Yeah, so...the dr. I saw a week ago last Wednesday had given me Vicodin and Alieve for my back pain...it wasn't even touching it. So I had decided to go to MY docotor (long story...he switched practices) on Thursday. He wasn't sure if it was a back spasm and thought it might be something along the lines of a bulging disc and ordered XRAYS. He also mentioned going to see a chiropractor. He prescribed Percoset and Naproxyn. That helped a whole lot! I felt funny taking the percs while at work, so I waited until I got home for the "fun" to begin- by the end of the day, I was ready.
Friday night was bad...I had worked all day and we went out with the guys to D' Angelo's for dinner and Best Buy after (I had to go to the truck because I couldn't walk anymore!).
I just got a call from the doc's office and I have.....a mild compression fracture on one of my vertabrae. The only cause would be from my sledding stint back in December. He said that it will take a little time, but it will heal on its own.
I am actually starting to feel better. No percs since Saturday night.
1.30.2006
1.21.2006
Bruins vs. Rangers
What an awesome day! Todd and I picked up THE VAN (Jake called him a freak for driving it!) and headed to Boston with our firends to see the game.
I needed a little help walking as the meds I was on didn't mix well w/ the Sunrise I had to drink in the van....N to the rescue...he rocks. We had intentions of bar hopping but we didn't make it past Hooters. I was a little disappointed because they only served beer. I got to meet the Wade's- cool cats. It was a fun time. Food was ok.
Off to the game (after a stop at the van and being beatten up by a wind storm). It was a good one too...not only was the game good, but B provided some good entertainment by spilling a beer on the guy infront of him. The row behind us had some pretty funny dudes in it to. Some pain in the ass Rangers fan was a few rows back...wanted to throw my water bottle in his mouth to shut him up! The Bruins lost 3-2 in OT.
Part of the gang took off and we had to wait outside. We were entertained by some guys playing buckets (like in Stomp) and singing...was cool. E kept chasing me around and asking Todd if he could kiss his wife...it was odd; he even tried to kiss me through the glass....eww.
Headed back to King St. Half of us TRIED to watch Fantastic Four and the other half was playing beer pong and playing the same three "3 Doors Down" songs...for like an hour.
We left around 3 a.m. and I had an "experience" in the van with Todd's sweatshirt....
I needed a little help walking as the meds I was on didn't mix well w/ the Sunrise I had to drink in the van....N to the rescue...he rocks. We had intentions of bar hopping but we didn't make it past Hooters. I was a little disappointed because they only served beer. I got to meet the Wade's- cool cats. It was a fun time. Food was ok.
Off to the game (after a stop at the van and being beatten up by a wind storm). It was a good one too...not only was the game good, but B provided some good entertainment by spilling a beer on the guy infront of him. The row behind us had some pretty funny dudes in it to. Some pain in the ass Rangers fan was a few rows back...wanted to throw my water bottle in his mouth to shut him up! The Bruins lost 3-2 in OT.
Part of the gang took off and we had to wait outside. We were entertained by some guys playing buckets (like in Stomp) and singing...was cool. E kept chasing me around and asking Todd if he could kiss his wife...it was odd; he even tried to kiss me through the glass....eww.
Headed back to King St. Half of us TRIED to watch Fantastic Four and the other half was playing beer pong and playing the same three "3 Doors Down" songs...for like an hour.
We left around 3 a.m. and I had an "experience" in the van with Todd's sweatshirt....
1.19.2006
Back Spasm
Holy Crap!
Yesterday morning I was undressing to get ready for my shower and BOOM...instant back pain in mylower back. I thought I could manage work and felt bad because my Mother-in-Law had just arrived to watch my son (she has a 30 minute ride to my house) for the day.
Yeah, I lasted 45 minutes at work...after walking and standing around for like 30 minutes I sat down and jumped back up...this wasn't going to work. I wanted to enjoy the misery at home. I was kindly escorted to my car to make sure I could get in ok. The ride home was manageable.
