And so this is Christmas

I can not believe today is Christmas Eve. My friends and I recently shared a little e-mail Christmas survey and one of the questions was "What annoys you most about Christmas?" My initial response was "nothing" but I think a better answer would have been that Christmas just comes and goes too fast. There truly is nothing better than the spirit of the season and the joy in the air. And before we know it, the lights will be turned off, Star 104.5 will nix the carols and go back to playing light rock, the trees will made into mulch and credit card statements will start rolling in. In the busyness that is today and tomorrow, I hope everyone enjoys this very special time of the year and doesn't take any moment of the holiday for granted.

Merry Christmas!
Wendy

I'm actually looking forward to detox

Jan. 4 starts eating and spending detox 2K9. Christmas, while I really, really love it, is neither good for your waistline nor your checking account. Double ouch.

Gaggle is to Geese

As ridiculous shit ton is to the Duggars.

Duggar Family Welcomes 18th (!) Child

By Alicia Dennis Originally posted Thursday December 18, 2008 08:10 PM EST

The Duggar Family, before the latest arrivalPhoto by: Beth Hall / AP

Give us another J!

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of Tontitown, Ark., had their eighteenth child Thursday – Jordyn-Grace Makiya, who joins the rest of her J-named siblings.

Jordyn-Grace was born via C-section at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, weeks before her due date of Jan. 1. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 20 inches long.

"Mother and baby are resting and doing well," says a rep for the Duggar family, whose crowded house is featured on the TLC network show 17 Kids & Counting.

The newest Duggar has a lot of names to keep straight.

The other kids – who range in age from 20 years to 17 months – are Joshua (who married Anna Keller in September and says he is looking forward to the "blessing of children" of his own), twins John-David and Jana, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, twins Jeremiah and Jedidiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah and Jennifer.

Their parents married when Michelle was 17 and Jim Bob was 19. (Her mother had to officially sign permission.) After birth-control pills were blamed for a miscarriage, the couple decided to throw them out. They've had a new baby approximately every 18 months since.

"What really works for me is swaddling a baby and snuggling up," Michelle told PEOPLE in an interview last year. "I love that time of just bonding and nursing a little baby. And, with a new baby, I realize that I don't need as much sleep as I used to think I did. You learn. This time goes by so quickly. I look at my older children and wonder where the time went."

A special on Jordyn-Grace's birth will air Dec. 22 at 10 p.m. on TLC.

Trip Down O Street's Memory Lane

Aahh. Spicy Chicken.

Rush hour at a Lincoln eatery starts when bars near closing time.

Baby It's Freaking Cold Outside

You know it's cold when you can't even be mad at your dog for pooping in the house. 

Happy three years, TFitch.

This anniversary will almost be as great as last year. Although last year we didn't have to work and had dinner aboard the Carnival Elation, whereas this year we're working, having dinner in Omaha (but at the Paxton which I can't complain about) and it's -10 degrees outside. Totally as great as our second anniversary. :-)

Dear Sir I Confronted in the Von Maur Parking Lot

I'm sorry I yelled at you.
But you were parked illegally - not in a parking spot - and you trapped me in.
I nearly backed into your Trailblazer.
I'd probably still be sitting there in my car, waiting to back-up, if the woman parked next to me didn't come out of Von Maur and leave shortly after I tried to.

I was going to write you a note.
Instead you came out of Von Maur.
I confronted you.
You said "okay."
I contemplated even saying anything, in the spirit of the season.
But I did.
And now I feel bad.
So, sorry I yelled at you.
I was annoyed.
Just please don't park illegally and in my way again.

All My Mom Wants for Thanksgiving is Her Two Front Teeth

We had an interesting Thanksgiving.

Let me set up the story by telling you the nemesis behind the story. My parents have a wolf head hat - a hat made of a real wolf head. They got it when we were in Alaska several years ago. It's fun to pull out occasionally. Macy is terrified of it. Now my mom is too. 

