LoSpace

Moss Certainly!

2011-08-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sam Edelman, I don't know you, but I want these shoes. There was a little discussion regarding comfort with my shopping partners, but I can just see that these would feel great. I know uncomfortable heels, and I know these are different. Moss suede and black leather with a stacked leather heel??? Call me!!!

Fast Forward Future Shot

2011-08-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Blast from the future: I think I can see what Romes is gonna look like as a teenager...

Much Belated Bday Commentary

2011-08-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is also a first day of K post (7/25/11). Here's a girl who's ready for K! She also had the first birthday of the year in her class (8/2/11). If Laney continues in Chandler schools, she will probably ace that honor in future years as well. She had cupcakes to share -- what a day! On Day 1, I liked the part where she said "bye Mom, bye Dad" -- she wanted us to get out of that room so she could start her first day of school.

Growing Up Griffitts

2011-07-24T22:04:00.001-07:00

I have a lot for which to thank my parents:
1) work ethic (we had to do a ton of chores, but looking back, they were reasonable. We stacked wood, we bucked hay, and we did the dishes).
2) straight teeth -- I spent a few years in braces and thank the universe for that!
3) college expectations -- in our family, you went to the University of Idaho and you liked it. And I loved it!

I talked to an old friend tonight who saw the ups and downs of my early years. I have to say, it made me the strong (and zany) person I am today.

Happy Birthday to Romes!

2011-07-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

Or, more accurately, Roman, his given name. He is amazing and my treasure. They don't make them better than this! Love my son!

Photo credit: LAST YEAR 7-2-2010.

One for my 22 Girls!

2011-07-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

On our flight to BOI today, the only three seats together were Row 22...(the last row) but due to the great karma of this number, of course, we had a great time!

Happy 75th Dad!

2011-06-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

We had the best talk this morning! Talking to my dad reminds me that "the universe will provide." Not because that's what he says, but because that's how he lives -- don't worry so much, things will work out pretty well in the end. And that you may not always get everything you want but you get pretty much what you need.

M's D and MPG

2011-05-21T19:04:00.002-07:00

Is it just me, or is there a similarity? Sure, I always get compared to Molly Shannon. More recently I got a "You look like Kate Walsh" which was awesome -- she's on Grey's Anatomy right now. But Michelangelo's David...who gets that?!?! I'm really glad MPG doesn't have David's hair...that would just be weird and,um, not very contemporary.

...and THAT makes it all worthwhile...

2011-05-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

A perfect finish to the refrigerator!
(not just this, but many many other things make it all worthwhile...)

Bad Mommy!

2011-05-04T17:08:00.001-07:00

Just count the total pairs of shoes Mom left on the floor! Bad, bad mom...
PS One more that isn't even in the picture...
PPS the answer is...7 total...

Princess Party? I Couldn't, I'm Stuffed!!!

2011-05-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

Which of these stores is not like the other??? On the right: Paisley's Princess Palace: Hair - Nails - Makeup - Parties Just for Girls. I just wonder how a little girl's birthday goes next to...a store called Taxidermy (phone number). Really??? People who stuff dead animals in lifelike poses...Is that the most creative name they can imagine? These are people who pose the bear!!! Remember?

So, gentlemen, may I suggest a great name like "Taxidermagic"??? Come on. The cost to repaint that sign would be negligible next to the image enhancement. Ahhhh yeah.

Finally, just take a moment to appreciate the front vanity plate on the truck out front. Like AJ meets savasana. Really, all of this defies interpretation. So I will let it be.

ASU Surplus Store - Very Nice

2011-05-01T15:06:00.001-07:00

ASU Surplus is just east of the 101 on Rio Salado Drive and it's basically an ongoing garage sale of random stuff. They also post on craigslist from time to time, which is how I got Roman's very solid wood desk and bunk beds for about $100. From Irish Hall no less (Honors Dorm, so maybe some smart college mojo will rub off on him?!?!). And a low 3 drawer dresser unit which has another hilarious story that I will save for another time. There is usually a random assortment of bikes and desks and filing cabinets. Good to peek in there every so often and see what's for sale, because, why not???

Last time I spotted the most random item -- and the price tag was striking. It made me think of my Dad, whose name is also Jim. The questions must be asked: what makes an old oil can "very nice"? Its two (rusty) screw caps? Its wooden handle? Why should I pay 20 bucks for it, and cash only??? I think Jim G would like to meet Jim B for a beer.

Easter's Here!

2011-04-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hoppy Easter Everybunny!

Who's In?

2011-04-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just another one of those days! Happy and thankful for time with my kids in the sunshine.

How Cool Is This Harley?

2011-04-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Now this Road King knows how to have his coffee! I salute you, Mr. Coffee Holder on the Road King Guy!

Tucson Highlights

2011-03-21T23:45:00.006-07:00

Hello Tucson for a weekend getaway. It has a lot of stoplights, but the Omni is awesome -- you can relax and think about nothing. Also if somebody barfs, (because of a bad strawberry smoothie) on the artificial grass, they get out a wet-dry vac and groom that grass! NICE!

Feet pic: MPG aka Superman, LEG, and the G-girls: SLG, HMG, and AJG. The G-girls have remarkably adult looking feet though they are all under 13. This happens when your dad is 6-6. You are gonna be tall, and you will have proportionate feet.

Good to know: LEG posts a gratuitous picture now and then.

Lastly, the Ostrich Farm at Picacho Peak: FUN! Feed ostrich, goats, deer, and rainbow lorakeets! Little trivia: 1 ostrich egg ($18) = 2 dozen chicken eggs. Hmmm...is that a good deal???? Caption: LEG trying not to look strained with wild birds crapping on her favorite Roxy flip flops. FAIL.

Ostrich Festival 3-11-11

2011-03-12T09:57:00.003-07:00

Ok, after Gilbert Days I'm getting the hang of the rip-off carnival tickets and rides...also thanks to the pay it forward lady who gave me 7 tickets on her way out! We found a better deal on the carousel ride than Gilbert Days (see Laney smile, top): for kid alone, 4 tickets. For kid + parent, 5 tickets.

The petting zoo was free (unless you fell for buying the $1, $2, or $3 cup of food) and had the coolest hooved ungulates: Jacob goats (with 4 horns!), a zebu, a yak, a long-horn steer, and a watusi (see second photo). Say wah-TOOO-si, it's fun! Note to petting zoo owners -- they're YOUR animals, YOU buy the food!! There were two particularly aggressive begging goats that were hilarious!

