This may or may not gross you out. Read at your own risk. (It really isn't gross though)
It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. Actually, it was rainy and grey, but that isn't really part of the story. I stood in our kitchen looking at a sink full of dishes and wondered how two people dirty so many dishes. They needed to be cleaned. I turned on Ellen, my favorite show to watch while cleaning house or cooking, and unloaded and loaded our mess. The only things left were 3 kitchen knives.
Showing posts with label craziness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craziness. Show all posts
February 12, 2012
September 15, 2011
Puppy growing pains
My little dog is becoming a bigger dog. Ah man. I mean, I knew I was adopting a big dog into our little family, but he's becoming so grown up and independent. It's like when my Mom used to pick out my clothes and then one day I said, "No Mom, I can do it myself." And I did.
It hurts your heart.
This may or may not be a sign that I am going to hold my children captive in my arms, because that's what I would like to do to Mr. Oliver. I would like to hold him captive and not let him grow up.
Don't worry. It get's crazier.
On Thursday Ben and I had to make a weekend trip for work. Thursday through Sunday. No biggie right? Wrong.
On Monday I realized I was going to have to leave Oliver behind. On Tuesday I pushed it to the back of my mind and pretended it wasn't happening. On Wednesday I held him captive in my arms. On Thursday I rushed around the house trying to get everyone's stuff ready, pretending he was coming with us. By late Thursday morning Ed was at our house ready to take Ben and I to the airport and Oliver home to the farm de Walunas to play for the weekend. We loaded up the car and I fought back tears all the way to the airport. When we pulled out our suitcases ready to say our goodbyes, I lost it. Like big alligator tears filling my eyes and rolling down my cheeks, lost it. {may I just insert here... what in the world? Do you know me? I am NOT like this.} I hugged Ed, told my sweet Oliver to be good and we walked away. I cried for 3 hours. Checking in our bags - crying. Walking through security - crying. Buying a Diet Coke at Wendy's because Ben said it would heal my heart - crying. Boarding - crying. Trying to sleep on the flight - crying. Don't worry - I didn't draw TOO much attention, I wasn't hysterically crying. Just little tears rolling down my cheeks.
I basically spent the whole plane ride wondering what was wrong with me. I am really not a crier. Poor Ben felt helpless and probably thought his wife had lost her mind. I think he has actually seen my cry once - on our wedding - happy tears. This was foreign.
I knew Oliver was going to be fine. I knew Ed, Jody and Aunt Sue are much better dog owners that I. He was in excellent hands and had 5 acres, Bodie and all the grandkids to play with.
I determined the problem was that he is growing and changing so much every day that even in just 4 days I was going to miss it. We were going to come back and he was going to be all grown up.
Either that, or I really have lost my mind.
The only solution is to talk about all the little things that this sweet puppy does, so when he is all grown up I will still remember.
...Currently his toy of choice is either Frank the Bee - His Pee Wee pillow pet - or an old water bottle. It's true, he has a billion toys that I haul around everywhere we go and he will choose the water bottle cause he likes the crinkling sound.
...When Oliver first came to our home we would throw his ball and he would look at us and wonder where it went. In just a few short weeks he now knows exactly where his ball is and will stalk it down. It's the cutest thing. He will sneak up and pounce on it. It makes me laugh every time.
...The stairs were a little intimidating to Ollie at first. He wouldn't go up or down. We had to carry him. This worked well for me because while I was working during the day there was no chance he would wander downstairs. It took a couple weeks, but now he is master of the stairs - although he has learned not to go without us. Before he braves the steep stairs he will bark at them. Showing them who's boss. Then he will scoot is way down. Sometimes he misses a stair, loses his balance, or turns around to make sure you know how well he is doing and falls. I will miss his puppy clumsiness.
...Oliver used to only go outside if you would go with him. We had to show him how to jump out of the door and we would stay outside until he was done playing. The day he decided he was okay playing outside alone I called Ben at work and said, "He is outside, ALONE! He doesn't need us anymore." He is so good at entertaining himself. He will somersault all over the lawn chasing toys, his tail or just the air. He doesn't stay alone for long though. As soon as he is done he will sit nicely at the back door waiting for someone to rescue him.
...Mr. Oliver will lay at my feet every night as I make dinner. I hope he will always do this.
...He has a few favorite sleeping spots. On the bathroom tile, under my desk, on the air conditioning vent and on our clothes {we're not PERFECT! Sometimes we have clothes on the floor and suitcases that need to be unpacked.}
We just can't believe how much he is changing and growing in just a few short weeks. SLOW DOWN Oliver! I will now officially reign in the craziness.
It hurts your heart.
