I woke up somewhere around 6am (5am central) and lept out of bed, full of hope. I was ready to flee this town, state, terrible trip. I raced to the airport, eager to get on an earlier flight.
None available.
But no, that can't be possible, I must be able to at least stand by for something else?
No.
!@#$
...and then I cried. Yeah, haven't solved that disappointment issue overnight.
And now here I sit, in a small airport, for 9 or so hours. One positive happening is the availability of WiFi, which is actually even a better signal than at the hotel and I've been able to watch some Hulu to pass time. I've also snagged a seat near an outlet, so I can keep my computer charged as I wither away the day. I even killed a few minutes watching a bird hop along the carpet happily.
Unfortunately, the services here are pretty bare bones, a few grab and go cafes, no full service restaurant to sit down at, not much open this early, and a single overpriced store. At least at MSP there are miles of stores and restaurants to wander through, but of course I never get stuck there :)
There is one douchey guy next to me talking much too loud on his blue tooth, but I have good headphones and can mostly drown him out. Mostly.
I also don't want to get up to grab anything to eat and risk losing my spot (outlet). Oh goodie, people already coming to hone in on it.
I'll be home in 12 hours (if all goes according to plan). Wish me luck.
__________________________________________________________________________
Updates:
OMG! There are TWO birds! That's like 7 or 8 more minutes of entertainment.
Oh no, they came and swept up all the crumbs, now the birds are sad and aimless. And yes, they can fly, which is startling, but when they just hop around they seem less menacing.
Also, more douchey business guys talking too loud on phones.
Update Deux:
Sister called and asked if I was still sitting next to douche bags prattling on loud phone calls, and if I wanted to outshout them. Apparently I did, because Blue tooth moved to another section. Bwa ha ha ha.
HBOGO! Yay for watching movies, that will pass my time! What an excellent idea!
Uh oh, maybe watching Contaigon in an airport is like watching Titanic on a cruise ship...
Update Troix:
I got up at exactly the wrong time and had to wait in a giant line for the bathroom. And of course I lost my seat/outlet IMMEDIATELY, but now I've found another. Would you believe the guy sitting by it wasn't even using it? That's like a rule of society now days, power is king. So I'm sitting on the floor next to it, and after watching Contaigon half of me is creeped out about germs and the other half feels it is so inevitable there's not much practicality to worrying. So anyways, now I'm watching "In Time" and watching a couple toddlers chase the birds. I'm pretty sure they will end up sitting right next to me, because that is how my luck is running, so I hope they just run themselves right down to empty and maybe they will sleep on the trip. Also, pray they have seats, because sitting next to lap babies is brutal.
Also, Sbarro at the airport is awful. Not that Sbarro is ever really that good, but it is fairly reliable in the food court. Here I think someone just found the Sbarro logo on google images and stuck it on their microwave pizza stand. Blah.
Also, I kind of like Justin Timberlake as an actor. Not sure why I feel embarassed about that.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
How do you deal with disappointment?
And now for some rambling...
Two months in to "staying at home" and I'm on my second full week AWAY. I didn't travel this much before we had The Cupcake, but the stars have aligned and in 2 months I've had 2 big trips.I'm still on the road, actually, but I can't wait to get back home and am counting the hours.
On my first excursion I was chaperoning 7 teenagers and had a very full schedule, and I felt like I was doing something important for them, that they had earned, and it was important that I go. That trip went pretty well, and while I was getting a bit frazzled by the end, I was able to enjoy my down time and put it to use effectively - I went to a movie, which was a huge indulgence and really hard to do in my normal life, I got my hair cut, I shopped alone and bought a dress I can wear to our summer weddings.
This trip feels nothing like that trip.
This trip was more "for me," and that's probably where the problem starts. I got an opportunity to go to a training camp for my part time job/activity I coach. Half of the bill was scholarshipped, but I still had to pay some hefty lodging & travel. I didn't know that when I applied for the scholarship, so I hesitated to accept, but in the end (which was after I'd decided to stay home but prior to the start of staying home) I went for it. A week in Fort Lauderdale, training in an activity I really enjoy, opportunity to sleep through the night, should have been a blast.
It's not working out that way. First I have a hard time doing something of this magnitude for myself, and that started bothering me right away. The money, especially now that things are even tighter, but also abdicating responsibilities at home during that time. The Husband was encouraging, but I still wrestle with it internally. That tends to set the bar higher, I need the experience I'm sacrificing for to be even more worthwhile to offset the money and icky guilt feelings. Unfortunately, the camp is a mess, falling far below my expectations and most of the other attendees as well. There was a great gnashing of teeth, some mild confrontation, and other unhappiness that resulted in small changes, but not enough to really salvage the experience.
It would cost $200 to change my return flight, if even that were possible (I'm using a reward flight from credit card miles) and I won't get any of the lodging money I spent back, so I tried to make the best of it, but I'm not good at dealing with disappointment. This is a growing realization, to the point I should probably work on it a bit. After a few days of trying to go with the flow, I finally just bailed on the camp and decided to enjoy my time in Ft. Lauderdale - make lemonade out of these lemons. That went okay - yesterday I slept in, watched TV, and headed to the beach to sit in a cabana most of the afternoon. I read my Kindle and listened to my iPod and swam in the ocean, and it was okay.
It was nice.
If I had just been here on vacation, it would have probably been a pretty good day, but because I was already doing it as a clear "2nd place" to redeem the experience I was hoping for, it still felt a little substandard. And to get a little meta, during my beach trip (which was meant to redeem my whole trip) I sat down for lunch on the beach and ordered a pina colada. It was melted and overly sweet. Disappointment. Then my lunch came, and there were unexpected condiments (which I don't like) on the sandwich. Disappointment. I almost cried.
Stepping back, this probably sounds nuts. I was on the beach! Alone with no obligations! Send the sandwich back! But in general, I'm just not good at dealing with disappointment, and it tears me up for a long time. I kick myself over and over. I hold a grudge internally. You can tell me to "not worry about it" but I do, and I don't really think anyone can choose what bothers them, it's a visceral gut reaction. And disappointment does me in.
I order the same thing at restaurants every time I go, because I'd rather have something I know is good than risk the disappointment of not liking something. Same with destinations or vacations. I'd go to a "proven" experience over a new one most times. "wasting" my money hurts. "wasting" the opportunity haunts me.
Is this a problem? I am not sure. Who says I HAVE to try new things? Who says I'm not making the smarter, more logical, practical and efficient choice?
How do you deal with disappointment?
Two months in to "staying at home" and I'm on my second full week AWAY. I didn't travel this much before we had The Cupcake, but the stars have aligned and in 2 months I've had 2 big trips.I'm still on the road, actually, but I can't wait to get back home and am counting the hours.
On my first excursion I was chaperoning 7 teenagers and had a very full schedule, and I felt like I was doing something important for them, that they had earned, and it was important that I go. That trip went pretty well, and while I was getting a bit frazzled by the end, I was able to enjoy my down time and put it to use effectively - I went to a movie, which was a huge indulgence and really hard to do in my normal life, I got my hair cut, I shopped alone and bought a dress I can wear to our summer weddings.
This trip feels nothing like that trip.
This trip was more "for me," and that's probably where the problem starts. I got an opportunity to go to a training camp for my part time job/activity I coach. Half of the bill was scholarshipped, but I still had to pay some hefty lodging & travel. I didn't know that when I applied for the scholarship, so I hesitated to accept, but in the end (which was after I'd decided to stay home but prior to the start of staying home) I went for it. A week in Fort Lauderdale, training in an activity I really enjoy, opportunity to sleep through the night, should have been a blast.
It's not working out that way. First I have a hard time doing something of this magnitude for myself, and that started bothering me right away. The money, especially now that things are even tighter, but also abdicating responsibilities at home during that time. The Husband was encouraging, but I still wrestle with it internally. That tends to set the bar higher, I need the experience I'm sacrificing for to be even more worthwhile to offset the money and icky guilt feelings. Unfortunately, the camp is a mess, falling far below my expectations and most of the other attendees as well. There was a great gnashing of teeth, some mild confrontation, and other unhappiness that resulted in small changes, but not enough to really salvage the experience.
