Monday, August 28, 2006
Caitlyn Finally Changes a Diaper
Though not a poopy one, the diaper Caitlyn changed this weekend has moved up her status as aunt. We had a really nice time.
Friday, August 25, 2006
David Hasselhof Disclaimer
I feel a little bad that there are now people in the world who actually think that Caitlyn likes David Hasselhof. If you are one of them, kindly scroll down to the entry covered in David Hasselhof posters and look at the bottom of the post where it says, "Posted by: ..."
Sneaky, huh.
More likely Caitlyn has Brazilian paintings decorating her wall.
Sneaky, huh.
More likely Caitlyn has Brazilian paintings decorating her wall.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
The Downpour and the Cheesecake
I learned a valuable life lesson today. I suppose there are subtle things that you learn about life when you become a sans-car commuter. This morning I woke up to the sound of a plane crashing into my apartment, but it turned out it was just an intense clap of thunder. It poured and thundered without stopping for hours. Last Sunday was Colleen and my housewarming party which left our home very warm and our fridge very full! Among other things we had 1.5 cheesecakes remaining and I vowed last night to take a cheesecake to work today to share with my team.
The warning signs were there as I planned out how to tuck the umbrella into the crook of my neck to be able to lock the door with one hand while holding the cheesecake in the other. They got stronger as I struggled through the turnstyle at the "El" train stop with the cheesecake, umbrella, and shoulder bag that wouldn't turn itself sideways to slide nicely through. By the time I sat down on the train and began arranging my bag, my purse, myself, the umbrella, and the cheesecake balanced on top of it all, I had decided that today was probably not the day to tote a cheesecake.
At my exit stop, I panicked momentarily as I noticed that the revolving gate that I normally pass through to exit likely would be too small to go through with the umbrella open. Immediately after, I noticed that a foot beyond the revolving gate was a solid wall of water falling from the gutter. I looked at the cheesecake, then at the umbrella and turned around to try my luck at the reverse turnstyle.
Once outside, I began walking my .4 miles to work and in about 2 steps, remembered that flip flops are also not a good idea in the rain. As I slipped and slided inside my shoes I silently prayed to the raingods that they please not let me fall, and PLEASE not let me drop the cheesecake. Not that I really cared about the cheesecake at that point, in fact I was beginning to get bitter about how my colleagues better appreciate the stupid thing, but to drop a cheesecake in the middle of the sidewalk in downtown Chicago would be so humiliating! You either have to be the tool that makes a big fuss about cleaning it up, or the tool who quickly looks around and keeps on walking like nothing happened--cheeks burning with the shame of not only dropping a cheesecake, but LEAVING IT THERE for someone else to step in.
I did not drop the cheesecake. I did learn that streets and alleys in Chicago can become treacherous flash flood danger zones with the slightest sprinkle of rain, not to mention the downpour that occurred this morning. There were literally WAVES lapping the center line of the road, and with the water well over the curb, it was a good 7.5 foot leap to clear the ankle-deep "puddle." I was about to attempt the world's longest standing long jump, but decided that it was too risky with the umbrella, the bag, the purse, and the cheesecake attached to me. I waded in, dismissing bitterly the galoshes I had been toying with purchasing and opting instead for the fly-fishing-river-wading-come-up-to-your-belly-button pants.
I arrived at work wet and annoyed but with a fully intact cheesecake.
Never again.
Next rain I'm going to be the one with nothing but an umbrella who sits on the train smirking at the people carrying cheesecakes around.
PS- I accept housewarming gifts in the form of vegetable peelers, liquid measuring cups, and fly-fishing-river-wading-come-up-to-your-belly-button pants.
The warning signs were there as I planned out how to tuck the umbrella into the crook of my neck to be able to lock the door with one hand while holding the cheesecake in the other. They got stronger as I struggled through the turnstyle at the "El" train stop with the cheesecake, umbrella, and shoulder bag that wouldn't turn itself sideways to slide nicely through. By the time I sat down on the train and began arranging my bag, my purse, myself, the umbrella, and the cheesecake balanced on top of it all, I had decided that today was probably not the day to tote a cheesecake.
At my exit stop, I panicked momentarily as I noticed that the revolving gate that I normally pass through to exit likely would be too small to go through with the umbrella open. Immediately after, I noticed that a foot beyond the revolving gate was a solid wall of water falling from the gutter. I looked at the cheesecake, then at the umbrella and turned around to try my luck at the reverse turnstyle.
