel (his brother) and Micah at the reception.
Soon-to-be-groom and Groom having fun!
Micah, me, Erica and Eloise who came in from NYC/CT.
The next day we wondered the neighborhoods of Boston, hitting up Mike's for some famous cannoli.

And Beacon Hill. And Copley Square.
Next visit will be for the wedding in September!

My Alma Mater: Saying goodbye to Tracey

2009-05-10T21:11:00.004-05:00

I recently traveled back to the University of Wisconsin to attend the memorial service for my college adviser, Tracey Gladstone-Sovell. She was one of the first people I met on campus back in 1998, she was one of the people I say daily as I went through my courses and she kept in touch with me after I graduated. I will miss her dearly and I am proud to say I was one of her students.

(Photo from Sept 2008 in Minneapolis at health care house party)

While back on campus, I met with a couple of my favorite professors, talked to some budding poly sci students (and some graduated ones), and popped in to the new University Center. And I have to say I was stunned by it. Really, a truly amazing building. I remember back when I was on the Student Senate we approved the money to build it. And, everyone I talked to about it seemed pleased with it.

Inside of the University Center:

Outside of the Center:

On the way to the airport, I stopped to see Mary Jo and the twins, grabbed a cup of coffee with Brian and met my mom for a nice lunch (I sure wish I lived closer so I could have lunches like that more often).

Overall it was a good trip and I am glad I got to be there.

San Francisco Trip, Take 2

2009-05-10T20:53:00.004-05:00

More photos from our San Fran trip with Lucy. Here she is on a walk, playing in her Sox outfit and rocking out with her parents and uncle Ian.

Love this hoodie and the sunnies!!!
After Ian flew home it was time to head in to downtown for the conference I was to attend for the next four days. That afternoon after getting check in and going through my conference packet, my coworker Eric and I headed to the ferry building for a trip to Sausalito for lunch.

Little Lucy

2009-05-10T20:41:00.003-05:00

We went to San Francisco recently to meet Ian's niece Lucy!

She is adorable! And we had a blast, here she is:

Above, Ian, Lucy and Ian's sister Becky off to the side.

Hamilton Pool

2009-04-10T18:24:00.003-05:00

Last Friday when Robin and Lindsay were in town, ISSB, Robin and I went out to Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. We have been wanting to go out and see this beauty since moving here. And we finally made it....and it was totally awesome.

If only the bacteria levels were lower so we could put our tootsies in!

After the day at the pool we went out to the Saltlick and had a wonderful TX BBQ experience!

Nice walking path all the way around.

Gorgeous tree growths as we walked down to the pool.

2009: 2 minutes faster

2009-03-29T20:06:00.001-05:00

I finished the Cap 10K for the second year in a row!

18,000 people and me...

Thai in five easy steps

2009-03-19T19:20:00.005-05:00

I got my Fine Cooking in the mail the other day and I am working on trying some new recipes. This one was too enticing, it said “Make it tonight” so I did. And, it was awesome, made enough for two dinners and two lunches (had one today) and the aroma of this dish alone is worth the addition of “fish sauce” to my cooking repertoire.

Note, I did do a couple little things different than the mag, I didn't have shallots or dried chili flakes. So I made due with yellow onion and red pepper and garlic chili paste. Also, I used olive oil not vegetable oil.

Heat in pan until onions are translucent little olive oil, garlic, onion (crescents), and red pepper and garlic chili paste.
Add chicken evenly diced and cook until not pink.
Add 1 Tbs fish sauce, juice from one lime, 2 tsp brown sugar and ¼ cup water. Let simmer and stir often until liquid thickens.
Turn off heat and toss in as much basil as you can (or like), then stir it in to wilt it.
Serve over jasmine rice.

And the final presentation on my clay coyote dishes: Tonight, I am going Italian with lasagna roll-ups.

Carne Guisada Slowcooker

2009-03-12T09:03:00.001-05:00

Last weekend with a little searching around the internet and $10 put together this recipe. Carne Guisada in my slowcooker.

Thankfully when I was tossing it all together I remembered to write it down. Lookin' good, tasted AMAZING!!

Mix together a marinade of:
3 cloves garlic
table spoon salt
¼ c olive oil
¼ cup vinegar
splash kitchen bouquet
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili
1 tsp paprika
1 jalapeno diced
Add cubed beef shoulder and let rest for about an hour in the fridge.

Put everything in to the slow cooker on low and come back four hours later.

Serve with chopped cilantro, onion and fresh lime. We put it in to tortillas and had Mexican rice and black beans on the side.
Let me know if you give it a try!

ISSB & Me: Maiden Voyage

2009-03-08T15:17:00.002-05:00

And then there were two...ISSB got his bike this weekend and today we went on our first ride together. They are ready to go:
We went down to Town Lake Park to ride the path. It was very busy on this beautiful day!

Last week I tested out my new commuter bike coffee mug. It was a failure. So back it went to Mellow Johnny's. I guess I will have to keep looking. Currently I have my eye on one like this, but with fun colors.
Overall, we made is 6 miles in 42 minutes through the hills of downtown Austin.

Why are you not blogging that much?

2009-03-06T09:08:00.000-06:00

Because we are planning an wedding celebration and small ceremony!

Here are our two beautiful settings:

Minnesota for the BIG celebration on the "farm."
And vows on a Cape Cod beach.

So much to do, so forgive my lack of posting. I am going to be better. I promise. :)

Happy Sarge Day 3!!!

2009-03-05T18:47:00.004-06:00

Today is our three year anniversary of bringing home Sarge. He is still the boss around here and always keeps things interesting.

Here I am bringing him home from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria VA.
Scratches!
The men bonding.
Hugs!
And a recent one when he was peacefully resting.
And many more........

Soy-Braised Kabocha and Lemon Wasabi Tuna

2009-03-03T17:31:00.002-06:00

Back in the fall I attempted to turn this into...

This: First, you give your self a MAJOR upper arm workout. This baby is not easy to cut. If you are working as a team, give this job to someone else.

Get the freshest of the fresh for the best flavor. None of that pre-cut ginger for us! (In a beautiful Mel Jacobson bowl.)
Saute in a nice castiron pan. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the soy mixture and the Kabocha to the pan. Simmer and try not to eat it all before dinner.
We served it with a tuna steak grilled and topped with store bought Lemon Wasabi sauce (really, I am nly willing to be "risky" with one dish per meal.)
Grilled tuna. The final product. I think it looks mighty close! Note the great colors and the complementary Clay Coyote Pottery (glaze 17) Enjoy!

Philly with my mom

2009-03-01T09:20:00.002-06:00

Mom and I went on our annual trip to Philly for the Buyers Market of American Craft. We were placing orders for the Clay Coyote Gallery in Hutchinson, MN. It is one of the best times of the year.