This may or may not be a sign that I am going to hold my children captive in my arms, because that's what I would like to do to Mr. Oliver. I would like to hold him captive and not let him grow up.
On Thursday Ben and I had to make a weekend trip for work. Thursday through Sunday. No biggie right? Wrong.
On Monday I realized I was going to have to leave Oliver behind. On Tuesday I pushed it to the back of my mind and pretended it wasn't happening. On Wednesday I held him captive in my arms. On Thursday I rushed around the house trying to get everyone's stuff ready, pretending he was coming with us. By late Thursday morning Ed was at our house ready to take Ben and I to the airport and Oliver home to the farm de Walunas to play for the weekend. We loaded up the car and I fought back tears all the way to the airport. When we pulled out our suitcases ready to say our goodbyes, I lost it. Like big alligator tears filling my eyes and rolling down my cheeks, lost it. {may I just insert here... what in the world? Do you know me? I am NOT like this.} I hugged Ed, told my sweet Oliver to be good and we walked away. I cried for 3 hours. Checking in our bags - crying. Walking through security - crying. Buying a Diet Coke at Wendy's because Ben said it would heal my heart - crying. Boarding - crying. Trying to sleep on the flight - crying. Don't worry - I didn't draw TOO much attention, I wasn't hysterically crying. Just little tears rolling down my cheeks.
I basically spent the whole plane ride wondering what was wrong with me. I am really not a crier. Poor Ben felt helpless and probably thought his wife had lost her mind. I think he has actually seen my cry once - on our wedding - happy tears. This was foreign.
I knew Oliver was going to be fine. I knew Ed, Jody and Aunt Sue are much better dog owners that I. He was in excellent hands and had 5 acres, Bodie and all the grandkids to play with.
I determined the problem was that he is growing and changing so much every day that even in just 4 days I was going to miss it. We were going to come back and he was going to be all grown up.
Either that, or I really have lost my mind.
The only solution is to talk about all the little things that this sweet puppy does, so when he is all grown up I will still remember.
...Currently his toy of choice is either Frank the Bee - His Pee Wee pillow pet - or an old water bottle. It's true, he has a billion toys that I haul around everywhere we go and he will choose the water bottle cause he likes the crinkling sound.
...The stairs were a little intimidating to Ollie at first. He wouldn't go up or down. We had to carry him. This worked well for me because while I was working during the day there was no chance he would wander downstairs. It took a couple weeks, but now he is master of the stairs - although he has learned not to go without us. Before he braves the steep stairs he will bark at them. Showing them who's boss. Then he will scoot is way down. Sometimes he misses a stair, loses his balance, or turns around to make sure you know how well he is doing and falls. I will miss his puppy clumsiness.
...Mr. Oliver will lay at my feet every night as I make dinner. I hope he will always do this.
...He has a few favorite sleeping spots. On the bathroom tile, under my desk, on the air conditioning vent and on our clothes {we're not PERFECT! Sometimes we have clothes on the floor and suitcases that need to be unpacked.}
We just can't believe how much he is changing and growing in just a few short weeks. SLOW DOWN Oliver! I will now officially reign in the craziness.
July 6, 2011
T.T.T. Summer Lovin
Tuesday, Wednesday? Who knows, those much loved Monday holidays throw me off. Well, whatever day it is, I feel it's still necessary to share with you a bit of randomness in our much loved Three Tangent Tuesday.
1. Frogs. This weekend was beautiful and sunny. On Saturday I propped myself up on one of our lawn chairs perfectly aligned with the sun and laid down to catch up on my Vitamin D. Ben took one look at the grass and decided it was time to be mowed. I laid in the sun drifting to sleep with the growl of the lawn mower behind me. All of a sudden the mower stops and I hear, "Amber! Look." I laid there for a second processing. Then he said, "Amber, A FROG!" I jumped out of my chair, "Where??" And there its was, an itty bitty little baby frog who I chased around and snatched up!
THEN a slightly bigger frog came hopping by and Ben picked him up! What is going on here?? TWO frogs in my backyard?! I love this even more than squirrels in the backyard.
To save them from the mower {and also because I was secretly obsessed and really wanted to play with them} we put them in a cup. Saving frogs one plastic cup at a time.
I was in high heaven with these frogs. But, once the mower stopped I let them hop away and I haven't seen them since. Maybe once they see their custom built frog pool in my backyard they will come back.
2. Snow cone. Yes, please. Just the other day Ben and I were talking with Bethany about how we wished so badly there were somewhere to get a snow cone around these parts. Low and behold, only a couple days later, Bethany had found a place only a few blocks from her house! Ben and I had to give it a try.