Megan and I playing around with the wolf hat several years ago 

They display it on a stone head statue - probably weighing 15-20 pounds. Wednesday night my mom was getting something out of a closet and the wolf head/statue combo fell. Her mouth took the brunt of it - knocking out her two front teeth and, four hours at the emergency room later, giving her eight stitches.

My mom originally had capped teeth, so that's what broke off. So what she was left with were the two little chiseled down pieces her capped teeth were affixed to. I tell you this part of the story because this conversation was funny.

Wendy: "So what did mom look like."

Kalin: "Like she got jumped."

Wendy: "LOL. So she had no teeth?"

Kalin: "Well she had the little stubs of real teeth."

Wendy: "Oh."

Kalin: "She looked like a vampire. A homeless vampire." 

Wendy: Erupts with laughter

My dad also called her a meth head. He's apparently watched too many after-school specials on what meth does to you and your teeth. 

Lucky for mi madre, my cousin's husband and our dentist, took her to his office yesterday morning and three hours later whipped up some temporary front toofers for her. 

In light of everything, my dad ate and ran at my aunt and uncle's and my mom stayed home since she couldn't eat and didn't want to gross everyone out with her stitches. So the rest of the family decided to show her how much we missed her. 

We e-mailed it to her from the gathering and she loved it, signing it "Love Mom on Meth." 

It was definitely a turkey day to remember. 

I also have to mention this. While my dad was on the phone with me, dentist Greg, my grandma, etc., our friends from Michigan called. They just found out the newest addition to the family, born about a month ago, has Down's Syndrome. Our thoughts go out to them.

Needless to say, it wasn't the best Thanksgiving. But I did wake up to a text message from Sarah and Jeff saying they welcomed their son to the world this morning around 1 a.m. And I'm about to clean out the storage room and watch the 'skers dominate the buffs with free beer and pizza (Thanks, Hites!) so hopefully things are turning around and the bad things are behind us this holiday season. 

50 years old a still a little hottie

Barbie, wrinkle-less, grey-hair-less and still 36-18-38, has turned 50. My mom is so jealous. (Kidding, ma.)

Mattel, creators of the iconic doll, have put together a great video paying tribute to Barbie through the years. Any former or current Barbie lover should check out the piece. You can actually stop the video and click on Barbie things you had or wanted: her horses, the beauty parlor, Corvette - you name it. There's a polling feature, where you can click if you "had it" or "wanted it." You can also share your favorite Barbie memory. I think I always had my Ken and Barbie dolls make out. I'd never confess that on a Web site, though.

Sing it String Beans

I love Nebraska.

I love catchy little ditties.

I now love the String Beans and this piece.

Regrets

I try to live with no regrets.

But I might just regret not going to NKOTB this week.

The Gift of Giving

I'm going off memory here, but in the last two months we've written checks to at least:

Habitat for Humanity
Arthritis Foundation
Boys & Girls Club
Kappa Kappa Gamma
YWCA
Special Olympics
United Way

And while that's all good and dandy, and I am sure my money is going to great programs and services, it was the giving six of my friends and I did last night that really made me feel fulfilled.

Maybe it's because I was with dear friends and we decided to turn girls night out into doing good. Maybe it's because The Food Bank stayed open late to accommodate us and were so appreciative our our time. Maybe it's because I could SEE what my efforts were doing - the massive unorganized cardboard boxes were getting smaller and categorized boxes were getting filled, sealed, stacked and new ones started.

I drove home last night with a great feeling radiating through me (until I got honked at - I don't think I cut him off). I thank my friends and The Food Bank for a sense of accomplishment. I'll continue to write checks as long as I am financially able, but I can't overlook the gift of giving time. While it seems like we could use a lot more time, it's something everyone can give - regardless if you are 8 1/2 months pregnant, have kids at home, work full time - whatever! We proved that last night.

I'd just like to close by saying I love my friends :-).

Bump on 'da Head

If I had time yesterday to blog about me walking straight into the bathroom stall door - I'm talking side of it, not the front or back - I would have. But since I didn't have time to blog about it, just know that's where the knot on my forehead came from.

I'm going to shit, I tell 'ya.

