Venetian Masquerade

Last night was the Heritage Halls (the dorm that I live in) Invitational. We had a lot of fun making masks for the "Venetian Masquerade." I went with some roommates and friends. It included: dancing, Italian sodas, really good food, karaoke, a "gondola" ride, and great decorations. It was a lot of fun getting all jazzed up with my crazy, but lovely roommates. The pictures are of some of the people I went with (roommates Jill and Tori, and Philip).

The Bracket Standings

NCAA Tournament Standings - Ian is in the lead, but Erin is in a close LAST! We give Erin props because she actually signed up... and did not make a bracket! That means that no matter how bad I do, I will not be in last. Congrats to Ian and Erin! Click on the ball to see the latest standings.

The Kitchen Change

Ok, so here is some of the progression of the kitchen. The first picture is the way the kitchen was when we moved in. The bottom two are where we are as of tonight. We are still going to paint the ceiling and re-staining the cupboard doors. We also bought some new flush-mount lights to get rid of the ugly ones that are currently there. We are having fun with this, but it will be nice when it is all over.

Those Crazy Cats

Cats are funny animals. I think this video is really funny. Also, notice how dangerous cats are to children. And people are worried about Ster and me having a snake when we have kids!

Where is that money going?

During this tax season as we give (willingly or otherwise) our hard earned money to the government, it would really be nice to know where all of it is going. All that information is available on governmental websites, but since I am a visual learner I found this picture very helpful. Kudos to the person who made this. To see the original size, click here.

Trip to Orlando and to D.C.

We went to Orlando for a couple of days to see Jeannie play in her softball tournament for the Coast Guard Academy (she is the best left fielder I have ever seen). We also spent a day at EPCOT. Of course, we saw the huge alligator with the car in it's mouth at the Gator Motel (we want to stay there next time). Then it was off to D.C. where the weather was warmer than California. We went to the World War II monument and also saw the baby panda at the National Zoo (he is 8 months old.) We also went to the Maryland shore one night for dinner and had crabs right from Chesapeake Bay.

Mission to Mars

I can't tell if Evan and Jeannie are leading the space exploration or if they themselves are the aliens. Watch for yourself!

Space Cadets

Here are two clips of the gang down in Florida. And they thought the hurricanes were bad???

Warnick Bathroom

This is the bathroom that Dan and I have been working on for several months. We had it functional just in time for a visit from Dan's parents during the holidays. There are a few minor things left to do including molding and cabinet work. We hope to have many visistors.

 

A Family of Strippers

A friend of ours asked Megan what she was going to do this weekend. Without thinking about it Megan replied that she was going to go home turn on some music and strip with James. An explanation followed to put our friend at ease and to erase the disturbing mental image. We took all the paper off of one wall and I will be doing the rest tomorrow. Then if all goes well, the paint will follow in the next couple of days. 

Why didn't I think of this???

Who ever came up with this idea is my hero of the week. Let me start off by saying how annoyed I am that so many grocery and other retail stores require you to have a "Club Card" to get the "savings" that they offer. Thank goodness that many of them now let you just give your phone number. Still I have far too many little cards and what not in my wallet. This is the perfect hack to get around all that. It takes a little bit of time, but being able to toss 5 cards is worth the work. Have your self a look.

Trip to Michigan to visit James and Megster

I had a conference in Detroit (ergo the nice view from the hotel room overlooking the Detroit River and Canada) but spent the weekend with James and Megster. We drove up to the largest Christmas store in the world in Frankenmuth, MI and saw an exact replica of the Austrian Silent Night chapel. I also got to do rounds with James at the Vet. Hospital at Michigan State. . .it was pretty cool. Their house looks great and they can't wait for more people to visit.