Follow-up edit: I was thinking maybe ungulates are all hooved, so that's redundant, and I checked, and it is redundant. Because ungulate means hooved. Sigh...it's hard being a word girl.

Lessons learned:
A carnie in a clean shirt is still a carnie. But fresher!
A 41 inch kid looks like a 42 inch kid in a fuzzy hoodie with the hood up.
"Free" is not free
The ostriches on display at the Ostrich Festival need to be easier to find.
I need a t-shirt: "I survived the 2011 Ostrich Festival" but didn't see them anywhere!

Hmmm...do you think there was a lottery for this one?

2011-03-08T17:51:00.001-07:00

Back story desperately needed. Veteran, check. American flag ribbon magnet, check. And, the obvious: wow! How many people who should have this plate do not?!?! Oh wait, I guess if you label yourself that, it kinda defeats the purpose. You need to be identified by a third party.

In closing, I quote the movie Birdcage: "Shouldn't you be holding the crucifix? It's THE prop for martyrs."

Thanks Chuck Taylor - Still Cool After All These Years!

2011-01-26T19:54:00.001-07:00

Converse One Star, All Star...Superstar!!!

We are officially retiring the 1st pair (3 strap velcro, we appreciate your years of service, but...it's over! moving on to laces and it's high time). And for the girlies, here's how you look cool in pink high tops:

In closing, let me just add a big huge thank you to Tony Hawk for making my life easy in the morning. Throw any one of those shirts and some jeans on Roman with a pair of tennies and he's good to go for school! YES! Chuck and Tony, you rule!

Happy Birthday Laura is Jane!

2011-01-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

I dedicate these shoes to Laura on her birthday. I am more a platform girl but she doesn't need the height...they have style and a little heat (for the biker side). Plus, jingly!! Happy birthday, hot chick!

Nice Shirt!

2011-01-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

So simple! So perfect! It's kinda zen meets Sesame Street. But works for adults too. And under $5...I'm going to miss Target clothes deals when Laney gets to size 6 and the prices jump up (but I have well over a year to worry about that - she's still a 4).

Kid Snax from the Xmas Cookbooks

2011-01-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

This is how they look in the book ("enlarged to show detail" of course!!!):

This is how ours look:

Martha Stewart isn't scared but not bad for the 4, 7, and 43 year old with a fear of kitchen messes! Lots of fun either way ...
PS How can Cool Whip come in "regular" and "extra creamy" -- really, don't we all want extra creamy???

Like A G6, Like A G6

2011-01-12T20:14:00.003-07:00

Ok, is this oddly reminiscent of an airplane restroom or what???

Whew, ok, now I can pee in peace...

Taking it to the next level, there's also a light on the outside "Restroom is occupied when light is on" but when it takes 3 signs and 2 wall buttons to open, lock, and close a bathroom door, we have issues. This was sooooooo designed by an underutilized engineer.

PS prize to the first reader who can tell me where this restroom is...

Shine! Shimmer! Glimmer! (but not in that order)

2011-01-09T11:30:00.002-07:00

The flairies are characters from Laney's favorite Barbie movie. They're NOT fairies; fairies have wings. These are wingless. Glimmer is on the left -- she's my favorite. Love her pigtails. Shimmer is the purple one. Shine has the best shoes. I didn't notice their shoes 'til they came out of the package on Christmas morning. From the standpoint of physics and function, they are impossible! They could not be walked in by a normal human, which is fine, because in the movie, the flairies fly (despite their winglessness). Anyway, the shoes. From a purely design standpoint: AWESOME! And that's what makes Barbie world so perfect and magical.

Saying of the Year(s)...

2010-12-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

It's a 16x17 plaque from Hip & Humble, the coolest boutique in SLC. Would it be weird if I buy nine of these and hang them in a 3x3 pattern in my kitchen??? And buy more for all my friends??? I call it DECORATING!!!

Patio Furniture + Craigslist = Hilarious Shopping

2010-12-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for some patio furniture on craigslist, which has brought me so much joy.

First ROFL: I'm looking for patio furniture, not furniture that was left ON THE PATIO. These are two very different things.

Second ROFL: it's WROUGHT iron, not ROT iron. I really don't want to buy anything rotten on craigslist, or anywhere else...

Third ROFL: "Outdoor Swaing with built in awning" -- to remind you of that old country song, "We Was Swaingin!!!"

Fourth ROFL:

Let me summarize the ad for you: "Hey, my dog chewed this up. Do you want to pay me $30 to haul it away for me?!?!?"
REALLY?!?! One word: Goodwill!

I love craigslist!!!

Perhaps the Worst Use Ever of a Perfectly Good Giraffe...

2010-11-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Really, Signals Catalog?!?! And just in time for Christmas...but! How insulting to giraffes...and the humans who use toilet paper. Signals, you are supposed to offer "gifts that inform, enlighten & entertain" but this is somehow patently wrong. And what makes it worse is that it is difficult to quantify the wrongness of it. Perhaps proportion? Juxtaposition? It is undeniably tacky in design, but not material, and reminiscent of the stuff from what we used to call "The Tacky Catalog," the direct mail piece that we got back in the 80's. Which closely approximated, but was not Lilian Vernon.

This post is dedicated to Laura (Jane).

Another WT Product...no, not White Trash..."What the?"

2010-11-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

I'm just offended about the price point. Sure, if you want people stepping on your initial before they come in the house, cool -- that's fine. But FORTY BUCKS?!?! Uh, no, that's ridiculous. I'm not paying $39.98 for my visitors to wipe their feet on my "G." Hey, I have standards. (Scoffing noise)...

Halloween 2010 Rocked!

2010-10-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Back to Rock Street for Halloween -- apparently, it's just the place to be. This year, Roman was not ailing (he noted that last year he had H2O -- ummm, I think he meant H1N1 not confirmed really but anyway...). So, here's a little rundown of the costumery. Nota bene, Lanes got to dress up Friday for school so there are some extras. She also wore Romes old Power Rangers costume to Target one night last week and we joke trick or treated the dry cleaners and that night guy needs a sense o' humor ... I mean COME ON!
PS I didn't make the cube; his dad did: awesome!

Bonus looks: Lanes showing her "Twilight audition face" - move over Team Edward!