Here is our view from the Lowes.
At night on Valentine's Day.
The city welcomed us!
This is the convention center where it all takes place.
My good friend Anne came down from NYC to be Mom and my Valentine!!!! We had a great Thai dinner in Chinatown and got to catch up. It was fantastic.
More soon!

Twins!

2009-02-01T22:50:00.003-06:00

Over Christmas break I got the amazing pleasure of getting to meet my friend Mary Jo's twins. Here are two photos from their second day in the world. I am holding little Ben and Mom has Maddie. They are adorable!!!

Too throws a soup bowl

2009-01-20T12:27:00.001-06:00

Amazing, they are going all high-tech up there in Minnesota!

More pictures with Auntie M and Uncle ISSB

2009-01-17T17:21:00.004-06:00

More fun photos of the little guy over Christmas, can't get enough of him, he is way too cute.

Just got great news that there is a San Fran trip in my near future so we get to meet Little Lucy too! I love being Auntie M!!!

Winter wonderland

2009-01-14T22:26:00.002-06:00

Sarge is wearing a tee from Michelle (in the Gallery) that says "Rudolph ain't got nothing on me" to stay warm.

Christmas with Phoenix (and the rest of the family)

2009-01-14T22:15:00.002-06:00

I had the most amazing holiday...and all because I finally got to meet my favorite nephew (my only, but who's counting). Over the next few days (as I learn to use iPhoto) I will post more pictures from the holiday home with Phoenix.

Here with my brother, I think they look a lot alike.

And here he is admiring my handy work on his train stocking.

Biking!

2009-01-14T08:02:00.000-06:00

For Christmas, ISSB gave the two of us bikes. When I opened up a bike bell on Christmas morning I squealed with joy! A bike! I haven't ridden in forever! But, you know what they say...

Over the weekend we visited numerous bike shops, we spent hours looking at them and searching the internet. Our friend Evan, an avid biker, recommended a new bike shop that has recently opened in Austin, Mellow Johnny's. MJ's (located right downtown and only a few blocks from my office) is owned by Lance Armstrong and they put an emphasis on commuting, they even have showers and coffee available to commuters and you can leave your bike there all day, they'll even tune it up for free while they watch it.

Yesterday I successfully commuted to and from work on it and today I made it in in 26 minutes. Not bad. Tonight I am even going to stop at Whole Foods to pick up dinner on the way home.

Now, if only it wasn't up hill both ways!

Getting in the "Holiday Spirit"

2008-12-07T21:45:00.000-06:00

We have been preparing the house for the big work Holiday Party that we are hosting this coming Friday at Pi Milton.

We have been getting some little things crossed off the "weekend-warrior list."

One chore I have been waiting to cross off since they day we moved in (over 16 months ago) is painting the front door. Zen rule says that red doors are welcoming.

And then I got to baking. We are going to be giving holiday cookies to everyone as they leave the party and we have a few neighbors who really like the gingerbread with maple frosting. (Pictured are shortbread trees with red rum and green vanilla frosting. Then there are gingerbread trees with maple cinnamon frosting. And there are also chocolate espresso logs. And then ISSB’s cookie of the month: triple chocolate – he went out with a bang.)

I even used my new Clay Coyote Saucepan as double boiler for the chocolate topping.

These are more like biscotti:
And I finally finished re-stitching all the stockings for Christmas in Minnesota. What do you think of my nephew's train?
And, then to top off a day in the kitchen, I used my Clay Coyote Chicken Baker to make ISSB and me a very tasty dinner. (In case you are wondering we used Firemans #4.)
Overall, a very productive weekend.

Austin Empty Bowl, and how to get some bowls for Christamas!

2008-12-04T18:30:00.004-06:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I participated in the Austin Empty Bowl Project put on by the Austin Food Bank. It was an amazing project and it let me do some of my favorite things:

I got to volunteer to help fight hunger in America.
I got to eat great soup and bread from good restaurants around Austin.
I got to meet new, cool people.
And here is the BIG one, I got to shop for pottery.

Not only did I get two little bowls that were made by Art Students at the Austin Museum of Art, I also was the winning silent bid on a great set of bowls by a local Austin potter.

The line around the building snaked. Some people waited in line for more than two hours.
But, the "Bowl" doesn't happen for another year. So if you want to shop for great pottery this year. I have some recommendations.

As always, I am shamelessly promoting Mom and Tom's pottery, the Clay Coyote. See a great post on their blog about what they have available for the holidays.
But, let me let you in on a couple of other amazing potters that you can order in the Gallery:

Crystal Pottery: I would go for this bowl. It is perfect for stews and soups this holiday season and it will be great for mixing things (like cookie/bread dough) later in the year. I could have really used a bowl this big last week at Thanksgiving when I was mixing up the stuffing.
Hank Goodman: I consider myself a "Hank girl." I love this guy, I love his pots and I really love his blue and brown glazes. Just take a look at all the serving pieces he has. I am telling you, bake some cookies, put them on a Hank tray and wrap it up for your favorite person...you will be loved!

Last bit of fun, this year you have another fun reason to come out to the Clay Coyote and shop! I will be there working in the Gallery for three weeks. Starting December 17th, going until the 4th of January you can come visit with me. I will have cookies, wine, witty conversation and ISSB and Sarge the Wonder Dog will be there too! (Heck if you are lucky you can see my brother, my nephew, and my sister-in-law.)

So really, after this post, how can you not want to come out to the Gallery to see me later this month? And, if you can come - visit them online (one last shameless plug!).

Birds all sing as if they knew....

2008-11-30T22:05:00.003-06:00

On Thanksgiving, our first spent just the two of us, ISSB asked me to marry him and I said "of course." Friends and family have asked to see a photo of the ring and this is the best we can do. So you are just going to have to wait to see us in person!!!

Sarge is thrilled, our families are ecstatic and we are happy!

Turkey Trot 2008

2008-11-30T22:02:00.004-06:00

I participated in the 2008 Austin Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day (that is until I twisted my knee - which is healing up quickly). The night before Ian and started a Turkey Trot Tradition by writing all the things we are thankful for on the shirt. Take a look:

Pi Milton is going red, white and blue!

2008-11-16T17:21:00.004-06:00

We spent the day painting the shed. I am so excited because it looks amazing. Here is the old shed:

And now the new blue shed! The trim will be done next weekend and is the same color as the back wall of the dining room seen here. This blue is in the same paint family as the color we painted the den.
All the dust has done a number on my allergies, but it was worth it. :)

Yard Overhaul '08

2008-11-15T20:13:00.001-06:00

You may recall, when we moved in we were much more concerned about the livability of the inside of the house - we were leaving the outside for later. Well, later has arrived.