I fell to the couch as soon as I got home and applied heat. Nana and Jake were off to gymnastics. I was able to watch 30 minutes of "The Phantom of the Opera" when the unbearable pain drove me to call the doctor. It was so bad the receptionist could barely understand me. They had an available appointment in the next 30 minutes- the exact time it would take me to get there. The ride to the doc's was extremely comfortable....I found myself doing 90 mph.
The diagnosis: Acute Back Spasm.
Treatment: heat, ice, rest, Aleve. Stronger meds would be perscribed if the pain or symptoms worsened. Keep a towel wedged in the small of my back for support. Doc did say I had one of the worse jobs for getting this to heal quick. He wrote me out of work for 2 days.
Symptoms will last: 1-2 weeks
The pain was so bad I felt like I was being ripped in half and I wanted to vomit. I rested, and "iced" my back. For bed I slept with a heating pad on high all night- woke up feeling super until the heat was removed and I was walking around.
My back still hurts and I feel 50% better...but the pain is tolerable.
Yesterday morning I was undressing to get ready for my shower and BOOM...instant back pain in mylower back. I thought I could manage work and felt bad because my Mother-in-Law had just arrived to watch my son (she has a 30 minute ride to my house) for the day.
Yeah, I lasted 45 minutes at work...after walking and standing around for like 30 minutes I sat down and jumped back up...this wasn't going to work. I wanted to enjoy the misery at home. I was kindly escorted to my car to make sure I could get in ok. The ride home was manageable.
I fell to the couch as soon as I got home and applied heat. Nana and Jake were off to gymnastics. I was able to watch 30 minutes of "The Phantom of the Opera" when the unbearable pain drove me to call the doctor. It was so bad the receptionist could barely understand me. They had an available appointment in the next 30 minutes- the exact time it would take me to get there. The ride to the doc's was extremely comfortable....I found myself doing 90 mph.
The diagnosis: Acute Back Spasm.
Treatment: heat, ice, rest, Aleve. Stronger meds would be perscribed if the pain or symptoms worsened. Keep a towel wedged in the small of my back for support. Doc did say I had one of the worse jobs for getting this to heal quick. He wrote me out of work for 2 days.
Symptoms will last: 1-2 weeks
The pain was so bad I felt like I was being ripped in half and I wanted to vomit. I rested, and "iced" my back. For bed I slept with a heating pad on high all night- woke up feeling super until the heat was removed and I was walking around.
My back still hurts and I feel 50% better...but the pain is tolerable.
1.08.2006
Heart of New England {Salem}
Took a little detour on the road trip to Maine. N's Mom and sister wanted to see Salem, MA (and I had never been!).
It was very cold, and 90% the attractions were closed. We visited the House of Seven Gables (didn't take the tour) and headed over to a cemetary. It was really cool. I love that part of history. Got a pic of a head stone from one of the pilgrims on the Mayflower.
After driving around NH looking for a non-existant restaurant Todd wanted to go to...we finally had lunch at 4:30 p.m. in Maine. After that we headed to the outlets (in Kittery).
I would love to go back to Salem around Halloween....
It was very cold, and 90% the attractions were closed. We visited the House of Seven Gables (didn't take the tour) and headed over to a cemetary. It was really cool. I love that part of history. Got a pic of a head stone from one of the pilgrims on the Mayflower.
After driving around NH looking for a non-existant restaurant Todd wanted to go to...we finally had lunch at 4:30 p.m. in Maine. After that we headed to the outlets (in Kittery).
I would love to go back to Salem around Halloween....
1.01.2006
2005
I am happy to see this year pass in anticipation of what lies ahead for 2006. On the other hand, I am also sad that it has ended as this has been one of the best years full of great memories and happy times that I have had in my life.
The first three months of the year are a sad time for us as it marks the anniversaries of special people in our lives passing away.
February was a rough month, starting with Gramp's 1 year anniversary arriving on 2/10.
