wednesday night vandal. November 6, 2009

I learned an expensive lesson.

Thursdays I have morning meetings outside the office so I was eager to get to my meetings and get the day started.  When approaching my car I saw a lot of glass on the ground.  I then found that a cinder-block sitting on my passenger seat from being thrown in threw the driver side window.  In panic, I realized I didn’t have my purse in my bag and it wasn’t in my apartment,  I had forgotten it in my car the night before, it was stolen.  As far as cash is concerend I normally only carry a $2 bill my Grandmother gave me a few holidays ago. I keep it around and think of her every time I get out my wallet, you can use debit cards for just about everything.  The only items of value that were stolen included, my purse (a purse I’ve wanted for a really long time that “Santa” got for me last year) and everything  inside it.  Nothing else was taken, not the Garmin, not the ipod accessories, just the purse.

Here is a photo of how my day started…

on my way to the car

The building my parking space is next to is a little garage to the neighbors house…I hate the fact that people can walk through there, though, it’s not a high traffic area.

lack of a window

Apparently, as I was told by the police officer, cinder-blocks are too “porous” to get finger prints off so we can’t find the person who did it by that way investigation.

the cinder-block

As the cinder-block made it’s way to the passenger seat it ripped a big gash out of the driver seat and marked up the doors with scratches.

drivers side

The good news about this story is, I got my purse back.  The police called me yesterday around 2pm letting me know they had my purse.  Some lady was getting gas, emptied her trash from her car and found my purse in the garbage can. The people who did this, were only looking for cash, everything was still in contact, with the only thing missing–my $2 bill. My purse now sports a circle of ash from whatever they were smoking, but I’m glad to have it back.

Here’s my advice.

1. don’t leave your purse in your car. ever.
2. don’t vandalize other persons property.
3. don’t steal, it’s not nice, and it’s not fair to the person you vandalized and stole from, with deductibles, hours missed from work, and fees for replacing cards, it gets expensive.

With a grand total of $2100 worth of damage…I sure hope the $2 bill was worth it.

Happy Howl-Ween! October 31, 2009

You should really feel bad for Meiko for a few reasons…

1. Rob and I torture Meiko by dressing her up, and by “Rob and I”–I really mean, I dress her up.

2. We (I) dressed Meiko up for Halloween, again.

3. Our big plans of dressing Meiko up as a shark this year fell short. We are on a tight budget, you know, since we’re getting married.  Leaving Meiko to wear  her costume from last year instead of getting a new one.

4. She still doesn’t like being a bee, as you can see.

Beeeeee happy Meeks!

unbuzzed.

I wonder if next  year she’ll like the bee costume.  The third time’s a charm, right?  If I was a betting woman, I would say the chances of that are slim to none.

an upgrade to the chapel. October 29, 2009

As much as I’d like to keep our wonderful engagement photos up as the main post, I must move on.

Remember this post? Well, there have been many changes in the wedding plans.   We will now be getting married in the beautiful cathedral of St. Augustine in Kalamazoo.   Our “small” wedding has out grown  Bukowski Chapel at Aquinas College.  While getting married on the Campus where we met was really important to us, we chose having family and friends be there with us was more important.  I must admit I’m excited about being able to walk more than 5 steps down the aisle towards the man I’m about to marry!

Take a look at this beauty!!

St. Augustine-photo by the diocese

and… the inside

-inside-

There are other changes, one post at a time friends, one post at a time.

Engagement Photos! October 20, 2009

A couple weekends ago while we were in Grand Rapids for a wedding we met up with our photographer Genevieve McKeiver to take our engagement photos.  We had so much fun with Gen-she made us feel so comfortable! These are a few of  the photos she put up on her blog–thought I should share, too!

All photos in this post were taken by the amazing Gen! If you’re in need of a fantastic  photographer please check out her other work, shoot her an email, she is wonderful to work with!