Also, she can do Disney like nobody's business:

I mean, is that Minnie Mouse or what?!?! And don't mess with Rubik; he will put you in your place!

Another great costume year in the books. This was FUN.

She's Got No Shoes On!!!

2010-10-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Lanes received the above toy for participating in a consumer research study. And I love that Polly has a blender and 2 fruit-garnished beverages in her GLAM-per (it's not a camper!). Good news: both front seats have a seat belt! Yah! Polly is safe in a collision. And...after the beach bonfire o' fun, Polly sleeps up top with a silver chandelier...how camp is that?!? I need to camp with a silver chandelier...seriously!

Further, may I add, Romes noted that Polly was shoeless after Lanes fell asleep. Oh well, a good camping trip doesn't need shoes, right?!?! Also, he broke the accessory palm tree, and mom fixed it. I videotaped the evidence, but it was sideways. Not worth the upload. Work with me here. Have a drink from Polly's Glamper blender; I'm sure she knows what she's doing on the mixology...

Who's Adorable?

2010-10-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the darlings! September 2010, Kiddie Kandids back in business...we went on a Thursday. You do the math.

The Wonders of Asparagus

2010-09-07T21:24:00.002-07:00

Yes! Asparagus! It doesn't just make your pee stink (because of an enzyme)...Check out what Dave "Unpronounceable Last Name" Zinczenko says about asparagus:

Hung over? Choose asparagus. When South Korean researchers exposed a group of human liver cells to asparagus extract, it suppressed free radicals and more than doubled the activity of two enzymes that metabolize alcohol. That means you'll feel like yourself again twice as quickly.

THANK YOU DAVE!!! The rest of the article was actually pretty good too -- check it out.
But wait, there's more: Health Benefits of Asparagus

Oh hey, inquiring minds want to know: how would the effects work if we eat the asparagus with the beverages?!?! Just sayin...

Closing note: my dad pronounces it "asper-grass" as a joke, which I just think is funny. That goes with his "insulted" vest...

2010-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, now Julia Roberts is a face of Lancome!! This will date me, but I loved when they had Isabella Rossellini. Personally, also not liking this look for Julia -- she looks pale and horsey in this shot. Julia! Girl! Eat, pray, or love your way to better makeup if you keep this contract!

Also, someone quoted her as saying she doesn't do Botox because she wants her kids to know when she's mad. Ok...no to Botox, yes YES YES to Photoshop. Gotcha.

Finally, Lo wants to try this mascara badly!!! Anyone used this? Comments?

Happy Birthday Superman!

2010-08-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

MPG, you amaze me. I wish I had pictures of the next great years. Here's to 46!

Photo credit: WMU the 80's!!!

Can They Say This Online?!?!

2010-08-09T21:35:00.001-07:00

Idaho Vandals Ladies White Boy Beater Tank Top

In Stock

Price: $13.95

I cut/pasted that description. Really?!?!? Is that what these shirts are called now? Weird, because the black tank is called:

adidas Idaho Vandals Ladies Black Pure Shooter Tank Top

But it's a few bucks more... wait, hmm..."pure shooter" -- is that name any better?!?! I think I like the shirt better nonetheless...and hey, thanks facebook for the shopportunity! I don't care how much BSU wins football games, UI is always #1 to me -- that's what an undergraduate alma mater stands for!

In closing may I say "GO VANDALS!" (fist pump!)

Happy 4th Laney Ry!

2010-08-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

Magical Build-A-Bear birthday party: check!
Starring a host of gorgeous girlies: check!
Tie-dye cake that matches my dress: check!

What a birthday!
(belatedly blogged by beleaguered mom)

Phantom Meets Girl Style

2010-07-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

When you put a kid in an adult sized mask -- it's WEIRD!

Check out the girl looking ready for Cirque du Soleil...or Halloween...or Mardi Gras.

Job Opportunity...Help Wanted

2010-07-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if this is real or a joke. This sentence is the kicker: "Our corporate clients expect the best so be prepared to cheer for the most mundane of corporate accomplishments."

Who wrote that? Is this for real? Who uses this service?!? How much would they pay the umbrella girl?

I guess it's just another example of our "service-oriented" economy -- can't ship this job offshore...

Most Random Architectural Feature

2010-07-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

In the lobby of a Gilbert medical office building...is that a, a WET BAR? Or veggie sink? I'm trying to figure out what possible purpose this could ever have served. Of course, upon viewing it, I had an irresistable temptation to wash my hands BUT there is no towel dispenser and no visible trash can for said towels. Just freaky. Was the architect visualizing impromptu happy hours in this lobby?!?! Even more odd -- I spent about 4 months doing my x-ray clinical rotation in this building and do not recall this feature. Okay, I was pregnant and stressed out but still. I think Lo-CD would have picked up on this anachronism...I mean COME ON!

Happy Early Romes!

2010-06-27T18:51:00.001-07:00

When your bday is 7-2, take all you can get. Little early but we have to celebrate when we can. Almost 7 and beyond awesome! Also, when you're in the cage, live it up!!!

How bout the coolest kid you ever saw?

Photo credit: Boise June 2010. Jacket -- uh...army navy surplus?!?!

June 24 Vintage!

2010-06-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Mom: Happy birthday, you are not Mom, you are Supermom! Why your shirt doesn't have an S? I don't know; these are the mysteries of life I suppose!

Sole 2 Sole

2010-06-23T19:27:00.002-07:00

Foot on left: 43 Foot on right: not quite 7. We will soooooooooooo be sharing flipflops within 2 years. YES!

Romes has had the cutest and most interesting feet since day 1. His 3rd toe is equally as long as his 2nd, which is quite novel. Not sure where he got these feet, will have to look at the other side of the family someday. Now I have to go look at Lanes' feet and see where she got them. Definitely NOT my feet! Truly, I think she has the feet, eyes, and "don't cross me" attitude of Leura Connally Griffitts (my dad's mom). Don't mess with Texas!!!

Manscaping 2.0

2010-06-23T19:09:00.001-07:00

A BACK shaver for MEN! Yesssssssssssss!

I am loving that now men can be as inconvenienced as women about body hair. Look at the telescoping wand. Battery operated? I don't know, but dude certainly needs a mirror to get everything off. And how far down can that wand reach?!? Not shown in this ad...