We no sooner finished celebrating Valentine's Day and my Grama passed away on 2/15 at the age of 82.
She had been burdened the last couple months of her life with dimentia and trouble eating, withering away to skin and bones. Seeing her in the hospital bed was just shocking...a famous painting coming to mind. I hadn't visited her like I should have. I had a Valentine gift for her from Jakob that I brought to the hospital in hopes that she would pull through the cardiac arrest.
It was hard to believe that Steve passed away 2 years agon on the 18th. I sent cards to Missy and Connie to let them know that I was thinking of them. I can't imagine losing my Father.
With Gama's passing still fresh....AJ's 1 year came on 2/21. Memories of the past year come rolling back in small flashes...they are never far from my main thoughts I have every day as I am reminded daily of what happend as I drive by Mile Marker 33 on I-395. I am thankful that my brother is safe. I can only pray that he is reminded daily and uses what happend to make better life choices. My heart is with my family always and I think of them often and cannot imagine what they have been through.
As this time comes to a close, we remember Doris on March 4th on her one year anniversary. Jakob still asks for Mam*Mi (and Pop*pi too!) and remebers her when he sees a picture. He knows that she is in Heaven watching over him.
As times of sadness pass, we embrace happy times.
In May, my cousin Brittany gave birth to her first son Cristian. I had a chance to finally meet him around the holidays and he is such a beautiful baby....happy and full of smiles.
I finally was able to talk Todd into replacing our bedroom set and dining room hutch (both 7 yrs old!). I fell in love with a dark cherrywood set for our room...changing the style from country motiff to more of an antique look. The hutch is from an "americana" collection...absolutely love it!
I kicked off the summer by heading to Vermont in June for much needed "Jenn time". I enjoyed myself just hanging around Brattleboro and driving along the river. I MISS VT.
Summer parties and picnics started off with Monty's BBQ....yummy, yummy- made me homesick for Nashville.
We attended a house warming for Colleen, where Jakob fell in love with his future wife Jaime (she is 24...); we are going to have to watch out for him when he gets older.
On July 13th, Todd celebrated his 32nd birthday....we can only say now that he has more gray hair than the year before rather than "got any gray hair yet?!". That weekend, we went to the first party at the "Mexican Embassy"...totally rocked; and a redneck party in Brooklyn where Jakob gained a new name, "Little Hasselhoff"; last on the agenda for THAT weekend was a shower for Joe and Shelly celebrating their upcoming wedding in August.
That week I was able to take a vacation and do NOTHING. It was so good. That week also marked working 8 years at my company.
Our last bash to attend for the month was a housewarming at Brian's. I can't even count the number of rounds of beer pong that Todd played...but I can count the number of times I had to stop on the way home for him to tell mother nature how much he loved her.
August was a busy month for us too. My parents cat Mouser passed away on 8/4. I remeber the day we found her across the street- I was in the 8th grade!. We attended Joe and Shelly's wedding on 8/6. It was held in the house that they are having built. The wedding was simple and nice- the house is breathtaking. Towards the end of the month was Joe and Lucas' baptism. It was an exciting time for me as I am Joseph's God Mother. We also celebrated Lucas' 1st birthday that day. No sooner did we blink and it was time to celebrate Jakob's 3rd birthday. We had a small party here at the house. It was fun and he had a good time.
The leaves fall and Autumn is in the air.
This was the first year that Jakob enjoyed the Woodstock Fair (Labor Day Weekend). Uncle Don and Aunt Sue sent us tickets and ride passes. Jakob had so much fun on the rides...we even got Todd to ride along with him too! We made a little trip to the Ecotarium in Worcestor. We saw really cool exhibits, animals, and we even rode the train around the complex.
UNFINISHED
The first three months of the year are a sad time for us as it marks the anniversaries of special people in our lives passing away.
February was a rough month, starting with Gramp's 1 year anniversary arriving on 2/10.