–One2Flush– September 26, 2009

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one out there that is more conscious of where my money is going.  I’ve changed my light bulbs to the new compact florescent bulbs, been aware of the air conditioner/heater running and made sure I’m only washing clothing that is dirty.  Guess what, now I can even save money when I flush my toilet!

This amazing little mechanism was really easy to install. I’m no plumber, One2Flush really made this installation process fool proof.  There’s instruction photos on the box, a list of step by step instructions, AND this  YouTube Video for  visual step by step instructions. When I see a list of instructions I tend to put that project on the back burner so I’m really glad there was a video.  The packaging also puts photos of the exact tools I needed, again, much better than a list of tool names. I would  suggest an entire roll of paper towel, spray cleaner, and gloves if you have a 25+ year old toilet, like I do.  It’s pretty icky in the tank!

draining the remaining water in the tank with a sponge--don't you like my gloves?

The hardest part for me was step 3.  You have to “remove the old seal, unscrew the large nut at base of old valve.” The plumber screwed mine on really tight, so tight that I had to make a quick run to the hardware store for a new channel lock wrench because the one I had didn’t have enough teeth (grip) to it.  This step takes a little more elbow grease than anticipated, however; after I got that last piece out of the tank it was smooth sailing for installation. As you can see, the 25+ year old toilet had some icky residue.

goodbye grossness--these were the parts from inside my porcelain throne

Here is my One2Flush installed, I have a clean tank now. :) My total installation time of the One2Flush was about 5 minutes.  It took longer to disassemble, clean my nasty tank, and remove the old crumbling parts than expected, but my toilet is ancient and clearly hasn’t had the inside cleaned since 1985.

this is what's inside the tank now

Notice, in the photo below, the nice little stickers above the flush handle that were included to help educate my guests when they need to “go.” All they’ll need to do (as stated in the display card also given to me) is push the handle one way for “one,” the other way for the “other.”

Happy Toilet.

With the One2Flush, I’ll be saving at least 420 gallons of water a month!!!  Before, I was flushing 3.5 gallons every time I went to the bathroom.  Now, I flush about 1.5 gallons when I go #1, and about 3 gallons when I go #2. I’m saving water and I’m no longer flushing money down the toilet…pun intended.

You can save money and water, too. Click Here!

dresses for the ‘maids. September 13, 2009

From day one I wanted my three bridesmaids(my sister, and two future sister in laws) each in their own color, green, pink, and yellow. So  originally I had them in this dress.

Dress Number One.

I thought they would be perfect, they even had little pockets. We then changed the dress to the style below because it had straps.  That way my ‘maids could dance their little hearts out without worrying about flashing the guests.

Dress Number 2.

I really didn’t looove the dress, but my sister felt more comfortable in it because of the straps.  I thought both were rather plain and since they’re from Davids Bridal I felt that tons of other weddings would look like mine.  Let’s be honest, every bride wants to have a unique wedding and I’m no exception. The thought of having the dresses from DB was appealing because almost any good sized city has a store, the girls could easily go in try the dresses on and badaboom – badabing bridesmaid dress and they’re on their way without much effort. :)

I’ve been on a rampage of Internet searching for the perfect dress. I wanted the girls in a fun and flirty little number that would incorporate my three colors all together. Something that had a nice skirtpart and had full straps. I didn’t think that was a lot to ask for?!  Well, after searching high and low I found the dress for my ‘maids at Anthropologie.com.  I then went with my friend Frances to the local Anthropologie store to see how the dresses looked in person, and what do you know, they were PERFECT!  They will all be wearing the same color dress but will have their own color sash.  A nice way to incorporate my colors without going overboard.  You’ll have to wait to see what the dresses look like until after the wedding in June. They are just too cute to display right now.  :)

the ‘bees September 9, 2009

24 years ago I was named after my Great Grandmother Beatrice. Her nickname was Honey Bee, my Grandmothers is Queen Bee and I’m, well, Worker Bee.  Fitting, I know.

