so you can plan your summer vacations

around these dates...

Toad the Wet Sprocket tour dates -

06/11/08
Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia , PA
06/12/08
Starland Ballroom, Sayreville , NJ
06/13/08
Ram's Head Live!, Baltimore , MD
06/14/08
Oronoco Bay Park , Alexandria , VA
06/15/08
The Norva, Norfolk , VA
08/23/08
The Mountain Winery, Saratoga , CA
08/29/08
Canyon Club, Agoura Hills , CA
08/30/08
Coach House, San Juan Capistrano , CA

AND -

Glen Phillips tour dates (former lead singer of Toad)

05/29/08
Shangri- La Ellsworth ME
05/30/08-05/31/08
Loyalist City Folk Festival St. John NB
07/08/08
The Windjammer Isle of Palms SC
07/09/08
The Grey Eagle Asheville NC
07/10/08
Belcourt Theatre Nashville TN
07/13/08
Unplugged in the Park Atlanta GA
08/22/08
Hutchins Street Square, Performing Arts Theater Lodi CA
10/11/08
The Ark Ann Arbor MI
11/01/08
Pollak Auditorium W.Long Branch NJ

AND -

Joshua Radin tour dates -

15-Jul TUE Tucson, AZ Club Congress
16-Jul WED Phoenix, AZ Clubhouse
18-Jul FRI Austin, TX The Parish
19-Jul SAT Dallas, TX Palladium Lone Star Room
20-Jul SUN Houston, TX Warehouse Live Studio
22-Jul TUE Nashville, TN Exit/In (18+)
23-Jul WED Atlanta, GA Center Stage
24-Jul THU Birmingham, AL Workplay Theatre
25-Jul FRI Greensboro, NC Greene Street
26-Jul SAT Baltimore, MD Recher Theatre
28-Jul MON Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero Theatre
29-Jul TUE Alexandria, VA Birchmere
30-Jul WED New York, NY The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza (16+)
31-Jul THU Boston, MA Middle East Downstairs (18+)
1-Aug FRI Montreal, QC Studio JPR
2-Aug SAT Toronto, ONT TBA
3-Aug SUN Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
5-Aug TUE Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theatre
7-Aug THU Detroit, MI The Crofoot Ballroom
8-Aug FRI Chicago, IL House of Blues
9-Aug SAT Minneapolis, MN Cabooze (18+)
10-Aug SUN Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theatre
12-Aug TUE St. Louis, MO Duck Room (21+)
14-Aug THU Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre (16+)
15-Aug FRI Salt Lake City, UT In the Venue
17-Aug SUN Seattle, WA Neumo's
18-Aug MON Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret (19+)
19-Aug TUE Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
21-Aug THU San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
22-Aug FRI Santa Barbara, CA Soho Restaurant and Music Club (21+)
23-Aug SAT Anaheim, CA House of Blues
24-Aug SUN San Diego, CA Belly Up Tavern (21+)
28-Aug THU Los Angeles, CA House of Blues

I don't know, maybe it is more about me planning my summer vacations since none of them are coming to my neck of the woods!

numbers

9 - my favorite number thanks to the greatest quarterback to ever play football.
Jim McMahon

68 - the dollar amount of gas to fill up my tank yesterday

2009 - the year that Nordstrom, Crate and Barrel, Macys, Dillards and many more will be open just around the corner from my house

17 - Emilee's birthday was this many days ago and I didn't recognize it on the blog. (and yes I heard about it)


5 - this many more days until my birthday!

0 - notes I hit this morning singing Jessica happy birthday

2 - the number of cops I saw who had pulled people over this morning on the way to work

14 - the number of days until we go to SLC (for a family reunion)

1 - the number of weeks until I am having my first garage sale in Vegas. I put it in print, now it has to be done!

5 - the number of months until the Jimmy Buffett preparty! And if you ever want to see me really get my groove on, this is the place to go (and I'm not talking dancing, although that has been known to happen after a while)

Happy Birthday!

Happy 26th Birthday Jessica.

So are we going to Red Rock or out for Indian food???

Have a lovely day!

where to begin...

First off, it has only been one week since the last post but I have been getting complaints to update. Thank you Taush.

So, what is happening around here???

Not much, that is probably why there has been no posting.

I had pink eye over the Memorial Day weekend - try finding an eye doctor, not going to happen. I got some OTC meds and have been taking care of it myself. How's that for efficient. The unfortunate thing about all of this is I had to wear my coke bottle glasses all weekend. Lovely. And Ellie was spared - that is a fabulous thing.

We went to Lake Mead yesterday, just the three of us. Basically to just go. Ellie loved throwing rocks into the lake after she saw other big kids doing it, so that is we did for about 1/2 hour.



We enrolled Ellie into a gymboree class here in town. Basically I think she is just going to run around with other kids for 45 minutes a week. We'll have to see how that goes. You know if a kid is within seeing distance she freaks out. This should be a joy.

Speaking of little Miss Ellie, she is indeed 22 months today. The pressure of planning a 2 year party and a 40 year party. Anyway, back to Ellie.. we have been having some kind of conversations lately. This was the one today after I picked her up after work.
Me: Ellie, did you go to the park today?
Ellie: Yep.
Me: Did you go on the slide?
Ellie: Yep and the dolphin.
Me: Oh, and the whale?
Ellie: Got all wet. Got all wet. Got all wet. And the dinosaur.
Me: Oh the dinosaur.
(and I kid you not, this came next)
Ellie: The ceratops.
Me: The triceratops?
Ellie: Yep, the dinosaur. Got all wet. Shoes wet.