Superman recently got his inner ears AND nose waxed. Ummm....wow, can you say painful?!?!? But so, so clean...awesome -- I'm a fan...and the aesthetician -- a hilarious story, but I can't do it justice on LoSpace.

Say Hello to My Little Friend

2010-06-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

I was edging my yard this morning with my old hand me down trimmer and ran out of string (or whatever that plastic stuff is called) and thinking edging is so frustrating anyway. I had to stop every 4 or 5 feet and turn it over to pull more plastic string because really, who can actually do the tap thing and make more come out (don't answer that...). Anyway, the whole time I'm thinking "there must be a better way" and "seriously, I didn't even want any grass, but it's here so I'd better take care of it..." followed by some choice swear words.

So I went to Home Depot to get more string and finish the job, and spotted the 14-inch "no bumping required" double string Grass Hog for $10 off -- um, you had me at "no bumping" so the discount was frosting. I'm out in the garden center and there are at least four female clerks milling around, so I go up to pay and Trish my new Home Depot best friend pages Justin to come out and narrate the operating information. Then another woman comes over and says she has this trimmer, it's great, and Trish calls Justin back to cancel the page because "We don't need a man out here."

I had to try it out when I got home and basically massacred my yard edges, if that is indeed a verb. This thing is fast and lethal to the grass. I need to figure out where to hold it and then -- GOLDEN!! So, I think this implement needs a name -- ideas?? Maybe Edgar?!?! Edgerrin?!?! Anyway, I'm pretty sure Mr. Choppy is taken but I'm open to suggestions.

My Dad and Foot Twin

2010-06-18T17:43:00.002-07:00

I don't know why this picture is so funny. I have very few pics with my Dad. This is right before leaving for the airport June 17 2010, chilly day in Btown...thus the insulated vest (he jokingly prounounces it "insulted" which I think is hilarious). I am wearing flip flops for airport security convenience. Dad is wearing Whites Boots; they weigh a ton. The kids are yelling "Bye Poppa Jim" from the back seat of Linda's truck. Followed by Dad playing "Old Susanna" on the harmonica Linda inexplicably gave Laney as a parting gift just before we headed out of town.

Random fact: my dad and I have the same feet. There is an old blog about this...Now, let it be said that I did not get Dad's hands, but Diane did. Genetics are weird. My sister Linda is my voice twin though...so I guess it's all relative.

Good Morning Girl!

2010-06-17T22:06:00.001-07:00

If you knew a little darling

Cornflower blue

And greeted her

Good morning

And she sang to you

And the bluebells rang

And you held her too

Sing good morning

Delaney Rylan

Darling sweet, sweet blue!

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-06-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Good day, beautiful Boise summer sky, sunshine, thank you universe for 2010!!

Scamper Hits Sky Harbor Like Lindsay Lohan on a Bender...

2010-06-14T13:53:00.001-07:00

I don't know why her name is Scamper, but she's sassy. She goes to the airport with no clothes and she orders a grande iced nonfat Americano. Scamper doesn't care that the coffee drink is almost bigger than her...it's that kind of party.

Seriously, a woman at the airport actually commented that Scamper had no clothes. IT'S A DOLL!!! Lady, you're lucky my daughter has clothes on!!!

Potentially Crappy Situation

2010-06-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have taken this medication before, at least 10 times over the past 15 years. I never received this warning before. They stuck it on the top where it can't be ignored -- hmmm, must be important. But -- and this is a big BUT -- "weeks to months" later?!?! How on earth can I possibly correlate October diarrhea with June meds? Also, note the lack of specificity if the late effect diarrhea is as severe as the initial ...

Best Ad from Best Buy: End Your Phone Shame Today

2010-06-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I guess Best Buy has a sense of humor too...this ad was soooooooooooo me. In fact, I didn't even take my phone out of my purse in the T-Mobile store when I went to look at new phones. But I loved my old phone...the Dash. For three years. Even its name said "sassy." I finally let Dash go and upgraded to the Motorola Cliq XT. All touchscreen, no physical keyboard. I am using maybe 10% of its functionality (kinda like our brains, so that's all good, right?). My favorite app is the current weather for my zip code. Basically, I'm like an old person with that. I like the voice searches on Google Maps and "closest Starbucks location" too. Truly groundbreaking. I'm now caught up to approximately 2007 with the technology. Someday I might download a song or something...

I'd like to thank all my friends, family, and the HCBC for being with me through that dark time with no data and only 1000 text messages a month. Now I'm unlimited -- talk on!

Scrabble Cards Secret Message

2010-05-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is how Lanes left them this afternoon when we headed out for swimming. Let me know if you can decipher the message. Or maybe it's her version of DIY Boggle...

Lanes Last Day of Two Day!

2010-05-30T08:56:00.002-07:00

Lanes attended T-Th preschool for the past year and will be moving up to the M-W-F class starting in August. This makes a great transition to kindergarten in August 2011. Next year is going to be great!
From Thursday, her "last day of school" pose:

A hug from a beautiful teacher:

Lanes ringing endorsement:
Q: Do you like school at Miss Stacey's?
A: Yeah. I like the part...with the bubbles.

It just doesn't get much better than that...

MVD, Wake Up!

2010-05-29T06:28:00.001-07:00

It's a little hard to make out in spite of judicious photo editing, but this license plate reads DUBL D. Hmmm, what does that imply to you? Yeah, right, a couple named Donald and Dorothy. Suuuuuuuuuuuuure.

I thought the MVD was supposed to monitor these for content! Maybe that job was eliminated somewhere in the last round of budget cuts. This one is good, but not as funny as Kelly G's report of "KY LADY" -- regardless that she is probably from Kentucky, WHY would you want that on your license plate???

Now that you can just go online to order your plate, maybe the computer system just makes sure there's no (obvious) profanity. My last vanity plate was ITSCUTE for a Chevy crew cab short bed truck. Because it WAS cute...then several years and vehicles later, I got a letter from the MVD saying another person requested ITSCUTE -- and I already had the unvanity-able energy plate for the hybrid, so now someone else's car is cute.

PS that's right, in AZ it's not DMV it's MVD (Motor Vehicle Department).

PPS saying "VIN number" is redundant.

Someone Out There Like Me...

2010-05-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

The locked position of the knob is counter-intuitive, so someone with a label maker clarified it. Now I can pee in peace...bravo!

Photo credit: medical office building near Chandler Regional.

Favorite Lines from Current Songs....