This past weekend while I was home my parents had a little gold box waiting for me.  The box was from my Grandmother containing a crystal necklace and earrings.

Bea's Necklace and Earrings.

The jewelry was a wedding present to my Great Grandmother Bea from my Great Grandfather Mac.  It was then given to my Grandmother, who thinks I should wear it on my wedding day, to Rob….I couldn’t agree more!  I’m so honored to wear [another] piece of jewelry that has such a history of love behind it.  I don’t get to keep it, so I suppose I’m starting my collection of “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”

Here is a photo of my Great Grandmother Bea on her wedding day.

Bea---Be Wed.

Isn’t she amazing?! I hope to one day be able to throw a party like the ones I’ve heard she threw, or to be willing to wear wrist cuffs and a big hat on my wedding day.  I’ll be finding some different earrings for the big day, as beautiful as they are, they are just too heavy for my little lobes.  I’m open to suggestions!

Worker Bee, out.

I turn my camera on. August 24, 2009

A couple weeks ago when I was back in the ‘Zoo visiting with the best photographers ever, YourGameFace.  They were showing me some cool photos they took and I was curious to know what they had done in Photoshop to make their images look so great.   They sure fooled me!  There is actually a really awesome application for your iPhone, called CameraBag.  For $1.99 you can put a choice filter on a photo you took with you iPhone or photo you’ve uploaded to your phone from your camera.

Before.

The photo above is the before photo taken with my phone of Meiko laying on the sofa Saturday afternoon looking at me like I need to get a life and stop taking photos of her.  I’m baffled by how she is comfortable in that position. Just look at her front left leg…

After.

Here is the after.  The filter I used is called Helga, other filters include a fisheye lens, black and white, 1962,1974, magazine, etc.  There is no limit as to how many filters you want to overlay each other.  I didn’t do anything except import this image into my application and choose a filter, no cropping, no changing levels, nothing.  Now you know my secret to great photos….starting now, I turn my camera on.

Mackinac Island. July 17, 2009

This morning I was welcomed by a nice little email located in my inbox when I arrived to work.

It stated, “____, _____, _____, and I are planning a trip to Mackinac Island this Sunday. Would you have an interest in joining us? I only have one seat available due to weight limitations at Mackinac Island Airport. We would depart between 7-8 am and return about 5 pm. Approximately 1.25 hour flight. We will ride bikes around the islands 8 mile blacktop shore trail, view Victorian homes and gardens, and eat at the Grand Hotel.”

That’s the whole email.  Clear, direct, and to the point.

I, of course, have high interest in attending, thank you. So, that’s what I get to do on Sunday, take the King Air for a nice little day trip to walk the gardens and ride bikes…

Mackinac Island

I feel like I should dress in searsucker and play a little croquet, too.

workin’ like a dog. July 15, 2009

I don’t know if Meiko would consider this a treat or a torture, she came to work with me today.

meiko working.

Last night she decided a great chew toy would be my pepper spray bottle that fell on the ground after the hook fell off the wall.  Turns out, it wasn’t such a great idea.  I had no idea what she had gotten into at the time.  I looked over and she is sneezing, licking her face constantly, her face is all red, and she won’t let me open her mouth….I thought maybe she chased a bee or spider and ate it.  After a few minutes of hysteria I looked around the apartment and found the pepper spray bottle chewed apart.

She probably could have stayed home today, since dogs aren’t allowed by the landlord for the office building, but I wanted to make sure she was comfortable and not alone in her crate all day. Spoiled, I think so.

Joel Time. July 14, 2009

This week, it’s just me and Meiko.

Robbie went to the outer banks with our friend–Robbies best man, Joel on Sunday night to have a nice little summer vacation. What I wouldn’t do to have a few more vacation days available to join them on this trip.