I'm giving Sesame Street all the credit on the triceratops - go Elmo!
And she has number and letter flashcards that she plays with while we play cards. She had a 20 card the other day - I asked her what it was and she said twenty. How in the hell? I'm thinking two and zero. But no, she said 20. Amazing.
She is also into saying fall down and then she falls on her butt. I guess it's okay since she has padding but I'm thinking, you already have the mongolian spots, can we not add bruising with it.
And then this precious child just poo'ed in the bathtub. Luckily the water was gone but when I went to clean it up she just kept saying "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh".
I'm telling you - this kid is a sponge.

And again about Tausha, she tagged me a few weeks so I guess I should get on that - here ya go...

Answer the following with only one word.
1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Your significant other? eating
3. Your hair? clean
4. Your mother? wonderful
5. Your father? ditto
6. Your favorite thing? tons
7. Your dream last night? nightmare
8. Your favorite drink? malibu
9. Your dream/goal? money
10. The room you're in? kitchen
11. Your children? eating
12. Your fear? death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? stable
14. Where were you last night? parents
15. What you're not? 20/20
16. Muffins? Mimi's
17. One of your wish list items? megabucks
18. Where you grew up? Utah
20. What are you wearing? jeans
21. Your TV? on
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? mac
24. Your life? entertaining
25. Your mood? chocolate
26. Missing someone? kristine w (live)
27. Your car? acura
28. Something you're not wearing? contacts
29. Favorite Store? scrapbook
30. Your summer? hot
31. Like someone? maybe
32. Your favorite color? green
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? yesterday

So whoever wants to take the challenge, go for it. One word answers are alot harder than you think.

And a little reminder to go out and get the Sex and the City soundtrack - it sounds like a good one!

less than 3 months away and counting...

As I have mentioned before, I am trying to plan a surprise trip for Joaquin's 40th birthday. I have heard that the surprise party I am planning might not be much of a surprise since Cuban people can't keep a secret. So basically, I have to tell them all the day before and we'll see who shows up.
So, if anyone wants to come to Vegas in August, I'll hook you up with some down home Cuban food.

Anyway, I still haven't figured out where to go on vacation.
My original thoughts were either Denver or Chicago since he has never been to either one. But then I figured those places would probably be more for me than him.
We have both been to NYC so that was out.
We went to Mexico last year and are going again next year so that was out also.
San Diego would be good but we are going there in September.
Then I thought of Santa Barbara. I have heard it is very cool there. However, when I looked up flights and hotel - well, let's just say we could go to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a week for the same price as Santa Barbara for 4 days.
And Buenos Aires was also an option until I saw the 20 hour plane ride.
And Joaquin has yet to update his damn passport.
So, this is where I am now...
I'm thinking Canada (and yes, he will have to get that passport). He has never been and I have only been to Vancouver for 1 day about 20 years ago.
Anyone ever been to Vancouver or Toronto?
Those are the 2 leading cities at this point.
Thoughts? Help me out!

Thanks kids!

numbers.

107 - the temperature it is supposed to be today.

14 - the number of days until my birthday. Normally I don't advertise this but now I figure, what the hell!

24 - the number of days when Joaquin will step foot into Utah again. For those of you that know, this will be a big moment.

2 - the number of days until I host bunco. And there are some kick ass prizes ladies!

2 - the number of days until the American Idol finale - go David.

4 - the number of years I will be married in September.

14 - the number of Ellie's teeth

1 - the amount of dead cockroaches I found this morning in my bathroom - lovely

1 - the number of calls we made to the pest company

378 - the number of minutes until I leave work - that just seems way to long.

finally.

for Emilee.



Emilee has been asking when I was going to post pictures of her new addition Roxy. So here ya go Em.
Enjoy.

And on an Ellie note:
She came home today and said "mom, how you doing"
and later when I asked her for something she said "mom, just a minute"
Oh, this is going to be a joy!

And here she is enjoying her first ferris wheel ride on Mother's Day.

set your tivos.

For Oprah on Thursday.
It has Cher and Tina Turner.
And, Jessica was sitting on the 6th row. If you can see her, she will be the one white girl in the middle of all the sistas!
Here's looking for you kid...

elmo is always better than david blaine.

Last night I was catching up on my Oprah tivo'd shows upstairs when I came to the David Blaine episode. You know the one, where he holds his breathe for 17 minutes. What a freak. Anyway, I was wondering if Joaquin would want to watch this so I go over to the stair rail to yell downstairs with Ellie following right along.

Me: Joaquin.
Joaquin: What?
Me: Did you want to watch David Blaine?
Joaquin: No.

Ellie: Joaquin.
Joaquin: What?
Ellie: Is Elmo on?

bitch, i don't know your bizness.

If anyone has seen Baby Mama you will recognize the title - if not you must go so you can recognize the title. This movie was hilarious. Thanks for joining me Jess for somewhat of a girls day yesterday. We'll have to do it again real soon.


In other news - Happy Cinco de Mayo! Bring on the margaritas! My parents had a rip roarin party last year, lots of food and drink and just general partiness but this year - nada. I guess I'm on my own. So, I'm going to head out to Fresh and Easy for some ceviche for dinner - yum!

