The Icechic's Daily Profundities

It's Official: I Suck at This

2011-09-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

So here I am, almost an entire year since my last post, and I still don't really have much of an urge to write on my long-lost blog. It makes me kind of sad because I used to gain so much satisfaction from it. Now, it's probably one of the last things on my list of things I even want to do. These days, my free time is completely booked with knitting or reading. I've got over 300 books on my Kindle, and since I got it this summer, I've only managed to complete 4 of them. That does not bode well for all the stacks of 'real' books sitting on my night stand. In any case, life is pretty blessed for the Julians. We travel all the time--this year alone, we have been to Santa Fe (2 times), Turkey, Philadelphia, Nicaragua, and then we'll be going to Durango next month and then our Christmas trip somewhere in Europe. I dont say all that to brag; but sometimes I just need to put it down in writing so I can actually remember where all we've been and how fortunate M and I both are to have jobs that allow us to travel so much. I never take that for granted, even when I want to pull out every hair on my head out of frustration. It's all worth it.

The family situation, however, has been less than happy. My step-dad had a massive stroke back in March, and his health has declined to the point where we've had to put him in a nursing home because my mother just could not take the stress of giving him care (literally) 24/7. No one person could do it, and while I know she continues to struggle with the decision, it was the only logical one to make, and I'm so thankful she realized that and was strong enough to go through with it. So that has been really difficult for all of us--the adjustment, the trying to be there for her while maintaining life at work and at home. Sometimes the world just isn't fair and doesn't give a rat's ass if you like it or not.

Yet another reason Marc and I travel so much. There is so much of this world I want to see and experience, yet I know I (or Marc) could be gone tomorrow. Yeah, we could be putting more in savings, but for now, we put enough. My dad saved all his life and we never went anywhere growing up. Sure, we went to California or Florida, but it was always where HE wanted to go, and it was always the same spots over and over. I'm grateful for what we did get to experience, but either way, he saved and saved and saved, and look where it got him: killed at 42, never having been to London, or Paris, or crap, even Boston or Seattle. So I am determined to put a pin in every place on the globe I want to see and find a way to make it there.

And in each one of those cities/countries, I'm gonna raise a toast to him, my father, for instilling in me the love of travel and for the opportunities in my life that, due to him, have put me in the position to be able to go and see all those things he only dreamed about.

Camping--The Ultimate Learning Experience

2010-10-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

So this weekend, Marc, Mags, and I took to the woods, as Louise Dickinson Rich would say, and had ourselves a good ole fashioned camping trip down at Blue River , near Tishomingo, OK. I had never been here before, but it's where MJ and his pals go 2x a year for the Trout Derby. He's always said how much I would love it, so I finally told him "take me to camp, or lose me forever." And he did. And I loved it. If you're an Okie, you know that our bodies of water typically vary in color from brown to bright red, but this one stayed true to its name and was so lovely. We had to cross a low-lying part of it to get to our campsite, and once there, you could hear the rushing of the water over the large boulders and stones while sitting at the campfire. If that isn't relaxing and peaceful, I just do not know what is.

The brush was a bit overgrown in spots, so the hiking wasn't the greatest, but it didn't bother me too much. Even though I'm an avid hiker, I've been having such a good time on my sweater lately that I really had planned to spend the majority of my time working on it. I also had my 800+ page book to keep me company, and so when I wasn't napping, I had more than enough to do. The ONLY thing I didn't like at the place was the lack of bathroom facilities. Usually, we are camping at state/nat'l parks, where there are--even if substandard--shower rooms and regular flushing toilets. Now, I'm outdoorsy enough to not mind in the least having to pee out in the bushes or skip a shower. Not a problem. But because this isn't a a funded park, there are no shower facilities, and the "toilets" are pretty much a hole in the ground with a toilet seat plopped on top. The only place you can go for any kind of shower and toilet time is at Scotty's, a local convenience store up the road from the campground, and that will set you back a whopping $3.00 per use. But being curious, I wanted to check out the "brick sh*t house" that JC had been telling me horror stories about for weeks. I honestly didn't think I would mind it too much, seeing how I've used a porta-potty before (granted, I was a kid last time I used one), but even though I had several warnings prior to the trip to NOT look in the toilet, well, you guessed it, of course I did. And having done so, I turned right back around and walked outta that crap hole never to look back.

So I guess I learned that I'm not as daring as I thought I was, and if I'm ever in a location where an emergency toilet is necessary and a hole is my best option, well, I guess I'll just have to hold it in or pay $3.00.

Master Kayaker at Your Service

2010-09-21T13:49:00.003-05:00

Well up to now, I haven't had a chance to blog about our kayaking expedition on Lake Overholser the other evening, but I wanted to report that it was mahhhvelous! The young gal manning the counter was fantastic, friendly, and very helpful, even doing a little demonstration on entering and exiting the kayak for me, Marc, and a dad with his 4 kids who were ahead of us. After toting our kayaks down to the dock and getting in, we paddled away towards the Stinchcomb nature preserve on the north end of the lake. What fun! It was so peaceful, no boats came zipping by, jacking up my groove or anything. The water was a bit low, but hey--it was high enough for us to paddle through, so that's all I needed. It was a GREAT upper body workout, but surprisingly, I thought I would be more sore the next day than I was. Does this mean I'm in better shape than I thought? Yes. Yes, it does. So shut up.

We're planning--or should I say we ARE GOING--on a getaway camping trip this weekend to Blue River over by Tishomingo. Marc has been there many times before on his yearly buddy trout trips, and he said even though it'll still be 80s, there's always a good breeze and cooler weather there. I'm game--whatever. Just plop me down in my camping papasan chair with my latest knitting project and make sure there are some s'mores for later, and I'm good.

Speaking of knitting, I started on my vintage-style cardigan a couple of nights ago, and it's going quite smoothly, I might say! Granted, I'm still on the bottom portion, but dang it, I think this might be a great project, and I'm excited that it's knit as all one piece, which minimizes the seaming. I think that is the ONLY thing about knitting that I'm not super jazzed about...and I don't even really mind that! But the fewer seams, the better. And I actually think I'll have it done in time to wear it for the fall weather. AND I love the color! It's a deep purplish-blue. AND when I knitted my swatch, my gauge was spot on! So here's to hoping for a worry-free, problem-free project. And no more sentences starting with 'and.'

Cheers.

Screw You, Backwoods!

2010-09-16T13:49:00.002-05:00

I took my lunch break today to drive up to Backwoods and purchase another of those wonderful Ex Officio crossover bras that I have come to love and wore the entire 2.5 week Europe trip last winter. I've had mixed luck with that store in the past--shoddy/snobby customer service, high prices, blah blah blah, but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt b/c we purchased our Osprey packs there, and they have been one of the best purchases ever. But after today's visit, I'm pretty much done with them. Not only did I get absolutely no help in a store that had only 1 customer in it, I didn't even get a hello or 'sup when I walked in. A guy stood behind the counter talking on the phone the entire time while another employee was fawning over a lady and the skirt she was trying on and how wonderful it looked, blah blah blah. Nice. And then of course they didn't have the color of the bra I wanted, and by that point I was so irritated that I didn't even seek out help; I just thought--"screw this--I'd rather pay extra shipping and handling and have it delivered to my door than to continue giving this company my money when they don't even seem to appreciate my business." So there you have it. Backwoods is dead to me. It's a shame too, because I love supporting local and/or small businesses in the city, but I refuse to do so when they don't even seem to want my business.

Kayak My Frustrations Away?

2010-09-15T11:11:00.004-05:00

So in an attempt to start enjoying my work week evenings to the fullest and minimize all the stress I keep complaining about, I've taken to evening walks on the paths out at Lake Overholser, just a skip and a hop away from my humble abode. But tomorrow night, the ole hubs and I are going to rent some kayaks from the Route 66 Boathouse and explore the Stinchcomb Nature Preserve, which we've done before but in Marc's little fishing boat. I imagine it will be even more peaceful without a stinky loud engine polluting the air. And I'll get a little exercise out of it to boot!

I've not been kayaking since we were in Mexico several years ago, so it'll be fun to get back into one, and I've even watched a very informative REI tutorial on YouTube about how to properly enter a kayak both by a dock and on a beach. So God willing, there won't be any embarrassing mishaps in which I fall ass backwards into the murky, gross lake water. I already have enough issues not being able to see in the water at all...I don't need to begin imagining what might be nipping at my toes as I struggle to get into a watercraft the size of a peanut.

So with any luck, I'll have some great tales to tell in my next entry and if I'm brave enough, I'll take a camera along. Now if it would only continue cooling off but at a faster rate. 88 degrees isn't bad, but when it's backed up with 100% humidity, well it might as well be 120. Especially when I'm trying to enjoy the great outdoors!

I just finished reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", and I'll more than likely add the 2 other books of his to my list. It was a great read--very suspenseful, but I do wish I had waited to watch the movie until after I had read it. I guess now I will just have to watch the US version when it comes out so I can drool over Daniel Craig. So now I've started the 3rd book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, "Voyager." My mom got me started on these books, and they're right up my alley...historical fiction with a little romance thrown in. They do get a bit much at times (how often can an author talk about nipples and penises??", but they are a perfect read after a non-fiction book or when I just need some entertainment. It's quite thick, as are the next ones, so who knows how long it'll take me to get through the entire series, but I'll do it. Just gotta minimize the Tylenol PM...that stuff is no good for getting in a few chapters before bedtime.