A Victorious Saturday

What a fun, busy Saturday we had! The football game was AWESOME! Not going to lie, I thought Mangino and his Jayhawks were going to eat, I mean beat, us. We showed them! It was cold but thankfully Emilie let me borrow her super warm Husker-red ski jacket that kept me nice and toasty.

After the victory we hurried back to Omaha and caught The Eagles live and in concert. What a fabulous show they put on! (Plus it never hurts to watch a concert in a suite at the Qwest Center.)

Man, I love the weekend. Is it Saturday yet?

My favorite pawlitician

I'm Macy Fitch and I approve this message.

Better Late than Never

I 'spose it's time to talk about Wine 'Til Nine 2008, held Oct. 23. All in all, it was a great success. We raised more than $47,000 for the cause and had a great time. Thanks to everyone who came, donated or provided silent auction items. Fortunately, Trevor and I had better luck at the silent auction this year (i.e. not buying things the other one donated, not breaking an ornament immediately upon getting it home, etc.). The Hites came away with an awesome Annie M's original painting. She's so good!

Click on the image below for a brief review in the Omaha World-Herald.

Going for the Gold

Shawn and Bela were named champions at the Hites annual Halloween Hoopla. While we pulled off a win, there was some stiff competition. Speaking of stiff...the splits were not quite as easy to do as they were 10 years ago. Ouchie.

Macy was a hula girl for Halloween. She got the belly dance (aka begging) down!

Quotes of the night included but were not limited to:

"Hi, I'm Shawn Johnson." 

"Come on, Nas!" 

"She is an Olympic Champion."

Some great costumes, including Shawn Johnson & Bela Karolyi, Josh Hite, Pharm.D., professional figure skating pair, Juno and Bleeker, "blackmail," O!, Busch Light, Juno and Flava Flav, Dr. Rey and patient from Dr. 90210, Jillian and Bob and Wilma Flinstone. Costumes continue in other photo...

Wanted to make sure  you could see Fred, Sandy and Napoleon. 

That's straight up embroidered. 

Movin' Out

This has been my workspace for the past week while they were laying carpet in the new area. Emilie graciously let me move in. Em and I, face-to-face, 40+ hours. I'm back to my partially finished office.

Em, it's been real.

Goodwill

I felt compelled to blog about this article for two reasons.

First to acknowledge the best lead I've read in a long time: "Even if you don't think Sarah Palin is a smart cookie, you have to admit she's a smart dresser." You're right, Niz, I don't think she is a smart cookie.

The other reason I had to blog about this is because it reminds me of a Goodwill story of my own. (The part talking about the chances of Sarah Palin's expensive duds winding up at an Omaha-area Goodwill store.) You see, my dad used to own a hot pink Notre Dame polo. It was hot (pink). After he wore it out (or got too much ridicule) he took it to the Goodwill.

Fast forward a few weeks to a phat frat party. One of Trevor's brothas is rocking a hot pink Notre Dame polo shirt. Small hole near the buttons.

Wendy: "Where'd you get that shirt, Mike?"
Mike: "Goodwill."

Mike bought (actually, he confessed he STOLE) my dad's shirt.

What are the odds? I'm hoping as slim as the odds of Sarah Palin becoming vice-president.

My name is Wendy and I'm a cold sore survivor

I have big plans.

This weekend, from my basement (isn't that where all successful nonprofits begin?), I'm starting NCACS - the National Coalition Against Cold Sores. I'm sick of 'em and they need to be wiped out!! Pretty soon we'll have "Cure Cold Sore" walkathons and telethons and our own colored ribbon. Abreva will be a thing of the past.

They hurt, are ugly, expensive to make go away and - most importantly - are RUINING my Halloween costume for this year. It's time to put Herpes Simplex 1 to rest.

Sign Language Class

Tonight was my first night of sign language class. It was great. I work with a deaf woman and I am very excited to be able to better communicate with her. I practiced spelling out "good morning" on my way home; I am already looking forward to seeing her tomorrow morning.