About two months ago we have the tree removers in for a day. They took down 17 junk trees. Leaving only the peach, mountain laurel and the American berry bush out back. Here are some shots from the removal day:

The old backyard:
At one point I looked out the back window to see this:
The biggest tree they removed was in the middle of our deck.
This weekend we are clearing out more weeds, brush and leaves before the big freeze (ha). Tomorrow we are painting the shed and then next week we may (big may) tackle the house trim. I am so excited to put in a red door. Feng shui says a red door is welcoming. And since I hate the color, the purple door has been messing with my chi for the last 18 months.

More photos tomorrow.

Happy Bitrhday Phoenix!!!

2008-11-14T08:39:00.000-06:00

My little nephew just turned one yesterday! Isn't he the cutest?

Welcome Baby Hope!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-12T09:40:00.004-06:00

My favorite little Peanut has a new little sister. Hope Elizabeth was born 11/11!!! I am sending big hugs to New baby Hope, Annie, Mom and Dad!

This recipe was put up last week by the Homesick Texan. I am looking forward to making them to celebrate!!!

Lookout Mountain: we are here! (Day 2: Part 1)

2008-11-02T00:44:00.009-05:00

The next day we got up early and started to drive all, and I mean all, over the state of Colorado. Check it out:

Amy's hiking shoes!

Ice skating!

We were trying to figure out what the black stuff was...iron ore maybe, charcoal another guess...then we remembered that we were in LEADville!

Per Too's request, we hit up the Coyote Cantina!

Happy Halloween: Drill Baby Drill (Day 1: Part 3)

2008-11-02T00:35:00.006-05:00

You asked for it, and you got it!

Just to be sure there is no confusion; I was wearing “Barack the Vote” button under my flag pin.

Lookout Mountain: Here we come (Day 1: Part 2)

2008-11-02T00:30:00.006-05:00

We were so excited to go up to the Rockies for two days. Last year, Amy never had an opportunity to go to the Rockies - so this was our BIG trip!

We headed up to Breckenridge to the Lodge, to celebrate Halloween and to see some mountains!!!

(I even thought that the “mountains” you could see from Denver were the real Rockies - holy moly was I wrong! Those are just the foothills…boy was I relieved!)

Denver: Day One

2008-11-02T00:23:00.007-05:00

I arrived in Denver after two weeks of grueling work, but hey, it pays the bills and saves my immortal soul.

I am here to visit my best friend Amy - who is here for a month working as a costume designer for the Denver Center for the Performing Art (she has the coolest job!!!).

I arrived Thursday night and was rushed off to see the nightly performance of Noises Off (which had me laughing my brains out!). It was amazing.

Then on Friday I spent the day wandering around the city:

As soon as Amy got off work, we hopped in the rental car and headed to the Rockies! More on Halloween and our trip up the mountain in the next post!

A trip to DC

2008-11-01T08:07:00.001-05:00

I spoke on Wednesday at the National Press Club on a panel that I dubbed "Using Online Video to Educate, Motivate and Make Change" (see real name here).
Overall a success! And, one note the speaker from the EPA on the panel is a UW-Stevens Point grad who was on state wide United Council Student Government at the same time as me and we are sure to have met before. Also, the moderator (my good friend Andrew) is a UW-Mad grad...coincidence?

Later that night I got to have a lovely dinner with Uncle Jack and Aunt Karen on the Hill and then over to Sam and Tony's to watch the Philly's take the series and see Virgin Gorda photos.

Cheers! Happy All Saints Day to the BEST-Y

2008-11-01T06:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A day with Annie (and Angela & Doug)

2008-10-31T10:44:00.002-05:00

On my current Travel Adventure around the country, I have had major luck seeing friends and family. Here is my day with, my favorite two year old, Annie (AKA Peanut):

First we went to Gymini for some play time. (Note: Angela is about to pop with Annie's new little sister).

Look at her go:
Then we went next door to the bakery for cookies. Here we are watching the cakes being frosted! We had color time and learned a new song "On top of Spaghetti" which we had to sing "again-a" and "again-a."And here she is going night-night with her new Boo-Bag of finger puppets from Auntie M!
I had a BLAST, can't wait to see them all "again-a" soon!!!

Next up, photos from my Press Club speech, and four days in Colorado (where I currently am).

On the road again: NY, DC, CO

2008-10-19T05:24:00.004-05:00

First up, New York City.

Then a few fine days in Washington for a forum. And a Happy Second Birthday celebration for my little peanut.
Then Denver to see Amy and the mountains!
But, if you are anywhere near Minnesota this weekend, take a lovely fall drive out to my favorite fall event at the Clay Coyote and give my mom a hug for me.

PS: None of the above photos are mine, I pinched them from the web. But, I promise some of my own in November.

Nephew and ISSB has a new Niece

2008-10-13T22:29:00.003-05:00

New photos from my brother of my nephew Phoenix:

And ISSB has a new niece!

Register to vote, and look at cute people...

2008-10-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

IKE!

2008-09-12T23:40:00.002-05:00

While the Texans run out to buy TP and milk ISSB and I stocked up on wine and beer. We are planning to spend the weekend inside, dry, and playing Gin.
ISSB also believes that since we got the yard SO prepared for the high winds - we will be spared entirely. Fingers crossed.

Help! Save the Dillo'

2008-08-24T16:30:00.000-05:00

The Austin Capitol Metro is bumming me out. Today they cut four of the six free bus lines in Austin. The line that used to go from my house to my work wasn't cut entirely, no, they just made it completely inept by making it only go from the Capitol to the river and back. What really gets me is the line is so short you should be able to walk the 10 blocks that it covers! The old line at least ran about two miles making it useful!

Well I have never been known to give up easily, and in times of rising gas prices and unbelievable congestion I am not going to let this one just slip by. I started a petition on Care2 and you can sign it too.

It doesn’t cost anything and it would make my day if you would help me fight for more public transportation not less!

Austin's forcast for Monday

2008-08-03T19:17:00.001-05:00

"Near record" - really!?!? What does it take to hit records around here? Yuck!!!

Sorry, I haven't posted recently. Been recovering, relaxing and trying not to overdo it. HA! Yeah right, I have been trying to recover, pretending to relax and getting scolded for overdoing it.

Next week I am headed back to my normal schedule of travel-travel-travel. This time off to San Francisco for a week. One wedding, one baby shower and one week of working out of the West Coast office - should be a nice trip!

Eyebrow Clause

2008-07-17T19:41:00.002-05:00

So today is Day 7 following my jaw surgery.

Before my surgery, thankfully I had a chance to live it up on vacation. But, as soon as I got home, I knew what lied in store. I had already done the meeting where they go over all the bad things that could possibility happen to you. I honestly believe that this spheel is not for me, the patient. It is the CYA spheel, they are just saying everything under the sun so you can’t sue them later. The worst thing they made me sign was the clause stating that I understood that the surgery was taking place next to the important thingy (nerve, muscle, etc) that allows me to move my eyebrows. I can't believe that I had to sign away my eyebrows before this procedure. Amazing.