And, since I haven't done this in a while - next 5 on the ipod.
1. Merry Christmas Darling - The Carpenters (seriously this just came up - I have to get this Christmas music off of here!) So, this doesn't count.
1. Jungle Love - Morris Day and The Time (o-e-o-e-o)
2. (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night - Shawn Colvin
3. Tailor Made - Colbie Caillat (really need to get her off here as well)
4. Dead End - The Format
5. I Feel The Earth Move - Carole King
and because those were just wierd - the next 5...
6. Happiness Is a Warm Gun - Beatles (Thanks Darryl)
7. Rocks and Water - The Weepies (Thanks Em)
8. Landed - Ben Folds (LOVE him)
9. The Things We Do For Love - 10cc (love those 70's tunes)
10. Boom Bam Respite - Howard Jones
again wierd but I don't want to bore you with 5 more!

Oh, and just as I finished typing all of that - Pete Yorn came up. It's already starting out to be a super next 5! (It's the simple things that make us so gosh darn happy!)

cool happy things.

1. Neil Diamond on American Idol. Totally reminded me of my younger days when my dad would crank this album on Saturday morning. Loud.


2. Task management for the mac. If you are anything like me, you always have lists around.

3. this song - High School by Jeremy Fisher

4. Color Splash with David Bromstad because sometimes we are lucky enough to see him work shirtless.

5. If I had another kid, these are super cute.

oopsy.

Ellie turned 21 months on Sunday and I totally forgot to document anything.
So here goes...

"oopsy"
"right there" as she is pointing to something
"1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,14,14,14"
"mom, where you"
"i love you"
"thank you mom"
"bless you"
"i-ya did it"
"bella took it"
"who"
"what"
"why"
"i know"
"hum" as she puts her finger to her lips

These are just some of the things she has been saying lately. It cracks me up that she can almost talk in full sentences (short sentences that is) and that she usually knows what she is talking about. I know there are more, I just can't think of some more right now as usual...
Joaquin actually said the other day, when did this child become such a chatterbox? She is talking non stop!

Here she is driving a monster truck at Chuck E Cheese on Sunday for our friends birthday. To which she kept calling Chuck E Cheese - Mickey Mouse.

we're still here.

We're here. Just haven't felt much like blogging lately. Not that anything isn't happening around here, just tired of the whole blogging world for some reason. Perhaps I should get back out there...

I'll just give you a little update on today.
This morning Joaquin and I went took Ellie to see Elmo Grows Up. She had a blast and we took about 200 pictures in a matter of 90 minutes. She was dancing and singing and pretty much loving every minute of it. It was very cute to see it with her.




And this is for you mom - we were walking into the Cox Pavilion which is adjacent to the Thomas & Mack and Ellie saw that part of the building was painted a red/orange and said "Look, I-Ya did it"

Hope all is well with everyone and I may just join the blogging world again real soon...

fess up.

Okay,
Which one of you out there is from San Juan Capistrano, or Parsippany, New Jersey? Not to put anyone on the spot (again) but who is it? I may just have to come out and visit!

wait.

I guess I didn't get the memo.
Who in the hell invited Mariah Carey to American Idol.
Aagh!
My night would have been ruined. Good thing I have Juno as a backup!

friendly reminder.

Go out and get it. Today!

ellie's test.

balmy.

It is supposed to be 92 degrees today.
It is April 14th.
The end.

100% my child.

Me: Ellie, do you want to go to...
Ellie: Target?

first for everything.

Yesterday I was in the other room. This is what I came out to.
You might have to click the picture to make it bigger.
But, God bless magic erasers!

I had to take a picture and of course, she had to cover her eyes!

fair day

We headed out to Logandale, Nevada today to go to the Clark County fair. It is seriously about an hour away. All you SLC folks, have it easy.
Ellie loved it, she was very excited to see all the animals.
Before we went, the conversation went like this...
Me: Ellie, do you want to go see the pigs?
Ellie: OK
Me: And the cows?
Ellie: OK
Me: And the goats?
Ellie: OK, and lambs?
So away we went.
She learned how to make music.

She tried to ride a tricycle. Basically, Joaquin just had to push her around.

And, this was a proud mom moment. Joaquin had gone in with her to walk around with her while she went on the pony ride. She didn't want any of it. She wanted to do it all by herself. She was even giving us high fives as she went around. This was very cool considering just a few months ago she was freaking out about riding a carousel with me next to her.

I basically had to drag Joaquin to the fair since it is so far away, but he agreed it was a good time and good fair food so it might just have to be a yearly thing!

smokin

I am smokin in the money. I got second place in the NCAA tournament at work giving me $50 more bucks! Considering I had no idea what in the hell I was doing, I would say that's pretty good. I think it all has to do with the fact that I picked Siena in the first round. Totally lucked out on that one, but I got married at the golf course with the same name - how could I not pick it? Sadly though, all my winnings are gone - and not on shoes. It's called rental properties. Damn rental properties and the problems that come along with them.

Just watching American Idol while blogging and go David Cook for singing Our Lady Peace - another band I once met. Thanks Liz.
However, it just might get him kicked off...

Okay, we went private so only a select few of you can know read this and I know who you are so you all better comment at some point! And not to drop names or embarrass anyone, but Mary Neff - who knew?

weekend happiness.

