#AwesomeDay

Today has been an awesome day.

I woke up feeling great, snugged with the Boops and the Hubster, then put on one of my favorite outfits. Got to the car dealership where I was charged nothing for the tire replacement. Headed over to work with one fifth of #TeamAwesome - and Neaves the Beast taught me more about The Gilmore Girls. Had a pretty fantastic salad and baked snack. Chatted with an installation guy that got me two future work wins. Got my work homework completed early. Discovered a new song (below) and a new artist (which I will feature next week: KRNFX)



I can't wait for Music Monday, I have to post it now.

Slightly Belated Music Monday - Time of Your Life by Green Day

On my way to work this morning, I heard the Bruce Springsteen song "High Hopes"... my plan was to post that with a commentary about "The Boss" and a few witty quips. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed and things took a turn for... well... let me just say things did not go the way I had hoped.

That being said* I had a good laugh with PinTrish, Namnamnams and Scro over a cider; I was the recipient of a phone-a-friend from Bueno; and the boopins were pleased to see Mumma this afternoon.



People say, they next best thing is in store. And yes, I've had the time of my life. I just wished the ride lasted a little longer. And I'm posting at 3:33 am, which makes my head feel good.


*Shout out to Sparky. 

Odie

Odin "Odie" Eckert went peacefully to doggy heaven on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 7:30 am.

Odie was a loving, sweet pug. Not much of a snuggler, he would show his affection most through playing tug of war, jazz paws and with his favorite teddy bears.  He loved his bitty beddy and you could find him most often snoring away with his head on top of Larry the Lizard. He hated going on walks, but he would waddle around around the block with his Dadda and really didn't even need a leash.  Of his siblings, Odie was the most house trained and always used the doggy door, even if it was raining.
Odie leaves behind a very sad pug clan; his brothers Mooch and Rugen, and little sister Nadia, along with his Mumma and Dadda. Rest in peace Odie Monster.

New Series: If Pugs Had Thumbs

http://youtu.be/lRP0DfNFpD4

Odie is the one eating... Rugen is on the left.

EVEN BETTER Music Monday - Her Favorite Song by Mayer Hawthorne

Great song. Boopins dressed in suits. Fantastic summer jam.

Trish the Dish, Pinterest, Harry Potter geekery and a guy named Bob

(This story involves Trish the Dish, Pinterest, Harry Potter geekery and a guy named Bob.  I’m telling the whole thing but it’s really the end bit that’s funny, but you have to read through the first part to get to the second.) 

Trish the Dish adopted two rescue labs, Landry and Willie, this past weekend.  I was in her cube chatting about how things were going, how the cats are taking it, etc.  She said things were going really well, but she wants to block off the hallway so that the cats (Lucy and Ricky Bobby) can freely roam the bedrooms and the dogs can have the other half of the house.

Then Trish pulled up Pinterest: a website full of ideas and creativity that I will likely never have the inclination to explore fully.  She showed me her concept for a rolling barn door.  It was pretty cool, a nice door that rolls into place set on casters. 

“I just have to go to The ReStore at lunch and see if they have something.”

“What’s The ReStore?”

“It’s a 2^nd hand place that has all household items and stuff and the money goes to Habitat for Humanity. Like, if you need some wood, you can get wood here.”

*snicker*

“That sounds cool. Can I join you?”

So off we went to The ReStore. The moment we entered the building, my eyes were visually accosted. Chandeliers hung from every available space, lit and twinkling in their awesomeness… no two the same. Piles and mounds of rugs in every color. China and flatware and cups. Microwaves next to mini fridges. Boxes of nails.

“OHMIGOD Trish! It’s like the Room of Requirement!”

“What is a room of requirement?”

I didn’t have a chance to explain. I was swept away down the aisles, calling back,

“Trish, this sure is a whole lot of caulk.”

*snicker*

We wandered around and found the section with all the doors.  After finding the perfect barn door (I’m a lucky charm) she tracked down the guy in charge: Bob.   

Bob was at least 65 with white wispy hair, a big fat belly, suspenders holding up his jeans, and a piece of masking tape on his chest that said “BOB”.  (Bob is apparently the go-to-guy for all things doors.) Trish paid up and Bob put a “sold” sign on her door, with plans to pick it up after work.   

Behind the register was this sign:

I sent it to Tony & Sarah cause it was so randomly hilarious.

On our way back, she asked again about the Room of Requirement and I was able to explain it in the same way Ron had in the book/films, with the toilet analogy.  

“So if you needed to potty, there would be a room full of toilets.”

“Well I didn’t have to walk by The ReStore three times for it to appear.”

“No, but you did have to pass by that door three times, I’m just saying. *pause* You know what? It’s really weird to see open fields like that.”

“Huh?”

“That field. (I point out the window.) It’s weird because it’s just this open space for, like, growing corn or something. You don’t see open fields those in California. Now when I go home, the mountains freak me out.”