Well, the good news is I can move my eyebrows and everything seems to be pretty much in working order. Sorta. I did get both sides placated (sewn in to place – ewwwwe gross) so that means I am on a liquid diet for the next three months (one down, 11 weeks to go).

I think that might be the hardest part of this whole experience. It is truly a forced diet. I am struggling everyday to get the right amount of nutrients, the pounds are flying off me and I am weak and cranky all the time. Not because I am hungry, that would be impossible as I eat, scratch that, drink every hour. But, because it seems like no matter how much I consume I just can’t reach the magic 2300 calorie marker. So this is the lingering effect, that and my head feels like the size of Texas.

On a more positive note. I am back to talking, back to work and back to being a pain in ISSB’s rear.

So that is the latest. More on the milkshake diet later!

Postcards from our trip: Part 5, Old San Juan

2008-07-13T17:56:00.001-05:00

Because of layovers and crazy flight schedules ISSB and I got to spend one lovely night in San Juan. Knowing very little about Puerto Rico other than what Noel and Micah had to offer (ala which bars to visit) we didn’t really have a plan. So we got checked in to our hotel, hoped in a taxi and asked him to drop us off in the center of Old San Juan. Then we walked. And walked, and walked….

So here is a photo walking tour of Old San Juan – sit back and enjoy, unfortunately we can’t tell you much about what you are seeing as we did very little research.

(Mom, see the Obama sticker???)

That's all from our vacation. Hope that you enjoyed our "postcards."

Postcards from our trip: Part Four

2008-07-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

Cheers to Sam and Tony!

They had a fantastic day, a beautiful ceremony and a perfect evening.

Postcards from our trip: Part 3

2008-07-13T16:15:00.007-05:00

Sorry this took so long to post, surgery kinda kicked my butt and all I did for the last four days is sleep. Quick jaw note, I am not in as much pain, I get my stitches out tomorrow and I should be back in to the office on Wednesday. The liquid diet is for 12 weeks. So come October I plan to have a real meal again. Until then, protein shakes, juices and a lot of soups.

Now, on to the good stuff, here is Part Three of our stunning vacation shots, enjoy.

Our view from the villa.
My napping spot. Read two whole books here too.
Very quiet beach.
Looking back at Mango Bay from the taxi.
I love this shot. You have to open it to get the real feel.
Sitting in the taxi looking out at the resort.
View from the church.
Another view from the church.
Has to be one of the most stunning views from an alter ever.

Wedding beach.
Barbara's bag. (Since giving it to me it has been in 10 states, Puerto Rico and the BVIs.)

Next up, a few from the wedding and then Puerto Rico for the big finish!

Jaws…nope, not the movie

2008-07-09T21:52:00.005-05:00

Regular readers, family and friends will know that I have been waiting patiently to have jaw surgery. Well, it has taken almost a year. Funny how I called it “on the fast track” last August.

To make a long story short. The insurance company only approved the right side of my jaw for surgery not the left. Apparently this major provider thinks I have jaws. Well doctors agree, I do only have one and if you work on one side you ought to work on the other as well. So appeal after appeal, waiting on hold for hours, getting mixed messages from my surgical coordinator and the insurance…and finally the last Friday in April they approved both sides.

And now, after all that, I go under tomorrow.

I won’t be talking for awhile. I am going on a liquid diet at least the next few weeks and at the worst the next 3-4 months. We just bought a juicer and I have tried out all the different protein drinks (so far I like Boathouse the best over Naked and Odwalla). But the good news is that they won’t wire me shut, but I have to be extra careful.

So wish me luck, send good vibes, be extra nice to ISSB: my favorite nursemaid, and don’t call – send email.

PS: since I will be laid up I will have plenty of time to finish the "Postcards from our trip" series.

Postcards from our trip: Part 2 Air Sunshine Edition

2008-07-07T23:25:00.002-05:00

So when I say it was the longest day I mean it. We got up on Monday morning in Chicago, hit the Shedd, then the Taste and at 5pm returned the rental car at O’Hare. At 7pm we boarded the plane to Houston. Then from 9:30-midnight we hung out in Houston trying to stay awake. At midnight we boarded the next plane to San Juan. Thankfully we got upgraded to First Class, but still couldn’t sleep. Four and a half hours later (5:30AM local time) we landed in Puerto Rico. Got our luggage, went back up to ticketing to wait for the Air Sunshine (I kid you not) people to arrive. 8AM the Air Sunshine ticking woman strolls in, we get up from our chairs literally dazed and confused, and she then tells us that the 9:30AM plane has been canceled and we have to sit around the airport until 11:30 (this seems to be a habit of theirs). 11:30 board the plane (if you can call it that) to Virgin Gorda a 45 minute flight way. We landed in VG at 12:15, got through Immigration/Customs at 12:45 and were on our way to the resort. Now mind you, if that doesn’t sound like a long day, that night we had a BBQ with all the wedding guests, and then at 10PM went to the Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. Then, finally we got to go to sleep. That was a LONG DAY.

So, again, for those who know me well, when I said take our stock in Dramamine this year, I meant it. And that is why Part 2 of this series is completely dedicated to Air (f&%#ing) Sunshine.

So first, let me say, there are few people on the planet that I love enough to get on this little plane. Thankfully the bride and groom are two of them. Second, I have been syking myself up for this since we bought the tickets in March. Third, even though I was freaked out, the 16-year-old sister of the groom behind me was singing ”Under the Sea” in her best Sebastian voice, and the mother of groom was saying Hail Marys, and my boyfriend was flying co-pilot, I did good. In fact, since I didn’t puke, faint or scream I am going to say I did great!

The one thing I did do to keep my mind off the bumps, prayers and inevitable need for the recycled plastic grocery barf bag, was take a ton of photos. Forgive me, I don’t know which all the islands are (except for the first and last), so sit back, relax and enjoy this virtual flight.

(PS: if you really want to experience it like we did, bounce up and down, left and right and put on the Little Mermaid).

(On Island, they actually call it "Air Sometime"...honest, you can't make this stuff up)
This is our plane.
This is Puerto Rico from the air.
There goes Puerto Rico. Now, 45 minutes of random islands, I kept seeing runways thinking, hoping, they might be ours. But, alas, I think Virgin Gorda is the furtherest BVI from Puerto Rico.

So you have to open this one, to really get the idea of what you are looking at.
There is Virgin Gorda now.
Up front, that would be ISSB.
Land!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the airport?
Yup, the runway is made out of sand. I actually think 1/2 the day they set up umbrellas and let the locals swim.
Customs
Success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, if only I didn't have to do it again on the way back. Ah well...that will be another post later this week.