I have lived in Las Vegas for about 13 years now on and off, and this weekend was my first time ever hitting a royal flush! It was so exciting, I wanted to take out my camera phone but didn't want to look like an idiot. So, I went with the flow that this happened to me all the time! Bad news, I was only playing nickels so it was only $200.00. However, I'm not one to be too greedy so I took it and didn't look back that I could have won more.

Joaquin and I went to Hachi this weekend at Red Rock. I know I used to rave about this place but now I just think it is over-rated. Not so good anymore. And, it sucks because it's just a hop, skip and jump away.

I got a few things done on my to do list this weekend. That is always nice to cross things off. And one of those things is to go private, but I left all the emails at work. So, expect for that to get crossed off later today.

Also, it's not confirmed yet, but I am thinking of going to SLC for the 4th of July, and bringing Ellie. Joaquin hasn't left anything in Utah so he won't be coming. I know it is still 3 months away, but that is how boring my life is right now that I can get excited about going to SLC.

And, last but not least (this is becoming my favorite part), my next five on the ipod.

1. Symbol In My Driveway - Jack Johnson
2. Bullet and a Target - Citizen Cope
3. Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You) - Aqualung
4. Cryin' - Chris Isaak
5. Dearly Beloved - Faith Hill

That was a bad 5. Since I was actually paying attention, I had to fast forward through most of those. I guess I should probably clean out music every now and then...

i got nothin'

I really have nothing to say today but thought I would post anyway.

Going over to the parents with the fellas for Dad's famous chili verde. Yum-o.

And, I had so much fun yesterday posting my next five on the ipod that I might just make it regular thing - lucky you!

1. What's Up - 4 Non Blondes
2. Today - Joshua Radin
3. All I Want Is You - Barry Louis Polisar
4. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine - The Killers
5. Amazing - Josh Kelley

Pretty good and again totally random five - makes you actually listen to the music when you are paying attention.
And thanks Todd for the new music - I'll have to check it out.

random blahs.

Oops, I forgot to thank my mother for making Ellie's easter dress. Thanks mom, it was and is darling.

While driving to work this morning with my sunroof open (yes, it is that nice) I was smelling bleach on the freeway. Major bleach. The first thing that popped in my head was that someone in the surrounding neighborhood was trying to really clean up a crime scene. Is that wierd?

I finished 2 scrapbook pages for my new "client" last night. Now I only have 48 more to go by May. Nice!

Sorry if I offend some of you but I am so, so sick of Colbie Caillat. If I hear her on the radio, it is an instant change. No matter what song. And I actually purchased her album about a year ago on itunes. I'm never going to get that $10 bucks back.
Does anyone have any new good artists for me? I'm always on the lookout...

And on that note, the next 5 songs on shuffle on the ole ipod are:
1. One-U2
2. Always-Bon Jovi
3. Good Times Gonna Come-Aqualung
4. All That I Want-The Weepies
5. For Nancy-Pete Yorn

How's that for random?

it's april. fool.

Where did March go?

Last post was about going private. It will still happen, most likely later than sooner. I have everyone's emails from the comments and emails you have sent me so you will be covered. If anyone else wants in, let me know. Sometimes I just feel like I have to vent about things without some people reading it (none of you by the way who commented) but then I get over myself. We'll see if it happens again in the near future.

So, between then and now, Ellie turned 20 months on Thursday.



So, again, a little update. Mainly for me but feel free to read along. She counted up to 15 the other day without the help of Sesame Street. I asked her what an iguana was and she told me. I seriously have no idea where she learned that one. She is getting to be very shy around people her height. Adults, she can be okay around, but, put a kid in the mixture and she will run the other way. She has started liking orange juice and she loves Cafe Rio quesadillas. She also loves the cookies I make. She is also starting to help put her toys away and she takes things to the garbage. She still loves Sesame Street but has now taken to Winnie the Pooh as well. She did watch the Jungle Book and The Bee Movie the other day and liked them both. However, she is also starting to hit. Time out is going to be full force in our household! And, honestly, I have no idea what the hell I am doing in the timeout dept - I'm old. They didn't have that when I was kid. I just got grounded for life. (Remember that mom and dad - of course you don't).
Anyway, despite all of this, she is still my ellie belly and my pretty girl. Love you.

We also had Easter brunch over at the parents last Sunday. Ellie had herself a miniature egg hunt. Had no idea what was going on. Hoping next year, she "gets it".


This is usually the kind of picture I have been getting lately when I pull out the camera. Isn't this stage starting a little early?

And, here she is playing with a real live easter bunny. Thanks to my parents neighbors for supplying the fun.

We also had some out of towners come visit us this past weekend. My 2 aunts and 2 cousins came to visit us from Utah. All they wanted to do was shop. And shop. And shop. And, that they did. I still hadn't charged my camera since Barry Manilow so I didn't take one picture. But, I'm sure if you go here or here they might have some pictures for you at some point. It was a fun weekend and you guys will have to come down again. Glad you made it back home safe after your snow storm. Sucks going into that after a lovely weekend - doesn't it?

And then next we move on to this weekend where Andy and Daren will be coming down to golf. I so wish they didn't already have 4 players, I would love to drive the cart. It's the best part of golf!