2010-05-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, and not necessarily representative of my situation:

If you want more love, why don't you say so?

Still alive, but I'm barely breathin' ... praying to a god that I don't believe in...

This time baby, I'll be bullet proof!

Gotta live like we're dyin!

Photo credit: New Zealand Feb 2009, my crappy camera - nice!

Happy Bday Big Sis!

2010-05-23T19:54:00.001-07:00

No one could ask for a better big sister! Thanks for everything you do for me and the whole family and I'm sending love and hugs. As we discussed earlier -- 2010 is great!! No more drive-thru!!

Yes we all went to the same orthodontist...

Photo credit: 2005 at Cousint Mike's 50Bday...

Sit Down Because This IS Gonna Rock Your World...

2010-05-23T16:01:00.001-07:00

Ok people I hope you're ready for nintendo's earth shaking innovation . . . the "all new Wii -- now available in BLACK"...you mean, black? Black is in .... black? Wow. Now the Wii comes in the same color as, um, every other electronic component. What will they think of next?!?! Remember how Henry Ford said it in the 1920's? The Model T: "people can have it in any color, so long as it's black"...hey, Nintendo, to quote another product slogan "You've come a loooooooooooong way, baby!" NOT.

How 'bout Dell's color innovation?! Here's one I can get behind:

A nail polish colored laptop! Thanks Dell and OPI -- now that's some impressive color...who even cares about the processor speed when you can get Kyoto Pearl, La-PAZ-atively Hot, and I'm Not Really A Waitress??? OPI + Dell, LoSpace loves you...

Don't Take LoSpace's Space...

2010-05-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

I go to this Starbucks at lunch time and recharge my laptop, do some wifi, and make phone calls. This girl, pictured above, was all taking up my preferred corner (with the outlet where I recharge) and complaining loudly about her lodging denying her breakfast because she was ONE minute late...ummm, girlfriend, two words: BALANCE BAR... they pack and travel pretty well. Plus once you're at Starbucks you can get coffee, hey that's what they're all about...(dial tone) hello, I'm on planet REALITY!!!! Now, in the future, don't take LoSpace's SPACE sista!!!

Strange Stress Relief...

2010-05-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

levitating lounge chair (from 25 most ridiculous stress relief products)

The Personal Rockin’ Computer umm... chair (?) gently swings back and forth while you dally on your laptop. Retails for US$4,082 from a Swedish web site -- and no, the beautiful woman is not included.

Can I get this cheaper at ikea? I mean, it doesn't really fit with my decor but...I could try to work it in...oh wait, am I supposed to sit upright in it??? Oh, hmmmm....

always new Lois

2010-05-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

This is right on sooooo many levels. Wonder where these jeans were made? Oh, they're European...that explains why my sister saw them on a butt in Delphi, Greece...here's a nice web quote about the brand:

The ultra-fashionable Lois Jeans jeans, (pronounced "Loys"). Cotton/lycra fabric in a variety of finishes and washes for a classic boot-cut or contemporary fit. Great to wear with our new spring selection of clothing - with a fantastic fit on or off your horse 'cause they have a little stretch.

Obviously, I now really really need a pair -- look how much fun you can have in them!!!! Bow chicka wow wow! Also, looks like I have to get them from Canada or the UK.

Lois Jeans: IT'S ON!!!

Pass the 'bucks...

2010-05-07T09:25:00.001-07:00

(found on the web somewhere...)
Danny: Can I get a large black coffee?

Barista: A what?
Danny: Large black coffee.
Barista: Do you mean a venti?
Danny: No, I mean a large.
Barista: Venti is large.
Danny: No, venti is twenty. Large is large. In fact, tall is large and grande is Spanish for large. Venti is the only one that doesn't mean large. It's also the only one that's Italian. Congratulations, you're stupid in three languages.
Barista: A venti is a large coffee.
Danny: Really? Says who? Fellini? Do you accept lira or is it all euros now?

Danny is mean, but funny...
I'm so glad I don't have to do the Starbucks courier service anymore since Keurig joined our office!!

Faux-hawk vs Mullet

2010-05-02T17:33:00.001-07:00

I'm so so over faux-hawks. Aren't they "out" yet? For my part, they are right on par with the mullet. Except without the cool description "business up front, party in the back"...Lanes was in a wedding and both ringbearers were sporting the look. Really, is that what any bride wants in a wedding photo twenty years from now? Meanwhile Laney's decked out in a satin gown with spaghetti straps and a white headband with flower side detail. Very classic...not sure what happened across the aisle there. People should ask me about things like this, really.

Photo above: my girl's face saying "Do I have to walk down the aisle with him?!?!"

I did find one ONE cool faux-hawk picture, but he started wearing them in 2005. It's 2010. Hey, 2005 called -- it wants its hair back. Yes -- let the faux-hawk go.

I See A Lot More Coffee In My Future

2010-05-02T06:36:00.001-07:00

This is our new coffee set up at work -- Keurig 1 minute single cup maker with a ton of options. The small pitcher to the right is a push-button electric frother that can make even skim milk look like whipped cream...the only downer is that it's a little hard to clean so I've been using my same old CoffeeMate Hazelnut Caramel Vanilla Dolce Addiction creamer. Lessons learned:

I forgot how much I like Caribou Coffee
Keurig makes it blisteringly hot
And very very strong

Thanks to Doris for bringing the (very very hot) coolness to our office!

Hmmm...Next Time You're Tired and Thirsty

2010-04-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Outside Fry's Food ... thinking, I need a pick me up ... Coke -- no, Big K soda -- no, Monster -- UM YES where has this vending machine been all my life?!?!? Then for convenience they should put another machine with smugglers of Stoli next to it. I'm just sayin' ...

Deck the Halls with Christmas Cookies...

2010-04-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

It is APRIL. Why are these cookies Christmas colors?!?! They do not even look good...so I asked if they had any other frosted cookies. The answer was no. Where are the spring cookies? Lola wanted a white cookie with pink frosting. Hey, Target, call me when those arrive!

Dude is that your car?!?!

2010-04-30T00:40:00.001-07:00

Are those speakers attached to the A pillars?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! This is amazing, absurd, and hilarious. There was no door handle and the door was actually taped shut...I think the vehicle was, at one point, a Geo Metro... Then my man behind the wheel pulls out some kind of touch screen phone and starts tapping away...so theoretically, his phone cost more than his vehicle!?!? Hey...priorities...