Postcards from our trip: Part 1

2008-07-07T22:51:00.000-05:00

I could pretty much type for days. But, I won’t bore you with all the details. Instead I will just get to the good stuff. Remember, I was in IL, MO, IL, WI, IL, TX, Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas (unplanned stop for customs) and Puerto Rico all in two weeks. So this is a multi-part phlog. Enjoy!

So here I am driving the RV from IL to MO. I took Big Blue almost 350 miles!

The off to vacation. Here is the first look at the lake of the year! Some things never change.

Mom in the gardens on our daily walk.
Toes!
ISSB takes on mom is Bocce.
After the relaxing at the Lake, we were on to Illinois to stay with our friends Micah and Erica, but the real reason for the trip to Illinois was to say goodbye to my grandpa. On Sunday we had a nice lunch, reminisced and then scattered his ashes according to his wishes.

Mom reading Billy Collins with Uncle Allen.
Saying goodbye to Grandpa. Sunday night, we went out on the town in Chicago. Here are Micah and Erica with the Tin Man in Oz Park.
Then on Monday (the longest day ever - more details on that later) we went to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Anyone who knows me, knows my love for all things water including a habit of visiting aquariums around the globe. The Shedd was my first as a "shorty" and still my favorite inland aquarium. The only turtle seen the whole vacation.
I really liked this little guy!
Dancing dolphins.
I know it is dark, but here we are at the Shedd.

View from the Shedd to the Lake.Then after that we headed over to Grant Park for the Taste of Chicago.
These guys were hams!Buckingham Fountain. Pretty as I remember it and it cooled us off.
Overall, the first leg of our trip was a blast. Tomorrow, Part 2: Air Sunshine.

We’re back…

2008-07-06T21:24:00.002-05:00

We are back in Austin after a whirlwind two week trip. We are rested, tan and pink respectively (you can guess who is which), and I have a ton of photos to phlog. But, I am tired. So I leave you with this one for tonight…so far it is my favorite from the trip.

Even though there were no traditional July 4^th fireworks for us on Virgin Gorda they sure did put on a show for us:

More after I get some sleep.

Two weeks...of relaxing

2008-06-19T21:31:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for this aqua girl, I am gone. I am headed to Sam & Tony's wedding. But, I have a few detours on the way. First, I am headed to the RV for three days. Then I am off to Lake Geneva with my mom and back to Chicago to visit with friends and family and celebrate my grandpa's life. But, after that, I am going to be here. In this hammock, "resting my eyes."

See you when we get back from paradise.

Minnesota for the NCMR

2008-06-13T07:09:00.000-05:00

I keep going back to the NCMR and each year it keeps getting better and better.

This year, however, it was in my home state of Minnesota and it was fun to host my coworkers in the Land of Lakes.

On the conference, all I can recommend is that you go to this site and watch some of the powerful speakers. My favorite of the weekend was Van Jones, but his speech isn’t up there yet.

On the homefront, we had a blast. Not only did I get to spend time with my coworkers, I also got to spend time with my mom, Too and Amy.

On Sunday when the conference was all said and done we went to uptown and walked over to Lake Calhoun and watched the people go by and the boats sit still as the wind was non existent.
It was a great conference and trip! I wonder where we will go next year!

NYC "Cabin" for Memorial Day

2008-06-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

I spent Memorial Day weekend in NYC with Aron, Liz, Anne, Sam and Tony! It was a lovely weekend at the "cabin" on the Upper West Side.

I even did a little touristy stuff, like go to the 125th Birthday Celebration of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Liz and I went to the Union Square Farmers Market.

Overall it was a great weekend get-away in the city. We drank good wine, ate great grilled treats and had tons of time to sit in the Zero-Gs and catch up.

Maine was beautiful!

2008-06-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

Last week, for work amazingly, I had the opportunity to add two new states to my list. New Hampshire and Maine. In the “live free or die” state I only saw the highway and a bit of the coastline. But, I am still counting it. I would like to go back and spend more time in the more wooded area of NH.

In Maine, on the other hand, I spent two lovely days. When we arrived in Portland it was a wet and dreary day. The fishing boats were in because of a fog warning.

We still wandered the streets in search of a good place to dine for the night and we scoped out the spot where the Old Port Festival (our reason for being there) would take place the next day.

On Sunday, the first day of June, the weather was perfect for a street fest and I was covered in sun screen for the eight hour event.

When the Port Festival was over I waved goodbye to the RV Crew (this was my last stop with them…for now). I decided this was my opportunity to see some of Maine.
I asked a local shop owner, if she had a few hours to spend seeing Portland, what she would do. The recommendation was to take a commuter ferry boat out to one of the islands on Casco Bay and walk around and have dinner.

I chose Peaks Island. Mostly, because when I was scoping out restaurants on ChowHound I saw a good recommendation for lobster out there. What the heck. I paid my $7.75 and boarded the boat.

It was amazing. What a difference a day makes. May was cloudy, wet and cold. June was sunny and warm.

Take a look:

Fort Georges
I think that this is one of the two Cape Elizabeth Lights.
Welcome to Peaks Island.

Lobster traps.

That night after I wandered the island, I stopped at the Inn on Peaks and had a lovely lobster dinner all by myself. It was one of the most decadent things I have ever done.

I even made a new friend on the island. One thing I can say is Maine people have funny accents.

That night as I went back on the last boat, it was a perfect sky and I think, just maybe I will have to go back to Peaks Island again someday.

Here is the shot as the boat pulled back in to Portland.

Windsurfers are crazy!

2008-06-03T17:57:00.004-05:00

While on the east coast I had an opportunity to pop over to ISSB's parents place on the Cape. Barbara and I took a stroll on the beach on a very windy Saturday afternoon. Here are some photos of the crazy windsurfers!

Yeehaw!

Where in the world is Morgan and why is she slacking on the phlog!?!?!

2008-06-03T17:45:00.003-05:00

I have been working on the road for the last month. And for the last week, I have been following this rig around the country. Take a look: www.CoverAmericaTour.org

Radiohead was AWESOME!!!

2008-06-03T17:31:00.002-05:00

ISSB and I went to Dallas a few weeks back (sorry for the late posting, I have been busy). Here are shots from the show. It was amazing!

In Like a Lion

2008-05-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

REO Speedwagon said it best! 100 mile an hours winds by my office, nickel-sized hail at the house. Here are some shots from the aftermath:

The tree from next door:

This was a regular sight in the city:
Look at the parking garage:

Last weekend in April: MinneSNOWta?

2008-05-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Last week in April, flowers blooming, spring showers, 94 degrees in Sunny Austin (a little too hot for me, donchaknow)…and we were making our way to the Spring Open House at the Clay Coyote.