It would cost $200 to change my return flight, if even that were possible (I'm using a reward flight from credit card miles) and I won't get any of the lodging money I spent back, so I tried to make the best of it, but I'm not good at dealing with disappointment. This is a growing realization, to the point I should probably work on it a bit. After a few days of trying to go with the flow, I finally just bailed on the camp and decided to enjoy my time in Ft. Lauderdale - make lemonade out of these lemons. That went okay - yesterday I slept in, watched TV, and headed to the beach to sit in a cabana most of the afternoon. I read my Kindle and listened to my iPod and swam in the ocean, and it was okay.
It was nice.
If I had just been here on vacation, it would have probably been a pretty good day, but because I was already doing it as a clear "2nd place" to redeem the experience I was hoping for, it still felt a little substandard. And to get a little meta, during my beach trip (which was meant to redeem my whole trip) I sat down for lunch on the beach and ordered a pina colada. It was melted and overly sweet. Disappointment. Then my lunch came, and there were unexpected condiments (which I don't like) on the sandwich. Disappointment. I almost cried.
Stepping back, this probably sounds nuts. I was on the beach! Alone with no obligations! Send the sandwich back! But in general, I'm just not good at dealing with disappointment, and it tears me up for a long time. I kick myself over and over. I hold a grudge internally. You can tell me to "not worry about it" but I do, and I don't really think anyone can choose what bothers them, it's a visceral gut reaction. And disappointment does me in.
I order the same thing at restaurants every time I go, because I'd rather have something I know is good than risk the disappointment of not liking something. Same with destinations or vacations. I'd go to a "proven" experience over a new one most times. "wasting" my money hurts. "wasting" the opportunity haunts me.
Is this a problem? I am not sure. Who says I HAVE to try new things? Who says I'm not making the smarter, more logical, practical and efficient choice?
How do you deal with disappointment?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mega-Pain-In-The-Ass
I survived Megabus. I wouldn't recommend it. While it was dirt cheap, their customer service policy seems to be "we're cheap, deal with it" but with a few hundred F-bombs thrown in for good measure. We had to endure 4 segments, 2 there and 2 back.
Round one, Minneapolis to Chicago: ugh. Overcrowded, so we all have to sit separately (me + 7 teenagers) filling in seats next to people who were trying desperately not to share them (uh, sorry? buy 2 seats next time? or just stop being a douchebag?). We leave about half an hour late, and I resign myself to headphones and a book, only to realize a half hour later that we are on the wrong road and going the wrong way. Apparently Megabus does not have GPS, and decided to improvise at a detour. Despite our cautions "not to talk to the driver at any time!" someone spoke up and luckily got us turned around and headed in the (correct) opposite direction. The thermostat was set at UBERCHILL, and the Internet service was spotty at best - I could sometimes check email, I could never stream Pandora or Hulu.
Somewhere in between radio stations I took out my headphones to discover that my teens, on our way to the National Speech & Debate Tournament, had engaged the entire back of the bus in a series of debates about the state of national politics.
Oh dear Jeebus.
Somehow that discussion received a warm welcome and avid participation, and the only real "I will CUT YOU" moment came when one kid started to hum along with his iPod. Okay.
When we arrived in Chicago my kids bid adieu to their "new friends" and received mandatory hugs, which as chaperon I probably should have tried to save them from, but I was more concerned with avoiding one of my own. Put on your own oxygen mask before helping children, right? Anyways, buoyed by our excitement for the still-new trip, we survived leg one, a bit chilled and dragging. Somehow we made up our lost time (though nobody was willing to tell us what time we'd be arriving at our first destination, and in fact the driver announced "stop asking me when we will arrive, I'll make an announcement for everyone when I make an announcement and that's why I make an announcement." I may have a few words off, but it was that mean and unintelligible. So it was a pleasant surprise when we rolled in to Chicago only about a half hour late and had enough time to grab lunch downtown.
Leg 2 was actually the best of the trip, the bus was barely occupied, we all got our own seats, it was dark and the temperature was more moderate and I just whipped out True Blood and did a quick recap on Season 4 before the impending premier. I also didn't realize that we crossed a time zone during that leg of the trip until one of the kids came up to ask if we should call a cab, being about 10 mins away when I thought we were still over an hour out. Time travel, nice!
Then the actual trip took place, blah blah, too long away from my baby, fun but stressful competition, la la la.
The trip home sucked royally. We left our hotel at 5:30am, meaning I got up at 4, which was really 3 in my timezone. And then we lugged our crap 10 blocks to the bus stop, and we waited. And waited. And waited. Our 6:35 departure came and went, and somewhere around 7am I got ahold of Megabus to ask what was going on, and was pretty much told "F YOU."
No, seriously. They used other words. The woman said "I haven't heard anything." Okay. "What happens if we miss our next bus in Chicago? "Well, you can file for a refund." Uh, okay. But how do we get out of Chicago, do you put us on another bus? "No." So I'm just stuck in Chicago with 7 kids and an urge to stab your eyeballs with salad forks? "Yes, that's our policy."
Awesome, thanks, Megabus, for reminding me that "cheap" is not necessarily the best option when it drains a significant portion of my will to live.
An hour later I got ahold of the actual customer service line (that didn't open until 7:30am CENTRAL time) and was told 1. yes, that is their policy "if we're late, you're screwed! ha ha ha!" 2. She was such a nice person, she would try to get us on the next bus anyways (okay), and 3. She officially advised people to never try to make a connection on Megabus (?!?!? What does that mean?!?!? What is the proper window of time to devote to Megabus then?!?!) and that they were soon putting it on the website and in their terms that they were not responsible for anything. Ever. And also, F you.
I may have added words to explain the tone of the conversation at the end there.
So just as we were told the bus was coming at 9am, there it goes and rolls up at 8. Right after everyone else who was waiting had dispersed to various other locations, and I was on the phone looking for a car rental (I WAS going to get home that day. Regardless of method required.)
So we get on the bus, seats together, leg 3 goes okay and we even make up some of the time, so instead of missing our connection we roll in to Chicago with about a half hour until our next bus leaves, just enough time to disembark and stand in a luggage pile while the kids ran for fast food. Then we were "those people" who ate stinky food on the bus, but sorry man, it was a long freaking day and we got up at 3am.
Also, everyone else on that last leg of the trip were giant dickheads and deserved much worse than a little french fry scent. Case in point: we all sit together in the back of the bus. Moments before leaving, woman with baby enters and sits just in front of us. Proceeds to "shush" us the next 8 hours so her baby can sleep.
Um, no. I'm a parent. 1. I'd never take my baby on Megabus, but 2. It is not the rest of the world's responsibility to cater to your baby. 3. You're a jerk, if we want to talk at a normal level in what is basically a public space, you can either deal with it, or move. Especially since we were seated first, and in a large group. I was too tired to argue at this point, but will hope that this woman gets her just desserts in some other horrible way. She also had the strange parenting choice of leaving her baby (in a carrier) on the bus while she disembarked to smoke. And I thought I was mother of the year!
Speaking of ignoring your kids, we also got stuck entertaining a precotious 10 year old traveling with his grandfather, the later whom never said a word to the kid and even left to go sit downstairs for a while when clearly the kid was being an intrusive @$$ and we were all sick of him long ago. He has 2 girlfriends who he kisses French, he is THE BEST DANCER (self reported) and THE BEST EVERYTHING (self reported) and spent hours taking photos and videos of us, interjecting into our conversations, asking for our food, and other such obnoxiousness. Again, too tired to deal with the fall out of telling the world how their actions were wrong, but egads, I still hate other peoples' kids. And other people. Just in general.