1. Frogs. This weekend was beautiful and sunny. On Saturday I propped myself up on one of our lawn chairs perfectly aligned with the sun and laid down to catch up on my Vitamin D. Ben took one look at the grass and decided it was time to be mowed. I laid in the sun drifting to sleep with the growl of the lawn mower behind me. All of a sudden the mower stops and I hear, "Amber! Look." I laid there for a second processing. Then he said, "Amber, A FROG!" I jumped out of my chair, "Where??" And there its was, an itty bitty little baby frog who I chased around and snatched up!
They wanted out really bad. I was a little nervous they were suffocating so I tilt the cup to give them air every couple seconds.
Ben's big frog, who he named "choot em" was so grateful for the air that he decided to pose for the camera!
2. Snow cone. Yes, please. Just the other day Ben and I were talking with Bethany about how we wished so badly there were somewhere to get a snow cone around these parts. Low and behold, only a couple days later, Bethany had found a place only a few blocks from her house! Ben and I had to give it a try.
I got blue raspberry with lemon and vanilla. Ben got pineapple and coconut - also known as pina colada. They were TO. DIE. FOR. The best part of a hot sticky day is eating ice covered in sugar!
Ben kept saying, "Holy cow, this is SO good!"
They certainly hit the spot and now it will take every ounce of energy I have not to stop by the sno shack every day. Plus, I got a blue tongue! Awesome.
3. Kale. I got these flowers yesterday and I am loving them. I bought stalks of kale to put with the pink peonies and I think it looks so cool! KALE! I begged for Kale in my bridal bouquet. I was dead set on it and we couldn't get the kind of kale I wanted during the time of year we got married. I loved my bridal bouquet regardless- but doesn't this lettuce-y/flower looking vegetable knock your socks off?
L.O.V.E
July 1, 2011
Don't tell the Dr.
I have officially one-up'd the handstand done against the bed only to get catapulted bounced off. Super fun and {found here}.
Well mr. handstand, meet the mini bed flip. I was sitting on the bed. The husband was brushing his teeth, exhausted and ready to call it a night. I, on the other hand, had a sudden burst of energy. Maybe it was the luxurious, creamy, sugar filled ice cream from earlier that evening {we will talk about that later} or maybe it was because I missed my calling in life to be an Olympic gymnast. Whatever the reason, I decided to see if I could do a flip on the bed and this is now my new favorite trick giving the handstand a serious run for his money.
Well mr. handstand, meet the mini bed flip. I was sitting on the bed. The husband was brushing his teeth, exhausted and ready to call it a night. I, on the other hand, had a sudden burst of energy. Maybe it was the luxurious, creamy, sugar filled ice cream from earlier that evening {we will talk about that later} or maybe it was because I missed my calling in life to be an Olympic gymnast. Whatever the reason, I decided to see if I could do a flip on the bed and this is now my new favorite trick giving the handstand a serious run for his money.
If you try this at home remember to tuck your head, summer-salting like you are a kid of an adult size really hurts the neck. Also, if you are seeing a doctor twice a week for your messed up back, probably don't tell her. Also, I found that whining to your husband about your aching back after doing mini flips on the bed for a half hour doesn't get you very far. Ha, note to self.
{Plus, I know I bedroom is seriously lacking decor. I just need some time to be inspired!}
June 29, 2011
Sunglasses
Every time Ben and I travel somewhere sunny we forget our sunglasses. I think in my head, "remember the sunglasses" and inevitably we end up walking out the door sans glasses. EVERY. TIME. This is why I don't pay more than $20 for a pair! We now have sunglasses from Lake Tahoe, Utah, San Diego, Hawaii, Newport Beach, and most recently, San Jose.
They're souvenirs. And heaven forbid our weak Northwest-hardly-see-the-sun-eyes get exposed to anything brighter than a cloudy day. Honestly, the second we walked into the sun I thought my eyes were burning inside my head! {so dramatic, I know}
Since I was in picture taking mode while in the car I had to snap a few of my favorite car shots.
This is called: I am so scared of your driving + we have no idea where we are going + California drivers are crazy nuts + I like to show off my double chin.
This is called: Ben don't you think I am funny when I take pictures in the rental car while you drive in circles + Oh, wait, am I supposed to be giving you driving directions right now?
This is called: Amber stop taking pictures and look at your phone and tell me where to go + why does everyone keep honking at me + I am not as good at looking scared as Amber, I need to work on my dramatic effect.
This is called: Well at least we have sunglasses so our eyes won't start on fire + hurry up the light is about to turn green and you still haven't given me directions + They lived happily ever after saving their eyeballs..... Until Ben's glasses broke 24 hours later.
How are the $9.99 As Seen On TV HD sunglasses not durable? Ha, weird. At least they got a photo shoot.
Since I was in picture taking mode while in the car I had to snap a few of my favorite car shots.