My mom actually told us NOT to pack coats. Please take a moment to take in the photos below:

Yes, folks, that is a blizzard in April. FYI: ISSB is NEVER going to want to move here.

We still had the Open House albeit a bit slower than usual. So all you Minnesotans out there, if you didn’t make it (1) no one blames you the weather was crap, and (2) all will be forgiven if you pop over to the Clay Coyote’s brand new website and rack up a hefty order. I highly recommend the new Dessert Heart jewelry and any pottery in this section.

The visiting artists for the weekend were:

Don Cherney from Clayton WI will bring his cast pewter jewelry and his lovely wife, Sharon Cherney with her leather bags and purses.
See Sarge the Gallery Dog in the back, lapping up the free scratches? He was, as always, a hit!
Patti Berg, from Embarrass, MN and her really cool hats.
Clay Coyote Open House, long-timer, goldsmith Patty Conlin. And Hutch local, Tom Soucek and his watercolors.
Here are Rachel and Mom (the one that looks like me) taking a hug break in the packing and shipping department. Open House weekend always calls for more hugs.Over all, although a bit chilly, it was a lovely trip to see Mom, Too, and the rest of the Clay Coyote family.!!!

Key Lime Mousse

2008-04-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

So I “made this up” for a BBQ this weekend. It was a hit.

First, make key lime pie filling in dish minus the crust. Mix three egg yokes, one can 14oz fat free sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup key lime juice. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Leave out for 10 minutes before sticking in fridge overnight.

The next day, get carton of heavy whipping cream and use your mixer to make homemade whipped cream. Just turn the mixer on high and watch until turns in to thick (thin k mountainous peaks) cream.

Take the key lime out of fridge and use spatula to whip it just a bit. Then slowly fold the key lime in to the new peaky whipped cream.

Refrigerate.

Easy peasy!

I served it with strawberries on top and gram crackers on the side (for presentation).

I would say if you are looking for a light, airy, delicious dessert this summer try this new one out.

Formica: Saturday's game

2008-04-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry to report, Cubs 1, Phillies 7.

New Series: Formica

2008-04-12T01:29:00.000-05:00

Cubs 3, Phillies 5.

My apologies. That's why there are 162.

Aron was here: He left a wake of BBQ destruction

2008-04-06T21:54:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, as promised we drove down to Lockhart fro Smitty’s BBQ masterpiece. Aron, our new friend Lucas, ISSB and me. Oh, were the boys excited. And, because we went on Saturday we were lucky enough to get there before they ran out of prime rib. I swear on my mother that this is the greatest single bit of meat that I will ever eat.

Lucas is literally drooling!

Then we went back to the house, sat on the patio and drank cool, crisp white wine in 85 degree weather. Later in the evening, Paula and Iain came over to join us. And together we walked over three blocks to South Congress to see what the local commotion was all about. It was the Lonestar Rod & Kustom Roundup weekend. And, it all takes place in our neighborhood. It was just as billed, “A Texas-Sized Weekend of Loud Pipes, Lead Sleds, Live Music and more…” The Continental Club is the big sponsor.

We decided since the party was in the street that the San Jose Bar (the best bar in town – my opinion) would be a little more calm. It was. It always is. They say it is where Texas meets Japan. I just love the smell of wisteria and the sound of rustling bamboo leaves. It is hard to beat.

All in all, I think that Aron will be back (soon) with Liz in toe. There is a boot store with her name on it and a bottle of wine in a bamboo garden calling her name. Next time, though I think it might be an all Mexican food weekend.

PS: We are eating nothing but salad for the next 2 weeks.

He is here!!!!

2008-04-05T10:03:00.001-05:00

This is Aron. This is Aron's happy dance (almost four years to the date - we were all in DC for Easter dinner on his and Liz's patio).

Aron is here (finally) for a conference, about who knows what, and he is gettting to hang out with us. Lucky us!

Also, he is on a quest, the BB-Quest. First night, Artz. Last night, Saltlick (a few happy dances there). Today, Smittys.
I bet we see another happy dance today!

I made it!

2008-03-30T20:04:00.001-05:00

Somewhere in all those people (14,000 of them) is me, my iPod and a goal. A goal not to woos out and make it all 6.2 miles. Welcome to the Austin American Capitol 10K. One of the most popular races in town. This is my first 10K, I have done a few 5Ks. But, this was by far the most grueling and wet. Yes, it rained 4 of the 6.2 miles.
But, rain, thousands of other people, puddles and a bloody ankle --be damed, I made it.

Valium, not Dramamine

2008-03-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

Never mind, remember how I told you to take out stock in Dramamine? Well I would like to amend that to Valium. We just made our flights to the British Virgin Islands for Sam & Tony's wedding. It involved 5 major airline flights and two flights that, I kid you not, the maximum number of passengers on the flight is 9. NINE!

So, Valium it is folks. Stock up! I know I am. But it is all worth it for this view:

NOLA: Cities of the Dead

2008-03-26T00:17:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are shots from the Saint Louis #3, on of the above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans. I am not morbid, I just thought that it was a beautiful and historic place and I wanted to capture some of it to share with you.

I would go in to the 30 minute description for how they fit hundreds of people in some of these tombs, but that might seem a little morbid. So I will provide a few resources: wiki on Saint Louis Cemeteries, an excerpt from a book called “Haunted New Orleans,” and a FAQ from someplace called the FuneralDirectory.com (yikes).

Or, you can skip the links and enjoy the photos of a beautiful, historic place:

Some new, some old. Some didn't pay for "perpetual care"
This one is home to the Sisters of Mt. Carmel (1883)
These are called "fours" and they are all condemned and have to move to new homes. Fours are historically (1) for rent until you can go to your final resting place or (2) for the poor.

This is so that the cemetery continues to care for your tomb forever. Burial is not cheap in NOLA, most people spend between $40-60K for their tomb. Mausoleums are less expensive.

Sorry, if it ended up being too morbid. I thought it was fascinating.

New Orleans, my recommendation: go see it yourself

2008-03-25T00:07:00.000-05:00

The last time I was in New Orleans, I was 17. Now, 11 years later it is a different city and I am a different woman (well, older at least).

The first time I saw New Orleans, it was through the quintessential “kid in the candy shop” eyes. I was 17, alone in the city with no chaperone (sorry Mom, but they were totally nonexistent), I drank Hurricanes while walking down Bourbon Street and I came back with chopped off, orange hair (I kid you not, my mother almost killed me). I did more than just party, I was the Minnesota page at the National Federation of Republican Women – yeah me, the little Lefty. I do remember loving the Audubon Zoo and the bayou. I remember eating soft shell crab at Antoine's and hating it and I remember eating lunch on the floor of the Superdome, I even remember the little Superdome shaped chocolate shells they filled with raspberry mouse. I remember a lot about the wonderful city.