I must have been babbling because the next thing I knew, we were lost and randomly going down streets and making u-turns trying to get on the freeway.  

“Omigod Trish, you’re totally trying to kidnap me!”

“I’m not trying to kidnap you.” (laughing)

“Yes you are. You are going to stop and let me off in that field and I’m not going to know how to get home! I'm just going to be standing there feeling stupid” (giggling)

“Well, then you sure would be out-standing in your field!”

I looked over at her and lost it. Absolutely lost it. Laughed uncontrollably for a solid minute.

Best. 

Lunch. 

Ever.

Oh noes, heeeelp me!

The Shaming of Flash Jordan

"Oh my god what the EFF is that?"
I'm on the other side of Kylae's loft but I can hear him clearly.
"Flash! Is that poop? What.. what the what? What IS THAT?"

I walk over and look down at whatever his dog has done.
(sigh)


This sums it up.

Chubby Wan Learners

Woke up at 6 am and the Boopins were extra snuggly and alert. For pugs, that's saying quite a lot as their usual regime is: wake up around 10, eat and drink, waddle outside for a stroll, mark their territory on the English Butler, poops, then back inside to the couch or biddy beddy for a nap. Sleep 6 hours. Repeat.

As we have previously discussed, we have our own language in the Eckert Abode. Wabba Dem Hoobies! One of the expressions I forgot was Chubby Wan Learners. That's another name for the Boops. (Boops. Boopins. Chubby Wan Learners. All inter-changeable.) Unless you are Trish the Dish, you should be fairly aware of Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda and the Padawan Learners. (Adame, ask Trish if she knows what a Padawan Learner is and wait for the look of confusion.)

(As I typed this, Hubster came up behind me and snapped my bra strap. WTF? Are you twelve?!)

Back to the story... so we call them Chubby Wan Learners and they have their own song. Depending on your level of awesomeness, you will get the reference.  This is me, singing in the dark to Moocha.

My Brain Wouldn't Shut Up - 5:30am

I have to finish that deck.

What if no one shows up at the Polo game?

It’s too hot, I need to take off this blanket.

The trick to nekkid sleeping is keeping your butt covered.

Maybe I’d be more comfortable with the blankets all the way on up to my neck but my feet sticking out the bottom?

If an alien showed up right now to take me and the boopins off to another planet, I’d totally go.

Why is Tommy deaf, dumb and blind? That’s too much for one kid.

I want an espresso.

Did I transfer the sheets into the dryer?

Urgh, I cannot forget to pay that bill this morning.

Maybe I should get up and go to the gym.

I wish I could wake up without belly fat.

I want to stay here in bed.

On Horses, Guns and Arnold. Not Related.

Debating with the Hubster about the Equestrian portion of the Olympics. Does the rider just train, hold the reigns and guide? Is that as athletic as a runner? Does it require the skill and finesse of a diver? Shouldn't the pony get the gold, they do all the work?

If I had more energy, I would research all this. But I'm still exhausted from the ridiculous two hour boot camp yesterday morning. Oh Amazon Amy, you are so evil.

We went to the range with Brad and Devo, I spent 20 minutes before I had to get out of there. The heat was too much. It was crowded (Church of Shooting is pretty popular on Sunday morning.) And someone was firing a cannon.

Now I have a hankering to watch the original Total Recall but I can't find it on Fios.

Sleepy. Weird week

Today is my birthday

I'm 34 today. It's not a special number or anything.

I didn't get any presents.

Or cards.

Turning 34 is interesting because 34 of my Facebook friends said some version of "Happy Birthday" on my timeline and some of them were pretty funny. (I liked Bueno's comment "This should be a National Holiday" the best.) It's National Clown Week. I effing HATE Clowns. And Zombies. Especially Clombies.

I had seven calls; three of which I was able to answer since I was at a work off site*. (KylAE, Devo and Brad actually got a hold of me. Kudos to Karla for the first call... and both Mom and Biggie Sue for singing. I totes saved the message from Glo cause not only did she 1) give birth to me but 2) has an awesome off-key and gloriously happy singing voice.) And my work peeps did wish me a HBD when I arrived. Not to mention, Trish the Dish spent 4 hours laboring over those those amaze-balls cinnamon rolls.

Two text messages. Devo gets bonus points for being the first to text and wish me a Happy Birthday, (before my husband BTW. 6:45 am!) and then following up with a call.

The Boopins didn't care as long as they got lovins when I got home.

Hubs gave me a big check to deposit into savings and then promised that we'd do something artsy with fine dining next weekend.


Am I the new Molly Ringwald, lamenting about her birthday in the digital age?


I guess I just wanted a candle on something. And people smiling at me that I was special today.
But I suppose all those HBD wishes I put on other peoples FB walls  on their special day feel the same.

The older I get, the more I yearn for connection. Yet, as connected we are at a touch of the keypad, the less we are truly intimately bonded.