We no sooner finished celebrating Valentine's Day and my Grama passed away on 2/15 at the age of 82.
She had been burdened the last couple months of her life with dimentia and trouble eating, withering away to skin and bones. Seeing her in the hospital bed was just shocking...a famous painting coming to mind. I hadn't visited her like I should have. I had a Valentine gift for her from Jakob that I brought to the hospital in hopes that she would pull through the cardiac arrest.
It was hard to believe that Steve passed away 2 years agon on the 18th. I sent cards to Missy and Connie to let them know that I was thinking of them. I can't imagine losing my Father.
With Gama's passing still fresh....AJ's 1 year came on 2/21. Memories of the past year come rolling back in small flashes...they are never far from my main thoughts I have every day as I am reminded daily of what happend as I drive by Mile Marker 33 on I-395. I am thankful that my brother is safe. I can only pray that he is reminded daily and uses what happend to make better life choices. My heart is with my family always and I think of them often and cannot imagine what they have been through.
As this time comes to a close, we remember Doris on March 4th on her one year anniversary. Jakob still asks for Mam*Mi (and Pop*pi too!) and remebers her when he sees a picture. He knows that she is in Heaven watching over him.
As times of sadness pass, we embrace happy times.
In May, my cousin Brittany gave birth to her first son Cristian. I had a chance to finally meet him around the holidays and he is such a beautiful baby....happy and full of smiles.
I finally was able to talk Todd into replacing our bedroom set and dining room hutch (both 7 yrs old!). I fell in love with a dark cherrywood set for our room...changing the style from country motiff to more of an antique look. The hutch is from an "americana" collection...absolutely love it!
I kicked off the summer by heading to Vermont in June for much needed "Jenn time". I enjoyed myself just hanging around Brattleboro and driving along the river. I MISS VT.
Summer parties and picnics started off with Monty's BBQ....yummy, yummy- made me homesick for Nashville.
We attended a house warming for Colleen, where Jakob fell in love with his future wife Jaime (she is 24...); we are going to have to watch out for him when he gets older.
On July 13th, Todd celebrated his 32nd birthday....we can only say now that he has more gray hair than the year before rather than "got any gray hair yet?!". That weekend, we went to the first party at the "Mexican Embassy"...totally rocked; and a redneck party in Brooklyn where Jakob gained a new name, "Little Hasselhoff"; last on the agenda for THAT weekend was a shower for Joe and Shelly celebrating their upcoming wedding in August.
That week I was able to take a vacation and do NOTHING. It was so good. That week also marked working 8 years at my company.
Our last bash to attend for the month was a housewarming at Brian's. I can't even count the number of rounds of beer pong that Todd played...but I can count the number of times I had to stop on the way home for him to tell mother nature how much he loved her.
August was a busy month for us too. My parents cat Mouser passed away on 8/4. I remeber the day we found her across the street- I was in the 8th grade!. We attended Joe and Shelly's wedding on 8/6. It was held in the house that they are having built. The wedding was simple and nice- the house is breathtaking. Towards the end of the month was Joe and Lucas' baptism. It was an exciting time for me as I am Joseph's God Mother. We also celebrated Lucas' 1st birthday that day. No sooner did we blink and it was time to celebrate Jakob's 3rd birthday. We had a small party here at the house. It was fun and he had a good time.
The leaves fall and Autumn is in the air.
This was the first year that Jakob enjoyed the Woodstock Fair (Labor Day Weekend). Uncle Don and Aunt Sue sent us tickets and ride passes. Jakob had so much fun on the rides...we even got Todd to ride along with him too! We made a little trip to the Ecotarium in Worcestor. We saw really cool exhibits, animals, and we even rode the train around the complex.
UNFINISHED
12.25.2005
Weihnachten 2005
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
We had a wonderful Christmas.