And in August 2005, all those memories came back to me when the storm hit. I sat in my dry and warm apartment outside of Washington, DC and watched as the US government failed hundreds of thousands of Americans when they left people there without help for days.

And now, more than two years since the storm and the city is still in disarray. The downtown is back to order, mostly. The French Quarter where the Superdome and Convention Center are is back up and running, Bourbon is still partying and there are 50 more restaurants now than before the storm. But, don’t look too close. Don’t scratch the surface because if you do, you will find that things are not back to normal.

Before the storm there were almost 700,000 people in New Orleans, today there are about 200,000. Most the people who are back are either the really rich (their neighborhoods didn’t flood) or the people who work in the service industry and depend on tourists.

The poor are still there; living in FIMA trailer parks -- they put on a smile and call them “gated communities.” There are streets after streets with no one living on them. There are houses gutted, roofs caving in and windows busted out donning the infamous spray painted “X.” And you can drive for miles and be the only car on the roads in some neighborhoods.

But there is good news, tourism is becoming popular again. Hotels and airlines are offering packages. The tourists are bringing people and money back in to the region. And the universities which had seem fallen enrollment in all grades for the first time since the storm expect that this year’s freshman class will be as high as it was before Katrina.

There is hope. And for all of you who want to know about the city or what little piece of help you can offer, my advice is go visit. They need us. They need tourists, they need revenue we can bring in and not only that they want us there. So go to NOLA.

Now, as you all know, this is a phlog, so I need to stop typing and show you some photos.

View from my hotel to the Mississippi. To the South.
To the North. The street cars. These are replicas of the ones that the Tennessee Williams' Streetcar Named Desire was written about. Open up this photo and look closely at the tree with out leaves. This is St. Charles Street, also known as Mardi Gras path.
In Antoine's Restaurant, the historic Mardi Gras Queen's dresses and jewels.

I vote this the most annoying job yet, that is the woman who stands on the steam boat and plays all day. I kept hoping she would be blown off (but, not injured of course).
Jackson Square.
A shotgun house. In the old days, in NOLA the houses we taxed on the lengths of the front of the house. So they tried to make them as small as possible. This yellow house is a duplex!!!!
More tomorrow, I have a series from the one of the historic cemeteries, referred to as "Cities of the Dead," and I will tell you about the unique above ground burial system.

Texas votes - and for once it counts!

2008-03-03T23:06:00.000-06:00

Funny, these pictures are ironic. My guess is that most the young folks in the Hillary picture are voting for Obama, and my grandma is leaning Hillary (although I am working on her).

I am in the second row from the back all the way to the left.
I have been fielding calls all day from Yankees making sure I am going to make the right decision tomorrow. Funny, they must have missed my first post on the subject.

Too, its a trend

2008-02-28T00:17:00.000-06:00

I think that the saying goes: one its a fluke, two its a trend, three its an epidemic.

Well, its something like that.He's Minnesotan, donchaknow.

Homage to Peanut

2008-02-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

Peanut Peanut!
This one reminds me of me. Aparently, I too was a pots and pans drum diva as a little tike.
Snow, snow, snow! The perfect age to enjoy it!
My dear Peanut and Angela (and Doug)...we miss you all dearly! We promise to make it to DC soon! She is growing soooooo fast!

Minnesota Nephew

2008-02-25T21:17:00.001-06:00

This is what babies wear in Minnesota in the dead of winter. Here he is with Nana P.
And Too!
Who looks more at ease?

PS: major congrats to Baby Hemberger and Mom and Dad Hemberger! Way to go!!! Another good looking lad from Hutch!

Believe it or not...

2008-02-24T22:40:00.000-06:00

2008 is going to be more, yes MORE, busy than 2007. I wouldn't have bought it either - until ISSB and I sat down to chart out our calendar and all I can say is buy stock in Dramamine.

I just got back from Philly and New York. (Stay tuned for posts on the art show...)

I am home for a few days -- enough to go to a local media conference and SXSW. Then I hit the road again for NYC, back to Austin for ISSB and I to celebrate 4 years together and 1 year in the new house. And, back to friendly skies as I am off to New Orleans.

And, that's all before the last week of March.

There is a lot more exciting travel after that: Sam & Tony's wedding, Lake Geneva, Chicago, Cape Cod, NYC, San Francisco, and many more....and I do mean more. Let's just say there is some QT on and RV in my near future.

Clean house: art shots and working kitchen!

2008-02-11T00:29:00.000-06:00

Both my mom and dad, for entirely different reasons, have been bugging me to see photos of the house.

Mom, because she hasn’t see it with all the art up, and Dad because he hasn’t see photos after we settled in to the new kitchen.

So here are some clean house photos from right before my b-day party.

This is the "shelf" I am pondering, what to put here, maybe nothing.

Me, reaching for the stars.

Super Birthday Bowl XLII

2008-02-04T21:56:00.001-06:00

The fourth Annual Super Birthday Bowl was a hit! If only the Pats had taken home history. I will say, the former Minnesota super stars lit up the night (Mulroney and Moss).

We had cake, apparently Ian (el Gringo) and the senoritas at the Mexican Bakery have some communication issues. This is (and I say is because clearly there IS a lot left) the biggest cake I have ever seen!!!!

Here are Jax and Nina, two of the spunkiest guests of the evening. The house and the patio were full – thankfully it reached 80 degrees yesterday. Perfect patio weather – on my birthday, suck it June Boy ‘bout time I have a pool party!

Sarge was, of course, in heaven! He and Yvette became fast friends, we just had to explain to her that he like kids better than adults because they were the same size and age! She thought he was great…who doesn’t?

Here I am wishing for Obama to come out on top not only tomorrow but in November.

And last, here is what happens when we let 30 people loose on my pollo verde! If you haven’t seen it, I did a post a while back with the step by steps. I don’t deserve all the credit, it is my mom’s recipe, but as I told Francisco, not bad for the “white girl from Minnesota.”

21 bags!!!

2008-01-27T17:23:00.000-06:00

Look what we did this weekend! And, really we could have filled 40 bags.

More Phoenix: Christmas with Grandpa

2008-01-23T21:29:00.000-06:00

Just got this one and it was too cute not to post!

Still waiting on photos of his big trip to Minnesota!

I am Malcolm X?

2008-01-18T14:26:00.000-06:00

Who are you?

Find Your Inner Human Rights Defender!

Survey Says...

2008-01-06T22:09:00.000-06:00

Nana Price and Grandpa Jindrich say that he does in fact look a lot like my little brother. I want to note however that he has my nose. Funny, my brother has my nose too.
Wearing one of his countdown to baby outfits!