Did anyone catch Dancing With The Stars last night? Was it just me or was that Count Von Count singing Roxanne? Of course, without all of the ha,ha,ha's.


I should scoot, but I hope you all did some sort of April Fool - I'm not creative like that so nothing happened around these parts. Maybe you should all give me ideas for something to do next year.

Oh, and lastly, thank you all for your ideas on the 40th birthday trip coming up. I have one in mind, Joaquin just needs to renew his passport!

private, baby.

We're going private!
What this means is if you want to continue reading this (and you know you do) I'm going to need your email address to get you in.
Think of it as a nightclub where I am the bouncer and I will only let a few of you in!
So, if you are an acquaintance, or an acquaintance of an acquaintance, just leave your digits and I'll get you updated.
The blog address will be the same and it probably won't happen until next week but just wanted to get you up to date.
You can leave your email in comments or click on my profile and email me from there.
See you soon...

abby cadabby?

poll

If you were to take your husband on a trip for his birthday, say a 3-4 day excursion - where would you go?
I have some ideas but I think I need some more options.
Can anyone help me out?

after watching the 11 o'clock news...

Turns out the guy that robbed the Credit Union is also linked to robbing a casino here in town last weekend and new developments are that he may also be the one who shot and killed 5 women at a mall in Chicago last month.

Gee, I'm just glad he wasn't just an ordinary bank robber!

whassup?

So kids, what is happening out there?
I've been off for a while chained to my desk so I could get Megan's scrapbook done - Megan if you are reading, it should be in your hands next week. I hope you like it!

But I just thought I should catch you up to date...

Thursday night was date night so we celebrated in style. Manilow style that is!
Thanks to the little thing we are in we went to go see Barry Manilow at the Las Vegas Hilton. And please, don't make me tell you who Barry Manilow is. Anyway, believe it or not, the show was pretty good. My camera ran out of juice after I took a self portrait of Joaquin and I so, sorry, I have no pictures to share. Awww.

However, those of you that actually know me, know that I was pretty much at the Las Vegas Hilton at any chance I got a few, few years back. Thanks to Ms. Kristine W. So finally after many years of being there, I didn't even know my way around the place. I mean, we used to own the place! It was very bitter sweet being there again. I saw Mattie (Liz, remember Mattie)? Remember when I got called up on stage? Remember when Tommy gave us his camera to take pictures of him for his portfolio? Remember meeting Stephanie (aka girlfriend)? Remember going backstage and trying on costumes? Remember taking anyone who would come to visit? Remember running into Joaquin and his girlfriend? Remember trying to sneak Jessica in when she was only 19? The nightclub isn't even called The Nightclub anymore - now it's the Shimmer Caberet - what the hell?
Anyway, if my scanner would actually work right, I would post and post and post many pictures from my day back at the Hilton. Maybe another time. But, as you can tell, I miss the girl and she should really just quit touring and come back to Vegas where I'm sure we would all be on the front row.

Okay, enough of that.

Joaquin got a new job last week. Now he is a loan officer at a credit union here in town. Anyway, he was in training all last week and today was his first day at his branch. In the ghetto. This credit union has branches where some have tellers and others have just loan officers with an atm but no cash on hand. So, this morning on day number one, Joaquin calls me and says some guy just came into our branch and asked where the tellers were. Some lady told him across the way and then that branch proceeded to get robbed 5 minutes later. Did I mention it was in the ghetto? Last week I was joking that I was going to have to call our friend who works for metro to get him a bullet proof vest. I probably shouldn't joke about it anymore...

And last, but not least, I hope every single one of you is wearing green today or at least having a green beer or at least a margarita because those are slightly green and better for you anyway!

Cheers.

observation

Is it just me?
Whenever I see a guy driving a Ferrari, he is always some sort of freak.
Never like Magnum P.I.

And for those of you that have no Idea what in the hell I am talking about. Magnum P.I. was a tv show back in the day. I'm finding it very sad that sometimes I have to explain myself at times like these...

chicken tortilla soup

Here's a super easy recipe that Emilee passed onto me - thought I should pass it onto you!
All you need is a big pot and a can opener (and the food of course) - can't get much easier than that!

4 cups chicken broth
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can rotel tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
1 bag frozen corn
1 package pre cooked chicken - diced
1 package taco seasoning

Add everything together including the juices and let simmer about 45 minutes.
When ready to serve, top with tortilla chips and cheese.

Easy and good!

Emilee has also informed me that for leftovers, you can drain some of the juices and make them as a quesadilla filling.

Good luck!

tagged #2

I got tagged via email but thought I would just post it here...

Here goes.

A) Four Places you go over and over:
1. work
2. Redbox
3. Starbucks
4. bed

B) Four People who e-mail me regularly:
1. overstock
2. pottery barn
3. someone in the UK stating I have won 4.4 million dollars
4. houseseatslv

C) Four of my favorite foods:
1. pizza
2. chocolate
3. diet coke
4. sushi

D) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. on a cruise
2. London
3. in bed
4. New York

E) Four people I think will respond:
1. Hopefully every single one of you

F) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Singles
2. Silence of the Lambs
3. Napoleon Dynamite
4. Juno

Here's what to do...and please don't spoil the fun...
Delete my answers and fill in your own - have fun!

I now challenge all of you out there to do your own - what the hell, what is it going to hurt?

at last.