This is called: I am so scared of your driving + we have no idea where we are going + California drivers are crazy nuts + I like to show off my double chin.
This is called: Ben don't you think I am funny when I take pictures in the rental car while you drive in circles + Oh, wait, am I supposed to be giving you driving directions right now?
This is called: Check out my ultra long hair that I always pull up because my long hair has no volume + It's too hot to have hair on my neck + hair picture on the first try! + Practice makes perfect and I am not even car sick. Boom!
How are the $9.99 As Seen On TV HD sunglasses not durable? Ha, weird. At least they got a photo shoot.
March 24, 2011
A letter to you
Dear Twizzlers,
Remember 100 years ago when you made those tiny little Nibs that everyone has forgotten about? Well, the other night as I was following my husband around Home Depot, pretending to be impressed by lawn mowers, I had a distinct need for one of these tiny pieces of licorice. One? Who am I kidding, I ate the whole bag. So now, I thank you. Thank for inventing what I once thought was a worthless candy. It made my night.
Many thanks,
Completely addicted to sugar
Dear Bread,
I have figured out why people shy away from tuna fish sandwiches. It is your fault. No offense. I typically don't eat bread so I guess that is why I am just figuring this out. The other day after making some scrumptious tuna filled celery, onions, walnuts, relish and peppers I decided I would go out on a limb and put it on bread instead of eating it with a fork. I took one bite and realized, YOU RUINED THE WHOLE THING! I couldn't taste any of the tuna goodness, just you. Gross. I had to throw away my bitten through pieces and move on with the fork method.
Respectively,
Thanks, but no thanks
Dear J-Lo,
I am loving you, very much, on American Idol. I mean, who am I kidding, I have loved you since "The Wedding Planner" which used to be one of my favorite movies because of your uncanny ability to slick your hair back into a ponytail and look fabulous. Besides bringing your awesome outfits and great hair to AI, I think you bring a presence to the show that it was seriously lacking before. Also, Steven Tyler's shirts are amazing.
xoxo,
Back on the American Idol train
Dear Anthropologie,
Would you mind putting this sweater or this sweather on SALE, please. I have been checking your website faithfully EVERY DAY for weeks... just hoping... and waiting. I mean come on. It's almost spring and I need to get my cardigan wear on, right now! Also, would you mind bringing in some cute dresses? I am on the hunt and your spring dresses are really disappointing me.
Sincerely,
It really breaks my heart to be so stern with you
Dear Stripes,
Remember when no one would wear you because everyone said horizontal stripes are unflattering and awful? Well you CERTAINLY made a comeback and I am on board! The stripes I see everywhere are rocking my world and I feel I should say thank you for sticking out the hard times and making such a bold comeback.
Lovingly,
I don't care what you think about my stripes
(This idea came from Aimee who has an amazing blog! Check it out.)
Remember 100 years ago when you made those tiny little Nibs that everyone has forgotten about? Well, the other night as I was following my husband around Home Depot, pretending to be impressed by lawn mowers, I had a distinct need for one of these tiny pieces of licorice. One? Who am I kidding, I ate the whole bag. So now, I thank you. Thank for inventing what I once thought was a worthless candy. It made my night.
Many thanks,
Completely addicted to sugar
Dear Bread,
I have figured out why people shy away from tuna fish sandwiches. It is your fault. No offense. I typically don't eat bread so I guess that is why I am just figuring this out. The other day after making some scrumptious tuna filled celery, onions, walnuts, relish and peppers I decided I would go out on a limb and put it on bread instead of eating it with a fork. I took one bite and realized, YOU RUINED THE WHOLE THING! I couldn't taste any of the tuna goodness, just you. Gross. I had to throw away my bitten through pieces and move on with the fork method.
Respectively,
Thanks, but no thanks
Dear J-Lo,
I am loving you, very much, on American Idol. I mean, who am I kidding, I have loved you since "The Wedding Planner" which used to be one of my favorite movies because of your uncanny ability to slick your hair back into a ponytail and look fabulous. Besides bringing your awesome outfits and great hair to AI, I think you bring a presence to the show that it was seriously lacking before. Also, Steven Tyler's shirts are amazing.
xoxo,
Back on the American Idol train
Dear Anthropologie,
Would you mind putting this sweater or this sweather on SALE, please. I have been checking your website faithfully EVERY DAY for weeks... just hoping... and waiting. I mean come on. It's almost spring and I need to get my cardigan wear on, right now! Also, would you mind bringing in some cute dresses? I am on the hunt and your spring dresses are really disappointing me.