Sarge Says Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T13:34:00.001-06:00

Cheers to many more!

Does he look like my brother?

2007-12-30T15:48:00.001-06:00

I can't tell.
You be the judge.

Spot the Red Sox fan

2007-12-30T15:39:00.001-06:00

No, this isn't what we all got for Christmas - it was our Thanksgiving tee. And, before you ask, Sarge got a Red Sox Doggy water bowl.

Sorry I didn't get this one up sooner. It makes me smile each time I see it.
(Top: Sarge, Me, ISSB's sister Becky, ISSB's Mother Barbara, Bottom: ISSB, ISSB's brother-in-law Chuck, ISSB's Dad Dana, and ISSB's brother Noel)

Happy Birthday Robin!

2007-12-27T18:46:00.001-06:00

This is your day, but we have all the fun! Hey!

PS: Sorry, Sarge is trying to minimize his carbon footprint by reusing birthday signs.

Merry Christmas from Texas!

2007-12-25T18:52:00.000-06:00

Austin Botanical Gardens

2007-12-22T18:55:00.000-06:00

While Ian's family was in town I took them over to the Zilker Botanical Garden. I had never been. It is a beautiful place with tons of neat paths to go down. I loved the Asian and the rose gardens the best.

Yes, in Austin there are roses blooming in December.
Here are Becky and Chuck in the Prehistoric Garden.
There were many different types of butterflies.
I love the lily pad garden out front.
Over all it was a beautiful day to be walking in the gardens.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2007-12-18T22:30:00.000-06:00

Here it comes!
How lovely are the branches!!!! Big thank you to mom and Aunt Susan for sending me the ornaments. I love it. (PS: 16 lbs of ornaments fills a 6' tree!)
You know you're in a Red Sox house when this is ornament chosen as the center focal point for the tree.
The Baums all land tomorrow! And, I am officially on vacation until 2008! Woohoo!

She was a good cat

2007-12-08T17:04:00.001-06:00

We are sending love and hugs to Aron and Liz.
RIP Myrna

A pot to piss in: Part 2

2007-12-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

I wanted to put this photo up, even though we aren't done yet. I am off to San Francisco for the next 5 days, then Dallas after that. So ISSB is on his own to figure out how this faucet/drain hook-up thing works.

We decided to clean up and call it quits tonight since I still have to pack and we could use some dinner.

Here is the bathroom, it is almost done. Need to hook up water, put in our most beautiful towels, pick up a nice bath rug, hang the toilet paper holder, replace the lights and mirror and put the baskets back on the shelf. Piece of cake. ISSB will do the first part and I will do the rest when I get back from my work tour.

At least at 3:30 in the morning when I want to use the bathroom I don't have to walk across to the neighbor's (like last night)!

PS: ISSB says it feels bigger in there - the jury is still out for me. :)

A pot to piss in

2007-12-02T16:31:00.000-06:00

This weekend we tackled the bathroom. I have been waiting for this moment for MONTHS. The old bathroom wasn't that great or that bad when we moved in, but once we used the bathroom as the staging area for all the tools, paint, and grim from all of our other projects, it was really horrible.

The bathroom then:
Putting down the hardy back.
The tiles by the door.
The little natural stones go all the way around and then the big ones are in the middle.
We are in process of putting in the toilet and sink as I type (just letting the paint dry).

Almost all the credit fro the bathroom goes to Catlin who did all the tile work. And ISSB who aided and assisted him.

I am thankful for ISSB

2007-11-26T23:14:00.000-06:00

This year we had a lovely trip to the Cape for Thanksgiving, first time in three years. Sure, we’ve been to the Cape since, but this truly is a lovely time of year (fall is my favorite).

As you know, from the last few posts, it is a very very very busy time for me with work right now – you know, making sure it is a happy safe Christmas for the “shorties” (as they say in Boston). But, even though we stood on a corner in 20F temps on the biggest shopping day of the year, we still got a bit of relaxin’ in.

ISSB on Oyster Night (I had 6!):

Boston on Black Friday morning:
Me being interviewed by a local new channel (click to watch clip - click the one that says "Mass. group talks about toy")
Dinner after a hard day working!
Shouldn't they all look like this!
A walk on the beach:
Chatham Light:
The tide going out:
The dark part of the rocks is where the water reached during high tide:
A little guy must have just walked by!
Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, these two photos do a good job capturing it:
More soon.

Click on the funny guy to hear a funny song!

2007-11-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

It is not just that I work there, or that I am an advocate for safe products in general. As a new Auntie M, I am even more concerned about the status of safe toys, products and anything else the little guy could get his hands on. We launched this last week. I seriously can't get it out of my head.

Off to Boston tomorrow for the holidays with ISSB's family and then the BIG Black Friday event with tons of activists, on the ground organizations, local media and maybe even a public official!

Windy City: Here I come

2007-11-16T07:05:00.000-06:00

I am off to Chicago today. Will be back on Sunday, just enough time to do laundry and repack for our Thanksgiving vacation on the Cape. We head there on Tuesday.

I am going to Chi-Tag, the largest toy and game fair in the country - for work of course - not just to buy my new nephew gaggles of stuff.

While I am there I will get to see and congratulate, newly engaged Micah and Erica. And hope up to take my Grandma J out to dinner one night. Should be a blast.

Ian and Sarge are staying home to hold down Texas.

More Phoenix: get used to it

2007-11-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

He is home now and mom, dad and baby are all doing good.
Nana, boy that is weird, is also doing good. She is staying there for the first week to help out.
Look at this little guy with all his hair. He and the Pengin are making the same face!
More soon as I get 'em.

Auntie M

2007-11-14T22:51:00.000-06:00

Yup, that is my little brother, my sister-in-law and MY NEW NEPHEW!!!!!! Meet John Phoenix. He is absolutely adorable. I have been an honorary Auntie for my little Peanut, but now I am full fledged! I can't wait to meet this little guy.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh MYspace

2007-11-08T00:14:00.000-06:00

I am on Myspace for work as of today. I need to make some Myspace friends so if you are on Myspace click this link and invite me - or something. This is way too confusing. I feel the need to be 16 again to master the machine.

Ok, wish me luck.

Get the lead out!

2007-11-06T21:20:00.000-06:00

So on the day after Thanksgiving, I will be at a mall near Boston, Mass wearing a tee-shirt that says Get the Lead Out. I hope that I am not alone. Consumers Union is trying to get 30,000 people across the country to all go out shopping the Twelve days after Thanksgiving to spread the word that we want safe products.

You can do it too, you don't have to be in Boston, you can be anywhere in the country, even Hutchinson, MN! You can go to any store. I hope that you will join me to fight for a cause. As a very soon to be "Auntie M," I only want safe toys out there for my future nephew to play with.

Thanks!