New Year's Eve was spent at my Aunt Nancy's where the whole family (excluding The Hoffman's and Amanda) gathered together and ate dinner and enjoyed each others company. My Uncle Dave cooke a turkey and ham...his cooking is so good! I enjoyed watching my Mom and Dad drink wine. I called them around 9:30 pm to make sure they got home ok (haha)...my brother said my Dad was weaving in and out of traffic.
Jakob was so excited to open his presents....he wanted to play with each one as they were opened.
This year there was a special surprise for him...Santa came to our house with a bag full of presents from the North Pole.
(My Father dressed up!). At first he was like "Oh my God!" and then he was scared...he ran and layed on the couch with Todd and opened his presents that way. We were able to get a few pictures of him smiling with "Santa". The whole rest of the day that was all he talked about.
We had a wonderful Christmas.
New Year's Eve was spent at my Aunt Nancy's where the whole family (excluding The Hoffman's and Amanda) gathered together and ate dinner and enjoyed each others company. My Uncle Dave cooke a turkey and ham...his cooking is so good! I enjoyed watching my Mom and Dad drink wine. I called them around 9:30 pm to make sure they got home ok (haha)...my brother said my Dad was weaving in and out of traffic.
Jakob was so excited to open his presents....he wanted to play with each one as they were opened.
This year there was a special surprise for him...Santa came to our house with a bag full of presents from the North Pole.
(My Father dressed up!). At first he was like "Oh my God!" and then he was scared...he ran and layed on the couch with Todd and opened his presents that way. We were able to get a few pictures of him smiling with "Santa". The whole rest of the day that was all he talked about.
12.03.2005
Maaaaine
PreTravel Humor:
Brown shitty car...#8 racing...scarry hair and eyes. "I don't see my balance...there's no balance printed on the ATM slip! Do you know Betty? Does she work here? She is my bank manager! Is someone going to maintain the machine?!". And the poor people at Dunkin Donuts.
*YOU HAVE STINKY BREAF*
So travels brought us to a very cold Boston. My son enjoyed RUNNING time at the Childrens Museum (all that could be smelled was kiddies farts!) and yelling at the "eagles" to go away; funny picture taken of Todd carrying a purse.
Nacho was interested in checking out the Tea Party....but our parking lot attendant looked stoned and "only worked here" and couldn't point us in the right direction....maybe next time.
After driving around the city for 10 hrs. we found a parking spot and were off to the Market! Dinner was good...I tried a steamer for the first time....ickkk! I would have to say that DG had the hottest bathroom I have ever been in.
*I WANT MY JORGE* *CARRY ME*
Let's check out Urban Outfitters....cool things...little pricey...management SUCKS. Beep Beep Beep....I go as I enter the store and where I am asked "Are you wearing Gap or Old Navy?" upon entering. I am thinking to myself "I don't fucking know?!". Heehee everything is all good UNTIL I LEAVE THE STORE. Beep Beep Beep. Angry manager comes running..."You have set off our security system! Take off all your stuff! Are you wearing Gap or Old Navy?!" Fifty million questions/statements. Moments of embarassment, confusion. Calgon take me away! *FLASH*...Christmas card photo taken, "No pictures are allowed in the store!" yells angry manager! Aaaahhh BOSTON.
"Lets' go to Maine!" says Todd. An hour and a half later, and me only playing 2 complete songs on the iPod, and encountering many a unhappy toll booth operators (that are now numb to people and have no communication skills and say things like "Thank")...we make it to Freeport.
A lot of cool stores have been added since Todd and I have last visited. First thing to "in Maine" for Jorge and Nacho is Abercrombie (most stores were closed, or in the process of closing where as LL Bean is open 24 hrs.). Yeah...stupid Mainers...."couldn't even say the store was closed, could you?!". Checked out LLB store #1...yeah you should've checked out the Mexican from Maine...classic!.
*COLD* *VERY COLD* *NEED TO BUY GLOBS* *FAR FROM HOME* *HOW DID WE GET TO MAINE*
Todd in search of ANOTHER coat. Jake RUNNING, visiting the fish pond ("What does the sign say?"), and wanting to ride the "elewator". Mexicans in search of boots...no boots....boots. Me in search of anything (well, UGG boots)..
