New Picture

DSC01835, originally uploaded by julie_lanclos.

Cathy didn't like that I used her for a guinea pig...so here's a picture of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, location of the Lanclos-Hoover wedding.

Using Cathy as a test

I am testing using Flickr to blog my pictures. So far so good..except that now I have to upload all the pictures..complain, complain, complain.

Ok..and now I am trying to link to the photo album

Feeling Gulity

I am feeling really guilty because I haven't had much to say lately. Actually..I think I am daunted by the task of trying to load up all the pictures from North Carolina..and the few I took in Vegas. And then there's the random pictures of my tomato's growing..or a plant. Or the dog!!!

I am trying to hook my flickr account up with my blog so it'll all be easier..and maybe I'll feel more at ease about posting.

Paul

Some time ago Paul mentioned that there were no pictures of him on my blog..there were pictures of Izzie, but not him. This is mostly because he hates to have his picture taken...so I took advantage of a certain nap...

I don't think he'll bring it up again....

North Carolina 2007

Last week I enjoyed a much needed family vacation in North Carolina.

We enjoyed lots of sun and sand..pictures and stories to come.

Flowers, part 2

Sorry..I couldn't help it..but I walked outside this morning and I had more Hibiscus blooms!!

I think I should get a show on HGTV!!

Flowers

I just wanted to show off my gardening skills...aren't these pretty???

I have one pot that isn't doing too well in the heat..but I think I might re-pot it with somemore of these..they are doing so well...they must love me!



Also..my tomatoes are showing signs of life. Can you see the little flowers...I am assuming that is where the tomatoes will be.

Just a note..there will be no dog pictures in this post. Also, the wedding plans are coming along as well as they can at this point...the Save the Date's have gone out...and well...thats about it!

Bored

I am bored this morning, though it is very possible I am confusing extreme fatigue with boredom... I have been working nights (and days!) for the last week and a half.

Ok..I don't want this to become all pictures of Izzie..so before I do that...I'd like to say I am getting close to finishing my sweater. Finally!

I know the body looks short..but it isn't..its hanging off the side of my bed.

Ok...now onto the dog. Izzie had taken to sleeping on my comfy down blanket...

It got dirty and so I had to wash it..lets just say...it didn't wash very well.

I felt bad and so I bought her a doggie bed yesterday.

I think it might take her some time to get used to sleeping in it though...

I told you I was bored!

Maybe she doesn't like her bed? maybe its to confining? or maybe its too soft? I don't really know. Maybe I need to consult a pet psychic???

Has my thumb turned green??

I decided last weekend that I needed some plants...I also have wanted, for the last few years, to grow tomatoes. The tomatoes bit is quite ironic actually, as I don't even really like tomatoes. Also in the mix is a jalapeno plant...don't ask.

Here are my window boxes...

....they are placed left and right as appropriate.

We'll see how it goes. I am making sure to water them daily....

So..dog..plants..what the heck is next????

Doggie Bag?

I said I would not dress Izzie up in clothes. Several people have asked..but I honestly don't think I can...that is, unless she gets a lovely hoody like Morse has...and then I'll have to put it on her when she's in Chicago in the winter...but only then would I consider it....

Anyway, I also have thought I wouldn't ever have one of those handbag dogs either...you know, the toy size ones that are really an accessory..and not a pet. I think Izzie may have other plans though... Izzie has decided that she likes to sleep in my Vera Bradley bag! Now..I have seen that Vera makes a dog carrier...maybe I should get one???

Three things

I know I promised pictures of my new residence a week or so back...and I am ready to make good on that promise..plus a little extra.

The dining area has been re-aranged since I took the pictures, so I'll have to retake that.

I said there were 3 things..so thats one..done.

The second thing...I got engaged! We've choosen December 15th as the date. Here's the ring...its beautiful!

Yes..my fingers are chunky...they go right along with the rest of me!!!

Ok..so thats 2 things.

The third, and last thing...I got a dog. (Dad..did you just roll your eyes and say...you really don't need a dog??? )

But isn't she cute?? Her name is Izzie and so far, so good! She is really good at keeping me company while I am working and she's a good walking buddy.

I don't think she'll make it as a gaurd dog though! She sleeps on the job!

So that's it...you're all up to date.

Nothing else exciting here...we're just going to have a really lazy and rainy Memorial Day weekend. We hope yours is dry and sunny!!!

I'm not dead

Just thought I'd post something reassuring anyone who reads this that I am not dead. I am also, in case you are wondeing, also not on crack! sorry..couldn't resist. I have moved in and gotten settled. I have just a few things that I cannot find a place for. I also do not have any pictures on the walls yet, except for in the bathroom. (I have to find a new location for Nicholas Cage though...he can no longer hang above the toilet.)

I promise, promise, promise to post pictures this weekend! I swear...I pinky sware!!!

moving...the saga continues on day 2

Today was the final day with my belongings..at least for a week or so. At 8:00 this morning, the car carrier arrived on Oakland Circle to take the green machine for a ride. My favorite part of the car carrier experience was when he brought me back the car damage sheet and I could hardly find any spot on the car diagram that didn't have marks, scratches, or dents he pointed out. Made me wonder, for a split second, if I should have just sold and bought something new! Then I stapped back to reality...paid for! The car took its position on the top of the carrier...and it was chained down. They left..I waved goodbye...I didn't cry...

A little later, the movers showed up and it took them what seemed like forever. I watched as my boxes, sofa, and everything else I own was loaded onto the truck. He told me my stuff would arrive Thursday or Friday. I can rough it until then!