Once outside, I began walking my .4 miles to work and in about 2 steps, remembered that flip flops are also not a good idea in the rain. As I slipped and slided inside my shoes I silently prayed to the raingods that they please not let me fall, and PLEASE not let me drop the cheesecake. Not that I really cared about the cheesecake at that point, in fact I was beginning to get bitter about how my colleagues better appreciate the stupid thing, but to drop a cheesecake in the middle of the sidewalk in downtown Chicago would be so humiliating! You either have to be the tool that makes a big fuss about cleaning it up, or the tool who quickly looks around and keeps on walking like nothing happened--cheeks burning with the shame of not only dropping a cheesecake, but LEAVING IT THERE for someone else to step in.
I did not drop the cheesecake. I did learn that streets and alleys in Chicago can become treacherous flash flood danger zones with the slightest sprinkle of rain, not to mention the downpour that occurred this morning. There were literally WAVES lapping the center line of the road, and with the water well over the curb, it was a good 7.5 foot leap to clear the ankle-deep "puddle." I was about to attempt the world's longest standing long jump, but decided that it was too risky with the umbrella, the bag, the purse, and the cheesecake attached to me. I waded in, dismissing bitterly the galoshes I had been toying with purchasing and opting instead for the fly-fishing-river-wading-come-up-to-your-belly-button pants.
I arrived at work wet and annoyed but with a fully intact cheesecake.
Never again.
Next rain I'm going to be the one with nothing but an umbrella who sits on the train smirking at the people carrying cheesecakes around.
PS- I accept housewarming gifts in the form of vegetable peelers, liquid measuring cups, and fly-fishing-river-wading-come-up-to-your-belly-button pants.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
New Place Part III
My new place!
Mom, Dad, Laura, my friend Ricardo, and I spent the day yesterday packing up boxes, loading them into the truck, navigating the truck through narrow downtown streets, unloading the truck, and then setting things up in my new apartment. It was definitely a team effort, and we couldn't have done it without Ricardo!!I am so pleased and exciting with how the apartment is shaping up! I made some investments in a few affordable but quality pieces of furniture, and now the apartment looks like a real home! I couldn't wait until everything was finished to post a few photos, so excuse the clutter.
The bright green room is obviously my bedroom, the darker green is our dining room with the bargain table and chairs that Mom found at a garage sale last week. The beige is our living room furnished by my incredibly nice roommate, Colleen, and the yellow is our cozy little kitchen, complete with a breakfast nookish table!
Everybody who saw the apartment yesterday really liked it. There is a playground across the street of which I have a view from both of the ENORMOUS windows in my bedroom. The brown line "El" train is a stone's throw from our courtyard, though it is not elevated at my stop, so it is very quiet. My street is narrow with cars parked on both sides, but it is a dead-end which means it is quiet, lined with tall trees and large homes with front yards.
Between the two of us, Colleen and I have quite an art collection, so next time we're both not working we're going to go through and pick out where to put what. I can't wait to see what the apartment will look like with non-bare walls and the new kitchen cabinet doors that the landlord promised.I came back to Naperville last night, so tonight will be my first night in the new place. Thank goodness Dad and Ricardo were able to install the AC unit last night to cool the place down before I sleep there tonight. We've had 2 weeks of
incredibly hot weather with triple digit heat indexes!! AC is welcome!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Camping Trip!
I have just returned from my camping trip up north in Mackinaw City with Mike, his friend Nick and Nick's girlfriend Natalie. As you can see in the picture, we successfully set up our tent, except for the little black spot you can see in the middle which helps pull the rainfly off the tent.On Friday night I left Holland and made the trek to Macomb to make the final preparations before leaving to go to Mackinaw City.
Saturday we drove the 4 1/2 hr drive to Mackinaw City and arrived at Mackinaw Mill Creek campground around 3:30. We were very fortunate to get a site right on the water and the view was spectacular. We set up our campsite successfully, it took about 3 hrs, and then proceeded to get dinner going. It took FOREVER to get the fire started and the coals hot enough but eventually our meal cooked and it was delicious. It wouldn't be a great camping trip without some funny moments. Our first night camping we made the mistake of forgetting to put ALL the food out of reach of animals, even though it was in a food tent. In the middle of the night, Nick who was having trouble falling asleep got up to get a gatorade and felt something furry pass his leg. In the middle of a dream I heard Nick calling out "MIKE! THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE TENT!!" So we quickly grabbed a flashlight and shined it in the food tent to see a skunk scurrying out of the food tent.