The piercing revealed.
Sorry for the horrible shot, I just took it with my camera computer.

Yes folks, that would be my new wrist piercing. I love it. And now all the Bagley girls with the exception of my mother have done it. Don't worry though, we are working on her.
However, I'm thinking I'm going to have to get another tattoo. But this time, put it right next to the piercing with instructions on how it was done. That is the number one question I get and it gets very old, very quick when having to answer it all the time! Number two question you ask...Did it hurt? Why yes, for the first couple seconds, now I just forget it is there.
Anyway, I know most of you were dying to know what I had done so there you have it!

And, in other news, I have my tooth - I can now smile again and feel like I am actually from this side of the country.
Alright, gotta go - off to coffee Sunday.
Have a good rest of the weekend!

yo, bonnie, we're here...

We headed up to Bonnie Springs on Saturday where they have a little petting zoo. Ellie loved it. Thanks to Jessica for coming along, she was the one who would help Ellie feed the animals while I could take pictures. Joaquin was the one saying, Lori, I don't trust these animals - they should all be in cages. Yadayadayada. No harm done. Anywho, here are some highlights...





Jessica said on this last picture - I can't believe you just took your daughter's picture in that lady. Her boobs are totally hanging out and she has a garter belt on - I say, welcome to Vegas!

that was then, this is now...

I got tagged a while back by my cousin Camille so since I have the day off and can gather some wits about me, I'll fill you all in now. Here I go...

20 years ago I...
1. was 15, so I was probably telling my parents if they had just had me one year earlier, I would be driving by now.
2. was probably grounded (wait, I KNOW I was grounded)
3. was out riding in Liz's scirocco with Lindsi and Steph.
10 years ago I...
1. was 25. Hey, I can do math after all these years!
2. went to the Pez museum in Burlingame, CA (this is where scrapbooks come in).
3. was either in Vegas every weekend or over at the Hamiltons.
5 years ago I...
1. got Bailey - one year ago today in fact. (again scrapbooks) Bailey would be my bichon frise that now lives with my parents.
2. went to Disneyworld for the first time.
3. threw up in the back seat of my car from having too many margaritas at a Jimmy Buffett pre-party.
1 year ago I...
1. wasn't really scrapbooking about me so I really have no idea???
So far this year I...
1. moved offices from being pretty close to me out to BFE.
2. have been to Salt Lake.
3. have discovered Project Runway.
Yesterday I...
1. went to work.
2. watched American Idol.
3. slept with 2 other people.
Today I...
1. made Christine Lavin cookies for a party tomorrow.
2. did laundry.
3. will go visit my mom who just had her knee scoped earlier today.
Tomorrow I...
1. will go to Happy Hour at Kona Grill with Jen and Jessica.
2. will go to a birthday party for Joaquin's aunt.
3. will pay bills.
In the next year I shall...
1. hope to have another child.
2. hope to be sleeping with 1 person only.
3. hope to not be working anymore! (a girl can dream...)

There you have it or part of it- I don't know who to tag so if you want to do this on your blog - go nuts!

19.

Where to begin...
After a poltergeist came and replaced my child with something else last night, that is all I can think about right now. But I'll try and avoid telling you all what a monster my child was. Was it a stomach ache? Was it getting molars? I'm not sure, but I just hope it doesn't happen again tonight!
Anyway, 19 months.
She is a little artist, if you come to my house, you can tell by looking on the floor, the fridge, the furniture or the treadmill. All are works of art!
She pretty much knows her colors. There are a few times though when it just must be more fun to say green than say blue.
She is learning her shapes and to hear her say triangle is pretty cute.
She knows her letters, but we are still working on the numbers. In fact, every time we are in the garage, she has to stop and tell us what the license plate says.
Thanks to some puzzles, she has learned her sea life. Sea World, here we come - or maybe just The Shark Reef or The Dolphin Habitat. And again, hearing her say "ocpatus" (octopus) is hilarious.
She says please, thank you and your welcome.
Oh yes, she is still a horrible sleeper. I don't know if she is ever going to get out of my bed!
As you might be able to see by the picture, she can now have 2 braids - Yaya had to do that. I'll have to try and learn how to do it myself.
She is becoming a very picky eater. She no longer drinks milk, only "agua". In fact, she has to be holding a sippy cup with it in it before she can go to sleep.
Anyway, hopefully the poltergeist will come back and return my child so we can have more good times! SERIOUSLY!
We love you pretty girl!

tasty tuesday #3.

Look out ladies - when I say tasty, I don't mess around!


This would be me with Evan and Jaron. You know, Crazy For This Girl - those guys. Met up with them at Club DV8 -that is before it burned down.
Again, thanks to Liz for the hookup!

circa April 2001

tasty tuesday #2.

I made these delicious cookies over the weekend. And since I'm such a nice gal, I thought I would pass these on to you... I think all the Chi Omega's up at Utah State make these also as Emilee would make them all the time. So, if you don't have the recipe, here you go!
Christine Lavin cookies (don't think I came up with these myself)

2 cups flour
1/4 cup wheat germ (not necessary but it might make you feel healthy)
8 oz chocolate chips
8 oz white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon salt
1 teasppon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter (I use butter flavored crisco instead - makes them better, I think)
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

In a big bowl, mix softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Beat in the eggs. Should be nice and smooth.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, wheat germ, baking soda and salt. When it's all mixed, add 1/3 of that to butter mixture. Mix that and continue with another 1/3 and so on.