Anyways, I'm currently working on a Christmas knitting project, but I can't say what or who it is for so the word doesn't get back to the person(s), but once I finish it and the scarf that I'm just about done with for MJ, then I'm starting on a sweater for me, which has multiple ways of wearing it, but I'm sure I'll probably just do the safe thing and wear it like it's supposed to be worn. I'm lame and chicken-sh*t that way! ;)

What?!? A New Blog Post???

2010-09-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, bite me. So it's been like 2 years since my last entry. Who gives a rip. I guess I've just lost my will to blog, and why make anyone suffer through incessant ramblings about how badly my feet hurt today because I crammed them into shoes that no woman's feet should ever be crammed into or that I'm so overworked I can hardly see straight? Who isn't these days? For a while now, I have been replacing blog entries with faithful Tweets, and I even linked it up so that my status updates there also posted onto Facebook just so it would be one less think I had to mess with. But even that has gone by the wayside lately.

Honestly, most days I'm so utterly exhausted by the time I get home--physically AND mentally--that all I want to do is put on my pajamas, plop down on the couch and either stare at the boob tube, knit a few rows of whatever project I'm working on at the moment, or try to read a paragraph (literally) or two before I fall dead asleep. I cannot even imagine how bad it would be if I had a baby. I don't know how my friends who have kids do it. Honestly, you are like the most awesome people in the world, and I bow before your greatness. Thankfully, my birth control has not failed me, and I'm not in that position.

Nowadays, I live for weekends and holidays when I can sleep as much as I want and not have to drag through my mornings, artificially amped up on too much caffeine. I've just lost a great deal of my happiness, and I desperately want it back. I know what it's going to take to retrieve it, but at this point, I'm not in a place to do that. But the hubs and I are plotting and maybe one day we will realize the dream.

But every now and then, I have delightful little moments of clarity and joy that stay with me until the next one comes along unexpectedly. And if I make myself get out of the house and actually do something, it makes having to get out of bed the next day a wee bit easier. I think we are going to go kayaking one evening this week at the lake down the street, and that should make for a peaceful end to what I'm sure will be a hectic, chaotic day.

The hubs and I have been on a diet for the past almost 3 weeks now, yeah, to lose a few lbs, but also to kind of reset our eating habits. It has gotten to the point where we have been eating so much processed food that when I come home from the grocery store, the pantry is stocked, but the fridge itself is bare of any good foods like fruit and veggies. So this has given us a chance to re-evaluate what all we are actually putting in our bodies, and it has been a huge eye-opener. Who knew how much sugar is in freaking EVERYTHING?!? I've moved us over to organic whatever I can find and hormone-free meats, and we've even taken to walking around the corner from our house to the Rt. 66 Veggie Farm to buy as many items as we can. Nothing beats vegetables straight out of the garden...sure takes me back to my own childhood.

In any case, I'm not getting any younger, and I don't want to wake up one morning only to find myself a decade older and still in the same state of blah. Only I can make the changes necessary to fix the issues at hand; I just have to find within myself the courage I know is there. After all, it's that very courage that up and moved me to Seattle without knowing a soul...the same courage that took me all over Europe last Christmas, the same courage that has brought me this far. Just gotta use it.

Top 10 Goodies of My Week

2010-01-22T08:39:00.002-06:00

Well, we made it, people. It's Friday, and I intend to make this weekend count. I'm most definitely going to knit, I'm going to try to make a bigger dent in my book, if not finish it altogether, I'll probably play a little Wii, and I'm absolutely gonna veg it up on my couch. And did I mention sleeping in tomorrow? For sure!! So to start things off, here are just a few of the highlights of my week. Hope yours was as good!

10. Fell back in love with Super Mario Bros. This time on the Wii.

9. Successfully trained my dog to sleep at the foot of our bed instead of having her sleep horizontally between us on our pillows. Not cool waking up to a face full of old dog butt.

8. Almost finished with another knitted gift project. Can't wait to deliver to its recipient!!

7. Had a delicious lunch bought for me yesterday from Panera. Oh how I love their Napa Almond Chicken Salad sammy!

6. Spent some quality time with friends, reminding me how important and special they are.

5. Watched Tosh.0 episode 2 of the new season and laughed so hard my tummy muscles ached. Daniel Tosh is a crude, irreverent genius.

4. Drooled (again) on myself during my acupuncture session. My doc is so amazing that not even being stuck with countless needles keeps me from falling asleep!

3. Made Marc laugh last night with my silly robot dancing and totally random song singing. Making a fool out of myself is so worth it to make him happy.

2. Ordered a replacement pair of the boots I completely destroyed in Europe. For half the original price!

1. Was reminded on several different occasions how very blessed I am to have my husband. And how much I adore even the tiny little dorky things he does.

Peace out, homies!

OMG Where Have I Been??

2010-01-21T08:27:00.003-06:00

DUDE!!! I have not blogged in so long, nor have I really had the desire to. Not sure why; maybe I subconsciously feel it consumes too much of my already-taxed precious time. In any case, so much has occurred since I last wrote, including another baby born into my already bursting at the seams family, my husband and I totally skipped out on Christmas and took a whirlwind trip through Europe, and I hired on another trainer to my team who seems to be a perfect fit.

Thankfully, I still have a job, what with all the crazy budget cuts we are experiencing and will probably be dealing with for at least another year. It's so scary for so many people, but we are just taking it one day at a time, trying to do the best job we can and not think about the scariness of it all too much.

I think our trip to Europe helped ease the tension and worry a bit. It also helped, not having to do all the round robin family visits over the holiday break. Don't get me wrong, we love our families, but everyone wants a visit, so our holidays consist of making sure no one is left our or feels under-appreciated, and well frankly, it can be a little exhausting. So we finally just said 'screw it' and booked a 2 1/2 week trip to visit London, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice, and Rome. Due to the crazy snow the UK had, though, the Eurostar (train that runs under the English Channel to France) ended up breaking down and so our Paris leg of the trip was kiboshed; instead, we flew directly from London to Amsterdam and continued our journey that way. From that point on, all we took were trains, and so we got to ride through the Alps and see bits of Austria along the way, which was just breathtaking. I'm going to publish some pics to my Facebook page but will include a few here. Some of the highlights of the trip include Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the Tower of London, Anne Frank museum, Van Gogh museum, Dachau concentration camp, walking along the canals in Venice, and just about everything in Rome. It was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget; we've already started planning the next one!

Anyway, I'm still knitting like a fiend, much to Marc's chagrin..I think the novelty of it has worn off for him and it irritates him that I knit every single night. Oh well, it's how I destress: he drinks, I make things out of yarn. I just cannot stop, and it just about killed me to go so long on our vacation without being able to knit anything at all. I didn't have room to pack yarn and didn't want to have any hassle at all with airlines about my knitting needles, so I just left them at home. Oh how I missed my babies. :)

Anyway I will leave you with some shots we took on our trip. There are over 800 I have to go through; some are totally blurry and just need to be deleted. Here's a sampler:

10 Random Things

2009-08-18T16:37:00.002-05:00

Because I haven't posted anything in so long, and it has been a very long, hard day and I don't feel like writing my memoirs, here's a few tidbits of what has been going on in my life lately:

1. Got in a wreck with (what I thought was) a really nice family.
2. They're now claiming medical issues (no WAY was the wreck that bad-I would freely admit if it was).
3. I'm back to regular acupunture and tuina sessions with my wonderful Dr. DeChant. My body is grateful.
4. School starts for OKC schools in 2 days, and Marc and I are exhausted.
5. I am just about finished with the last baby blanket I have to make for a while. Unless another friend/family member goes and gets knocked up. STOP IT!!!
6. I have thoroughly been enjoying Weeds and Nurse Jackie. Look forward to 'em every week!
7. I am restricting myself from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream; I've gone through entirely too much of it lately.
8. I haven't been sticking to my resolution of taking several daily breaks, including getting away from my desk at lunch. For example, I've been sitting on my ass all day today; I barely got up to pee and only did it when I was in physical pain.
9. We have planned our Fall Break and Christmas/New Year's trips. More on that later.
10. I've been loving my new haircut. Jeff worked some magic. Including the reddish stuff he put in. Now I can pretend to be somewhat of a redhead!

Later, peeps.

What Vacation Taught Me

2009-07-13T12:40:00.002-05:00

I've been out of the office for 2 weeks now; the first was spent at our annual conference, this year in D.C., and the second was spent in Cancun, Mexico, celebrating our friends' 10 year wedding anniversary. Even though the conference wasn't technically vacation, in a way it is b/c the sightseeing was incredible, and the conference itself is always so awesome, that it's a blast to attend. So looking back on it all, I learned (or was at least reminded of) a few things that I need to put down, lest I forget them this first week back on the job. Here goes:

1. I am blessed beyond measure that I have a job that allows me to take vacation without requiring I stay in contact 24/7.

2. I am fortunate to have a husband who likes to walk as much as I do and see new places by foot. It's the only way to really get the feel of the heart of a city. And my feet are living proof--I literally got 6 blisters in D.C. alone.

3. I need to commit to using the sauna at the Y at least 3 days a week--I used the one at our resort in Mexico everyday, and it was pure bliss, and my skin sure thanked me for it.

4. I cannot sit at my desk for the duration from 7:30-4:30 everyday. My body needs to stretch and walk, and I need to consume lunch someplace other than behind my computer. Nobody expects me to be at their beck and call every second of the day, and if they do, they need to re-evaluate their expectations.

5. Vacations are a great time for me to take a technology fast. I maybe twittered/updated Facebook once while I was away, but then I was ashamed and turned my phone off for the remainder of the trip. It was pure bliss, and my body sure thanked me for it. And it was all there when I returned for me to catch up on.