Kudos to my Coworker!

2010-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

I get a twitter feed (yes, I follow THREE whole tweeters, not to be confused with tweekers) talking about a friend making grilled pizza. One of my coworkers is a grill freak, she was talking about trying it, so I ask for the crust recipe, and it comes back with the ingredient "ap flower" -- I'm all MBA overthinking it, what?!?! accounts payable? advanced placement? what?!?

Other (not grill freak) coworker pipes right up: "ALL PURPOSE flour"!!! Duh!

I'm all, "Nice work Staci!" and she replies with aplomb and without sarcasm, "Yeah, it says that on the bag -- all purpose flour."

I like getting smacked down sometimes. ROFLMAO! At myself!

Summer Summer Summer Time

2010-04-17T22:05:00.001-07:00

(time, time summer time...) And if you remember that song, good times!
Here is the kids' summer shoe wardrobe, $12.75 + tax at Children's Place. Yes, I had a coupon. KT should love that Children's Place is owned by Disney (as far as I know -- that is unconfirmed, I'm a fan either way).

Life is good: these are my 6 year old's flip flops:

Lola is prepared in a flipflop emergency!!!

Bad Bad Fashion: Georges Marciano Carmello Dress

2010-04-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader:
Be honest if I'm off base here...but SERIOUSLY?!?!? Am I getting old? This doesn't even look good on the model!!!! PS It also comes in white and THAT also looks terrible on the model...I think I could get this same look at the Salvation Army for much much less than the $185 Georges Marciano pricetag...although some old lady will have worn it, and it might have pit stains... hmmmm....
Sincerely,
LoSpace

This Is Gonna Sound Crazy But...

2010-04-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

(doorbell chimes)
Thinking it might be a neighbor I answer it ...the dude looks kind of like a skinny beardless version of Alan from The Hangover sans the satchel or manbag or whatever they call it in the movie (my initial impression: STONER!)...

Here's his sales pitch:
(laughing stonedly) "This is gonna sound crazy, but . . . uh, do you folks like good food?"
(me, considering all the possible answers, including "No, we only like bad food..." or "Good food, what is that?" or "No I'm anorexic so the worse it is, the better...") but settle on this gem:
"No thanks, I'm not interested." Then I shut the door.

HA HA! He thought he had the foolproof opener because who DOESN'T like good food? Whatever, Alan, you have MET YOUR MATCH -- welcome to the LoSpace Smackdown Comeback!!!

Then I watched out the window; undeterred, he went next door.

Are You Kidding? How Medieval!

2010-04-11T12:26:00.002-07:00

I go to the doctor with a complaint of hoarseness and coughing -- which has been going on for weeks. Off and on since late January. He thinks allergies, gives me some trial oral meds, and recommends I try Neti Pot. Ok, (me nodding seriously) you want me pour water from this cheesy looking blue plastic Disney teapot into one nostril and let it run out the other? What?!?! That's my treatment plan?

He went to undergrad then med school plus residency to tell me this? That's the best western medicine has to offer?!? Ok, I have friends who swear by this, but it seems so...so 19th century. Perhaps I could apply some leeches as well...However, following another week of sore throat I'm going to try it. At least could they manufacture one that somehow looks more high-tech, or medical grade?

*sigh* Heading for CVS now...

Oh No You Din't!!! Grocery Shoppin Wardrobe DONT!

2010-04-08T22:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the resolution problems, it may be hard to make out here, but those are X-box logos on the fleece jam pants. Can you say polluting the brand?!?! I'm at Fry's East East Mesa, which tries to be a regular store but draws in the Pinal County folk as well. And on shoppity shopper's feet -- yep! Slippers, random and pink!! You saw that coming, blogfans!

LoSpace's underlying fear taking this picture: my girl turning around with a knife or other sundry weapon after she sees me snap the outfit. I am so not a player....

Pick Your Family

2010-04-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger Laney Ry:
So, I think I'm ready for a new family. These people look nice, they're biologically related, and the parents are pretty smart. I deal with one brother now, I guess I can handle two. And my clothes fit in with their coordinate Easter outfits. Seems like a win win to me!

Photo credit: Lanes crashes a cousin's family picture at the big Easter gathering. Stephanie plays along, sure, who wouldn't like a cute daughter to go with two cute sons?!?!?

Hoppy Easter Everybunny!

2010-04-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Still cracking up at the chocolate bunny joke.

Photo credits:
Romes Easter 2006
Lanes Easter 2009

Z-Z-Z-Zhu Zhu Pet!!!

2010-04-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

We got a couple of these pets; they seem like a fun toy. The noise isn't too loud, which is always a huge bonus to LoCD. However, when I went to toss the packaging, I got a little concerned about the warning label. Ok, "keep away from hair" makes sense. They have little wheels on the bottom, you could see them getting pretty wound up in a kid's hair...But "DO NOT SLEEP WITH ZHU ZHU PET" - uh, really? What are these things doing at night? I'm laughing and making a couple jokes about that, so of course Lanes immediately pipes up "I want to sleep with Winkie" ... argghhhhhhhh.

Way More Fresher

2010-04-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hmm need some new deodorant? What's more fresh? Powder Fresh? Shower Fresh? Spring Breeze? How can I even differentiate? And who pays $4.89 for armpit products?

Happy BDay, No Foolin!

2010-04-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Center, my niece, Holly, happy birthday girl! You're a superstar (and looking a lot like cousin Romes!) :)

Pella of a Quote

2010-03-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Actual conversation with Lori 73130:
Lori: We're thinking of getting our windows on the north side of the house replaced.
Lola: Why, what's wrong with them? Your house is so new!
Lori: Seems like they're leaking tons of cold air, cheap a$$ windows.
Lola: Oh you have the CAW 29 rating -- they leak 29% of the cold air in. (laughing). I have those on my south and west facing walls, they leak in 29% of the heat.
Lori: Yeah but the quote came back at $15,000 for them.
Lola: WHAT!?! Are you kidding me, why so much?
Lori: Well they're like 7 feet tall by 4 feet wide. (sorry Lori I may have misremembered the dimensions). These are some big a$$ windows.
Lola: Oh so you're paying the BAM, the big a$$ markup -- (more giggling).
Here the convo degenerates into a discussion of how they could get the $22,000 windows with tint in order to qualify for a $1,500 energy credit. Wow.