I have been practicing since I got home. I've been spelling out "treat" to Macy and I think she gets it! I will have to try different words to see if she can actually read what I am spelling. Trevor said he is enjoying me taking my class because I am much quieter. I called him a mean name via sign language. Best part is he has no idea what I called him :-).

Pledge Plays

I just received an e-newsletter from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, talking about a new program called "LLS Play Cures." It's genius.

In essence, the LLS Play Cures concept was created by the dad of an 11 year old boy with Leukemia. As he was dealing with his son's illness, he created an online gaming platform that could also raise money for causes. You "buy tokens" online (aka donate) and then you use your tokens to play games online. Solitaire, Putt Nutz...sounds fun to me!

Next time you're bored at work or hungover on Sunday and think you've found the end of the Internet, buy a few tokens at LLS Play Cures. It'll make you and many others feel much better.

Hot Dog

I was all smiles this morning at Bark Ave. It's been brought to my attention by the owner that Macy is a "social butterfly" and has a "special friend." Actually two: Max and Buddy. One (I think Max) is a yorkie and apparently they are crushing on each other. And Buddy is a rat terrior who was at first shy, but Macy has "helped him come out of his shell."

I wonder if they hold paws behind the playset.

I wish I could say I was kidding.

But I'm not. Macy just barfed on the back of my head. In my hair. Nasty. 

This would be why I am a hypochondriac

www.leapforacure.com

Thinking about and praying for you, Heather.

Ornery

Flats

Are so much more efficient than heels. I mean really.

Politics Simplified

(Thanks, Dad)

A little boy goes to his dad and asks, 'What is Politics?'

Dad says, 'Well son, let me try to explain it this way:

I am the head of the family , so call me The President .
Your mother is the administrator of the money, so we call her the Government.
We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People.
The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class.
And your baby brother, we will call him the Future.

Now think about that and see if it makes sense.

So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said. Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper.

So the little boy goes to his parent's room and finds his mother asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.

The next morning, the little boy say's to his father, 'Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.'

The father says, 'Good, son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.'

The little boy replies, 'The President is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit.

Lights, Camera, Ew

Either the lighting and mirrors in the bathroom at work are horrible, or I need some Botox and lipo stat.

Ironic Intersection

When in Michigan we passed a hilarious intersection. This is an honest-to-goodness real intersection and I had to take a photo. Given all the crap going on with our economy and corporate scandals, I thought it was the appropriate time to post.

If you click on the photos it should enlarge. If you still can't read it, the streets intersecting are Crooks Road and Corporate Drive.

Catching up on the DVR

Last night I sat down and was able to watch a show that's been trapped in the DVR: Stand Up to Cancer. I was in Michigan at a rehearsal dinner when the telethon aired (Sept. 5) so I asked Trevor to DVR it for me. Some would consider DVRing a telethon an odd request, but I am glad I was able to catch the unprecedented event.

Jennifer Anitson. Beyonce. Fergie Ferg. Miley Cyrus. Sheryl Crow. James Taylor. Melissa Ethridge. Charles Barkley. Eva Longoria Parker. Meryl Streep. Ellen DeGeneres. Jack Black. Robin Roberts. Natasha Bedingfield. Lance Armstrong. Elizabeth Edwards. Scarlett Johansen. Christina Applegate. Abigail Breslin. John McCain and Barack Obama. Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charlie Gibson. All of these individuals and many more came together for one hour on a Friday night to show their dedication to ending a horrible disease that affects too many Americans.

I had a range of emotions when watching Stand Up to Cancer. I was sad, especially when Katie Couric interviewed a young girl (maybe 10 years old) currently facing cancer. I laughed when the same young girl said "I'm not a very complacent patient." I was scared when thinking about the odds that I or a close friend or family member will be diagnosed with cancer. I was amazed and thankful that some of the world's most influential celebrities volunteered to use their likeness to raise money for the horrible disease. But most of all, I was optimistic. Optimistic that with the dedication like that displayed on Sept. 5, a cure for cancer is close.

In the amount of time it's taken me to write this blog post, 38 people across the United States have died from cancer. I looked online this morning and Stand Up to Cancer has raised $100 million. An amazing result to something so simple and so important - and clearly, by the startling statics, something so desperately needed.