Sincerely,
It really breaks my heart to be so stern with you
Dear Stripes,
Remember when no one would wear you because everyone said horizontal stripes are unflattering and awful? Well you CERTAINLY made a comeback and I am on board! The stripes I see everywhere are rocking my world and I feel I should say thank you for sticking out the hard times and making such a bold comeback.
Lovingly,
I don't care what you think about my stripes
(This idea came from Aimee who has an amazing blog! Check it out.)
February 24, 2011
Jump on it
We are children, and not just at heart. Take eight adults, a building full of trampolines, dodge-balls and a jumping pit and you will get sheer madness. Watch out kids, we might be bigger than you - but when a flurry of childhood trampoline games come rushing from our memories we don't hold back, we will push, jump and dodge-ball you right out of our way. Everything is free game when trampolines are involved.
I told you - I will handstand anytime, anywhere.
Ben is laying some serious smackdown with the dodge-ball. He was also crazy fearless flipping into the foam pit. Some of us weren't as fearless... I won't name names.
Check out Deneal's awesome delt and triceps. I am impressed.
Amanda was being a bit of a peeping Tom trying to check on the dodgeball game in the next pit over. Tim was also very serious about flipping into the foam pit. Why are tall people so fearless? Don't they run a greater risk of smacking their tall heads?
The guys were super into the dodgeball game. The girls kept getting attacked by flying balls as soon as they stepped on the court. Needless to say, the girls decided jumping without the dodgeball game was more fun.
January 24, 2011
Randomness from Utah
Jake would like to say hello. He would like to tell you that although he is cute as a button and smart as a whip he is still a puppy, so leave your favorite belongings out at your own risk. We've all learned this the hard way.
I really really hoped to see show while in Utah. On Saturday afternoon we got a light dusting and then in true Utah style the weather changed and it was gone. To be honest, I was happy with even the lightest dusting. I just wanted to see snow!
My parents are awesome for a couple reasons. 1... because they are my parents. 2... because they are always buying new random things. and 3.... because they have fallen right off the apple tree. Meaning, they are all things apple, ipad, ipod, imac. Look at the latest addition to their apple family. 27 inches of gorgeous-ness and pure fun. I told them to be sure to keep the box it came in - JUST IN CASE they decided it wasn't going to work out and needed to ship it to Ben and I for safe keeping. (I decided to do this post late at night and they vetoed a picture of themselves playing on their ipads - even though it's really cute - so you'll have to settle for one of the computer).
Cake balls anyone?
This weekend he chewed right through my Mom's laptop cord. Who would have thought? Well.... we should have because he did the same thing to my laptop cord on my last visit! The crazy dog loves power!
I really really hoped to see show while in Utah. On Saturday afternoon we got a light dusting and then in true Utah style the weather changed and it was gone. To be honest, I was happy with even the lightest dusting. I just wanted to see snow!
What up photo booth... I was having way too much fun showing them all the fun things this computer can do. Some day I will have a mac.
My latest obsession... baking. What?? Yeah - I know. I promised my family a yummy treat on Sunday night so we made some cake balls! They are super yummy and simple and turn out so fancy that you can't help taking pictures of them. We had all sorts of varieties for everyone to try. I did miss my usual cake ball baking assistant (Ben) who does an amazing job of covering them in chocolate, but my sweet mom was the perfect stand in.
Well, Utah - until next time. It was wonderful to visit with such fabulous friends and family I wish I would have had my camera along to show you our many adventues. Just know no working out and plenty of shopping, laughing, food, talking, more shopping, lots of candy, even more food and fun. I am always reminded of how blessed and loved I am here, which makes visiting so fun! I am also always reminded how very dry it is and I will be caking on the moisturizer and chapstick for weeks trying to recoup. Totally worth it! :)
January 17, 2011
Who washes their car in the rain?
This guy, right here.
MLK day. Ben has the day off of work and what better to do when the stocks are closed than to WASH YOUR CAR even if it is RAINING! You see, Ben got this beauty below for Christmas and he has been DYING to use it.
So when I asked, "What do you want to do on your day off? Should I take the day off so we can do something fun?" His response was, "I was thinking I could wash the cars!" "Hmmmm, fun. Well sweetheart, I bet it will be raining.... doesn't that defeat the purpose?" "No," he said. "They're really dirty and they need a good wash with my new hose!" I can't argue with that.
Needless to say I didn't take the day off and he is washing as I type. I sneakily went down to take a couple pictures so we could all remember this cute, hard working, hubs washing cars in the rain. Luckily when he said "cars" that meant this sweet crazy guy wanted to wash my car too!
Happy MLK!