*I'd like to note that the new regime says we get to take off work for our birthday ... yet I still had to "work" on my birthday.

Bring Your Kids to Work Day - Part 2

So we had our very first "Bring Your Kids to Work" day. 

I only have the boopins, so I didn't really participate.

But I did contribute by throwing words on a paper for the video Joe Black made.

I'd post the video here but Joe is being a D****E Canoe and not sharing the files.

(You'll owe me $10, I'm just saying.)

This is Pilot Duane up front with President Fred. The kids calmed down long enough to pay attention.

Here's KelBel's little girl Alexia. So cute. "Water is good for you!" You're right Lexi, it is!

Patrick's kid has a mohawk. I just think that's awesome.

 They had fun all morning, watched the video, ate pizza, made homemade paper planes and other stuff.

Then in the afternoon, they went outside for a water balloon fight.

I couldn't make up those clouds if I tried. It was hot, but gorgeous!

Elizabeth was a good sport while her nephews pegged her.

Welp, it's time to wabba-dem-hoobies cause it's nappins.

Every family has it's own special language. Here are a few words from our lexicon.

Boopins - Our pugs.  "Baby, let's take the boopins for a walk."

Welp - This immediate moment. As in... "Welp, time to go."

Nappins - Time to go to sleep for the night. "Welp, time for the nappins."

Wabba-dem-hoobies - To launch the boopins onto the bed, particularly in a style that has them fly a couple feet in the air, with their ears flapping, before landing softly on the mattress. "Baby, Moocha is whining and needs up. Wabba-dem-hoobies!"

Hipa-hopa - May I have some of your beverage? "Baby? Hipa-hopa?" 


Skittley boopins and raggley snaps - How things end up going when you don't have a choice. "I was in line at the store and then this guy cut in front of me. Skittley boopins and raggley snaps!"


Elephant Shoes and Olive Juice - I love you and I love you more. "Nigh-night baby. Elephant Shoes and Olive Juice."

Boopins Head Tilt

This pretty much sums up what happens in my house ... times four.

Sightless in Seattle (Part One)

(Warning: This post contains Evil Trees and Blood)

Hubster and I had some American Airlines points to redeem and decided to visit a city neither of us had been to... Seattle, Washington. We've always wanted to go; with all the rain (which we love), greenery and outdoorsy-ness, liberal mindset of the citizens, and recommendations from friends. In fact, one of Hubs ex-Navy friends lived there and we thought it could be a nice visit after 8 years. Added bonus, I got a two-night room at a swanky, arty, boutique hotel for freesies. Hooray! Off to Seattle we go!

After sending off the boopins to Woofgangs Doggy Day Care (shout out - love you guys) we headed to the airport and boarded the new 7 series. I was promised a window and yet my aisle WAS THE ONLY AISLE ON THE PLANE WITHOUT A WINDOW! Sad. Four hours later we landed in Seattle, took the train to the city and found Hotel Max.

Hotel Max is a fun place. You feel like a Rock Star, or a Roadie with the Band at the least. Each room door has a unique full sized black and white photo, something ... arty. (I'm using arty a lot. I'm tired, sorry.) The guest rooms are small with no bathroom to speak of (a toilet, single sink and shower stall) but comfy sheets on the beds and clean.

So we got all touristy. It was wicked sunny outside and all of Seattle was out on the streets. So much for the promised rain * le sigh *. Met up with Roberta & her boyf. Saw the famous Pike Place Public Market. Wandered the stalls. Bought a few trinkets for the work peeps. Generally enjoyed our afternoon. That evening we had great food, drinks and the rest is none of your bidness.

Next day, we woke up at 6:30am (which felt like sleeping in) and hit the streets. Walking numerous blocks, all we noticed was litter and bums. Litter and bums. Trash on the corners, empty Starbucks cups, paper, waste, unrecognizable materials ... and bums. Versus the day before where there were Street Buskers playing instruments, or magic tricks, or SOME kind of talent for money, today was just homeless people looking for a handout. Did I mention it was PEaster Sunday?

Walking walking walking... we finally got to the Seattle Space Needle. It wasn't open yet, so we decided to re-route and go to the Aquarium

AND THAT'S WHEN THE EVIL TREE ATTACKED!

(To be continued)

Xmas songs and Jammie Pants

This morning Hubs and I both woke up at about 6 am, about one hour earlier than we usually do.
We're laying in bad chatting, snuggling with the boopins.
Nadia starts attacking Odie's ears (as she usually does when we rile her up) and I start singing a song to "Oh Christmas Tree".

Oh Nadia, Oh Nadia.
Stop a-ttack-ing poor Odie.
His ears are ooooh so sensitive.
It isn't niiiice to do in bed.

Hubs: Wow, you've already got our whole holiday repertoire together in March!
Me: I'm awesome like that.

Then we discussed getting super hero jammie pants for the next half hour.
Good times.