6. My husband and I travel extremely well together, and for this I'm so grateful. We've already begun planning for our next big trip...

7. Work is never so important that you can't make time for rest. If it is, you probably need to re-evaluate your priorities.

8. Pina coladas are SOOOOO good.

9. TVs should be banned from hotel rooms. Vacations are meant for exploring and getting away from daily life.

10. Clean your house before you leave; it makes for a much more relaxing, stress-free return.

Reasons Why I Love OKC's Red Cup

2009-06-10T13:11:00.002-05:00

If you have never been to the Red Cup, OKC's wonderful little hole in the wall just off of Classen and 31st,you are really doing yourself a disservice by not going. Here's a rundown of why I love this little cafe so dang much and would work on their wi-fi every day if I could:

1. It's located in an old home, complete with wood floors and old fireplace.
2. It's eclectic, as is the clientele who frequent the joint.
3. It's a local business. You know how I feel about chains.
4. It's cozy, and they don't give me dirty looks if I stay for the whole afternoon.
5. They serve my Japanese green tea in a red mug.
6. They make DELICIOUS soups.
7. Their ranch dressing is divine.
8. They play Tom Waits on their playlist.
9. They are laid back and always friendly.
10.I can go in looking like crap and don't feel gawked at or embarrassed.
11.It's not in Nichols Hills.
12.They hang really cool artwork.

So check it out! Or don't, and free up some space for me.

Does the "Normal Woman" Ever Get Over Her Weight Issues?

2009-05-27T12:37:00.003-05:00

I'm currently trying to lose a few lbs. that I've put back on in the past year (thanks Napa wine and delicious food and Istanbul friends who force-feed me plates of sinful concoctions, oh yeah, and me and my chocolate addiction) because in 1 month and 3 days, I will be jetting down to Mexico to help some friends celebrate their 10 year anniversary, and yes, this means I will have to venture onto a beach in -- gasp -- a swimsuit. This word sends terror up the spine of every woman I know, and so I ask--will this ever change?

They say as you age, you start to lose a lot of the self-conciousness that plagues you in your youth, but at 33, I still have it. Granted, it is less than it used to be, and with most things, I don't care too much what others think. My thighs in a swimsuit, unfortunately, do not appear on that list.

What's sad, is that we shouldn't be so anxious about what others will see as we walk along the sand, enjoying the surf and the sun and let's face it--our life!. I mean, what guy spazzes over it as obsessively as we do? I lost count at about age 5 of the flabby, obese males prancing around in too-small suits who couldn't care less what another soul thought. Yet even those women who have little to no cellulite and who are, by any standards, considered thin, still dread the event!

Now, in no way am I tiny--I fit comfortably in a size 8--but I still could lose (even according to my doctor) a few, and so I'm attempting to do just that. But isn't it sad, that even without losing a single pound, I would do just about anything to avoid stepping out in my bathing suit? True, I'm not a big sun addict and try to take very good care of my skin, but even with 70SPF sunscreen slathered all over every inch of me, I still find it difficult to step out, especially among friends, to have a good time at a beach. Heaven forbid I ever hear a friend whispering "oh my God, did you see Sarah's thighs???" I would crawl into a hole and die!

It is definitely due in HUGE part to the media's obsession with apppearance, and this was confirmed even just last night as I read my latest Smithsonian magazine. There was an article about the old Coney Island boardwalk, and a picture was included of men and women in bathing suits. Now we all know that the size of the average American has grown quite a bit since the 30s, but even in that photo, there were flabby, not too fit women parading around in suits that, even though weren't as skimpy as today's, still exposed lots of leg, cellulite and all, and they weren't shrinking away into the shadows or covered up from head to toe, trying to avoid the judgment of others.

So when are women going to stand up and say 'enough is enough??' Some attempts have been made, but they aren't nearly enough; the problem is still overwhelmingly prevalent among most age groups of women and girls. It definitely starts at home with making sure our daughters know how beautiful they are, no matter their size, but I also believe no matter how difficult it might seem, we really need to monitor what magazines and TV shows/movies they watch; so many of them are inundated with actresses and images of emaciated women who in no way are at a healthy weight, and that just promotes the obsession.

Some will say "Are you kidding? Don't you know that is next to impossible--the media is everywhere!!!" But I say no; obviously, parenting is no easy job. I don't even have children of my own, and I know that, but when you take on that role, you are agreeing to protect your child, and this is one area that must be addressed. Period. I don't see how anyone could argue otherwise! Of course you can't protect them from everything at all times, but you can cut as much out as possible. And isn't it worth even a shot?

So I'm trying to put myself in the mindset each day leading up to my trip: enough is enough. I want to be healthy, and if I lose the weight I am striving for, awesome. But if not, I'm not going to beat myself down for it. And I am going on this trip to have fun, relax, and celebrate a momentous occasion with my friends. I REFUSE to let my appearance ruin that for me--or anyone else, for that matter. I would never forgive myself if after the trip, a friend made a comment about how fun it was but it would have been even better if we had all been on the beach, even Sarah.

So girlfriends, here's to showing it all and being proud of who we are.

A Little Saturday Fun for the Fam--No Explanation Necessary

2009-05-23T18:39:00.001-05:00

Awkward Family Photos

No Plans for Memorial Day and That's Just Fine By Me

2009-05-20T12:27:00.003-05:00

Lately, it has seemed that many nights each week and most weekends are filled with tons of going, going, going, and not enough rest and naps and vegging. So, it was much to my delight when MJ and I were talking the other night and he suggested we do absolutely nothing but hang at the house and MAYBE take the boat over to Overholser. We'll do a bit of easy yardwork, but then I'm just going to spend my time on the couch knitting, watching movies, and resting this tired, haggard old body cuz dammit, she's starting to fall apart. It has taken me close to 3 weeks now to start to feel normal again after that horrible head cold/chest congestion crud I had, and then this week, I broke out in some kind of rash from God knows where. I think it's just the bod saying "dammit, slow down and rest, crazy woman!!" So that is exactly what I intend to do, and if anyone tries to get me to go to any get togethers or social events that require clothing other than pajamas, well, you can just forget it.

No offense, but mama needs to exercise my inner hermit and humbug it around for a couple of days.

Has the Icechic Come Home?

2009-05-18T13:23:00.003-05:00

It seems I have totally abandoned my blog for faster status updates via Facebook and Twitter. Can it be that my attention deficit has increased so much that I no longer have the capacity to sit still enough for 1 measly blog entry?? That is just shameful. And so much has been going on that I haven't shared! First off, I have taken up knitting, and have already completed a bunch of projects, including a wrap, a baby blanket, couple of hats, scarves, and a swine flu mask. It has become my latest addiction and somethign I do believe will stick with me for my whole life--I absolutely love doing it and love the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. I never thought I had it in me--especially with my lack of patience, but lo and behold, looks like Mom and Mandy aren't the only Icechics with crafty skillz!!

I also have 2 friends who are currently pregnant (one with twins!!!), so I'll be busy with baby projects soon...if only I could make a business out of this! In any case, Marc and I are still trying to decide if the child route is one we'll end up on or not. I'm feeling so much pressure--not from anyone I know, but just at the very fact that I'm now 33 and closing into the end of my fertile years (according to my doc). So do I take the plunge when I'm not sure if it's what I want, or do I just say no until the time comes when I really want one, even if by that time comes I'm no longer able to conceive?? It's such a huge decision, and I'm completely unsure what my final answer is. It's so hard.

Other than that, MJ and I both still have jobs--thankfully--and we have 2 trips coming up in the summer. One to D.C. for a conference, and the other is to Cancun for our friends' 10 year anniversary. We weren't jazzed about going there because after all, we're not 20 year old college coeds, but hey--it's their choice, and we are just there to help them celebrate. They came to our wedding, after all, and now that we are starting to prepare for the trip, we're actually looking forward to it. It'll just be fun hanging with 2 of our couple friends for a week and not worrying about work or anything else.

My mom and step dad are living out in Colton, CA for 2.5 months while he is getting proton therapy treatments for his prostate cancer. It's so weird to not be able to hop in the car and see her, but they'll be back soon. He has a really good prognosis, so we're just thankful for that above all.

I've also been seeing an acupuncturist for about a month now--1 session per week, and OMG--it has changed my life. I haven't had my crazy headaches or knots in my back. It has truly been amazing. She also does cupping while I'm there, and while I hate all the nasty hickey-like marks it leaves all over my back, I truly believe in the power of what she is doing. I mean the proof is in the fact that I have been pain free ever since my first session--no other proof needed, baby! This Thursday, I'm going to have Tuina Chinese massage, and she said basically it has the same effects as acupuncture but without the needles. I cannot wait, and even though it's a good amount of money out of my account each month, it's so worth it. I would have paid double just to be rid of agonizing headaches and visible knots in my back/neck/shoulders. I mean, you know it's out of hand when you are calling in sick more than once each month. Mine was becoming almost a weekly occurrence.

Sooo, more to come! I'm kinda liking this whole blog thing!

I'm the World's Suckiest Blogger

2009-02-17T12:46:00.003-06:00

...just because I haven't written in so long. I feel terrible, not because I have thousands of readers (which we all know is far from the truth), but it seems I love to guilt trip myself for things I haven't done or am not doing when I know I should. God, the blog guilt is terrible. And then sometimes I think to myself, "ehhh, I'll just delete it and then won't have to bother with updating my blog, my Facebook and my Twitter," but then I think about all the hours I have put into this effing site and all the entries that have detailed events in my life. How could I possibly delete that??? It would be like erasing part of my existence.