January 12, 2011
Attack of the squirrel
Marv I had named him. Marvin was his full name, hubs insisted that he have a proper name. So Marv for short. I loved him, seriously I had a weird attachment to this little squirrel that would scurry around our back yard and do big leaps over our piles of leaves. I loved watching him. {I have to add here that I work from home people! Sometimes I get desperate for friends, OK!} He warmed my little heart when he would walk across the deck and stop in front of our back door. I wondered if he wanted in out of the cold. Turns out he did.
One day, mid morning, as I sat in the office on the top floor of our house I heard what sounded like little feet above my head. For a few seconds the tapping above my head felt normal and I almost reminisced trying to figure out why my upstairs neighbors never sit down for a change - until I remembered - I no longer live in a basement apartment. Then came the panic, NO ONE lives above me! What in the WORLD is that noise! Rats? Termites? Are they eating my house down? Oh crap.
I called hubs, "There is something above me! Something is walking in the attic!" "Oh yeah" he said, "I thought I heard something the other night too." "Well we need to get rid of it, I am kind of freaking out!" {He could obviously tell that.}
When pest control showed up, climbed on our roof and set squirrel traps I suddenly felt like I overreacted. "It's definitely a squirrel", he told me "He chewed through the fan guard on your roof". "You need to check these traps at LEAST 3 times a day. We will come within 24 hours to get it, but they are live traps and the last thing we want the squirrel to do is freeze to death." Oh crap.
When Ben got home I sputtered out how upset I was that it was probably Marv that would be taken! And what if he dies? It will be all my fault! I had grown kind of attached to that little guy. I guess this is what happens when you put a Utah girl in the Northwest. He assured me that squirrels are in fact really mean animals. That even if I named him he cannot live in our attic, he could do serious damage. I knew all this, but I felt bad nonetheless.
I checked the traps for a week, 5 times a day. I would jump out of bed in the morning and check the trap to be sure Marv didn't spend a freezing night in a cage on the roof. I found nothing. I began to wonder if these squirrels are actually smarter then we thought. They were on to us and our traps. I was wrong, one late evening I checked the trap before the light of day was gone. I saw a hump of fur and tail. HE WAS IN THERE! Why wasn't he thrashing around like I had pictured in my mind?? Was he dead? I immediately called pest control. They came to get him while I was gone. When they called to tell us it was safe to repair the guard on the fan I didn't ask if he had survived. I decided I didn't want to know, instead I would believe that he was safe and sound released into the hills.
Ben did the repairs. This terrified me. Hubs on the roof, freezing cold, in the small break from the rain is not my idea of a fun Saturday. I stood on the ground in a blanket and watched. Too scared to go inside, too cold to climb up on the roof with him.
Of course he fixed it safe and sound! Our attic is now free of squirrels.
I have been watching for Marv since all this hoopla. HOPING that he wasn't the offender and was just taking a winters nap. He has been no where to be found.
But have no fear! Today as I looked out the window of my office {this helps my thinking of course} there was a new squirrel climbing the tree. Hopefully he is smart enough to say off the roof.
One day, mid morning, as I sat in the office on the top floor of our house I heard what sounded like little feet above my head. For a few seconds the tapping above my head felt normal and I almost reminisced trying to figure out why my upstairs neighbors never sit down for a change - until I remembered - I no longer live in a basement apartment. Then came the panic, NO ONE lives above me! What in the WORLD is that noise! Rats? Termites? Are they eating my house down? Oh crap.
I called hubs, "There is something above me! Something is walking in the attic!" "Oh yeah" he said, "I thought I heard something the other night too." "Well we need to get rid of it, I am kind of freaking out!" {He could obviously tell that.}
When pest control showed up, climbed on our roof and set squirrel traps I suddenly felt like I overreacted. "It's definitely a squirrel", he told me "He chewed through the fan guard on your roof". "You need to check these traps at LEAST 3 times a day. We will come within 24 hours to get it, but they are live traps and the last thing we want the squirrel to do is freeze to death." Oh crap.
When Ben got home I sputtered out how upset I was that it was probably Marv that would be taken! And what if he dies? It will be all my fault! I had grown kind of attached to that little guy. I guess this is what happens when you put a Utah girl in the Northwest. He assured me that squirrels are in fact really mean animals. That even if I named him he cannot live in our attic, he could do serious damage. I knew all this, but I felt bad nonetheless.
I checked the traps for a week, 5 times a day. I would jump out of bed in the morning and check the trap to be sure Marv didn't spend a freezing night in a cage on the roof. I found nothing. I began to wonder if these squirrels are actually smarter then we thought. They were on to us and our traps. I was wrong, one late evening I checked the trap before the light of day was gone. I saw a hump of fur and tail. HE WAS IN THERE! Why wasn't he thrashing around like I had pictured in my mind?? Was he dead? I immediately called pest control. They came to get him while I was gone. When they called to tell us it was safe to repair the guard on the fan I didn't ask if he had survived. I decided I didn't want to know, instead I would believe that he was safe and sound released into the hills.