When You Give A 3 Year Old A Camera

2010-03-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Interesting things happen. Yes, it makes me feel like I have motion sickness, but the photo composition is really interesting. Photo credit: Lanes March 2010.

Another cool kid shot: Romes age 5.5, from a moving car with a point n shoot camera. He resets the photo effects himself (to sepia in this case). He takes amazingly well-designed shots. Look out, Ansel Adams... Photo credit: Romes March 2010, in a windstorm on southbound Val Vista Drive.

Halloween 2010 Concept 3

2010-03-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Not sure what her superpower is, perhaps suprisingly lethal upper body strength? Delts that make aging high school jocks cry? With this costume on, I'm not sure it really matters. Time to start lifting - I have 7 months.

Word of the Day

2010-03-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Try working this into casual conversation:

defenestrate \dee-FEN-uh-strayt\, transitive verb: To throw out of a window.

What a great, underutilized word...then I can't quite recall which, but in one John Irving book the characters said "Keep passing the open windows."

Shine On - Cindy Joseph Quote

2010-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of information out there about feeling happy, being happy, getting happier and the like, but I appreciated this analysis, from an interview with Cindy Joseph in Experience Life magazine:

You've said that embracing pleasure plays a big role in your vitality and happiness. How do you balance pleasure with daily responsibilities and obligations?

I accept that I am the one who creates my obligations. And I always make choices I believe will add pleasure to my life. If I wind up feeling obligated (which is never pleasurable), generally someone else is involved. I check in with them and do what it takes to change the situation so all parties involved are satisfied. If anyone involved is losing, everyone involved loses - and that does not result in pleasure. I remind myself that I always have a choice; I can change any situation so that it becomes pleasurable or I can recognize the pleasure and value that is already there. I've found that living with integrity and being responsible give me pleasure.

Easier said than done -- but a good balance for which to strive.

Photo credit: "Joy: Get Some" taken by Mr. George, summer 2009!

LoSpace PSA: the correct word is XERISCAPE

2010-03-22T22:37:00.001-07:00

It's NOT "zeroscape." Xeriscape from the greek xeros meaning "dry." Not zero, meaning, uh, zero. Lots of rocks and cactus and plants that don't need much water.

If you don't believe me (which, if you're reading this, you probably do) check wikipedia: The word xeriscaping is a portmanteau of xeros (Greek for "dry") and landscape. On a sidenote, may I just say I love the word "portmanteau" -- I so wish that would come back into usage (from literal French carry + cloak), it used to mean a big suitcase, but which through Lewis Carroll coinage means a combination of two words, as in Jabberwocky where "slithy" means "lithe and slimy" and "mimsy" is "flimsy and miserable." Oops, is my English major showing again (tugging clothing down surreptitiously)...

Back on topic, xeriscape could also be called "not safe for kidscape" ... but usually Arizona kids know to give the cactus a wide wide berth...

A Little Yeats Moment

2010-03-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

When I say I'm an English major, that really means "English literature" and I spent a few years on those roads -- in my literature time at university, Yeats really brought it home. I tried to write a paper on this poem when I was an undergrad, and today, I find my analysis fairly laughable. Thanks to my Harvard-trained prof for the grace to attempt to take it seriously. The poem (and that professor's tact) mean exponentially more today. W.B. Yeats -- here's to you, relevant here and now (and what a great dissolute sketch below)...

Sailing to Byzantium (1928)

I
That is no country for old men. The young
In one another's arms, birds in the trees
---Those dying generations---at their song,
The salmon-falls, the mackerel-crowded seas,
Fish, flesh, or fowl commend all summer long
Whatever is begotten, born, and dies.
Caught in that sensual music all neglect
Monuments of unaging intellect.

II
An aged man is but a paltry thing,
A tattered coat upon a stick, unless
Soul clap its hands and sing, and louder sing
For every tatter in its mortal dress,
Nor is there singing school but studying
Monuments of its own magnificence;
And therefore I have sailed the seas and come
To the holy city of Byzantium.

III
O sages standing in God's holy fire
As in the gold mosaic of a wall,
Come from the holy fire, perne in a gyre,
And be the singing-masters of my soul.
Consume my heart away; sick with desire
And fastened to a dying animal
It knows not what it is; and gather me
Into the artifice of eternity.

IV
Once out of nature I shall never take
My bodily form from any natural thing,
But such a form as Grecian goldsmiths make
Of hammered gold and gold enamelling
To keep a drowsy Emperor awake;
Or set upon a golden bough to sing
To lords and ladies of Byzantium
Of what is past, or passing, or to come.

Lucky Brand, Lucky Day!

2010-03-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

He is exactly like on tv -- oh, right -- that makes sense, considering he's not an actor. Awesome!

Now You Know: Dress Codes at the Evil Empire

2010-03-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

I'd like to see photos of Debra's WalMart outfit and her Dollar Palace outfit. When we needed some hardware to repair a table at 11pm, my sister and I had to go to WalMart. I was wearing a tank top, flip flops and jam pants. She burst out laughing when I asked her if I should put on jeans or something more before we headed over. "What?!? That's practically the shopping uniform over there at this time of night!"

We just have 99Cents store and Dollar Tree here. Now I'm not sure what to wear next time I go there...

Photo credit: Thanks Rochelle (or whoever sent it to you!!!)...

Ugg Boots, Ugh!

2010-03-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Experts debate dangers of wearing popular sheepskin boots

Seriously? This is an actual story online. The author found some experts to comment that this boot style has a lack of ankle support and may allow people's arches to flatten. If they're worn all the time. WOW....Can you say "slow news day?" First, could they actually be worse than flipflops? Or platforms? Or house slippers? Who is wearing these enough to actually cause foot injury? Since they look like costume boots from movies like "BraveHeart" -- it makes me wonder how the people of those eras survived such dangerous, self-injurious footwear. Oh that's right, when your expected lifespan is 45, it really doesn't matter so much. I think the point of the story is to scare people into buying real "Ugg" boots, not the Payless-type offbrands. Since they make me look like a troll, it's not a problem for me anyway. Now, back to my platforms....

A Tale of Two Helmets

2010-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Mom, does this make my head look big?