This bus had the AC set on sub-zero, which I kindly asked the driver to remedy at a stop, and he did...for a while. Then he cranked it back up inexplicably and announced "stop telling me about the temperature, it is set on 75 (lies!) and I have to concentrate on the driving." I wonder if Megabus has their own charm school? So I shivered and suffered in my jeans, knee-hi socks, shoes, t-shirt, sweater, and jacket - yes, even all those layers were no defense. My poor kids with shorts and flip-flops were miserable. Also on this final desperate ride, the Internet didn't work at all (Megabus is very clear that they provide internet on every bus! Also, if it doesn't work, F YOU! Again with the customer service).
Lessons learned:
- Megabus, while cheap, is not worth it.
- Megabus has an odd but apparently successful business model built around possibly delivering some services for a good price, but not necessarily guaranteeing anything, and must encourage their drivers to be surly and rude. Also, though they say your luggage can have a combined dimension of 62", if you actually bring a bag that size they will yell at you, make you wait till the end to load, and tell you to "cut back next time" (?!?!?).
- 8 days is too long to be away from my Cupcake so far.
- In 8 days away The Hubs may have taught TC to sleep through the night (Also ?!?!?!)
Yeah, crazy happening everywhere. Based on my experience with MB I'm not even going to attempt a strongly worded letter, since they've been bold with their lack of customer service intentions and clearly do not care. I survived. I learned. And now I'm home and settling into my still new life.
I've decided (much like Megabus?) not to give a hoot and deal with editing this, so hey, it's free, deal with it :)
Round one, Minneapolis to Chicago: ugh. Overcrowded, so we all have to sit separately (me + 7 teenagers) filling in seats next to people who were trying desperately not to share them (uh, sorry? buy 2 seats next time? or just stop being a douchebag?). We leave about half an hour late, and I resign myself to headphones and a book, only to realize a half hour later that we are on the wrong road and going the wrong way. Apparently Megabus does not have GPS, and decided to improvise at a detour. Despite our cautions "not to talk to the driver at any time!" someone spoke up and luckily got us turned around and headed in the (correct) opposite direction. The thermostat was set at UBERCHILL, and the Internet service was spotty at best - I could sometimes check email, I could never stream Pandora or Hulu.
Somewhere in between radio stations I took out my headphones to discover that my teens, on our way to the National Speech & Debate Tournament, had engaged the entire back of the bus in a series of debates about the state of national politics.
Oh dear Jeebus.
Somehow that discussion received a warm welcome and avid participation, and the only real "I will CUT YOU" moment came when one kid started to hum along with his iPod. Okay.
When we arrived in Chicago my kids bid adieu to their "new friends" and received mandatory hugs, which as chaperon I probably should have tried to save them from, but I was more concerned with avoiding one of my own. Put on your own oxygen mask before helping children, right? Anyways, buoyed by our excitement for the still-new trip, we survived leg one, a bit chilled and dragging. Somehow we made up our lost time (though nobody was willing to tell us what time we'd be arriving at our first destination, and in fact the driver announced "stop asking me when we will arrive, I'll make an announcement for everyone when I make an announcement and that's why I make an announcement." I may have a few words off, but it was that mean and unintelligible. So it was a pleasant surprise when we rolled in to Chicago only about a half hour late and had enough time to grab lunch downtown.
Leg 2 was actually the best of the trip, the bus was barely occupied, we all got our own seats, it was dark and the temperature was more moderate and I just whipped out True Blood and did a quick recap on Season 4 before the impending premier. I also didn't realize that we crossed a time zone during that leg of the trip until one of the kids came up to ask if we should call a cab, being about 10 mins away when I thought we were still over an hour out. Time travel, nice!
Then the actual trip took place, blah blah, too long away from my baby, fun but stressful competition, la la la.
The trip home sucked royally. We left our hotel at 5:30am, meaning I got up at 4, which was really 3 in my timezone. And then we lugged our crap 10 blocks to the bus stop, and we waited. And waited. And waited. Our 6:35 departure came and went, and somewhere around 7am I got ahold of Megabus to ask what was going on, and was pretty much told "F YOU."
No, seriously. They used other words. The woman said "I haven't heard anything." Okay. "What happens if we miss our next bus in Chicago? "Well, you can file for a refund." Uh, okay. But how do we get out of Chicago, do you put us on another bus? "No." So I'm just stuck in Chicago with 7 kids and an urge to stab your eyeballs with salad forks? "Yes, that's our policy."
Awesome, thanks, Megabus, for reminding me that "cheap" is not necessarily the best option when it drains a significant portion of my will to live.
An hour later I got ahold of the actual customer service line (that didn't open until 7:30am CENTRAL time) and was told 1. yes, that is their policy "if we're late, you're screwed! ha ha ha!" 2. She was such a nice person, she would try to get us on the next bus anyways (okay), and 3. She officially advised people to never try to make a connection on Megabus (?!?!? What does that mean?!?!? What is the proper window of time to devote to Megabus then?!?!) and that they were soon putting it on the website and in their terms that they were not responsible for anything. Ever. And also, F you.
I may have added words to explain the tone of the conversation at the end there.
So just as we were told the bus was coming at 9am, there it goes and rolls up at 8. Right after everyone else who was waiting had dispersed to various other locations, and I was on the phone looking for a car rental (I WAS going to get home that day. Regardless of method required.)
So we get on the bus, seats together, leg 3 goes okay and we even make up some of the time, so instead of missing our connection we roll in to Chicago with about a half hour until our next bus leaves, just enough time to disembark and stand in a luggage pile while the kids ran for fast food. Then we were "those people" who ate stinky food on the bus, but sorry man, it was a long freaking day and we got up at 3am.
Also, everyone else on that last leg of the trip were giant dickheads and deserved much worse than a little french fry scent. Case in point: we all sit together in the back of the bus. Moments before leaving, woman with baby enters and sits just in front of us. Proceeds to "shush" us the next 8 hours so her baby can sleep.
Um, no. I'm a parent. 1. I'd never take my baby on Megabus, but 2. It is not the rest of the world's responsibility to cater to your baby. 3. You're a jerk, if we want to talk at a normal level in what is basically a public space, you can either deal with it, or move. Especially since we were seated first, and in a large group. I was too tired to argue at this point, but will hope that this woman gets her just desserts in some other horrible way. She also had the strange parenting choice of leaving her baby (in a carrier) on the bus while she disembarked to smoke. And I thought I was mother of the year!
Speaking of ignoring your kids, we also got stuck entertaining a precotious 10 year old traveling with his grandfather, the later whom never said a word to the kid and even left to go sit downstairs for a while when clearly the kid was being an intrusive @$$ and we were all sick of him long ago. He has 2 girlfriends who he kisses French, he is THE BEST DANCER (self reported) and THE BEST EVERYTHING (self reported) and spent hours taking photos and videos of us, interjecting into our conversations, asking for our food, and other such obnoxiousness. Again, too tired to deal with the fall out of telling the world how their actions were wrong, but egads, I still hate other peoples' kids. And other people. Just in general.
This bus had the AC set on sub-zero, which I kindly asked the driver to remedy at a stop, and he did...for a while. Then he cranked it back up inexplicably and announced "stop telling me about the temperature, it is set on 75 (lies!) and I have to concentrate on the driving." I wonder if Megabus has their own charm school? So I shivered and suffered in my jeans, knee-hi socks, shoes, t-shirt, sweater, and jacket - yes, even all those layers were no defense. My poor kids with shorts and flip-flops were miserable. Also on this final desperate ride, the Internet didn't work at all (Megabus is very clear that they provide internet on every bus! Also, if it doesn't work, F YOU! Again with the customer service).
Lessons learned:
- Megabus, while cheap, is not worth it.
- Megabus has an odd but apparently successful business model built around possibly delivering some services for a good price, but not necessarily guaranteeing anything, and must encourage their drivers to be surly and rude. Also, though they say your luggage can have a combined dimension of 62", if you actually bring a bag that size they will yell at you, make you wait till the end to load, and tell you to "cut back next time" (?!?!?).
- 8 days is too long to be away from my Cupcake so far.
- In 8 days away The Hubs may have taught TC to sleep through the night (Also ?!?!?!)