Ben did the repairs. This terrified me. Hubs on the roof, freezing cold, in the small break from the rain is not my idea of a fun Saturday. I stood on the ground in a blanket and watched. Too scared to go inside, too cold to climb up on the roof with him.
Of course he fixed it safe and sound! Our attic is now free of squirrels.
But have no fear! Today as I looked out the window of my office {this helps my thinking of course} there was a new squirrel climbing the tree. Hopefully he is smart enough to say off the roof.
January 4, 2011
Peanut buttery goodness
One of my favorite flavors, peanut butter.
....I guess that's not really a "flavor" since so many actual flavors go into making it, but let's not get technical....
Honestly though, I have a weakness for it. We buy the big jars of peanut butter from Costco and I can go through one in just a couple weeks. I put it on everything - bread, crackers, waffles, just straight up on a spoon. I dream about it and keep jars on the very top shelf in hopes that it will keep me away. It doesn't. I just climb onto the counter, like a child, so I can reach the crunchy and creamy goodness. This is why peanut butter jars were not allowed in my previously single life, but that's neither here nor there. I am obsessed.
One of my other favorite flavors, chocolate.
We've talked about this and the amazing-ness that is the chocolate and peanut butter combined to make the perfect little peanut butter cup. Seriously I should own stock in JIF and Hershey's {and Anthropologie} because I could eat nothing else and live a perfectly satisfied life.
UNTIL NOW
The brilliant food makers at Mars have released their own peanut buttery goodness {aside from the already amazing peanut butter M&M} that I has taken my mind by storm....The Peanut Butter Snickers.
It's like eating crunchy peanut butter covered in chocolate, caramel and yummy nougat!
I found myself in Walmart the other day perusing the Christmas clearance. As I walked to the checkout a bright yellow Snickers display caught my attention. "PEANUT BUTTER Snickers?!?", I said to myself. I immediately grabbed 4 bars and headed on my way. In effort to not eat all 4 bars, I had a little yummy melt in your mouth taste and in true Amber style, hid the rest. {Which drives my sweet husband crazy, btw... "Why do you hide it? YOU know where it is!", he says. Ha - I can't help it.} Luckily, my hiding trick worked and I quickly forgot about my new treasure. The next day, Ben and I took a trip to Walmart together for a few items. As we passed the yellow display Ben looked right at me, "AMBER, DID YOU SEE THAT??", he said. "Ummm... I may or may not have a stash at home....", I replied. "HA, of course you do!" But just to be sure I had enough to share, I grabbed a couple more. THEN last night while we were at Costco there was a HUGE bag with 52 squares in it. 52!! I refrained... I didn't buy it, although in a slight panic that I may never be able to find it again, I REALLY wanted to. Plus - Costco, with their super-sized amounts pretty much make everything that much more appealing! This peanut buttery goodness really is fabulous. I know I am borderline crazy.... but you have to try it!
I found myself in Walmart the other day perusing the Christmas clearance. As I walked to the checkout a bright yellow Snickers display caught my attention. "PEANUT BUTTER Snickers?!?", I said to myself. I immediately grabbed 4 bars and headed on my way. In effort to not eat all 4 bars, I had a little yummy melt in your mouth taste and in true Amber style, hid the rest. {Which drives my sweet husband crazy, btw... "Why do you hide it? YOU know where it is!", he says. Ha - I can't help it.} Luckily, my hiding trick worked and I quickly forgot about my new treasure. The next day, Ben and I took a trip to Walmart together for a few items. As we passed the yellow display Ben looked right at me, "AMBER, DID YOU SEE THAT??", he said. "Ummm... I may or may not have a stash at home....", I replied. "HA, of course you do!" But just to be sure I had enough to share, I grabbed a couple more. THEN last night while we were at Costco there was a HUGE bag with 52 squares in it. 52!! I refrained... I didn't buy it, although in a slight panic that I may never be able to find it again, I REALLY wanted to. Plus - Costco, with their super-sized amounts pretty much make everything that much more appealing! This peanut buttery goodness really is fabulous. I know I am borderline crazy.... but you have to try it!
Ah, thank you Snickers.
December 20, 2010
A jumping we will go
Well our good friend Tim recently had a birthday. Deneal, Tim's wife, told me MONTHS ago that she was going to take Tim for a surprise birthday bungee jump since he had never been before. She suggested I bring Ben, but the worrier in me thought - "yeah, I don't know that I should fling my new husband off the side of a bridge..." {If you remember - Deneal, Shannon, Dan and I went bungee jumping over 1 year ago to commemorate mine and Deneal's birthday here and it was AMAZING} so as the days grew closer the excitement of jumping of a bridge grew and I thought this was something I certainly didn't want to miss. Ben was on board from the beginning. I would ask every day, "Are you SURE you want to go??" "Are you making this decision all on your own??", he assured me he was - rain or shine, sickness and health he was jumping off that bridge. Well alright!