So instead, I continue to blog once in a blue moon, while my 1-2 readers sit faithfully by, hoping for something other than a lame ass entry like this one. Sorry, folks.

I've just been so busy. Work is kicking my ass, as always, but I keep telling myself, "at least it's not boring, and at least I'm still employed in this God-awful economy." And then I've taken up a new hobby that I am trying to perfect, and being the Type-A that I am, I obsess over it until I've stressed myself out so much that I want to punch someone in the face if I mess up.

AND I'm trying to exercise faithfully AND continue reading as many books as I can, so my schedule is quite full. I really need about 4 more hours in the day. That would be ideal, so if someone could make that happen, that would be GREAT...

Anyway, we thankfully survived the 5 tornadoes that came through Oklahoma (last week, was it?), and the USAA adjuster came by yesterday to inspect the roof from the massive amounts of hail that hit, and surprisingly, we had no damage, so we don't need to get a new roof! THANK GOD is all I have to say to that. We got a real break. The guy said 2 miles west of us, the roofs were demolished. So it looks like we just missed having to replace the roof and quite possibly other property. I hate storms. At least ones that come with tornadoes. So scary.

Anyway, that's all for now. I have a 1:30 meeting to attend, and I have to catch up from being in another meeting all morning. Ugh. My life has become one big, boring meeting.

Alas, Tis Friday

2009-01-09T08:37:00.004-06:00

Thank God the weekend is here. These past few days of work back from the holiday break of 2 delightful weeks has been really tough. Sure, it has been really busy during the day, with all the calls/emails since the SAP upgrade, but man, I have STRUGGLED with a capital STRUGGLED to get up in the morning. My body just refuses to get out of my warm, cozy bed and step into bitter cold air. I always say I love winter time, but I think I love it when I am bundled up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot something and a good book. When cold air hits my skin, it's like torture.

But enough about me. I want to send a shout out and lots of loving thoughts to my peeps up in Seattle who are facing a crap load of flooding and mudslides and all the other crap that goes along with that sorta event. I hope you all are doing okay and haven't lost any property or haven't had to evacuate. I saw this morning that roads from Portland to Seattle were blocked. I can't even imagine! So my pals, stay safe, be careful, and hopefully it will all end soon.

I have no plans this weekend, something I'm very excited about, but I think I want to go see "The Unborn" out at Warren Theater so I can have a little alkie-hol to calm the nerves. That movie looks jacked up scary. So I'll be writing a review of the flick if I do end up seeing it. Most scary movies end up being ridiculous and not at all scary, but for some reason, this one looks like it might have what it takes. Oh yeah, and Gary Oldman is in it, and mama LUVS some Gary Oldman.

OMG--Could it Be???

2009-01-08T12:02:00.003-06:00

A blog post from the Icechic??? You are correct, sir, it is just that. I do not even remember the last time I blogged and didn't bother to check, but I just have been busier than I have ever been in my entire life with work, and I also haven't had much desire to blog or Facebook. I'm not sure why. Partly due to being so tired, partly due to plain ole lack of interest. But I think I might be making a comeback. I've also started exercising again, which is yet another thing that was put on the back burner, so I'm not sure if I've been suffering from a low-dose of depression lately or what, but I think the old Icey is back, so wish me luck.

In other news, I don't know about you, but I'm gearing up for the big inauguration on the 20th. I can't wait, and I totally wish I could take off work to celebrate, but it's on a day I can't miss, so poop. I guess I'll just watch streaming video with the rest of the working masses. At least I'll get to watch it at all!

Anyway, I'm going to try really hard to be back in the blogging saddle for good again; I hate it when the bloggers I read often don't post often, and now I've fallen in with those shameful peeps. Please forgive me.

Turkish Cooking Class--Week 1

2008-11-10T12:52:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday was my first cooking class at the Raindrop Turkish Cultural Center, and I must say, it was loads of fun. I think there were just 5 of us (or was it 4?), and then 4 Turkish ladies led the class. We were shown how to cook a Red Lentil Soup, Eggplant Moussaka, a Shepherd's Salad, rice, and of course, the big finish--baklava!!

I was shocked at how simple it all really was--I never knew baklava could be so easy to make!!! We left completely stuffed and happy at having attended. The hosts were so kind and gracious and made us feel right at home, and I cannot wait until next week's lesson. I'm even planning on making baklava to share at one of the Christmas parties we'll be attending this season.

You know, I could have stayed home Saturday night (which at one point I was really tempted to do), but I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun sitting at home reading as I did at the class. There are just some times when you feel so fortunate to have been a part of an event, and this is one for me. I've really become fond of the Turkish families affiliated with MJ's school. They are truly some of the kindest people I've ever known in my life, and everytime we leave one of their homes, I always think how much they bless my life and how much richer I am for knowing them.

So to them I say, "Tesekkür ederim."

Vrijdag Vijf (That's Dutch, by the way!)

2008-11-07T14:34:00.002-06:00

It has been a SHIT week, pardon the language, so I'm hoping I can vent a little here--I haven't yet read the questions, so here goes nothin!

1. What usually marks the middle of your day?

When I eat my protein bar for lunch. Then it just means 3-4 hours left of work before I can go home, put on my pj's and get some serious relax on with my dog and my hubs.

2. From whom (or to whom) was your most recent middle-of-the-night phone call?

Lord, I haven't had one of those in YEARS. The last one was to me by mom, telling me that Mandy had gone into labor with Paul, and I got in my car for the trek down to Dallas.

3. On what social, political, economic, or moral issue are you in the middle of the road?

Not sure if this counts, but abortion. I'm for it with regard to the endangerment of the life of the mother, rape, or incest. Not a big fan of it for birth control. I just think that is irresponsible. But then there are those few cases where it just should not happen. So I guess that really isn't middle of the road.

4. How likely are you to give someone your middle finger?

Very. If they are stupid drivers or they run me off the road like a semi-truck driver did a couple of weeks ago. Not only did he get the finger, but I called the 1800 number listed on the back of his truck and reported his ass!!! Take that, sucka!

5. When were you last caught in the middle of a disagreement that really had nothing to do with you?

I totally have no clue. Usually, I have some part in a disagreement around me, no matter how small. I always get dragged in.

What Did I Do Today?

2008-11-04T12:14:00.005-06:00

DON'T YOU FORGET TO! NO EXCUSES, AMERICA.

Venerdì Cinque

2008-10-31T08:58:00.002-05:00

1. Among people you know, who has the greenest thumb?

My step-dad. He has a wonderful garden in his backyard, from which he generously shares his delicious okra, corn, cucumbers, etc. I wish I had the time and patience to grow my own things. Sure, I have house plants, but the minute I step outside to plant something, it pretty much dies. I just don't have the desire to spend every day watering and giving love to anything I have to go outside for. I hope one day that changes; my dad was also a huge green thumb.

2. Among people you know, who has the bluest blood?

Is this literally speaking or figuratively? I'm not really sure on this one. Probably my Grandma Ice...she has an aristocratic air about her..but that's about it.

3. Among people you know, who has the yellowest belly?

Again, not really sure. Everyone I know is pretty courageous. Maybe me because I don't have the courage anymore to just up and quit my job and start a writing career or travel around the world. The money has lured me in and won't remove its talons. Sadly.

4. Among people you know, who has the blackest heart?

Definitely a certain aunt of mine who will remain nameless (but if you know me, you know who she is). She is by far the most evil, heartless person I have ever known. I pity her.

5. Among people you know, who is the most silver-tongued?

That would definitely be Marc. He has a way of speaking that could make anyone believe something even if he showed them the evidence against it. In other words, he could sell ice to an Eskimo.

Ray Lamontagne is Indeed God's Gift

2008-10-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Soooo, I FINALLY got to experience the magic that is Ray Lamontagne live last Friday night at the Majestic Theater in Dallas, TX. He was even more than I could have possibly asked for, and I am over the moon in love with that man's voice and his musical talents.

You have to admit, the majority of singers out there do not sound as good live as they do on disc, thanks to the magic of editing. Not the case with ole Ray. His voice is so emotional and moving, and I will admit to even tearing up on one song. It was by far one of the best shows I've ever been to. And if you get the chance to see him, DO IT. I promise you will NOT be disappointed.

And one of the most charming things about the set was that all the musicians he played with were set up in a semi-circle, so no one person stood out, even him. The spotlight would focus in on whomever was solo-ing at the moment, and it further confirmed to me and the rest of the audience the kind of musician Ray Lamontagne is: unselfish, team playing, and willing to give it up to the others on stage.

He played mostly from the new album, but he threw in a few hits from the first and second as well, and even came back for a 3-song encore. We recorded the show on my handy voice recorder, but I have yet to play it to see what the sound is like, but I'm hoping for the best! I love the guy so much I even bought a concert Tee, which I NEVER do.

Ray Lamontagne, thank you for a most wonderful experience and for the memories of your voice echoing beautifully in my mind. I shall not soon forget that night.

I Never Thought I'd See This Again!!

2008-10-28T09:45:00.005-05:00

COULD IT REALLY BE??? PERCHANCE I AM DREAMING???

Viernes Cinco

2008-10-24T12:59:00.002-05:00

1. Where’s your favorite beach?

Pensacola, FL. Sand as white as snow, ocean as blue as the sky. And oh the waves!

2. Where’s your favorite place to spend money?

The internet. Amazon.com, iTunes, any site selling clothes and shoes and jewelry!

3. Where’s a good place to watch people?

Any mall, beach (esp. Miami Beach), or any airport.