If you missed Stand Up to Cancer, you can watch it online HERE. I highly recommend it.

Today's Special

I was obsessed with two shows when I was young: Mannequin and Today's Special. I'd like to take this late night opportunity to tell you a little sometin' sometin' about each of them.

Mannequin

Soon after I started at Barkley I started working on an account called Organized Living. As far as what it was: the name says it all. I am pretty sure it's bankrupt now, though. Beside the point. Anywho, I was once in an internal OL meeting with Becky and Lindsey - both my superiors. We were brainstorming holiday and an idea came to me: an amazing store window. I compared it to the windows Jonathan made in Mannequin. I got nothing. I reminded them what Mannequin was all about. Still nothing. "How could you not know about Mannequin? I love that movie!" Even more blank stares.

I'm sure you, my dear friends, remember Mannequin. It's not only one of the greatest movies of all time, it's also Kim Catrall's start.

Today's Special

I think my all time favorite show though, besides Mannequin, is Today's Special. I would watch it religiously; I am sure my folks would attest that. I vividly remember when I stumbled upon the wonder that is Nickelodeon. I was young - somewhere between three and five I'd say and I had Nickelodeon on. I am pretty sure I said to my mom (and for some reason I REALLY REMEMBER THIS): "I just found a great station for kids. It's called Nickelodeon." Turns out I was a little sales person 25+ years ago.

The BEST part of Nickelodeon though was "Today's Special." Like I said. I can't beGIN to describe it; best show ever. I am sure it won Emmy's. But what I can tell you is a lot of people I talk to don't know about Today's Special (when we are discussing at opportune times of course). However, there is one person who knows Today's Special and knows Maria (I think that was her name), Jeff, Sam and Muffy. And that person is T Fitch.

Just one more reason we were meant to be together.

Yes, I'm a little concerned both my favorite shows when growing up included mannequins. When I decipher I will let you know.

Someone, aka my idol, has posted a video of Today's Special on YouTube. Click on the hyperlinks above to view. I applaud you friend. Has anyone else been a huge Today's Special fan?

Today is my one month anniversary at BL

Just thought I'd share.

Audi-os Jeep

And welcome new car.

Just your ordinary Wednesday night

We celebrated Trevor's 29th year at Lazlo's. Always a great meal.


When we were at the hospital yesterday Michelle gave us one of Jackson's blankets to take to Berkley. Apparently a way to acclimate a dog to their new human brother or sister is to have them smell a blanket the baby has been wrapped in. We documented it for the Segers. Berkley didn't have too much interest, but Macy did (weird - she has to get her nose in everything!) so I was trying my best to keep her back and not contaminate ("add her smell to" is probably the operative phrase) the blankie.

A question posed to all children's clothing manufacturers:

Why must you slap a bear, dog or giraffe on every article of clothing you make?

My little lunch date

Emilie and I ventured to Methodist over lunch to meet our new little buddy: Jackson Kieth Seger. Jackson arrived last night at 5:44 weighing in at eight pounds, three ounces. He, mom and dad are all doing well! He is absolutely precious and I'm thrilled for the Segers. Kind of makes me tear up when I think back to when I met Michelle - in Mrs. Meeker's 5th grade class - and how fast the years have gone.

Enjoy these photos of the little one.

Also thought you'd enjoy a photo of the sleeping arrangements at our house last night (minus me). We watched Berkley Seger last night so we could take her to Bark Avenue today. She and Macy are having a great time being roomies! So much in fact I dropped their hound hineys off at Bark Ave. at 6:40 this morning (they open at 6:30) and as Brian said, "Wendy will probably pick them up at 6:29:30 tonight." (They close at 6:30.) Just want to make sure we and the Segers are getting our money worth :-)

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear T Fitch,
Happy Birthday to you.

Dear John

Just say what you need to say already. Your song is driving me bonkers!

Your listener,
Wendy

There's Gonna be a Widdle Won!