Yeah, crazy happening everywhere. Based on my experience with MB I'm not even going to attempt a strongly worded letter, since they've been bold with their lack of customer service intentions and clearly do not care. I survived. I learned. And now I'm home and settling into my still new life.
I've decided (much like Megabus?) not to give a hoot and deal with editing this, so hey, it's free, deal with it :)
Saturday, June 09, 2012
I'm on a Bus
Megabus, actually.
Going on hour 11 right now.
Two more to go.
Ugh.
The first leg of the trip was a bit sketchy, but this 2nd one is pretty mellow, and I got my own set of seats for now which is very nice. It means I can spread out and watch True Blood on my laptop, which is a little dicey due to all the nudity (which I notice much more when I'm watching it in public!) but definitely makes the time go faster. Megabus has free WiFi, but it was barely enough to check email, no Hulu or even Pandora so that was a little disappointing, so I'm glad I brought TB4 to catch up on before tomorrow's season 5 premier.
Fingers crossed that I can carve out the time to watch it!
So far Megabus has been tolerable, at least for the price. It would not be my preferred method of travel, but it was a quarter of the price of rail and around and eighth of airfare, so I couldn't expect perfection. I'm hearding 7 high schoolers to a speech/debate tournament, and cost was a big hurdle.
First segment of bus travel was pretty crowded which was a bummer, we were all forced to scatter amongst the remaining open seats and share with strangers. Boo. It was also ridiculously cold, which was unexpected. Then it was really hot for the first hour of this leg of the trip, I guess on the way home layers will be my friend.
Super gross reality of bus travel: the windows are full of strange hair/face grease, especially in the sun, from all the people sleeping against it. Gag gag gag.
Missing my baby, hoping I can enjoy the chance to sleep through the night and take a long bubble bath all by myself (so far I'm just anxious about it).
Going on hour 11 right now.
Two more to go.
Ugh.
The first leg of the trip was a bit sketchy, but this 2nd one is pretty mellow, and I got my own set of seats for now which is very nice. It means I can spread out and watch True Blood on my laptop, which is a little dicey due to all the nudity (which I notice much more when I'm watching it in public!) but definitely makes the time go faster. Megabus has free WiFi, but it was barely enough to check email, no Hulu or even Pandora so that was a little disappointing, so I'm glad I brought TB4 to catch up on before tomorrow's season 5 premier.
Fingers crossed that I can carve out the time to watch it!
So far Megabus has been tolerable, at least for the price. It would not be my preferred method of travel, but it was a quarter of the price of rail and around and eighth of airfare, so I couldn't expect perfection. I'm hearding 7 high schoolers to a speech/debate tournament, and cost was a big hurdle.
First segment of bus travel was pretty crowded which was a bummer, we were all forced to scatter amongst the remaining open seats and share with strangers. Boo. It was also ridiculously cold, which was unexpected. Then it was really hot for the first hour of this leg of the trip, I guess on the way home layers will be my friend.
Super gross reality of bus travel: the windows are full of strange hair/face grease, especially in the sun, from all the people sleeping against it. Gag gag gag.
Missing my baby, hoping I can enjoy the chance to sleep through the night and take a long bubble bath all by myself (so far I'm just anxious about it).
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Looking forward to...
After the last post, I pretty much immediately signed up for the "Run for your life Zombie 5K." The zombie shifts were almost all sold out already, so we'll be getting up ridiculously early to trek out to the middle of nowhere for our zombie transformations, but hey - nobody said zombie apocalypse would be convenient. My friends are considering doing a theme for our undead outfits, but haven't settled on one yet. I love costume planning. :)
A few other things I'm looking forward to -
The "Just Between Friends" kid consignment sales start their spring run next week and there are a bunch of them around my area, so I'm excited for good deals. Just in time too, our early warm up + The Cupcake's hulk-like growth means I'm pretty sick of putting her in the same 3 pairs of pink pants and the small selection of currently fitting shirts that don't seem to match any of them. I'm trying to prep some stuff to sell as well, but it is SO MUCH WORK! If I can make enough back to cover what I sell, it will be worth it.
Summer trips! I'll be traveling for work a big ole' week WITHOUT TC, should be an adventure for all of us. I'm not going anywhere terribly exciting (Indianapolis) but I am still excited for the experience. And potentially sleeping through the night a few times :)
Summer activities! TC LOVES to be outside, and she'll sit in her stroller for hours if you keep her moving. Recently I splurged on one of these:
Kid LOVES it! She's particularly obsessed with the little cell phone toy strapped to the handlebars (teaching them to talk and drive already?!?!) and threw the FUNNIEST fit when I tried to take her off it the first time (it won't be funny the 50th time, but seriously, how is it not hilarious when a kid goes all soupy jell-o on you so you can't pick them up and even put them back on the toy they are mad you took them off of? And it's not like they learn that, it must be inborn. Babies are so ridiculous!)I love the sun shade, and while it's not as easy to push as the stroller (and not as much storage), it feels less weird to have her in that on the sidewalk or driveway where we turn circles for hours.
A few other things I'm looking forward to -
The "Just Between Friends" kid consignment sales start their spring run next week and there are a bunch of them around my area, so I'm excited for good deals. Just in time too, our early warm up + The Cupcake's hulk-like growth means I'm pretty sick of putting her in the same 3 pairs of pink pants and the small selection of currently fitting shirts that don't seem to match any of them. I'm trying to prep some stuff to sell as well, but it is SO MUCH WORK! If I can make enough back to cover what I sell, it will be worth it.
Summer trips! I'll be traveling for work a big ole' week WITHOUT TC, should be an adventure for all of us. I'm not going anywhere terribly exciting (Indianapolis) but I am still excited for the experience. And potentially sleeping through the night a few times :)
Summer activities! TC LOVES to be outside, and she'll sit in her stroller for hours if you keep her moving. Recently I splurged on one of these:
Kid LOVES it! She's particularly obsessed with the little cell phone toy strapped to the handlebars (teaching them to talk and drive already?!?!) and threw the FUNNIEST fit when I tried to take her off it the first time (it won't be funny the 50th time, but seriously, how is it not hilarious when a kid goes all soupy jell-o on you so you can't pick them up and even put them back on the toy they are mad you took them off of? And it's not like they learn that, it must be inborn. Babies are so ridiculous!)I love the sun shade, and while it's not as easy to push as the stroller (and not as much storage), it feels less weird to have her in that on the sidewalk or driveway where we turn circles for hours.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
8 is GREAT! 9 is FINE! 10 is...
...the only thing I can come up with is "b!@#$-en" if you exaggerate the ending. Not my finest work, but I guess we'll go with that. Rhyming must be in the part of my brain that is comatose from lack of sleep, along with most words of 3 syllables or greater, the location of my tax paperwork, and the majority of my short term memory.
We took a mini vacation this weekend to see TC's grandpa "Up North" and though it was a LOT of work (we definitely need a mini van. Or a tank.), we had a really nice time. And a lot of FUN, so I'm getting back on track there! :) I'm giving myself credit for fun on all 3 days, accomplished in the form of:
I read a book!
I appreciate most of Tina Fey's humor (though I do gag at the lengths of some of the self deprication, come on lady, you can geek it up all you want but you are also BEAUTIFUL and we've all seen it), and the book was a quick read. My favorite part is the prayer for her daughter towards the end, you've probably seen it floating around on facebook - it's funny and smart and true, and I particularly cry every time I read this part, which hits home so strongly right now:
And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.
”My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.
...I also cried tears of joy and appreciation as hubby entertained TC (and they both fell asleep in a pile on the recliner) so I could take some time to read said book, which was one of the most indulgent treats I've had in a while.