On Sunday, we found one of our paper bags that had held the bread and marshmallows ripped to pieces on the ground thanks to our little smelly friend. After cleaning it up and eating breakfast we spent the day walking around downtown Mackinaw City. I had envisioned a boonieville kind of town, you know the type: a gas station, feed store and family owned restaurant, but to my surprise it was actually a very nice town. We tooled around the shops and ate way too much ice cream. We also spent a great portion of the day driving around Cheboygan (we went to like 5 stores) trying to find a fire pit, as ours was the size of a frying pan. Eventually we just bought some cement blocks and used those for our makeshift fire pit. We enjoyed a night by the fire eating burgers and then looking up at the stars, it was incredible you could see so many and the milky way was so visible it was amazing.
On Monday, we took the ferry to Mackinac Island. It was beautiful, there aren't any cars on the island, just horse drawn carriages, saddle horses and bikes. The first thing we did was travel around and look at the shops and then we headed to Fort Mackinac, it was very interesting. After lunch, we split up and Nick and Natalie rented bikes and rode around the island and Mike and I went horseback riding around the island and then used Nick and Natalie's bikes to go on the other side of the island. It was ridiculously hot, in the triple digits, and after 7 1/2 hrs on the island we headed back to the campsite, but not before having some of Mackinac Island's famous fudge. I have NEVER seen so many fudge shops in one area. After returning to our site we all took a much needed swim in Lake Huron and unfortunately, about 20 minutes after getting changed and dried off I got pretty sick from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Mike being the amazing guy that he is went all the way to Cheboygan to get me some pedialyte and propel water to get me rehydrated. Meanwhile, Natalie and I were talking by the fire when she jumped and pointed to a cluster of trees saying she had seen something over there. I got my honkin flashlight out and found a little skunk scurrying away from the bright light.
Tuesday was spent touring around Historic Mill Creek, the first intrustrial spot in Michigan. It was actually really cool, they had an old logging mill set up and had several demostrations to show what kind of work took place. We then walked around the extensive nature trails before heading back for another swim in Lake Huron and a couple games of horseshoes. Following our escapade we went to Old Mackinaw Lighthouse, which still had the original Fresnel light used and we were able to climb to the top of the tower. Nick had really wanted to go to The Mystery Spot so we went across the bridge to the UP and visited said spot...I have been instructed not to say anything, but I would not do it again haha.
For our final night we built up a big fire, but it only burned for about 2 hrs as it started raining and continued to rain all night and into the morning. Now, if you remember I mentioned that we forgot to stake down all of the rainfly. This little error caused the tent to get a little flooded and as we were getting ready for bed Mike noticed that his pillow was thoroughly soaked through, along with all the corners and the two enterances of the tent. We hadn't paid particular attention to where we put our tent like we should've, for one thing it was slightly downhill and there were 3 rather large roots right down the middle, needless to say they were not comfortable to sleep on. Whoops, live and learn. Well anyway, we packed up the tents but they were soaked from the rain so it was a messy and interesting feat. At around 11:30 we left, checked out and got some breakfast and some last minute fudge before making the long drive back to Macomb.
I had an amazing time and I can't wait to do it again. I realized how fortunate it was that I had worked at the girl scout camp last summer. It certainly helped with my camping skills. I also know how important it is to pay attention to where you put your tent and drink water even if you're feeling nauseas from an oil dunked salad. I was fascinated to see the unusual souvenirs offered at the stores. Along with a ridiculous selection of mood rings and other novelty gifts, there were huge selection of battle weapons like swords, daggers, battle axes, chinese stars and the like. It didn't seem to matter where you went you could find a wide variety of mood rings and battle paraphenalia. But even so, it was beautiful and an amazing adventure.