Michelle and Brian are at the hospital and by the sounds of it baby Seger will be arriving today! Good choice poppin' out today, little one. You're gonna be a Virgo like your aunt Wendy!

In all seriousness, I can't concentrate because I keep thinking about what's going on! I can't wait to hear about the newest addition ... thinking about you, Segers!

Such a sad story

Bellevue man accused of beating his dog with golf club
BY RICHARD EGAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

A Bellevue man used a golf club to beat his rat terrier because it wouldn't stop barking.

The dog's injuries were so severe that it was euthanized.

Carson Smith Sr., 41, of 1416 St. Joachin Court, was ticketed Sunday night by the Nebraska Humane Society on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Smith was cited on suspicion of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Mark Langan of the Humane Society said he forwarded a report of the incident to the Sarpy County Attorney's Office, which will decide whether to upgrade the charge to a felony punishable by up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Langan said Smith got angry when his dog, Sam, wouldn't stop barking. Smith struck the dog on the head with a golf club, causing massive skull and brain injuries. The family rushed Sam to a veterinarian's office. The dog had to be euthanized at 3:30 p.m.

Langan said Smith was with the family at the veterinarian's office and was remorseful about the incident.

Langan encouraged pet owners to call the Humane Society's behavior hot line (444-7800, ext. 221) if they become frustrated with their dogs.

"People can get help from professionals about behavioral issues like barking, showing aggression or house training," Langan said. "We have great success. He (Carson) chose the wrong alternative and was criminally and morally wrong."

My Weekend Totally Sucked

Literally.

It's been sneezefest 2008 for me the last few weeks. I'm sure part of it has to do with the crap in the air (hayfever), but I am sure the amount of dust in the Fitch household was also a contributing factor. So, yesterday I said sayonara dust and busted out the Dyson.

I'm obsessed with the thing and thank the Hites for introducing us to such a sucky vacuum.

I started with our room and bathroom and spent two hours in those two areas only. The Dyson dominated the blinds, the ceiling fan, lamp shades, air vents, an artificial plant and other places where dust was inconspicuously hiding. I took a photo of how much crap the vacuum pulled up - and that was before vacuuming the carpet or the bathroom.

It
Was
Nasty.

I don't know if it's a good thing the Dyson was able to suck up that much dust or if it's a bad thing there was that much dust in our room.

Vacuuming might not sound like that exciting of a weekend, but in reality it was exactly what I wanted to do. Being that this was my first weekend home in five weeks (Boston Aug. 14-17, Cleveland August 21-24, Denver Aug. 29-31, Michigan Sept. 4-7 and KC Sept. 13-14) I was looking forward to a productive weekend. We purged cabinets and closets and cleaned the garage. Macy got groomed. We visited TCBY. We moved dangerously close to buying a new car. I worked Secure Your ID Day. We hosted an impromptu BBQ Saturday night.* It was a great weekend!

*One of the highlights of the BBQ was that the Neals came. It's so fun that they live in Omaha and can just swing by! Plus, they brought Stella, the world's happiest baby. Josh, Shannon, Emilie and Eric and Michelle and Brian came by too - it was great to see Shel...might just be the last time we see here prego! Baby Seger is coming any day now!!

Day at the Spaw

Didn't my new groomer do such a great job? Thanks for the referral, Ellie.

But man, getting beautiful is such tough work.

Yo to the Yo

It's Friday. It's 4:20. You know what that means. Time to blog.

It's been a good week. Has flown by actually. Last night we went to the MicroBrew HaHa, a benefit for Habitat for Humaity. It was a good time. Decent beers (I prefer my Mich Ultra over really dark MicroBrews) and a host of great restaurants, including Ms Pub, Flemings and Liberty Tavern. The weather was beautiful-I encourage all three of you who read this blog to go next year.

We have a pretty low-key weekend planned. I have a work event early tomorrow morning so we've decided to stay in tonight. After traveling for five weekends in a row (count 'em five) I'm looking forward to a Friday AND Saturday night in my own bed getting pestered by Macy.

Peace out reada.