The weather was BEAUTIFUL and we walked all over town and went through every tacky little gift shop in the street (I love sparkly crap, I can't help it). TC is sitting up in the "real" stroller now (as opposed to the infant carrier snapped on top) and loved her new vantage point, she was quiet as a mouse taking in all the new sights. She was mesmerized by the water lapping against the rocks at the public dock:
We also had lots of fun introducing The Cupcake around town to hubby's childhood friends and former co-workers, grandpa's co-workers, and various wandering dogs and seagulls. Since it was vacation, we also let her try her first bite of ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, (we withheld the deep fried ice cream topping - but just thinking about it makes me salivate. DEFINITELY brought me joy! Also getting credit: Peach daquari! Pollo wrap! Chips & salsa!), and she also licked on a lemon and a lime. In general, she disliked everything. If this keeps up, I may demand DNA testing at some point to verify she is my child.
She definitely enjoyed the beach though -
It was cold at first, but so warm in the sun that we quickly acclimated. She splashed with abandon, jumped in the waves, and marveled at her first touch of sand between her toes. Family, food, firsts - it was a lovely little weekend for all.
We took a mini vacation this weekend to see TC's grandpa "Up North" and though it was a LOT of work (we definitely need a mini van. Or a tank.), we had a really nice time. And a lot of FUN, so I'm getting back on track there! :) I'm giving myself credit for fun on all 3 days, accomplished in the form of:
I read a book!
I appreciate most of Tina Fey's humor (though I do gag at the lengths of some of the self deprication, come on lady, you can geek it up all you want but you are also BEAUTIFUL and we've all seen it), and the book was a quick read. My favorite part is the prayer for her daughter towards the end, you've probably seen it floating around on facebook - it's funny and smart and true, and I particularly cry every time I read this part, which hits home so strongly right now:
And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.
”My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.
...I also cried tears of joy and appreciation as hubby entertained TC (and they both fell asleep in a pile on the recliner) so I could take some time to read said book, which was one of the most indulgent treats I've had in a while.
The weather was BEAUTIFUL and we walked all over town and went through every tacky little gift shop in the street (I love sparkly crap, I can't help it). TC is sitting up in the "real" stroller now (as opposed to the infant carrier snapped on top) and loved her new vantage point, she was quiet as a mouse taking in all the new sights. She was mesmerized by the water lapping against the rocks at the public dock:
We also had lots of fun introducing The Cupcake around town to hubby's childhood friends and former co-workers, grandpa's co-workers, and various wandering dogs and seagulls. Since it was vacation, we also let her try her first bite of ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, (we withheld the deep fried ice cream topping - but just thinking about it makes me salivate. DEFINITELY brought me joy! Also getting credit: Peach daquari! Pollo wrap! Chips & salsa!), and she also licked on a lemon and a lime. In general, she disliked everything. If this keeps up, I may demand DNA testing at some point to verify she is my child.
She definitely enjoyed the beach though -
It was cold at first, but so warm in the sun that we quickly acclimated. She splashed with abandon, jumped in the waves, and marveled at her first touch of sand between her toes. Family, food, firsts - it was a lovely little weekend for all.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Bucket List # 101: Officiate a Wedding
On Saturday, August 21, 2010 I checked another biggie off my bucket list - #101, officiate a wedding! I'm a little late in blogging on this, mostly because I didn't have any photos to go along with it (I thought bringing my camera up with me might get in the way), but now that the bride & groom are back from their honeymoon, I've been lucky enough to oooh and ahhh over the professional photos and write up the experience! Warning - this is a GORGEOUS wedding with a BEAUTIFUL bride, you may not be able to look away! But first, here's me in my formal role:
Do I look official enough? I am, indeed, a legally recognized wedding officiant in the states of Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin (with a note), and possibly Iowa, I keep forgetting to check. I became ordained shortly after my own wedding, where the brilliant officiant FORGOT TO FILE THE MARRIAGE LICENSE (legally required within 5 days) until I finally got ahold of him a month later and he recalled it was "in his truck" and he'd been "meaning to get to that." UH, WTF? With my love of event planning and background in public speaking I figured I could at least do a better job than he did, and became ordained through the Universal Life Church. I filed my credentials with the states I wanted to be recognized in, paid some filing fees, and voila! Instant officiant!
Fast forward a few years: I had never really pursued booking a wedding, until one of my closest friends asked if I would perform her marriage. Jana and I had been friends since high school (after a short stint as mortal enemies, which is hilarious in retrospect), and I immediately agreed and was so honored to be a part of her big day. I knew I'd be emotional and a little nervous, but I had no idea when I accepted that I'd be 5 months pregnant and totally hormonal on top of it! Nor did Jana, but for some reason she stayed calm and didn't fire me...
The maid of honor, another high school friend, was supposed to keep me from crying by making faces or some other silliness when I started to crumble...but before we even walked out the door, she burst into tears herself! Oh no! I put on a brave face and marched down the aisle.
That morning had been cool and foggy, but by the time we were about to start the ceremony it was bright and sunny. We stood overlooking the shores of Lake Superior on a large outdoor patio.
I think I was shaking pretty hard as I opened the ceremony, and I flubbed one early line, but somehow the rest of it flowed pretty smoothly. I had written my own opening remarks, a welcome with wishes for the couple that was both funny and heartfelt (I hope - that's what I was going for at least).
We got more laughs in the middle, when Jana tried to put Justin's ring on the wrong hand...which didn't fit, but she wouldn't let that stand, so she basically twisted and wrenched it until she realized the mistake. The sweet groom just stood there and let her abuse him. He's well trained already! It was very funny and memorable, especially when the bride exclaimed, exasperated, "Is this the wrong hand?!?!"
Jana had sent me the vows, but really gave me free reign on the rest of the ceremony. Though I'm not religious, I found a beautiful poem for the closing words that I think fit the occasion perfectly:
The Wedding Prayer, By Robert Louis Stevenson:
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Amen.
And then I got to say those magical words - and they were REAL! - "By the power vested in my by the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband & wife. Would you like to kiss the bride?"
(He did)
(And they lived Happily Ever After)
(And I filed the marriage license on time)
Jana and Justin, thank you so much for including me in your wedding, it was absolutely beautiful. I wish you health, wealth, and happiness for all of your days!
All of the above were shot by John at Celebration Photography.
Do I look official enough? I am, indeed, a legally recognized wedding officiant in the states of Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin (with a note), and possibly Iowa, I keep forgetting to check. I became ordained shortly after my own wedding, where the brilliant officiant FORGOT TO FILE THE MARRIAGE LICENSE (legally required within 5 days) until I finally got ahold of him a month later and he recalled it was "in his truck" and he'd been "meaning to get to that." UH, WTF? With my love of event planning and background in public speaking I figured I could at least do a better job than he did, and became ordained through the Universal Life Church. I filed my credentials with the states I wanted to be recognized in, paid some filing fees, and voila! Instant officiant!
Fast forward a few years: I had never really pursued booking a wedding, until one of my closest friends asked if I would perform her marriage. Jana and I had been friends since high school (after a short stint as mortal enemies, which is hilarious in retrospect), and I immediately agreed and was so honored to be a part of her big day. I knew I'd be emotional and a little nervous, but I had no idea when I accepted that I'd be 5 months pregnant and totally hormonal on top of it! Nor did Jana, but for some reason she stayed calm and didn't fire me...
The maid of honor, another high school friend, was supposed to keep me from crying by making faces or some other silliness when I started to crumble...but before we even walked out the door, she burst into tears herself! Oh no! I put on a brave face and marched down the aisle.
That morning had been cool and foggy, but by the time we were about to start the ceremony it was bright and sunny. We stood overlooking the shores of Lake Superior on a large outdoor patio.
I think I was shaking pretty hard as I opened the ceremony, and I flubbed one early line, but somehow the rest of it flowed pretty smoothly. I had written my own opening remarks, a welcome with wishes for the couple that was both funny and heartfelt (I hope - that's what I was going for at least).
We got more laughs in the middle, when Jana tried to put Justin's ring on the wrong hand...which didn't fit, but she wouldn't let that stand, so she basically twisted and wrenched it until she realized the mistake. The sweet groom just stood there and let her abuse him. He's well trained already! It was very funny and memorable, especially when the bride exclaimed, exasperated, "Is this the wrong hand?!?!"