Joel was in MI for a friends wedding and stopped by my parents house to pick Robbie up on their road trip.  Here is our cute family photo before it was time to part ways…

Family Photo

We’re only having family in our bridal party with the exception of Joel, though he is pretty much is part of the family.  Joel goes on family vacations with us, has been to multiple weddings with us, walks right into my parents house without knocking, goes out of his way for people, and best of all gives great hugs.  Hope you boys have fun this week!

Meiko love. July 1, 2009

Meiko Meiko Meiko.  Golly, I miss that dog.  This past weekend we ventured to my parents house to do some wedding planning and to see my awesome old bosses, now friends at YourGameFace.

Because I had to work on Monday morning and Robbie caught the flu, making it unbearable to ride in the car for 5 hours, I left him with my parents for the week while I came back to the real world, to work.  I know I’ve mentioned it before, Meiko and my moms dog, Jack are best buddies.  Meiko will chase him around the yard for hours and since Robbie wasn’t coming back with me I left Meiko with him at my parents house.  It would be more fun for her anyways.  Rather than sitting in her crate all day, she’s had the luxury to lounge on the sofa, play with Jack and just enjoy her week.

Here is a photo of Meiko being a great sick buddy to Robbie while he sleeps to get better….adorable.

meiko rolled up comforting robbie.

I forgot how lonely it is now that I don’t have her to snuggle up with, take on walks, etc.  I can’t wait for tomorrow night when I will be welcomed by her little dance of excitement when I walk through the door…well I hope I’m welcomed with the excitement and kisses!

trying to chew off an eyeball of the camel...

I of course miss Robbie, too.

my new friend. June 29, 2009

Let me introduce you to my new friend.

The house turned apartment that I live in is located between two lakes.  We all know that with standing water comes bugs and where bugs play spiders stay. When dusk enters every night the spiders make their way out of every crevice of the roof, under the porch, etc. to get ready for the feast.  Each spider has the same location every night.  This particulary extra large one likes right by my kitchen table where the light shines, attracting the bugs.

mr. spider

As you can see from the photo this 8 legged creepy crawler is about 3/4 of the size of my index finger…you don’t have to look too close to find there are more in the background.  I went around to each window to count how many spiders there were, at each window I counted at least 20.  Apparently the spiders will be washed away by my landlord as soon as he finds a hose long enough, until then at least I won’t have any bug bites!

and we’re off! June 5, 2009

After my last post, nothing has deemed important enough to share! How do you follow up and engagement post?

I know, I know…. I said I wasn’t going to blog too much about the wedding process, but honestly that might be harder than I thought, since it’s consuming any and all of my free time.  Thankfully I have a very talented wedding planner, my mother.  Between everyone’s ideas she’ll make it happen beautifully!

So far we’ve got the date set… June 19th, 2010.

Bukowski Chapel-Aquinas College

The Chapel is booked.

reception site...

The reception site held, my parents house on the lake.

fianceed couple.

And a great man to walk away with at the end of the night. I think we’re off to a really great start.

I have a new favorite quote, it goes like this…

“Being engaged is easy, you’re doing all the work.” Said by my great fiancé.  Which is true, I am doing most of the work right now, making phone calls and doing research but trust me, he’ll have his fair share in wedding planning…

Miss. —> Mrs. May 26, 2009

If my biggest dilemma right now is that it’s way too difficult to take a photo of an engagement ring, I think I’m doing just fine…

day after the proposal

I’m engaged to a wonderful, smart, handsome man.  I can’t wait to spend every day from here on out as the happiest days of our lives together.

Rob got down on one knee Saturday night with his grandmothers engagement/wedding band and asked me a simple question.  I’m so honored to have this ring.  It’s an heirloom representing love over many decades.

the ring. :)

I’m going to try super hard not to blog about the whole process because I want there to be an element of surprise for my guests. So, that’s good news,  in a year there will be lots of posts!