Because $25 for the second bag wasn't enough

United Airlines is doubling its fee for a second checked bag from $25.00 to $50.00. The charge goes into effect today for travel beginning November 10 and applies to tickets for flights within the U.S. or to or from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.*

If you have two bags you might as well just add $100 onto your ticket price.

Unbelievable.

*This annoying update brought to you courtesy of The Boston Globe.

I just felt like a total nerd

taking this photo of my office. And of course the freelancer walked by right as I was taking it. But I had too many requests to see what my office space is like. Kidding. I just think it's cool so I had to share. We're adding on - hence the sheets of plastic. I have a great view of the Woodmen Tower, First National Building and other downtown monuments. It's pretty nice to be able to peer out the window when I am blowing my nose or stretching or what have you. With the addition, I don't know if I am staying in this space or not - which is why it looks a little drab right now. Just wait until I bring in my boxes of crap and brighten up my office! Is a valance in an office too much?

For all you baby Mamas out there

I was on Bed Bath and Beyond's Web site looking for a wedding registry and noticed they now carry baby items. I perused; they have some cute stuff. If you're into that kind of thing.

How 'bout them Apples

Trevor got me a new iPod for my birthday. I had the original old school iPod and he upgraded me to a video iPod. I'm excited about it.

He bought it SUNDAY. That's not capitalized to emphasize that he bought it on my actual birthday. It's capitalized because TODAY Steve Jobs announced a new line of iPods. Today. Two days later. My brand-spanking-new-although-opened-but-still-without-music-iPod is already outdated.

I have a rotten Apple.

Getting a Wii Bit Fit

We broke out the Wii Fit last night. I'm pretty obsessed with it...especially since it weighed me and said I'm about 20 lbs. less than I actually am. So the scale on the balance board isn't exactly right...

Anyhoo, I got quite the ab workout from the Wii Fit. Not from the exercises per say but from laughing while watching TFitch yoga. It was damn funny.

Congratulations Amy and Brad

A very special friend of mine got married over the weekend: Amy Hartfelder. I met Amy in 1991…not at the usual place a 5^th grader would meet a new friend – like school or softball or church. (Yes we went to church back then.) We met the Hartfelder family in 1991 at Kennedy Space Center. Random? A bit.

We were visiting Cape Canaveral because the weather that day was rainy and dreary (typical for a Floridian March.) Kalin, a 1^st grader, was adamant about sitting in the front row on the top deck of the double-decker bus and, because of his running and probably pushing old folks aside, he got his wish. Sitting next to us was another family of four. One thing led to another and my parents got to talking to the parents of the other family. Turns out they were going on the same cruise as us the next day – the Big Red Boat – and staying at the SAME hotel after the cruise – the Disney Inn. Most importantly, the four adults also learned they were all big fans of Bud Light. To make things more ironic – they figured out Amy and I were born five days apart.

Amy and I never talked that day, but I did kind of stalk her. She had these enormously high bangs and I thought she was SO cool. Every time she got off the bus to take a picture, I asked my parents for the camera and followed her. Apparently I was a weird kid.

The next day we boarded the S/S Majestic and not 20 minutes after we checked into our cabin there was a knock at our door. It was Amy, and her cousin Amanda whose family had joined them on the cruise. We’ve been friends ever since that knock on the door. For several years when we were young I would fly to Michigan and Amy would fly back to Omaha with me. Her family has been to Omaha several times; including for my wedding and my parents’ 40^th AND 50^th birthday parties. My family has been to Michigan, numerous times including for Amy’s graduation from Central Michigan. (We were supposed to go to her brother’s wedding, which was 9/15/01. I will let you guess why we weren’t able to attend.) Our families have been to Chicago, Toronto and Lake of the Ozarks together. It’s truly a friendship of fate. And while we don’t see each other as frequently anymore, it’s a friendship that picks up right where we left off.

We were thrilled to be at the Hartfelder/Reuther wedding. It was a gorgeous event and I wish Brad and Amy a lifetime of happiness!

Below: The gang at the rehearsal dinner (minus Trevor & Kalin who were unable to attend)