Jana had sent me the vows, but really gave me free reign on the rest of the ceremony. Though I'm not religious, I found a beautiful poem for the closing words that I think fit the occasion perfectly:
The Wedding Prayer, By Robert Louis Stevenson:
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Amen.
And then I got to say those magical words - and they were REAL! - "By the power vested in my by the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband & wife. Would you like to kiss the bride?"
(He did)
(And they lived Happily Ever After)
(And I filed the marriage license on time)
Jana and Justin, thank you so much for including me in your wedding, it was absolutely beautiful. I wish you health, wealth, and happiness for all of your days!
All of the above were shot by John at Celebration Photography.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Grand Superior Lodge = neither grand nor superior.
I did, in fact leave my phone charger at the lodge this weekend. The lodge we spent at least$500 at when factoring in the 2 night stay, restaurant visits, and gift shop purchases. The lodge with zero soundproofing between us and the reception hall beneath our room, to the point that we could easily identify each song the DJ played during the weddings BOTH nights of our stay. The lodge with zero soundproofing between adjoining rooms as well, such that I fully expected the crying baby on the floor above to fall through our ceiling at any moment.
When I called, and was told they had found my charger, I was relieved and offered to pay shipping for it's return, honestly expecting them to tell me no problem and I'd have it in a few days.
So much for Minnesota Nice.
I was told there was a $15 minimum fee for shipping anything.
...
Is $15 a huge inconvenience? Probably not. But after all that we had spent, how overpriced that seemed for the amenities we received (sleepless nights, mediocre food, waitresses bickering with bartenders and one announcing to the room "Oh, Blow it out your ass!") and the clear lack of recognition of this as a customer service opportunity and cost of doing business in the hotel industry, I was pissed. And very surprised.
Had my charger not been obsolete due to age, I could have picked one up for less than $15. I believe the whole phone was $20. And above all else, I'm just incredibly irritated that after all I spent and what little was received at this resort, that they were willing to gouge my pocketbook once again. My charger would have cost about $3 to mail. Even if you shoved it in a flat-rate box, which the post office would deliver to you and pick up again, it wouldn't be more than $9, and that's for a much larger box than necessary. The staff time involved should at the very LEAST be considered part of maintaining the business relationship.
Instead, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. We were polite during our stay because the bride & groom have a special place in their hearts for this location, but had we been vacationing for any other reason we would have left midway through the first night as the music pounded away beneath our beds. As much as we love the North Shore, this is one resort to cross off our list permanently - Grand Superior Lodge, you have certainly lost my business, and I could never recommend you after these experiences.
I bought a new phone for $29. I think I might tell them to shove the charger up their @$$es.
When I called, and was told they had found my charger, I was relieved and offered to pay shipping for it's return, honestly expecting them to tell me no problem and I'd have it in a few days.
So much for Minnesota Nice.
I was told there was a $15 minimum fee for shipping anything.
...
Is $15 a huge inconvenience? Probably not. But after all that we had spent, how overpriced that seemed for the amenities we received (sleepless nights, mediocre food, waitresses bickering with bartenders and one announcing to the room "Oh, Blow it out your ass!") and the clear lack of recognition of this as a customer service opportunity and cost of doing business in the hotel industry, I was pissed. And very surprised.
Had my charger not been obsolete due to age, I could have picked one up for less than $15. I believe the whole phone was $20. And above all else, I'm just incredibly irritated that after all I spent and what little was received at this resort, that they were willing to gouge my pocketbook once again. My charger would have cost about $3 to mail. Even if you shoved it in a flat-rate box, which the post office would deliver to you and pick up again, it wouldn't be more than $9, and that's for a much larger box than necessary. The staff time involved should at the very LEAST be considered part of maintaining the business relationship.
Instead, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. We were polite during our stay because the bride & groom have a special place in their hearts for this location, but had we been vacationing for any other reason we would have left midway through the first night as the music pounded away beneath our beds. As much as we love the North Shore, this is one resort to cross off our list permanently - Grand Superior Lodge, you have certainly lost my business, and I could never recommend you after these experiences.
I bought a new phone for $29. I think I might tell them to shove the charger up their @$$es.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
NOLA Costume Ideas: BP Oil Spill
This will no doubt be a huge costume craze this Halloween, but it is particularly fitting for our 2010 theme as the latest disaster to ravage New Orleans. Basically you can take any number of costumes up a level with some black paint, vinyl, or even sequins (please don't use actual oil...if you think I'll let you in my house and on my furniture). Political costumes, regardless of which side of the issue you are really on, are always attention grabbers.
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, as predicted, had quite a few anti-BP and oil-spill-related entries, such as:
(my photo...see more of this group here)
Paint for oil - might still rub off (not on my couch please!) but at least it's dry...
These marchers used REAL oil - no wonder she looks so sad. That has to feel NASTY. Also, you'd have to party on my front porch, because that crap doesn't come out of rugs, upholstery, or carpet.
To be much safer, how about a less transferable form of "oil?" I'm thinking some shiny black vinyl would be great (I'm more into the idea than realism...I know it looks brown, but that's less identifiable. Remember that Halloween is more about the caricature than the actual character). You can buy it in most fabric stores, especially around Halloween - think of what you'd make a Cat Woman costume out of:
One caveat: I can tell you from experience, vinyl gets hot. And don't forget what you learned from Ross' leather pants. You've been warned.
So to recap - tons of possibilities to take a mermaid, sailor, beachcomber, sea turtle, shrimp, lobster, crab, or other gulf resident and dip them in oil (not the tasty frying kind).
You could also just "be" the oil spill en masse - how about starting with a flouncy vinyl dress:
(source), then add a couple of these "seaweed" boas:
(source)
Tie on a few oil-spattered plastic fish and birds, and you're good to go. Maybe throw in some mardi gras beads, "beach closed" signs, shrimp trollers, and BP logos in the swirling muck.
Here's a homemade commentary on the Exxon Valdez oil spill you could easily update:
(found it here)
Consider replacing the ship "hat" with an oil derrick "hat" and you can still slap some dying sea life all over your shirt and call it a costume. Plus for some reason I think Oil Derricks are kind of cool looking, like a redneck Eiffel tower. And the possibilities for the "eruption" at the top with lots of beads or something else signifying droplets falling are way fun.
Even the commercial costume shops are jumping on the bandwagon, here's the "Bad Planning" costume from AnytimeCostumes:
Additional BP Twists: BP Businessman (or woman) in a suit with BP logo, with blood on his hands, or money coming out of his ears, or devil horns & tail...Sarah Palin (DRILL BABY DRILL!) with a strategically placed oil derrick...clean up worker in a haz-mat suit and respirator...
(source) Don't forget about taking the iconic Uncle Sam or Lady Liberty and smearing them in oil or strangling them with gas pumps.
Happy Haunting
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, as predicted, had quite a few anti-BP and oil-spill-related entries, such as:
(my photo...see more of this group here)
Paint for oil - might still rub off (not on my couch please!) but at least it's dry...
These marchers used REAL oil - no wonder she looks so sad. That has to feel NASTY. Also, you'd have to party on my front porch, because that crap doesn't come out of rugs, upholstery, or carpet.
To be much safer, how about a less transferable form of "oil?" I'm thinking some shiny black vinyl would be great (I'm more into the idea than realism...I know it looks brown, but that's less identifiable. Remember that Halloween is more about the caricature than the actual character). You can buy it in most fabric stores, especially around Halloween - think of what you'd make a Cat Woman costume out of:
One caveat: I can tell you from experience, vinyl gets hot. And don't forget what you learned from Ross' leather pants. You've been warned.
So to recap - tons of possibilities to take a mermaid, sailor, beachcomber, sea turtle, shrimp, lobster, crab, or other gulf resident and dip them in oil (not the tasty frying kind).
You could also just "be" the oil spill en masse - how about starting with a flouncy vinyl dress:
(source), then add a couple of these "seaweed" boas:
(source) Tie on a few oil-spattered plastic fish and birds, and you're good to go. Maybe throw in some mardi gras beads, "beach closed" signs, shrimp trollers, and BP logos in the swirling muck.