I waved good bye to my stuff...and still didn't cry... I then put on my coat and walked to Chez Lanclos.

Just 4 more days!

Moving...day 1

Its amazing how quickly all of my belongings were packed into cardboard boxes! It took about 2 and a half hours...thats it! It would have taken me a month..and I would have complained the whole time.

Hopefully they haven't packed anything that I need...or I am seriously screwed! So..this is one part down. Tomorrow the car people come and get the green machine...and then they come and take my $700 cardboard collection. Guess I'd better get a good nights sleep! Yikes..won't be sleeping there. Thankfully I have reserved a room at Chez Lanclos.

Its beginning to look a lot like...April 11th????

I was reminded this morning, sometimes it can snow in April..and even May in the Chicagoland area. I just hoped it wouldn't do it this year...at least until after I had moved to Texas!

It really is hardly any snow in the snow fall reality of Chicago...but still! I'd expect to be wearing my short pants by this time..not sweaters. Spring??? have you gotten lost???

BeDazzler!

I was just catching up on my favorite Blog where Laurie has pointed out a major issue with fashion for anyone over a size 14...when I was really struck by a comment made about the bedazzler! (make sure to turn your volume down before clicking the link - if you so dare - as Tana..I know her name because its been bedazzled right across the front of her shirt...is REALLY loud). You've all seen the commercial on tv..and I am really hoping that no one I know has ever bought one of these things!

I can't believe people really wear this stuff..but they must. When Sarah and I were walking through Nordstroms on Thursday...we came across some Bedazzled wear in the ladies department! Shocking! At the time I couldn't think of the name of the "wearable art tool" that you just know some poor women in a third world country are probably using to make these crazy items!

coasters

Sometimes I think I have to be the biggest nerd in the world! I was at the mall last night with Sarah and we went into this funny card store. If you know me, you know I can't resist a funny card store.

While browsing, we came across these funny coasters..and I couldn't resist.

This one says:

maureen, he's everything i've ever wanted in a man...tall, dark and on top of me

This one is my favorite..I think you'll quickly see why...

ladies, i will not stand here and let you talk abut charlene like that, even though we all know she gets more ass than a toilet seat.

There are 3 more..but you'll have to visit me to see them....

Da Bulls

Last night we watched the Bulls double dribble to victory over the Portland Trailblazers...89 to 100.

We were part of the sold out crowd at the United Center..even had a sweet parking pass that had us parked practially outside the door!

The seats were really good as you can see. So..the game got underway..and Erica managed to behave through the whole game. Carol managed to write down all the bingo numbers, and Sarah brought a book.

What I found really amusing is how they pass out stuff to the people sitting at the opposing teams end so that when they shoot free throughs, the team is distracted. The first half, they were signs...the 2nd half they were the always fun balloons...

I was also happy to see the jumbo-tron..where I could keep track of the score..and a closer view of what was going on during the game.

Overall, a good time at my first Bulls game!

Along the way, I won a free doughnut, a buy one get one free Hinkley Springs water..and a free Big Mac. Seeing as how the tickets were free, it was a very profitable evening!

a new P word...PRODUCTIVE!

I guess I decided to just suck it up and get on with the sorting and tossing. I got underway on Friday night by going to Target and getting some plastic boxes and bubble wrap (sounds like procrastination..but it really was a step towards the other P).

Saturday morning started early at 7:00 with a hair cut. Again, I know what you're thinking...procrastination..but really, it wasn't. Actually, I am thinking that my new bangs might just be the source of my new found ambition. With just a few breaks, I worked though until Sunday afternoon. Two trips to the Goodwill later...

MY CLOSETS HAVE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!!!

All that's left is to sort through my clothes and relocate my winter items to my parents house.

Now I am free to knit without guilt!

Procrastination - with a capital P

I am moving in 30 days...my movers are coming in 24 days...all I have to do is sort through my belongings and get rid of things. I am totally procrastinating!!!! So far, I have cleaned out my book case and come up with some books I'll never read again (or, lets be honest, never read period). If you look, you can see 2 empty shelves. Oh, and I got rid of a picture frame. (I should make sure to celebrate the small successes.)

I have, however, been able to knit 2 potholders! I had a choice..donate the yarn or make something. At the rate I'm going, I'll take all my junk with me and have a nice collection of hand knitted kitchen accessories. (I do have a pattern for some nice coasters...)

This is sad. Please make sure if you talk to me to encourage sorting...and if you see me knitting, with a glazed look on my face..it might be time for an intervention.

Thoughts of Singapore

Now that I am nearing the end of my stay in Singapore - 34 hours till my plane leaves...not that I am counting - I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on my first Asian experience.

• Every woman in Singapore weighs 90 pounds and is under 5' tall.


• When you sit at a resturaunt, you should add one to your party..because something is coming out with a face..and it might just still be alive enough to carry its part of the conversation.


• No one in Singapore believes in napkins....which may explain the food finger stains on all my clothes...


• It is impossible to hail a cab. You have to call and reserve one - not that it's easy to do that either.
  


• McDonalds chicken nuggets are the same...a real taste of home...and the Ketchup is still the Fancy kind


• Jell-o pudding costs $11.70 SGD. Thats like $8 USD.


• The national past time here is shopping. People shop constantly! Though not much of a problem for me. (see point #1)
• Every bathroom stall smells like someone was just in there and took a giant crap! Thats if there is even a toilet and not a hole in the floor.


• I can find a lot of my favorite British products at the pharmacy.


• You need a perscription for Gum.


• The Borders Books has no knitting books.