4. Where’s a good place to be totally alone?

On a long forest hike or sitting on the beach at night under a bright moon.

5. Where’s a place outside of work (or school) where you’re likely to run into people from work (or school)?

VZD's or Target.

A Little Pre-Halloween Fun for You

2008-10-10T09:13:00.002-05:00

Vendredi Cinq

2008-10-10T07:58:00.004-05:00

1. "My hands are tied” is an English-language cliche that means “I’d like to do something about this unfortunate situation, but I don’t have the ability or authority.” In what current situation do you feel your hands are tied?

Wanting to stand up and say enough is enough about a certain family issue but knowing it wouldn't do any good except to hurt those involved.

2. Railroad ties are the evenly-spaced slats that lie perpendicular to train tracks and whose function is to hold the tracks in place and to distribute the weight of the train. Who are the railroad ties in your life?

Marc. Enough said.

3. What are your feelings about Thai food?

I can't get enough of it. I think I might have been a Thai princess in another life. Pad Thai and Masman Curry are my ultimate dishes. Oh and for dessert? The mango and sticky rice with coconut milk. TO. DIE. FOR.

4. Whose thighs do you admire?

Thighs??? What kind of question is this? I gotta say Madonna's. Her bod all-around is awesome, but she has some killer thighs--tight, smooth, and very nicely shaped. I would KILL to have those. Instead, I have stumps.

5. A red tide is a proliferation (in ideal circumstances) of oceanic algae that often seems to discolor seawater and threaten other sealife. If the ocean is your life and the algae the harmful attitudes, thoughts, or moods that crowd out the good stuff, under what conditions in your life is red tide most likely to become a problem?

When it's at work. Negativity spreads like wild fire, and when 1 person is upset or griping about a situation, the whole team (or at least those present) also begin to gripe. It's one of my hardest challenges, often because it's me doing the griping. I really have to learn to watch/control myself and my attitude.

Happy Friday, all!

10 Random Songs on my Pod

2008-10-06T09:08:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Rosie for this one. My iPod is tuned into complete randomness, and these are the first 10 kick ass jams that popped up:

1. "Alfie" by Stan Getz off the Getz for Lovers CD.

I like this one..makes me want to be in some dark, smoky jazz club late at night with my man, a strong vodka tonic, and a lone saxophonist on the stage. Very much a scene from an old 40s movie for me.

2. "Think About It" by Flight of the Conchords from the Flight of the Conchords CD.

These guys are pure genius. If you didn't catch their show on HBO, for your own good, check it out. They crack me up, and the lyrics are perfect. Makes me feel like I'm a kid again listen to the silly lyrical stylings of Weird Al. That same kind of hilarity ensues with these 2 Kiwis.

3. "Head Like a Hole" by Nine Inch Nails from the Pretty Hate Machine CD.

Trent Reznor is so strange, but his voice is so sexy. All that anger and aggression. Grrrrr. I think his music appeals to the naughty wench in me. ;)

4. "Miss You Bad" by Richard Julian from the Good Life CD.

His music is the epitome of laid back, chilling with friends, and living the good life (hence the album title?). He has another song, "Full-Moon Face" that Marc sings to me, so of course I have a soft spot in my heart for this man, who is unfortunately, of no relation.

5. "Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor" by Wolfgang Amadeuz Mozart from the Mozart for your Mind CD.

Everyone should have at least a few classical pieces on their pod. I can't read and listen to songs with lyrics, so CDs like this are exactly what the chill doctor calls for when I want some background ambience while lounging with a novel. Also perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings, waking up to the smell of a brewing pot of Seattle's Best, reading the paper in bed with the hubby and scratching little Mags's fat belly. Nothing better.

6. "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails from The Downward Spiral CD.

What is this? How likely is TWO NIN songs in a completely random playing of 5,444 songs?? This must mean something. Maybe that my inner dominatrix needs to come out??? Do I even have one???

7. "Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Adagio; Moderato" by Edward Elgar from the Romantic Cello CD.

This is a haunting piece that is placed to perfection by Jacqueline du Pre and featured throughout in the movie "Hilary and Jackie." Although I am prejudice when it comes to instruments and think that the cello is the top dog, this piece is a perfect example of the wide range of emotions a cello can convey. I almost always get chills when listening to this and thinking about the life of the great du Pre.

8. "Comforting Lie" by No Doubt from the Return of Saturn CD.

I have always had a girl crush on Gwen Stefani. She is the coolest chick of all time in my book, and for the longest time, I was IN LOVE with the ND bassist, Tony Kanal. He has the most luscious lips and dang, those eyes!!! Totally my bag, baby.

9. "Two Much" by Chet Baker from the Sentimental Walk in Paris CD.

This music is great for wallowing in your own sadness. If you have read anything about Chet Baker's drug-addled life, you will listen to this with images of him, penniless, toothless, and searching for his next fix through the streets of Paris. It breaks my heart, knowing the talent he possessed and the addiction that ruined him. I love everything this man ever created.

10. "The Last Thing on Your Mind" by Lights from the Lights--EP CD.

I love this song! You probably heard it first (as I did) on the Old Navy commercials this summer. So I found it in iTunes and discovered the rest of the CD isn't too bad either! I like her annoying, little girl voice. I think this song plays to my teenaged-drama personality. You know, the one that thinks I'm still 17 years old with all that teenaged angst and lust, blah blah blah.

So there you have it! My 10 random songs. This was a fun little experiment to see the diversity of my music tastes. Also reminds me I have a whole sh*tload of music I never listen to. Which is why I will always argue that the iPod was the greatest invention of my time.

A Day Late and a Dollar Short--Friday Five

2008-10-04T12:15:00.002-05:00

1. Under what conditions are you most likely to cause injury to yourself?

When I have been drinking and don't realize how much I have had. I always wake up the next morning with at least one bruise somewhere on my body from running into stuff. Total clutz; total lush.

2. What named mountain is nearest where you are right now?

I think that would be Mt. Scott down in Lawton, OK. If you can call it a mountain. Of course, I bet those cyclists who ride to the top beg to differ...

3. When did you last eat something with coconut in it?

Hmmm...I love coconut, but I can't remember when I last ate it! I have no clue.
Sounds like it's time to eat something with coconut in it...

4. Who’s getting on your nerves?

People who don't realize how lucky they are to 1) have their health, 2) have a job, 3)have little or no debt, 4)have a happy marriage, 5) have happy, healthy kids. Of the things listed I have, I am 1)well aware of it, and 2)thank God for it every day.

5. Somewhere, somebody is asking him- or herself whatever happened to you. Who is it?

Wow, this is a good one. Maybe this one girl in Seattle (not naming names here) who I just pretty much dumped as a friend without any sort of explanation many years ago. Looking back, even though she was extremely needy and controlling and I was starting to battle some serious depression, I had no right to treat her that way and have wished many times I could take it back. It was an awful way to treat another human being, much less someone I considered a dear friend.

I Defy You to Say This Isn't Creepy

2008-10-01T11:04:00.005-05:00

Click this link to read some messed up crap:Fake Babies

Friday Five for the end of Sept.

2008-09-26T12:25:00.002-05:00

1. When did someone last break something of yours?

This past weekend! Our friends were up, and they accidentally broke a magnet we got in Turkey. But we fixed it.

2. When did you last play hackysack, if ever?

Good lord, sometime in high school, I think. I never could get into it...probably because I wasn't much good at it. Who wants to play something you suck at???

3. What was your most dramatic haircut like?

Pixie cut during my Seattle life. It was cute and easy to fix, but you can only do so many different hairstyles when your hair is only a couple of inches long! I tired of it quickly. And I also tired of having to tell people that no, I wasn't a lesbian. What's up with that??? I know lotsa lesbians with long hair!!!

4. Hacking is basically breaking through the security that protects a computer or a website. What’s the closest you’ve come to doing something similar in real life?

Maybe when I used to not trust Marc, I would get into his email and check to see if old girlfriends were still emailing him. This was way back when we were dating. Now I don't even feel the need, and I can't begin to tell you how good that feels!!!

5. In the world of stand-up comedy, a hack is a comic who steals jokes from other comics. Have you ever known a hack in your own field?

There is ALWAYS someone who likes to take credit for the work I or someone I know has done. But it has never been a problem because they always get found out. :)

Friday 5 for September 19

2008-09-19T11:42:00.002-05:00

1. What’s the cutest of the small, furry animals?

That would be my dog, Maggie. Even though her breath smells like ass.

2. What predator impresses you the most?

Probably some kind of large cat, e.g. leopard, just because they are so graceful in action and yet so dangerous. I mean, I would not want to come across one in the jungle. Or wherever they inhabit.

3. After which animal will you name your professional sports team?

The Beagles. Because they are stubborn, they sniff down their prey (or snacks), and they're loyal. So if Seattle paid 'em more money and renovated their stadium, they still wouldn't leave (as if they really would have a choice--money talks, people).

4. What’s an unusual animal that you know a little something about?

I know that box turtles don't like to have their head cleaned with a paper towel and Windex and that they will clamp onto your finger and not let go if you try.

5. Your high school probably had some kind of mascot or symbol, but based on your memories of it, what animal should REALLY have been the emblem?

Probably the Corgis: they're short in stature, not the fastest of creatures, but full of heart and great entertainers.

Who Knew Mondays Could be so Successful?

2008-09-15T17:25:00.002-05:00

Our first round of trainings were a success today, and I have another full day tomorrow of the same. I guess a positive attitude really DOES help, huh?!?