New table. May 26, 2009

When my mom came up a couple weekends ago for my dance recital, she took back happy memories and my kitchen table.  To be fair, she did say she wanted it back, eventually.  She gave it to me two years ago when I moved into my tiny little studio apartment and has since traveled to the three additional apartments I’ve moved to…I think it’s time to stop moving! Anyways, she said she wanted it back for her front porch, where she has tons of furniture already but no table.  Just like that it was in her car making its way back to southwest Michigan.   Ideally I would’ve liked to have purchased a used one and fix it up.  After 5 thrift stores, 2 furniture stores and 1 garage sale on Saturday with no luck I got in my car and drove the 2 hours to IKEA, where I found this little lovely piece.

new table

The criteria for my table included it to be, small, white, small, small, and small.  I don’t have a dining room or for that matter much room between the kitchen wall and the living room.  The table is shown with both side up, if I’m feeling over crowded I can fold one half down,  so this little beauty is just perfect, plus it’s small and white.

I have two chairs like the one pictured, that I painted and reupholstered from an ugly brown flower fabric. The second one sits in the basement until I feel like fixing the seat the fell out!  I do like the yellow stool.  It adds a little  informal touch to the dining area.

dance-tastic. May 17, 2009

Performing in 5 dances, three ballet-one lyrical-one hip hop, with bruised toe nails, swollen feet, and an exhausted body later–I’d say it was a successful recital weekend.

my flowers!

I’m so apprecative of the all the people who came to watch! Thanks to all who sat through the show.  It really means a lot to me.  Much love to my mom who made the 5+ hour drive to repay her dues for missing a few recitals when I was a little girl.  I think her debts are  all taken care of.  

soaking feet.

I toted in my pan from home to have an ice bath for my feet in, before and after each show…I’ve never had such sore feet like this before.  I’m not going to post a close up photo of my big toes, it’s not a pretty sight.

 

jai ho costumes

My solo turned into a quartet, which was fine by me.  My creative juices weren’t flowing and it turns our choreographing with three others is amazingly fast.  We started on Tuesday and finished Friday afternoon, just in time for the big show on Saturday and Sunday.  In addition to choreographing I had three more costumes to make (for the quartet) and altering of the bazillion costumes I made, not to mention  two dress rehearsals making for one busy week.  I’ll have photos soon of all the costumes I created.  For now, it’s time to rest and prepare for the next recital…in August.

New Ride. May 14, 2009

new car!

Monday after work I picked up my new (to me) car.  After dealing with scumbags at other dealerships I was rescued by Joel at Zimbrick who found me this great car.  Happy driver here.

Hyundai Tucson

Welcome to WI! May 13, 2009

Monday morning I officially became a resident of WI.  I had to sadly hand over my MI drivers license.  After waiting two years, a staple though my Michagan face was all it took and just like that, welcome to Wisconsin!

Not too bad, eh?

Welcome to WI.

Done and Done. May 7, 2009

Thursday May 7th goes down in history as a great day.

I have all sewing projects completed. (WAHOOOOOOO!)

and…

The stress of purchasing a car is off of me.  On Monday, after my weekend visit to Kalamazoo to get the Title of “Little Blue” I’ll hand it over to Zimbrick. In turn they’ll hand me keys to a Hyundai Tucson.  I never thought that would be the car for me, however it meets all my requirements and more!

Because I’m in a list kind of mood…

• it runs (check yes)
• is an automatic SUV (I like to sit up high to see whats going on) (check yes)
• is under $14k (check yes-yes)
• has less than 60k miles on it (check yes! only 40k)
• a 2005 or greater year model (check yes)
• isn’t a kia (check yes)
• has seat warmers
• sunroof
• automatic starter
• brand new tires
• a great warranty
• I didn’t feel pressured or talked into this car, it was a real pleasant experience.  I take back the post titled “simple math” I wrote that in furry about the last dealership I was working with.  I have nothing but kind words to say about the dealership I worked with this past week to make this happen.
  

So, there’s that. I guess I have time again to do whatever it is I do.