Mix the chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips together and add in.

Cook on an ungreased cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. They should be a light golden brown color as shown.

If you like super soft cookies, these are the way to go - they melt in your mouth. However, the best way to enjoy these cookies is to have a little Christine Lavin playing in the background. You won't regret it!

On another note, I made a dinner last night that Joaquin went on and on about. He thought it was the best thing ever! I'll have to share that one with you later...

And, last but not least - Happy Birthday Lindsi!

floyd lamb state park.

Yesterday we headed out to Floyd Lamb State Park with some friends of ours for a little bbq. After living here about 14 years, I have never been out there. And quite honestly, will probably never go back (unless forced). The place was dead. Literally dead. The grass was dead, the trees were dead. The ducks and the shooting range next door were probably the only things alive. It was fun though hanging out with friends and chasing Ellie around in the dirt and making sure she didn't go swimming with the ducks! Maybe it would be better in the summer. I mean some of things might be alive by then, but when it is in the high 60's in February, you have to take advantage - ya know. I'm sure we are going to have more fun outdoor adventures with Ellie in the coming months while we are basking in the 70 degree weather! Sorry to all you folks who will be shoveling snow!

addicted?

spread the love.

Happy Valentines Day ya'll. Or as Ellie says Happy. Valen. Tines. Day!

Have a good one!

holy shit.

I may need to plan another trip to Salt Lake City again in the near future...

http://www.thehotelcafetour.com/

tasty tuesday #1.

I have noticed that people out there are doing a thing called Flashback Friday. Well, I thought I would take a little spin on that and go for my own thing. Keep in mind, I am the author of this blog so any little thing I choose could fall into the Tasty Tuesday genre. With that being said, I thought I would start you out by posting this - anybody know who this is?

Aerosmith.
Yes, that would be me in the middle with Steven Tyler's hand on my shoulder. Not everyone can say that has happened to them! And, I would like to thank Liz for all of her Sony connections into getting me to the meet and greet. And don't think the Sony connections stop there...
Circa 1998

ah, the good ole days.

Went back to SLC this past weekend. A girls trip if you will. Drove up with my mom, Jessica and Ellie and stayed at Emilee's house. Got a new do, as did Ellie. I went short again and Ellie had her first professional bang trim. And the good news is, Joaquin didn't threaten to divorce me when I got home and he saw how short my hair was!
Also, got a piercing! More on that later in about a month once that heals over. But, I should warn you that its pretty damn cool! Ellie and I got to hang out with Liz, Darryl, Meredith and Ace and after we left, it occured to me that I didn't get one picture of Meredith and Ellie playing or of cute little Ace. What a loser I am. Liz called me the next day after hanging out and informed me that Meredith announced that Ellie was her best friend. Ah, how cute! Did some shopping and somehow went way over my budget limit. How does that always happen? Went to dinner with my cousin Kathy and aunt Sheila. My aunt Marci dogged out on us for lunch - what's up with that Marce? Anyway, it was alot of fun to see everyone again and to just chill on out!

blue man group.

2 words - don't go.
Joaquin and I got tickets from that place I was talking about before. Anyway, it really wasn't good. I remember seeing it years ago back in the old days when Paul owned the Luxor, and back then I didn't think it was that bad. Could be that I was maybe, I don't know 10?
So, if you ever come visit Vegas, go spend your money on something good - like Megabucks!

celebrity sighting

While at my local Starbucks this morning - guess who was sitting there...

It's pretty sad when you live in a city where there is a celebrity here every weekend and this is who you get to see.
I think I will have to start posting pictures of me with real celebrities so you know that they do exist!

my fellow americans.

Just a few things...

First out, kuddos to Liz for quitting her job and being a stay at home mom. Lucky you and the rest of you out there! Now, it's my turn!

Second, thank you all for the recipes. I have cooked every night since Friday. So far 3 meals were hits, 1 was a miss. First night I made Coke chicken as I had the ingredients on hand. It turned out dry and not to exciting but the next night, I recycled the chicken and made chicken enchiladas and Joaquin loved those. Last night I made the easiest baked ziti ever and then tonight we had another easy dish of chicken cordon bleu bake. Another hit. 4 dinners in a row - miraculous! If anyone wants any recipes, let me know.

Third, these are on sale at Target if anyone wanted to send me a valentine!

Fourth, I took this video of Ellie yesterday at the opening of Sesame Street - you may need a translator but I think you should get the general idea. At the end, she is mimicking Cookie monster. Cracks me up every time I watch this.

And here are her stats from the doc today - height 32 1/4 inches (50-75%), weight 21 lbs 10 oz (10-25%), head 48 cm (75-90%) so again, the doctor says "so she is long and lean with a big noggin" and then Ellie blew him a kiss when he left.

Fifth, I have a new reader, yeah! Camille, email me - lbags999@yahoo.com so I can have your email address.

And, let me answer some questions some of you had over the last few posts.