Here's a homemade commentary on the Exxon Valdez oil spill you could easily update:
(found it here)
Consider replacing the ship "hat" with an oil derrick "hat" and you can still slap some dying sea life all over your shirt and call it a costume. Plus for some reason I think Oil Derricks are kind of cool looking, like a redneck Eiffel tower. And the possibilities for the "eruption" at the top with lots of beads or something else signifying droplets falling are way fun.
Even the commercial costume shops are jumping on the bandwagon, here's the "Bad Planning" costume from AnytimeCostumes:
Additional BP Twists: BP Businessman (or woman) in a suit with BP logo, with blood on his hands, or money coming out of his ears, or devil horns & tail...Sarah Palin (DRILL BABY DRILL!) with a strategically placed oil derrick...clean up worker in a haz-mat suit and respirator...
(source) Don't forget about taking the iconic Uncle Sam or Lady Liberty and smearing them in oil or strangling them with gas pumps.Happy Haunting
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mermaid Parade 2010
Oh Hello Internets, how have you been? I've been quite busy...avoiding you! But now that the proverbial cat is out of the bag, I can finally post some photos of our NYC adventure without raising quite so many eyebrows (is she supposed to be a mermaid or a WHALE?), and PERHAPS, if the nausea and exhaustion ever do subside, get back to a little crafting...
But first things first, NYC! While it was far from the most opportune time to travel, it was EXCELLENT to catch up with my BFFs again, share some laughs and some really great meals, and of course make some costumes. My original plan to make a fancy gown fell by the wayside due to budget cuts and a time crunch, and good thing since I ended up busting out of all my clothing the week before the trip. This, however, also meant I couldn't wear either the sundress or last year's costume as an alternative, quite the conundrum. In a fit of self pity as I wandered the aisles of our new Jo-Ann's store, a gorgeous embroidered Sari fabric caught my eye...and it was on sale! I scooped up 4 yards for about $20, and Burda pattern 8327 for an asymmetrical trumpet skirt (also 40% off):
I threw that all in my suitcase and presented it to Ryan, who turned it into a GORGEOUS skirt in about two hours:
Seriously, is that fabric not to die for? It's called "pistachio" and has gorgeous gold threads, I <3 it fully. And Ryan, the perfectionist, serged, pressed and sewed each seam so that I could actually wear this to a wedding or dinner with the queen, not just to a costume parade. I finished the look with two giant sequin appliques from the garment district that I basted on to a nude lace tank top (I sewed that part myself!) The combination of giant dinners + incubating the tadpole did threaten to bust the zipper by the end of the week, so please be kind...but the final product:
Wee haa! I wasn't quite brave enough to go bare under the lace tank, so I layered it on top of a nude tank top, borrowed the fabulous wig from Ryan's shop, and recycled the crown from The Queen of Hearts costume, which was PERFECT.
This skirt was MUCH easier to walk in than some of my previous mermaid attempts (especially a worry when dealing with subways, stairs, and crazed pedestrians), and I think it still definitely gave off the "mermaid" vibe without being completely literal (aka - hard to move in). The wig, eyelashes, and crown were a perfect balance of whimsy and glamour, I had a really fun time getting dressed up. How cute did we look?
But first things first, NYC! While it was far from the most opportune time to travel, it was EXCELLENT to catch up with my BFFs again, share some laughs and some really great meals, and of course make some costumes. My original plan to make a fancy gown fell by the wayside due to budget cuts and a time crunch, and good thing since I ended up busting out of all my clothing the week before the trip. This, however, also meant I couldn't wear either the sundress or last year's costume as an alternative, quite the conundrum. In a fit of self pity as I wandered the aisles of our new Jo-Ann's store, a gorgeous embroidered Sari fabric caught my eye...and it was on sale! I scooped up 4 yards for about $20, and Burda pattern 8327 for an asymmetrical trumpet skirt (also 40% off):
I threw that all in my suitcase and presented it to Ryan, who turned it into a GORGEOUS skirt in about two hours:
Seriously, is that fabric not to die for? It's called "pistachio" and has gorgeous gold threads, I <3 it fully. And Ryan, the perfectionist, serged, pressed and sewed each seam so that I could actually wear this to a wedding or dinner with the queen, not just to a costume parade. I finished the look with two giant sequin appliques from the garment district that I basted on to a nude lace tank top (I sewed that part myself!) The combination of giant dinners + incubating the tadpole did threaten to bust the zipper by the end of the week, so please be kind...but the final product:
Wee haa! I wasn't quite brave enough to go bare under the lace tank, so I layered it on top of a nude tank top, borrowed the fabulous wig from Ryan's shop, and recycled the crown from The Queen of Hearts costume, which was PERFECT.
This skirt was MUCH easier to walk in than some of my previous mermaid attempts (especially a worry when dealing with subways, stairs, and crazed pedestrians), and I think it still definitely gave off the "mermaid" vibe without being completely literal (aka - hard to move in). The wig, eyelashes, and crown were a perfect balance of whimsy and glamour, I had a really fun time getting dressed up. How cute did we look?
Friday, May 14, 2010
TGIF
I am terribly behind in the mermaid parade planning department, despite having bought my pattern and roughed out my idea MONTHS ago, I've yet to get any further. For some reason my JoAnns coupons have stopped coming (and I refuse to pay full price), so that + a shrinking budget have forced me to put off buying fabric until now we're a mere month away - YIKES! I definitely need to come up with some sort of a plan (or plan to wear one of the TWO mermaid outfits I already have, I guess...), so that's one of the many things on my agenda for this weekend.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Home FROM the range...
Well, we survived our trip to Texas despite seeing a snake, several smooshed armadillos, a heard of long horns, a couple wood ticks, and various other elements of nature that I steadfastly try to avoid. We ate some good meals, spent a gorgeous evening at the ballpark, and toured the JFK museum at Dealey Plaza. And then I puked on the plane ride home. Hooray.
But in happier news, I'm in love with my new necklace from Etsy seller SimplyChacha:
Isn't he adorable? I've had it on my "favorites" list for a while and finally gave in, and I'm glad that I did.
You've probably also noticed my new logo, from Etsy seller Enchanted Memories:
I'm still working on updating the blog layout (the templates are limited and I've got no idea how to do it on my own) so bear with me as I bounce between styles and colors for a bit here - nothing I've tried meets my OCD standards yet, so I predict more changes to come.
But in happier news, I'm in love with my new necklace from Etsy seller SimplyChacha:
Isn't he adorable? I've had it on my "favorites" list for a while and finally gave in, and I'm glad that I did.
You've probably also noticed my new logo, from Etsy seller Enchanted Memories:
I'm still working on updating the blog layout (the templates are limited and I've got no idea how to do it on my own) so bear with me as I bounce between styles and colors for a bit here - nothing I've tried meets my OCD standards yet, so I predict more changes to come.
Friday, April 30, 2010
TGIF - Happy Thoughts
- Dad fixed my ipod adaptor (that my brute strength destroyed)
- Krista's GOTH HOUSEWARMING is this weekend, and I'm so excited to create a dark alter ego. A few of the pieces I've picked up:
This leather corset was on clearance on Etsy - EXCELLENT:
I scooped up a black leather pencil skirt at the Salvation Army for $12.99, similar to this:
And boots similar to these for just $4.99 @ the Goodwill:
I've got some accessories & makeup from Hot Topic, and a half-formed plan for my hair - let's hope it cooperates :)
I'm also making a couple of "dark desserts" that I hope to feature on here - I'm only 1/2 sure they will work, so stay tuned...
- I went skating again last night (after missing Monday with my cold) and I have to say, I'm feeling good. But I'm pretty sick of the Black Eyed Peas and Justin Bieber.
- We're heading down to the Lone Star State next week for a mini vacation to visit relatives. I'm considering fed-exing a gallon of sunscreen ahead of us, since the 4 oz (in a clear plastic bag) that I am allowed to carry on will in no way sustain my pasty complexion for multiple days. Perhaps I shall have to pick up a 10 gallon hat as well.