We were invited to another Ramadan dinner this Thursday night at the big boss's house, so that should be interesting/nerve wracking. Leave it up to me to open my big mouth and say exactly the WRONG thing. If you know me, you know I'm famous for doing just that.

Anyway, the man is on his way home, and I gotta start dinner. Grilled chicken and polenta for grub. And a nice bottle of white. And Weeds is on! What a day!!

Friday Five

2008-09-12T08:16:00.003-05:00

1. Who lets you have your way more than you should?

That would be Marc, who doesn't complain too much about my online shopping addiction, especially when a package comes full of new books from Amazon!

2. According to the cliche, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but what’s the way to yours?

Cleaning the house top to bottom. Not the half-assed pick up your clothes and that is all that's needed for the house to be magically, perfectly clean.

3. What’s something that should have been put away but hasn’t been?

The big wine-shipment boxes we had to use to bring back our wine from Napa that are still sitting in the garage. I've been meaning to put them in the attic for future use but haven't.

4. When did you last weigh yourself?

Several months ago. And that is good enough for me.

5. What do the cops in the donut shop say?

"Gimme all your cake donuts, and nobody gets hurt."

Courtesy of Friday Five site.

Now your turn!!!

My Apologies for my Attitude

2008-09-09T07:54:00.002-05:00

So as you may or may not know, I have been itching profusely with what I think is a severe case of the hives. But due to my overwhelming fear of being injected with 'roids and puffing up a few sizes, I won't go to the doctor. Instead, I am dousing my body with an ungodly amount of Calamine lotion and Cortaid anti-itch cream. Yesterday I left work early to go home and finish out the day just so I could strip down to my skivvies and overdose on allergy meds.

Fortunately, the overdosing worked, and while I spent the evening drugged out of my mind, I didn't itch one time. This morning before I even got out of bed, my neck started itching, so I took a side trip to CVS this morning before coming into work just so I could purchase a big ole box of Claritin. I'm hoping that will get me through my workday without the negative side effects of drooling on my co-workers and staring at the carpet.

I'm not sure what is causing this, but it has been going on for a couple of weeks or so, with a 1-week lapse. It could be that I have developed an allergy to my anti-depressants that I've been on for a couple of years now, which I pray isn't true because they have been a God send. It could also be a case of stress, as my job seems to be a constant river of drama. Either way, it's sucking, and I'm tired of my arms looking like I got in a fight with a rabid dog. It's tacky, and I am sure people look at me in disgust and disbelief. I want my pretty skin back!!!

Let's Use this Site From Now On..

2008-09-08T13:10:00.002-05:00

Just so we don't have to rely on someone for questions and they totally forget. Like me.

The "Real" Friday Five?

Friday Five--Late

2008-09-08T09:51:00.002-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I'm late on getting out my Friday Five, but I'm very proud of my blogger pals for continuing the tradition without me. Way to go, my friends!

1. What was your favorite childhood food and memory associated with it?

Big fan of Little Caesar's Pizza because it was a special event to get to have it (my dad was a cheapskate when it came to eating out), and when we had pizza we also got to drink Diet Coke, which is another thing that wasn't in our house during the weekdays. How sad is that??

2. What was your favorite cartoon as a kid and who did you watch it with?

I loved Scooby Doo and Fraggle Rock (can this be considered a cartoon??), and I watched them with my sister mostly.

3. What was your favorite grade in elementary school and why?

3rd grade. I had a ton of friends, loved my teacher Mrs. Littlefield, and all the boys chased me. You could say I was the BMOC.

4. What was your favorite breakfast cereal as a kid?

We didn't get a lot of sugar cereals, so Golden Grahams was my favorite that my mom let us eat. And I STILL love it! I could eat bowl after bowl of it, which is why I don't keep it in the house!

5. What was your favorite summertime activity when you were growing up?

Playing tetherball in the backyard, jumping on the trampoline, or swimming down at my "boyfriend's" house 2 houses down. Pretty much anything outdoors.

Not in much of a mood for explaining in detail my answers, so sorry if you were craving more.

Rockin' Out to the Foo Fighters--Sideways

2008-09-02T13:46:00.002-05:00

The Best!!!

Friday Five Answers

2008-08-29T10:58:00.003-05:00

1. What is something that you believe most people consider a chore that you actually enjoy doing?

Easy--laundry. There is something so zen about folding fresh-smelling clothes and putting them back in their proper place. Then again, that could be the OCD in me talking...

2. If you won a contest in which your prize was to select any three guests for the tonight show, which three people would you choose?

Ray Lamontagne--because his music is freaking awesome and I want to meet the dude.
Yo-Yo Ma--because I have a crazy huge crush on him and his cello skills blow my mind.
George Clooney--because I really need to know if this guy is truly a giant douchebag or if he is really as Rico Suave as I think...

3. If you were completely deaf but were somehow able to hear for one hour each week, what would you want to hear for that one hour?

My dog's snores, my husband's voice, and cello music.

4. You've seen signs that say NO SMOKING, NO PETS and NO TRESPASSING. if you could (and had to) have an original "NO _____" sign on your front door, what would it say?

No stinky body odor (arm pits, ass, and breath) because there is no excuse for it, and it makes me sick!

5. If you could be one of America's "most wanted," but wanted because of some skill you have, what great skill would you want to possess?

Does this mean 'most wanted' in the way of something I do that is illegal or 'most wanted' in the way of something I do that everyone wants a piece of me cuz I am so awesome? I would love to be so good at the cello that it made people cry because the music was so beautiful. Or I was 'most wanted' because of my expert skills at tennis, or my crazy rock-hard bod. :)

Friday Five

2008-08-22T10:36:00.002-05:00

Rose, who I tagged to create today's Friday Five, has not yet posted, so in order to get something up before I leave, I have reclaimed the honors. Here goes nothing.

1. What car would you pick of someone were to buy you any car in the world?

Mini Cooper--no questions. I have wanted one of those since before they came out with the new model. But Marc would never let me have the old one, citing them as "too dangerous." Whatev. I will own one some day. I will.

2. Do you prefer to read or watch TV? Why?

Read. Unless it's one of my HBO/Showtime shows, and then it's a hard call. But there is nothing better than a good book that you just can't put down.

3. What is your favorite form of exercise (if any)? Why?

Tennis is my ultimate just because I have played it so long and love the sport. But I have been running in prep for some races, and I have really grown to enjoy it. I like the quiet time with my thoughts and not having to listen to an annoying trainer on a workout DVD telling me "That's it--you look great!" Yeah, and you look dead if you don't shut up.

4. If you could try one illegal drug and not suffer any life-threatening side effects, what would it be? Why?

Probably some form of psychedelics. Just so I could understand better what the hippies experienced. Totally...

5. If you had to give away all of your possessions but could keep just one, what would you keep and why?

I would keep my dog. She's entertaining, a great companion, and she gives off a kick-ass sleepy smell when she's napping. I love that little turd-bucket something fierce. And since I gave away all my clothes, I could just knit something from all the hair she sheds.

First Day of School...and it's Way Too Quiet Around Here...

2008-08-21T08:14:00.002-05:00

First thing I noticed when I got to the office this morning was that NOBODY was here, which is a little odd because usually on day 1 of the SY, the halls are sheer chaos with little ones running around while the parents try to enroll their students in the district, etc. What is up?

Anyway, all I know is that it's Thursday--one more day until the beloved weekend begins. We are taking our niece out Sunday for a special birthday lunch and then to the bookstore to find some books for her as a birthday gift. She is so excited to be going on a "date" with her aunt and uncle, and I'm sure she is plotting right now what books she plans to get. I remember that age, and the bookstore was MAGIC. Or at least the library. We checked out most of our books; I only got to buy if it was with my own money or was a special occasion.

Tonight I am making butternut squash risotto for dinner and will probably stop off for a bottle of white on my way home. Nice and light. I run 3.5 today, and I am hoping it won't be too rainy so that I can perhaps take it outside; the treadmill is finally starting to wear on me. I need some scenery--a person can watch the Kardashian reality show on E only so many times before I just wanna reach through the TV and punch those spoiled rich kids in the face.

So off to get some work done. Even though this overcast, Seattle-like weather makes me want to play hookie and stay home with my new book, alas, I must work hard for the money. So hard, honey, honey.

Friday Five

2008-08-15T09:44:00.005-05:00

This one is for Rose. Yeah, she kinda guilted me (in a friendly sort of way) into blogging, since I haven't done so since I returned from Napa, and honestly, I needed a little kick in the butt. So in honor of this day of the week I thought would NEVER come, I am pulling out one of the old customs some pals and I used to include on our blogs: The Friday Five. And maybe I will continue next Friday and the Friday after next and so on. Who knows.

So without further adieu, The Friday Five:

1. What accessory can you not live without? My wedding ring and my sweet ass watch my hubby gave me

2. What drink best describes your mood right now? Green tea--calm, warm, zenned out

3. What secret talent are you most proud of? Right now that I can french braid my own hair (big time benefit in Oklahoma summer heat!)

4. What do you miss most about childhood? playing Little House on the Prairie with my sister

5. What music are you listening to right now? "Song for Athens" from the Classical Chillout cd

Now it's your turn to answer the same questions!

More Cali for Your Viewing Pleasure

2008-07-28T10:46:00.003-05:00

1. Pfeiffer Beach
2. The view of vineyards outside our room in Sonoma before the Napa bit of the trip.
3. Marc in the vines.
4. One of our winery picnics. Lots of goat cheese!!!
5. Wall of sparkline wine in the Schramsberg caves.