Saturday we drove the 4 1/2 hr drive to Mackinaw City and arrived at Mackinaw Mill Creek campground around 3:30. We were very fortunate to get a site right on the water and the view was spectacular. We set up our campsite successfully, it took about 3 hrs, and then proceeded to get dinner going. It took FOREVER to get the fire started and the coals hot enough but eventually our meal cooked and it was delicious. It wouldn't be a great camping trip without some funny moments. Our first night camping we made the mistake of forgetting to put ALL the food out of reach of animals, even though it was in a food tent. In the middle of the night, Nick who was having trouble falling asleep got up to get a gatorade and felt something furry pass his leg. In the middle of a dream I heard Nick calling out "MIKE! THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE TENT!!" So we quickly grabbed a flashlight and shined it in the food tent to see a skunk scurrying out of the food tent.
On Sunday, we found one of our paper bags that had held the bread and marshmallows ripped to pieces on the ground thanks to our little smelly friend. After cleaning it up and eating breakfast we spent the day walking around downtown Mackinaw City. I had envisioned a boonieville kind of town, you know the type: a gas station, feed store and family owned restaurant, but to my surprise it was actually a very nice town. We tooled around the shops and ate way too much ice cream. We also spent a great portion of the day driving around Cheboygan (we went to like 5 stores) trying to find a fire pit, as ours was the size of a frying pan. Eventually we just bought some cement blocks and used those for our makeshift fire pit. We enjoyed a night by the fire eating burgers and then looking up at the stars, it was incredible you could see so many and the milky way was so visible it was amazing.
On Monday, we took the ferry to Mackinac Island. It was beautiful, there aren't any cars on the island, just horse drawn carriages, saddle horses and bikes. The first thing we did was travel around and look at the shops and then we headed to Fort Mackinac, it was very interesting. After lunch, we split up and Nick and Natalie rented bikes and rode around the island and Mike and I went horseback riding around the island and then used Nick and Natalie's bikes to go on the other side of the island. It was ridiculously hot, in the triple digits, and after 7 1/2 hrs on the island we headed back to the campsite, but not before having some of Mackinac Island's famous fudge. I have NEVER seen so many fudge shops in one area. After returning to our site we all took a much needed swim in Lake Huron and unfortunately, about 20 minutes after getting changed and dried off I got pretty sick from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Mike being the amazing guy that he is went all the way to Cheboygan to get me some pedialyte and propel water to get me rehydrated. Meanwhile, Natalie and I were talking by the fire when she jumped and pointed to a cluster of trees saying she had seen something over there. I got my honkin flashlight out and found a little skunk scurrying away from the bright light.
Tuesday was spent touring around Historic Mill Creek, the first intrustrial spot in Michigan. It was actually really cool, they had an old logging mill set up and had several demostrations to show what kind of work took place. We then walked around the extensive nature trails before heading back for another swim in Lake Huron and a couple games of horseshoes. Following our escapade we went to Old Mackinaw Lighthouse, which still had the original Fresnel light used and we were able to climb to the top of the tower. Nick had really wanted to go to The Mystery Spot so we went across the bridge to the UP and visited said spot...I have been instructed not to say anything, but I would not do it again haha.
For our final night we built up a big fire, but it only burned for about 2 hrs as it started raining and continued to rain all night and into the morning. Now, if you remember I mentioned that we forgot to stake down all of the rainfly. This little error caused the tent to get a little flooded and as we were getting ready for bed Mike noticed that his pillow was thoroughly soaked through, along with all the corners and the two enterances of the tent. We hadn't paid particular attention to where we put our tent like we should've, for one thing it was slightly downhill and there were 3 rather large roots right down the middle, needless to say they were not comfortable to sleep on. Whoops, live and learn. Well anyway, we packed up the tents but they were soaked from the rain so it was a messy and interesting feat. At around 11:30 we left, checked out and got some breakfast and some last minute fudge before making the long drive back to Macomb.
I had an amazing time and I can't wait to do it again. I realized how fortunate it was that I had worked at the girl scout camp last summer. It certainly helped with my camping skills. I also know how important it is to pay attention to where you put your tent and drink water even if you're feeling nauseas from an oil dunked salad. I was fascinated to see the unusual souvenirs offered at the stores. Along with a ridiculous selection of mood rings and other novelty gifts, there were huge selection of battle weapons like swords, daggers, battle axes, chinese stars and the like. It didn't seem to matter where you went you could find a wide variety of mood rings and battle paraphenalia. But even so, it was beautiful and an amazing adventure.