- Krista's GOTH HOUSEWARMING is this weekend, and I'm so excited to create a dark alter ego. A few of the pieces I've picked up:
This leather corset was on clearance on Etsy - EXCELLENT:
I scooped up a black leather pencil skirt at the Salvation Army for $12.99, similar to this:
And boots similar to these for just $4.99 @ the Goodwill:
I've got some accessories & makeup from Hot Topic, and a half-formed plan for my hair - let's hope it cooperates :)
I'm also making a couple of "dark desserts" that I hope to feature on here - I'm only 1/2 sure they will work, so stay tuned...
- I went skating again last night (after missing Monday with my cold) and I have to say, I'm feeling good. But I'm pretty sick of the Black Eyed Peas and Justin Bieber.
- We're heading down to the Lone Star State next week for a mini vacation to visit relatives. I'm considering fed-exing a gallon of sunscreen ahead of us, since the 4 oz (in a clear plastic bag) that I am allowed to carry on will in no way sustain my pasty complexion for multiple days. Perhaps I shall have to pick up a 10 gallon hat as well.
Monday, December 28, 2009
So in love...
So out of reach :)
I shouldn't ever look at this site, but I accidentally saw it when I was looking up my current bracelet, which I had purchased as a huge naughty splurge on my first trip to New York.
Heather Wants.
Heather will never spend $600 on a bracelet though, so Heather will just keep on wanting:) Maybe if my "Minnesota Millionaire" ticket hits big...
Friday, August 07, 2009
Off with their heads!
I've been practicing saying that a lot lately, both in preparation for my role as Queen of Hearts at our Wicked Wonderland Halloween Party and just in my daily struggles with traffic, bicyclists, and rollerbladers around campus.
But seriously folks, how cool are these?
I ran into this display during my NYC trip a few months back, and I had to snap some photos. Heads on a stick, what Minnesotan can't appreciate that?!?!?
They appear to be mostly felt...who else feels inspired? I think I might need to have a few of these on posts in my yard to warn anyone thinking of entering without a costume :)
This is the plaque on the cornerstone, apparently these windows are just mini galleries for NYU students - this one happens to be right across from a huge year-round Halloween store too, how PERFECT for this ghoulish exhibit!
But seriously folks, how cool are these?
I ran into this display during my NYC trip a few months back, and I had to snap some photos. Heads on a stick, what Minnesotan can't appreciate that?!?!?
They appear to be mostly felt...who else feels inspired? I think I might need to have a few of these on posts in my yard to warn anyone thinking of entering without a costume :)
This is the plaque on the cornerstone, apparently these windows are just mini galleries for NYU students - this one happens to be right across from a huge year-round Halloween store too, how PERFECT for this ghoulish exhibit!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
More Mer-people
They're manta rays or sting rays! Cute! And, MOM, very not-naked :)
Rocky Horror FISHER show, English Majors: Who loves the puns? :) Also, their "Rocky" totally brought it in tiny gold spandex shorts.
One of the few actual "floats" - I'd consider going this route, but I'm not sure I could fit it on the subway...and I'm convinced I'd be savagely murdered if I tried to drive in New York.
This band was all dressed like psychadellic Gorton's fishermen.
I took somewhere around 200 photos, so forgive me for coming back to this over and over - it's just such a great array of creativity and inspiration! If you're coming here from the Coney Island message boards and want to see all the pics I've posted so far, click on the "mermaids" tag in the lower right menu and you should get all my mermaid parade posts (and a lot of other mermaid-related ones you can skip through - oddly enough, mermaids keep coming up in my life & blog :)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Our NYC Cupcake Tour!
***Forgive me, I can't seem to get a grip on the layout features that allow me to space my photos through the text, so I apologize for the awkwardness. It's a work in progress.
While in NYC we had this great idea to go on a cupcake tour of the city, stopping at various acclaimed bakeries and sampling their wares. Monday seemed the perfect day (and the rain actually stopped to accommodate us!) so Ryan plotted a course and we set off to our first stop - Cheeks bakery in Williamsburg.
It was closed. Permanently. Boo.
So we kept walking across a windy bridge into Manhattan, and the next stop was Butter Lane. I was really excited for this one because Cupcakes Take the Cake raves about it all the time. The outside was adorable - just this little cottage-feeling store front tucked into the side of a neighborhood. They didn't have a big display, just a few pans of cupcakes sitting on the counter. I asked the worker what kind he suggested, and boldly (for me) took his advice - chocolate cake with maple frosting. Ry got white cake with raspberry frosting. They looked adorable.
We split them in half to try both...and didn't really like them. The cake was on the dry side, and the frosting was a little crusted from sitting out exposed to the air. The raspberry was too subtle to taste, and the maple was like chewing on a mouthful of brown sugar. Ugh. Sadly, we weren't very happy with these...and they were out of milk, so we had to wash them down with water. On the up side, they do use all organic ingredients...
Then off we went to our next location, Eleni's in Chelsea Market. What a great shop! They had a long clear display case the length of the store with all clear stands and props, so you really saw the cupcakes and cookies (they seem to specialize in very cute but very expensive themed sugar cookies - like $4 each little baseball bats. Cute, but too rich for my pocketbook). Their sign & accent walls were a cheerful pink, and it was all really eye catching. We again asked what the most popular flavors were, and went with two of them - Oreo and peanut butter cup. The Oreo flavor had an Oreo baked inside the chocolate cake as well as on top, toasted marshmallows, and Oreo-cream-flavored frosting. The peanut butter was also chocolate cake with a peanut butter cup baked inside, topped with peanut butter frosting.
They were AMAZING.
The cake was really moist and light, the frostings were flavorful but not pure sugar, and in general, these got a big thumbs up. Eleni's for the win!
On our way out, we saw another bakery that was not on our list just right next door - "Ruthy's" I think? They had the most elaborately decorated cupcakes I'd seen in a long time, including large flowers, Muppets, and teenage mutant ninja turtles. We admired them, and their nearly $5 price tag, and it slowly began to hit us how much sugar we had already consumed. We didn't stop at Ruth's, but continued on to our next stop, Billy's in Chelsea.
...where we realized we were already starting to feel pretty sick from sugar. I was shocked, knowing how awful my daily diet is, I thought for sure I could pack away close to a dozen before folding...but it was not so. Billy's didn't have very many flavors, and was pretty busy, so we just took a look around and decided to skip it. Maybe we were too old for a cupcake day?
Big Booty was next on our list, and the little logo guy looks exactly like the owner, David. David is beautiful. Reason enough to go in, even if you can't put down another cupcake. They also have a lot of other breads & treats, and I actually went for a croissant, hoping it would turn my cupcake appetite around, and Ryan insisted we try a red velvet cupcake. I was actually surprised we hadn't seen red velvet at the previous bakeries, and perhaps even more surprising - I've never tasted red velvet cake. I'm pretty picky, and usually stick to what I know I like, but I was being daring on this trip, so I bit.
Big Booty's red velvet cupcake was really moist with melty cream cheese frosting (it was getting hot by then) and I think had I been a fan of red velvet, I would have really liked it. As it turns out, I'm just not into that flavor, but I'd be willing to try Big Booty again - and the croissant was WONDERFUL, just what I needed at that point.
At this point you'll note that between the two of us we had only consumed 5 cupcakes + 1 croissant. And we were done. We just couldn't eat any more. I was pretty shocked, but didn't want to push it - especially since we were due to sit in the Letterman audience later that night. So, we abandoned our mission early. On the way to and from the Ed Sullivan theatre we passed our final destination (Sprinkles?Something that was a chain, but I can't seem to recall - I was in a sugar coma at that point) but our cupcake consumption couldn't be forced.
This was a super fun idea, and I LOVED seeing all the pretty cupcakes, but were I to do it again, I think I'd have to space it out, one destination per day over the course of a trip. Though it was great that all our walking CLEARLY burned off any calories we consumed during our tastings :)
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