Cali 2008

2008-07-28T10:37:00.005-05:00

I new Napa would be great, but I had no idea Big Sur/Carmel-by-the-Sea/Pacific Grove would be so lovely. It was all prime locations for romance. Believe me. Here are some pics. #1 is of Marc holding up some of the huge kelp that floats up onto the beach. Number 2 is a pic of the house Marc's mom grew up in in Pacific Grove. Why on earth would ANYONE move from that to Oklahoma??? 3 is of the lone cypress tree, which apparently is a very famous image, one that Pebble Beach uses as their official image. It was so serene there. Number 4 is one of the many images along Big Sur as we drove through the 17-mile drive of Pebble Beach. I cannot begin to describe the beauty of this place. Oh and did I mention it was about 59 degrees while we were there??? Heaven!

Another Reason to Love Social Networking Sites

2008-07-16T16:08:00.002-05:00

Last night as I was trying to fix the issues Marc's "surfing" has caused our computer, I logged onto my Facebook account and starting looking up old friends from my past, and whaddya know, but I found my long lost BFF from the old school days!!! I didn't recognize the last name at first, but I gave it a shot, added her as a friend, and lo and behold, it was indeed the same gal.

I'm so totally stoked because we lost touch several years ago, but I've always been curious as to how she was doing, etc. You know how it is when you stop talking to someone with whom you once shared all your secrets and silliness. I cannot wait to find out more about her. The baby she had so many moons ago looks like an adult herself now (from the pics on her page), and you just cannot imagine how old that makes me feel. It also makes me a bit sad for all the years we haven't spoken. Bit of a shame...

Anyway, thanks, Facebook!

A Major Annoyance

2008-07-15T15:06:00.002-05:00

Okay, I don't know if I am the only one who has noticed this, but what the crap is up with dudes riding their motorcycles while resting one of their hands on their thigh? I never remember people doing this, but all of a sudden what I assume to be a fad has exploded, and I rarely see a biker who isn't doing this. Does it make you cooler if you can steer with one hand while chillin with the other on your leg?

Whatever. I think it looks totally lame and sorta pretentious, and everytime I see a dude riding this way, I just wanna reach out my window and yank on his empty handlebar to make him crash. He wouldn't look so cool then, would he.

For Your Workout Playlist Pleasure--click for larger viewing

2008-07-09T17:34:00.001-05:00

Forgive Me For Being Obsessed

2008-07-08T15:43:00.004-05:00

My latest obsession is running. And I know I have been talking about it non-stop, but I haven't for a long time believed I could run 4.5 miles straight without stopping, so I'm a bit full of myself as of late. My goal is to run the half-marathon in next year's OKC Memorial Run in honor of my dad, who used to be a marathon runner. It seems to be with me that once I get on a kick with something, I obsess about it at first until the novelty of it wears off, so just bear with me. I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll be back to whining about other things.

But for the time being can I just say how freaking sore I am??? Even though I have been running for exercise for a few weeks now, I officially started my training regimen yesterday, and Mondays are strength and stretching--a non-running day. The actual exercises were no big thing, or so I thought at the time. When I got out of bed, I just about fell out of bed. So now I am all concerned that I will not be able to run well tonight, as I am scheduled to run 3 miles (even though I now know I can run more and probably will, that is the amount listed on my novice training schedule). And knowing how competitive I am, failing at a task just isn't in the game plan for me.

I'm also trying to eat bigger lunches, as the granola bar and fruit just isn't cutting it. So today I had a Subway turkey sammy and some baked Lays. Hope that gets me through. I ate a hard boiled egg for breakfast, and for dinner, I think we're having some kind of indian food with chicken in it.

Did I mention my super-fab playlist I created for my iPod? Dang man, it kept me pumped up for the entire run the other night--it is so good, and yes, I am bragging.
And it's so eclectic that it keeps me guessing and on my toes the entire run.

So there you have it. A day in the life of an OCDer. Speaking of, did I mention that I got laughed at during my lunch today because I have to separate the broken chips from the whole ones before I can eat them? I just cannot bear to eat the nice full ones before the little shards and broken bits are gone!

Quit laughing, moron.

I'm Back (for now, at least!)

2008-07-07T10:54:00.003-05:00

We returned from our conference this past week, and now I'm back to the daily grind until we leave for Napa in a couple of weeks. Then the vacation season will start coming to a close, and honestly, I'm kind of thankful. I am about vacationed out. But here are a few pics from NECC 2008, San Antonio, TX:

Sunscreen, Floppy Hats, and Books

2008-06-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Well I and the fam leave tonight for Dauphin Island, AL, and we are all about to crap our pants with excitement (nice, huh). This is by far the most relaxing vacations of all the ones we take just because once we get there, it's nothing but sleeping, reading, drinking delicious tropical fruity drinks, swimming (this year in a pool OR the ocean), playing cards, and more reading. I usually get up and do some yoga or walk the beach just to try to burn off some of the alcohol I consume, but then the rest of the day is just a slug fest, and I cannot wait.

Marc and I spend one day in New Orleans (about a 2 hr drive from the island), which is super fun and nice to get away from everyone. And I'm looking forward to buying shrimp right off the boat and making delish po' boys for lunch. GOD--just thinking about it makes me hungry. And yes, we will be driving through good ole Bayou La Batre on the way in (remember Bubba Gump?). It's my favorite part because I get on the walkie-talkie and talk like Bubba to everyone in our caravan. Everyone pretty much tolerates it now, seeing how I've done it every year since I've been a part of this family--8 years now. But I'm a dork, and they love me, so whatever.

Anyway, I will have my laptop (the beach house has wi-fi!) and multiple cameras, so I plan on uploading some pics to make you jealous. Cuz wouldn't you rather be lying in the sand listening to the surf? Sure you would.

2 Drunk 2 B Blogging

2008-06-03T20:45:00.005-05:00

Finished our conference today, and it was a hit--truly. I'm so excited that we had so few hiccups and that we had a great turnout and that the evals are EXCELLENT so far. So now I'm home with Hell's Kitchen on in the background (just isn't the same to watch when el Marco isn't here to share it with--he trekked up to Tulsa for the day) trying to sober up enough to hop on the treadmill for a 30 minute jog before showering and hitting they hay. After all, I have been at work since nearly 6am, and this little lass is plumb tuckered out. But I'm also running on some serious adrenaline, so my body isn't yet ready to call it a night.

Oh did I mention that during our family (Marc, Me, Mags) road trip to South Dakota this summer that I am going to get to camp on the actual prairie that Little House on the Prairie started out on? And I'm gonna get to tour one of the Little Houses that Pa built? Yep. Just found out that little ditty today via text via Marc. Yeah, I was sitting in a session on library resources when he alerted me to this fantastic fact that it only costs 10 bones per night to sleep on the very earth that little Laura chased Jack, the ever trusty brindle bulldog. Seeing how I have been a fan of the LHOTP series since about, oh, AGE ZERO, you can understand how excited this gal is.

But don't worry. I will take lots of pictures and post them all. Every last one. And then I'll chain you to your office chair and make you look. At every last one.

Hanging in There

2008-05-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

You know, I've been doing pretty well lately. Work has been busy but productive, and now I have this rockin' team of awesome trainers and crazy hard workers--I love love love them! I've been working out pretty steadily too, gearing up for summer (aka bathing suit season--UGH.), so that keeps me in a decent mood. Found out my sister is pregnant again, and the only thing bad about that is she is due during the Christmas season, which is when we were supposed to be on our European vacay. Hmmm..that's gonna take some maneuvering, much to Marc's chagrin.

For our birthdays, Marc's sister got us a Wii Fit, and we're gonna try to pick it up soon, so I can start beating Marc's ass in hula hooping. Naked style. Cuz that's the only way Marc plays Wii. So I guess I will have to join in. God, that is one image even I don't wanna see.

ANYWAY, have I mentioned yet that we got tickets to the Tom Waits concert in Tulsa? Well, we did, to the tune of 200 bucks! If he hadn't been on Marc's list of "must see before I die," no way would I have shelled out that kind of money for a freakin concert. But, Marc did sit through an entire season of OKC Philharmonic performances just so I could have great seats when Yo-Yo Ma came to town, so I guess I kinda owe him one. Either way, I'm excited too because the dude is so weird and his music is so unique that I know this will be a performance I'll not soon forget. And he played Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula, so how could anyone NOT love the fella?

Dooce.com--My Effing Hero

2008-05-13T08:02:00.003-05:00

Okay, I just read an article on how Dooce.com generates over 40K PER MONTH in ad revenue. WTF!!!! Where can I get a piece of this action??? Wait--I guess I'm not nearly witty or self-effacing enough to bring in that kind of cashola, am I. No, didn't think so.

WHO THE EFF CARES--I'm gonna try anyway. Google Ads, here comes momma. Now show me the money.

Extreme Hookup on Mother's Day Gifts!

2008-05-01T08:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but this year's Mother's Day is GUARANTEED to be a success for BOTH mothers in my family. Last night, DD, JP, and I trekked over to the glass blowing studio of the wonderfully talented, Mr. Andy Boatman, and I found 2 beautiful gifts (which I will not describe here, lest the moms somehow get wind of it) for both my mom and Marc's.

Sooo, if you are frantically searching at the last minute for something unique, lovely, and handmade, look no further than Blue Sage Studios. Andy has a ton of one of a kind pieces, and he will be at the Edmond Arts Festival this weekend, so stop by and see the man! Or, if you are unable to attend (or live in Seattle--ROSE!!! :)), check out his Google Base site, where you can purchase items online. You won't be disappointed. The man's got skillz. Yeah, with a Z.