milestones
This morning Elinore woke up and I could hear her playing from our room. I usually don't go get her until 7 am, so I left her babbling for a while. At just about 7 I heard her saying, "Mama!" (it's her new sound, but I don't think she actually knows what it means yet). I got up and walked into her room. She was sitting there looking at me. I'll repeat that, she was SITTING there looking at me. That was the first time she's gotten herself back into a sitting position!! She gave me a huge grin and started clapping for herself. It was so precious. I am so proud of her!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Water Wonderland
Last weekend was spent at a hotel with a small indoor waterpark. All of the immediate "Wolthai" were there (Including Eric, Ang, and Gabe from Tahiland). The boys (and by that I mean Eric, Brian, and Kevin) had all kinds of contests on who could make the biggest splash coming out of the three-story waterslide! Sam and Gabe were such good playmates, racing each other down the kiddy slides. Elinore sat in 4" of water and splashed to her heart's content. It was a nice break, and I'm so glad that Elinore was mostly over her sickness before the weekend started.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
A Sampling
Here is a sampling of our photos from Colorado. We'll have to make you guys a disc when we see you next. We had so much fun and were sad to leave. We miss playing Farkel with you.
Rocky Mountain High
We just returned from another family adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 7 of us woke every morning (naturally!) before 6 AM to arrive at the day's trailhead by 7. We then climbed mountains, forded streams, followed rainbows until mid-day when we ate a brief lunch and hiked back to the car. The views were beautiful and the immersion in nature was refreshing. I expect that the rest of the crew will post more stories and pictures, but I'll leave you with the high and low point of the trip (depending on who you ask).
On our way down from Fern and Odessa Lakes I somehow ended up way in front of everyone else. When I saw a small cave to the left of the trail, I couldn't help myself. I looked back and signalled to Laura, who wasn't far behind, that I was going in. She moved a bit in front of me to watch the others' reactions when I jumped out at them. I waited and waited and finally heard voices approaching. I waited until I saw the tip of a shoe before bounding out of the cave shouting and flailing my arms about. The couple that leapt back in surprise were not my intended victims--in fact they were people I'd never seen before in my life (and I hope I never see again)!! There was absolutely NO WAY to recover from that blunder; I fell to the ground in mortification as they fell to the ground laughing. Oh to be able to disappear in moments such as those! I've decided to act like a grown-up from now on to avoid such faux pas in the future.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Soft beneath our feet
When I set Elinore down on the new carpet, the first thing she did was run her fingers through it. It was like she knew how special it was.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Camping
The whole walk back from the beach, Elinore sat there with her mouth hanging on the backpack. She cracks me up. I guess she'll be content for hiking in Colorado!!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Smile
On a lighter note, I took these pictures of Elinore on Monday, she was being so cute I couldn't resist, honestly just look at that face, no one can be upset when you've got a cheerful face like that around you :-)
Cont...Poor Mrs. Norris
After having pulled her into the garage, the back windshield collapsed...here is what she looks like now :-(
Wed., June 7, 2006...Poor Mrs. Norris
At around 7 this morning Kevin awoke to my car alarm going off. Oh nothing to be alarmed about, he thought, car alarms go off all the time. However, when he got up to see what it was all about he discovered a smashed rear window. Nothing else on the car appears to be damaged, except the rear window...perhaps because I'm from Albion?? Who knows. The car was parked comfortably in their driveway at the time of the incident, and I, having taken some nyquil for my cold and to help me get some shut-eye, didn't hear a thing. Jen came and woke me up to let me know that Kevin was in the process of calling the police and having them come to make a formal report. There's a little bit of glass on the inside of the car, but for the most part the damage was contained to the entire rear windshield and the two side which seem to have burst up from their downward angle due to whatever force caused the damage. For dramatic effect, as well as documentation of the event I have a few picture to help you visualize what happened...
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Elinore's First Party
Yesterday our friend Leif had his 3rd birthday. They had the party at Crazy Bounce (a big warehouse full of inflatable games). Most of us were adults, and we had just as much fun if not more than all the kids (who were all pretty little - I think Sam was the oldest).
Elinore wore one of the little smocked dresses Mom made. She was SO cute. Everyone commented on the dress and were amazed when I told them that she made it, and that we wore it when we were little. She didn't do much bouncing, but she seemed to have a great time, nonetheless.
Elinore wore one of the little smocked dresses Mom made. She was SO cute. Everyone commented on the dress and were amazed when I told them that she made it, and that we wore it when we were little. She didn't do much bouncing, but she seemed to have a great time, nonetheless.
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