Photo credits: 12/25/07 and 2/16/10

Mighty Lemonheads! (A Fat Free Food)

2010-03-14T19:30:00.001-07:00

Fondly remembered: a box used to cost -- maybe a quarter or less?!?! Yes, in the seventies (back in the day!)...best value if you didn't have enough for a candy bar. Sweet, tart, and a little chewy on the inside -- YUM! Also, the empty box could be a whistle if you opened one end and left the other end closed. This bag sells for $1.99. Then I saw a "big" box, maybe half this quantity at Walgreen's for 99 cents. Cheap candy = awesome! Fat free = ummmm hmmmmm.

The Evil Empire Stays on My Naughty List

2010-03-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

WalMart* (now with an asterisk instead of a star, why?!) remains stora non grata for me. I reluctantly made a minimal purchase there last week. Love the little message on the receipt...cleverly using that "dead space" to upsell the self checkout. What target audience needs to be sold on using the self-checkout? Perhaps it is faster and easier, but "fun"?!?! Really? What freaks at WalMart think using a self checkout is "fun"? Is the word "convenient" too long or advanced for this space on the receipt?

In my experience, self checkout wasn't fast, either. The money sucker-in thingie kept rejecting my $1 bill. So I had to give it to the self checkout monitor and trade her for a less tattered one. The funniest part was when she did a counterfeit exam on my rejected $1 bill, holding it up to the light and using her highly advanced counterfeit spotting skills to make sure I wasn't passing a fake SINGLE. What?!?! Who would counterfeit $1 bills????!!! Apparently, a huge problem at WalMart...

Yes, still hating the Evil Empire...but laughing at it too.

Another Reason Shoes Are So Awesome!

2010-03-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

From a poster in a local women's bathroom:
We can wear platforms - which is why there is no such thing as a 'short woman's complex'

Photo credit: taken while wearing platforms...

Outside In

2010-03-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm -- would anyone notice if I go ahead and use this for indoor living room furniture? Bet I could just wipe away the offending kid stains. It looks pretty nice, and at $1549.99, I don't think I want to leave it out in the Arizona sun...in fact, have the people who design and price this furniture ever done a thermal resistance test in Phoenix? Would this last even two summers in our remorseless sun?

Swirl It Is Fun!!!

2010-03-10T20:34:00.002-07:00

Swirl It at ValVista and Williams Field. Yes, I made fun of their sign in my blog last fall. They still have that sign..apparently no one involved in the venture read my blog BUT it's fun, easy, and affordable. We visited tonight -- they have 8 (I think) flavors of yogurt at any given time and about 60 toppings. Sold by weight, 39 cents an ounce. Each of us got a small portion and one topping; our total bill came to $3. Not to mention I got 3 or 4 samples for FREE! NICE!

The topping bar had pretty much anything you could ask for -- unrefrigerated, so no cookie dough -- but even Lucky Charms, Cap'n Crunch, Snickers, Oreos, tiny creme de menthes, gummy bears, sprinkles, and much much more. Oh yeah, and healthy fruit -- which we pretty much ignored. Fortunately, the kids were occupied with the shiny green Jetsons space age stools and didn't notice the tempting array of sugar sugar and more sugar toppings.

They have games there to play while you eat as well -- nice! Great value -- I will go back, weird logo and all...

Meet Rich Bowers -- Facebook Resister

2010-03-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Rich Bowers is not on facebook, but his friends are. Some of them have adopted his photo as their ID photo in reverse protest. Now we are going to get his fan page going. Facebook users, will you go and join his fan page?
United Friends of Rich Bowers

Come on! What a cool dude -- just check out his pic -- clearly, you need to be his fan!!!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-03-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

I think the grandmother's clock is running faster every time I wind it, guess that's better than slower
I don't like this Folger's Caramel Drizzle flavored coffee
Glad another InFusion Groove class is over; I gotta get more comfortable teaching that format
But it did feel like a good workout
What is it, like 67 degrees in here
I like this book I'm reading EL Doctorow's Homer and Langley
Need to get to t-mobile and get a new phone

Random photo from Google I'm Feeling Lucky, Images:

Nice tie-in to Night at the Museum 2!! Good night!

The Emperor Penguin's New Groove

2010-03-08T20:30:00.001-07:00

Mom, I need an emperor penguin costume for my summative (emphasis on emperor -- as if Mom would accidentally whip up a macaroni penguin costume instead)...Mom faced this challenge with good humor, a Goodwill coupon, and pinking shears. Believe it or not, the hat is what took longest! But it was a fun crafty craft project. Also, three cheers for adhesive backed felt -- a great innovation available at Michael's (yep, had a coupon for that too).

Before Romes went to this school, I didn't even know the word "summative," which is an interesting fact in itself (just ask my Scrabble opponents...). Now even Laney says it with authority. We are now veterans of numerous K and 1 summatives, and of course -- craft projects.

Liberty Market: MWH MW MW MW MH

2010-03-07T22:22:00.002-07:00

Liberty Market is awesome (from the Joe's concept restaurants, also love Joe's Farm Grill...) but the bathrooms are different -- sinks for everybody on the right and this row of doors on the left. Applauding the concept of unisex, which cuts down wait times, but just a little curious...ok, couldn't resist, had to peek in and see what made the last bathroom "room" MH only -- it had just a low urinal, maybe 30 inches off the floor. Which actually, would be perfect for the 6-9 year old pee-ers. I am going to send my son in there next time to try it out...because really, if you're a man in a wheelchair, is that where you would want to pee?!?! I'm just sayin...

Not Arthur, King of the Britons!

2010-03-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

French Soldier: You don't frighten us with your silly knees-bent running around advancing behavior!

(all hail... Sir Roman!)

One Less Facebook Friend...

2010-03-05T22:02:00.001-07:00

I learned that a former co-worker died today. She was in her mid-40s and we worked together from 1999-2001. She was a class act all the way with a great sense of humor and shared love of shoes. For her "ID photo" on our website, she put a picture of her Manolo Blahniks. If memory serves me, I believe they were a pair of beautiful suede mules, kitten heel.

One day we were talking about color schemes for a company logo. I said orange connoted "value" (as in low prices, cheapness). I asked if anyone could think of a high-end brand with an orange logo. She immediately named Hermes, and she pronounced it correctly.

Cause is undetermined, possible heart attack. Everyone, please get your annual check ups and don't wait if you're feeling ill -- get medical attention. Here's to Diane W -- she will be missed.

Atomic LoSpace!

2010-03-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...thinking I will change my H'ween 2010 costume plan...Atomic Betty is freaking COOL!!!