Do Races and Smoking REALLY Go Together?

2008-04-30T10:16:00.002-05:00

I wish I had a picture of it just so you would really believe that I'm not making this up, but during Sunday's Memorial Marathon, we passed a woman who was participating in the 5K walk, and honest to God, she lit up and proceeded to smoke the crap out of a cigarette DURING the actual walk. What the eff??? What kind of message does that convey to the young kids who were also participating? What kind of message does that convey to the other adult walkers, for God's sake? Lord, it was pathetic, and I wanted so badly to walk over to her and rip her cancer stick right out of her mouth.

In Need of Copious Amounts of Liquor...

2008-04-24T16:05:00.002-05:00

...or something because this day has just been whack. I've been restless and agitated all day--not at any one person, just at having to actually work while my husband plays at the Arts Festival. And at having to do it in an environment with no air conditioning. As it stands, my office is 78, and that's a little too warm. So I have my fan blowing underneath my desk up my dress so I don't get all sweaty--nice image, huh.

I am leaving in a few to teach one of my last classes for the rest of the year. 3 more sessions to go, and I'm done at least until next January, if not forever. And now that my attitude has gone down the crapper, so has my teaching. I'm just ready to be done. I haven't taken a break from it since I started adjuncting, and it's time. God, is it ever!

So tomorrow we go to Marc's sister's for wine and apps in the evening to talk about our Napa trip in July, and then Saturday I go pick up my race packet and have lunch with the fam to celebrate my bday. Yeah, I'm riding this one out! It'll be interesting to report on how things go, seeing how the race starts at 6:40am on Sunday. Dude--I don't rise and shine til at least 8:30am on weekends--obviously the planning committee didn't get the memo on that one...

Every Girl's Dream

2008-04-22T08:26:00.003-05:00

As I walked the treadmill last night (yes, I'm "training" for the 5k this weekend), I watched back-to-back reruns of "Little People, Big World" (as you should know, one of my favorite shows), and one of the episodes showed Amy getting her new environmentally friendly sweet-ass washer and dryer. Now I'm just saying, but I really believe every woman, even if she detests doing laundry, would LOVE to have a brand new, crazy awesome washer and dryer, one that has all the cool steam dry features and everything else I probably am not even aware of.

As it stands, I'm using a mismatched set I've had since grad school, and while they work just fine, they don't have all the options I long for when my bras get snagged and the delicate cycle proves to be not so delicate. So in watching Amy organize all her cleaning supplies between the 2 machines, my hypothesis was proven as I watched her smiling and acting as if she had just been given a 10 carat diamond ring. Man, maybe I should sell out my life to the TV so I can afford new appliances. I mean, after all, who WOULDN'T like to watch me lying around in my pj's at 5:30 while my dog snores on the floor, and my husband plays Wii in his underwear? What could be more educational and entertaining than that???

Another Year Gone By

2008-04-16T16:49:00.002-05:00

Today marks the final day of my life as a 31-year-old. I've not had too much time to think about it, since work was pretty rockin from the time I walked in the door until I left. But I did have a chance to ponder the inevitability of getting old as I walked up the 4 flights of stairs after adding Disability and Cancer insurances to my name; this is the first time for either, and it's just one more reminder that little Icey here isn't getting any younger. I am realizing, though, that I'm minding the whole aging process less and less as time goes on--go figure (except, that is, for the whole wrinkles bit). I guess it's the whole process of self-discovery and affirmation that I've been experiencing since making my way into my 30's that has made this such a good couple of years. It has absolutely been a wonderful experience; I am finding out more about who I am every day, and you know what? I DIG who I am. Yeah, I have my moments of bitchiness and overall ogre-like behavior, but for the most part, I really turned out to be a decent human being. I was just thinking today how even after all these years have past since my mom and dad raised me to do things like using "ma'am" and "sir", I still say them, and I really put into serious practice the whole being respectful of others business (at least until I get off the phone with 'em! hehehe). And I really look forward to one day--if Marc and I are blessed with a munchkin Julian--being able to raise up a child in the same manner. Because God knows how quickly our society is going down the crapper and needs some law-abiding, respectful citizens!

So here's to another year of growing up, experiencing all the joys and learning from all the difficulties. Here's to always facing adversity with courage and acknowledging success and accomplishments with a humble spirit.

Now 32 years old, come and get me!

It's Official--Yukon is Indeed a Real City

2008-04-15T18:13:00.003-05:00

Yeah, you heard it here first (well, maybe not first, but you DID hear it here!): Yukon can now be counted as a real, official, grown-up city: we are getting a Target. Granted, it's not a SuperTarget, but it will still have a clothing dept and it will still have all the cute knick knacks for my house, etc. so it's good enough for me. Marc almost wrecked the new car yesterday when I started freaking out and pointing at the sign--wouldn't that have just been lovely. We barely own the car, and it was almost wrecked. Nice.

Anyhoo, I'm super stoked and am counting down until October gets here and I can drive just down the road to blow my paycheck at my beloved Tarzhay.

Is Anyone Else SOOO Ready for Sundresses?

2008-04-10T08:09:00.005-05:00

I can hardly wait! I just bought a few, and they're on their way to my house as I write this, so now all I need is the appropriate weather in which to wear them. So, come on Jonathan Conder, show me the money!!!

So anyway, I am recuperating pretty well from last week's drama, and my cheek is hardly bruised anymore. I'm just so nervous it's going to happen again; every time I start feeling a bit weak, my mind automatically starts freaking out that I'm gonna collapse again into seizures and vomiting. But that old saying that your momma always told you growing up--"Always make sure you have clean panties on!"--is SOOOO true. And you can bet your a** it's the first thing I focus on every single morning now! Especially since when the attack happened, of course I was wearing a skirt. So who knows what kind of coochie show I gave to the shoppers/staff of Target that day. I may just have made some poor little nerd's day--who knows.

Anyway, I have an eye exam tomorrow to renew my contact lens/glasses prescriptions. I'm planning on getting some of those Transitions lenses so that I don't have to buy a regular pair of glasses AND a prescription pair of sunglasses, unless they end up costing me an arm and a leg. But hey--it is my birthday next week (hint hint), so maybe I'll just treat myself! Yeah, that's EXACTLY what I'm gonna do. As if I don't spoil myself already...

Need Some Excitement in Life? Have a Seizure.

2008-04-05T11:39:00.003-05:00

Which is apparently just what I did this past Wednesday during my lunchtime excursion to Target to pick up some snackety snacks for the office and some towels for my bathroom. As if I wasn't dramatic enough...I have to go and pull a stunt that lands me in the ER. Nice. So this is how I remember it...

I was walking past the wall of cool kitchen gadgets when my eyesight started acting kind of weird, and I started feeling as if my blood sugar had a sudden and serious drop. I couldn't really focus on one gadget, so I tried to slow down trying to look at all the different tools. I made my way over to the snack aisle, and the last thing I remember after trying to really focus on certain objects (b/c the eyesight was still acting up on me) was tossing a box of snack pack Teddy Grahams into my basket. The next thing I know, I'm strapped down to a board with a neck brace on in the ambulance, and I'm answering the question as to who is the president. What the eff!!!

The ER doc says I had a grand mal seizure, and the neurologist I saw Thursday after the event seems to think it was due to a medication my regular doctor had me on. Hmm. Some others think it was due to stress, but honestly, I haven't been under any more stress than usual, and that day was actually quite light. Who knows. All I know is now I have a terrible bruise on my back, my right cheekbone hit something on the way down and now I'm hoping it won't bruise as bad as I think it might, my tongue is all chewed up from getting caught under my teeth during the event, my right hand is all bruised up, my face is all puffy, my entire body is stiff and as sore as if I had done an intensive 2-hr power yoga session, and my head won't stop hurting.

You know, I'm all about new and exciting things happening in my life, but uh, I don't think I ever recall saying "man, I think it would kick ASS to have a seizure!" Because let me just tell you--it DOESN'T. It was scary as hell (the parts I can even remember), and I don't like having to hear from the Target mgr. that when the lady 2 aisles over heard the loud crash and found me, I was shaking violently and vomiting on the floor. Thank God, though, I didn't lose control of my bladder, which I kept getting asked while in the ER. I guess that's a common occurrence? Either way, let's hope that was the LAST seizure in this girl's life. Way too much drama for me.

Here's a Few More to End With

2008-03-27T10:08:00.003-05:00

1. Ottoman band performing outside the Military Museum

2. Another view of the ancient walls of Istanbul
3. A candid with the Bosphorus in the background

4. Entrance to Topkapi Palace
5. Another view of the Bosphorus with the European side in the background and one of the bridges that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul

Part 4!

2008-03-27T09:55:00.004-05:00

1. A windblown, cold me in front of Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

2. Uncovered Christian image in Hagia Sophia
3. Riding the gondola on top of the hill at Pierre Loti in Istanbul
4. Public park on the Asian side of Istanbul

5. A portion of the ancient walls surrounding Istanbul

Pics Part 3

2008-03-27T09:45:00.002-05:00

1. Theater of Aspendos in Antalya

2. Some Roman acqueducts in countryside of Antalya
3. A portion of Hadrian's gate in Antalya

4. A VERY small portion of the inside of Hagia Sophia
5. The outside of Hagia Sophia

Pics Part 2

2008-03-27T09:28:00.002-05:00

1. They REALLY wanted to sell us carpets.

2. Cheesing amidst ruins at Ephesus--cuz that's what I do.
3. The main road at Ephesus leading through the former store fronts.

4. The theater at Ephesus
5. Temple of Apollo and me