Saturday morning the sky poured rain and Ben coughed, sniffled and sneezed -having contracted my latest cold - and I asked one more time, "Are you SURE you want to go?" his answer was most assuredly, yes. I packed a backpack of our warmest clothes and the entire medicine cabinet and some snacks for the hour drive and we were off to meet our friends.
When we got there the skies had cleared and Deneal, Tim and Travis were already suited up and ready to go. So Ben, Billy, Cameron and I suited up, weighed in and signed our life into their hands. We were ready to go!
Saturday morning the sky poured rain and Ben coughed, sniffled and sneezed -having contracted my latest cold - and I asked one more time, "Are you SURE you want to go?" his answer was most assuredly, yes. I packed a backpack of our warmest clothes and the entire medicine cabinet and some snacks for the hour drive and we were off to meet our friends.
When we got there the skies had cleared and Deneal, Tim and Travis were already suited up and ready to go. So Ben, Billy, Cameron and I suited up, weighed in and signed our life into their hands. We were ready to go!
Walking onto this bridge is a weird feeling - as you look down 500 feet to the ground below {which is a river that was very full this time as opposed to the rock/creek floor from last year}a little bit of panic sets in as you think, "seriously I am jumping into that?" and then there is an eerie calming feeling as you look at the giant bungees attached to the steel frame of the bridge promising to hold 9,000 pounds and think, "it's all in good fun!".
Tim, the birthday boy, was the first to go - it was kind of like he listened to the instructions, climbed over the platform and jumped. There was no thought at all, which is the best way to do it!
Ben was next. I am not sure who was more nervous, me or him. Probably me. I asked him to repeat all the instructions back to me and then to the jump master. I know, I am insane, but I can't take any chances here!
He suited up and... well, see for yourself....
And then for the second jump, backwards.
And he is back, safe and sound - I can breathe again!
If you are wondering why we are all wearing helmets, it is not to save our lives. Travis had this really cool helmet cam that recorded our faces as we fell. Seeing your face react to the fall is the icing on top of this lovely bungee cake.Next was Billy. The boys were all so funny - you see, Deneal and I were the only ones who had done this before. They all knew that and admitted later that even though they were terrified they knew there was no turning back because you can't let a couple of girls be more brave than you! So, they all did what any brave man would do, they jumped right off that bridge.
Billy
Travis
Next, Deneal. She was tad nervous the second go round, but after a good pep talk she did what any sane person would do, she turned around and jumped.
Then Cam, who after Deneal's pep talk wasn't sure this jump was as easy as everyone had made it look.
And lastly, me. This is the problem about bungee jumping being short, you have to use different ropes and get stuck going last....
Closing my eyes as I stand on the platform, 3...2...1...
Now, I just have to share the most scariest thing ever about this whole experience... For me, the worst part about bungee jumping is climbing over the railing and standing on the platform. In my opinion so many things could go wrong in those moments that I want to pee my pants just thinking about that railing. When you get to the bottom of the jump and stop bouncing around the jump masters send you down a carabiner to attach to your harness and hoist you up. Now we are wearing this big helmet {see the above picture of me, my head is huge!} so when they send down the carabiner I can't see around the huge thing and attach it to what I THINK is the right harness. As they are pulling me up I immediately feel like someone is picking me up by a backpack and think, "HOLY CRAP, I attached it to the wrong one!!" As I get to the top, I tell the girl that I am attached by the top, not the bottom, harness in my best trying-to-cover-the-sheer-panic voice. She says, "Oh." and gets me to mentioned above terrible platform. At this point she is trying to get the carabiner unattached from the harness so I can crawl back over the death railing, but SHE CAN'T GET IT UNATTACHED. Every time she tries to get me loose instead it hoists me up a little more! I really don't need to explain this... but my legs are very SHORT, so I am BARELY touching said death platform. Now, I realize that I am still attached to bungees and should I fall the likelihood of me being just fine are very good. But here I am, done with my jump thinking, "This is not okay, NOW I am going to die??!" So I rip the helmet off, because the inability for me to see is NOT helping. Finally, the other jump master comes over and very easily let's me down. Problem adverted... but as I hung there tippy toeing the platform and thinking off all the ways this could go wrong, I almost swore off bungee jumping. Almost.
Here we are all safe and sound and feeling like we can pretty much do anything now! Bring it on world!
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