Lindsi - totally hadn't thought of the Y thing. Good news, Ellie was watching Sesame Street tonight (go figure) and U was the letter of the day. When they were holding them up, I asked her what the letter was and she got it right - we are on to something!
Chelsie - I have been collecting flamingos since high school when we would go out and steal (or borrow if you will) them from peoples yards. However, now the collection has moved to stuffed animals.
And, Joshua Radin. I learned about him from my good friend (or so I like to think) Zach Braff. I have known about him for a couple years and went to go see him at a bar here in town with about 20 other people - fabulous!
Melaney - I did try the family cookbook a while ago, I may need to pull it out again. I like the easy ones though!
Tausha - the dogs at the top are my parents. I don't know if you can see her right hand but it looks like she is talking to them with her hand and of course, they are listening!

could it really be 18 months already

I know I probably say this every month, but, seriously, where has the time gone?
18 months is a long time! And yet, it has flown on by!

Without boring you anymore (because I'm sure all you parents are like yada, yada, yada - yes, we know it goes by fast...)
This is what she is up to.
1. She says "oh boy" and in a very ecstatic voice
2. She says flamingo - which is a good thing since she has taken over the collection.
3. She is now putting together wood puzzles and when she doesn't get it in the spot she says stuck.
4. Whenever she has kaka pants she says sorry, okay over and over and over. I'm still not sure where that one came from.
5. She has a stuffed Shrek and when you ask her what Shrek says, she says - donkey!
6. Right now most of her 18 month pants fall down. The other day, she was playing and a pair just fell right off.
7. She still loves Sesame Street and sings along with almost all the songs - might be sign that she watches to much???
8. She now says cheese when I pull the camera out.
9. I can know put her hair in one pigtail - love it!
10. For some reason she can point out the letter Y. Not sure about that one either.
11. She sings along with the abc's and she counts on her own up to 5, and then skips to 8.
12. She is turning into a little artist - she has a table and chairs from IKEA that I was going to paint but instead it has all her lovely drawings on it. I might just have to leave it.
13. She turns herself in circles until she gets dizzy and falls over.
14. She knows her colors and by that, she knows the names. Not what colors are. However, she can usually point out the color pink.
15. If I say ready, she says go.
16. She will blow kisses to anyone if they say bye. She did it to the cashier at the store the other day.
17. She can sometimes be a broken record - saying tete or open over and over until we do something.
18. And, she is finally starting to feed herself with a fork. Which is great until clean up the floor time.

And that is about it - she is heading to the doctor tomorrow for more shots! Of course, my favorite part are the stats.
Until tomorrow...

recipes

Is it bad when your 18 month old knows what pizza is?
Or
When you call your husband to see if he wants dinner he says what are you getting as opposed to what are you making?

I think this might be a sign.
Help! I need super easy peasy recipes. The kind that I can make after I get home from working all day. The kind where I have the ingredients on hand.
Anybody out there have any they want to share?
Please!

1 year

I had planned on a big blog update today since I started this whole thing one year ago today.
I went to the Mitt Romney rally here last night (still not sure who I am going to vote for in tomorrow's caucus) but I had a video for you.
But, my computer cord is going to start on fire so I can't keep powering it up. Hopefully I can get that fixed this weekend.
Lucky for me, I have my new iphone so I can check the internet and emails that way!
Anyway, I apologize I don't have more for you - blame the smoke.

it's just so fresh.

So, just a little note that I hope everyone was glued to the tv today or at least tivo'd Ellen and Oprah.
Because, they were fantastic!
First off, Joshua Radin on Ellen - need I say more? I really do love that man. And, if you don't know who he is - might I suggest you look him up.

And then Oprah has to go and have the cast of Juno on. Seriously, I loved that movie as I have mentioned before and it's wierd but I may even like Ben Affleck again (not like I used to, I mean who can really get over the whole JLo thing), and I'm off on a tangent because what does he really have to do with Juno anyway? Nada.

a little of this. a little of that.

Well, we made it to The Producers on Wednesday night. An early weekday date night if you will. It was at the Paris and it starred Tony Danza. Yes, that Tony Danza from Taxi or for you young ins, Who's The Boss. It was cool, it was fun, we liked it. My favorite part was the part with the dancing chairs...Ah, the good ole days! Anyway, we rocked it on the tickets. We got set up on this deal where if you are a local, you pay an amount for the year and whenever a show comes up with any extra tickets you get notified and can try to go. And that kids, is how we went to see the show for super cheap! If anyone is planning on moving here and becoming a local, I'll give you details! And if that isn't a reason for everybody to move here...

I came home last night from work and had to tell Joaquin that I loved him more than the day before because he cleaned the whole damn house! Gotta seriously love that. Laundry and everything. What a super trooper!

And, can I just say (for one more time) that aside from not working at all, I really do love the 4 day week schedule. I get so much done with that one extra day. Like today for instance, hanging out with Joaquin and Ellie, going to Cafe Rio with my mom for lunch, getting some things mailed out and possibly scrap booking a page or two.

That's all folks, I hope you have a phenomenal weekend!

dedicated to liz.

Happy Birthday Liz.
You are one lucky girl - sharing your birthday with Shawn Colvin, Pat Benatar and Rod Stewart - who knew.
A little tribute...

Ah, remember back in the day of going to Vegas every weekend on a whim before I lived here. Either buying a $300 plane ticket or renting a fabulous Neon. Those were the days. Vegas needs you back man!

One question. Were you flipping me off because you know how I love it or because you were truly pissed someone was waiting for you with a camera around the staircase?
Either way, I hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend and I hope you can get a way from the rugrats for just a minute at least...

See you in a month!