*RIDE HOME LONG* *SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS FUNNY* *JENN TIRED* *NACHO AND JORGE SLEEPING* *TODD CLEARING THROAT...*
Aahhh home! JAKE @ 1:30 a.m.: "Where are my friends, I miss my friends!"
"We went to Maaaaaine, we were in Maaaaaine"
Brown shitty car...#8 racing...scarry hair and eyes. "I don't see my balance...there's no balance printed on the ATM slip! Do you know Betty? Does she work here? She is my bank manager! Is someone going to maintain the machine?!". And the poor people at Dunkin Donuts.
*YOU HAVE STINKY BREAF*
So travels brought us to a very cold Boston. My son enjoyed RUNNING time at the Childrens Museum (all that could be smelled was kiddies farts!) and yelling at the "eagles" to go away; funny picture taken of Todd carrying a purse.
Nacho was interested in checking out the Tea Party....but our parking lot attendant looked stoned and "only worked here" and couldn't point us in the right direction....maybe next time.
After driving around the city for 10 hrs. we found a parking spot and were off to the Market! Dinner was good...I tried a steamer for the first time....ickkk! I would have to say that DG had the hottest bathroom I have ever been in.
*I WANT MY JORGE* *CARRY ME*
Let's check out Urban Outfitters....cool things...little pricey...management SUCKS. Beep Beep Beep....I go as I enter the store and where I am asked "Are you wearing Gap or Old Navy?" upon entering. I am thinking to myself "I don't fucking know?!". Heehee everything is all good UNTIL I LEAVE THE STORE. Beep Beep Beep. Angry manager comes running..."You have set off our security system! Take off all your stuff! Are you wearing Gap or Old Navy?!" Fifty million questions/statements. Moments of embarassment, confusion. Calgon take me away! *FLASH*...Christmas card photo taken, "No pictures are allowed in the store!" yells angry manager! Aaaahhh BOSTON.
"Lets' go to Maine!" says Todd. An hour and a half later, and me only playing 2 complete songs on the iPod, and encountering many a unhappy toll booth operators (that are now numb to people and have no communication skills and say things like "Thank")...we make it to Freeport.
A lot of cool stores have been added since Todd and I have last visited. First thing to "in Maine" for Jorge and Nacho is Abercrombie (most stores were closed, or in the process of closing where as LL Bean is open 24 hrs.). Yeah...stupid Mainers...."couldn't even say the store was closed, could you?!". Checked out LLB store #1...yeah you should've checked out the Mexican from Maine...classic!.
*COLD* *VERY COLD* *NEED TO BUY GLOBS* *FAR FROM HOME* *HOW DID WE GET TO MAINE*
Todd in search of ANOTHER coat. Jake RUNNING, visiting the fish pond ("What does the sign say?"), and wanting to ride the "elewator". Mexicans in search of boots...no boots....boots. Me in search of anything (well, UGG boots)..
*RIDE HOME LONG* *SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS FUNNY* *JENN TIRED* *NACHO AND JORGE SLEEPING* *TODD CLEARING THROAT...*
Aahhh home! JAKE @ 1:30 a.m.: "Where are my friends, I miss my friends!"
"We went to Maaaaaine, we were in Maaaaaine"
11.27.2005
NYC
After many years of wanting to go back to the city, I finally made arrangements to go yesterday and have some well deserved fun.
After going to bed late the night before, 6 am came pretty fast. Breakfast was had by most at DD...I settled for my usual TURBO. Caught the train in Milford and off we were.
Subway passes in hand, we headed to Times Square to purchase tickets to see RENT that afternoon. The wait was long and cold, but went by fairly quickly (if that makes any sense!). We were entertained by lots of diverse people...Pigeon Joe....Jamaican XMAS tunes. Tickets were 25%ff the normal price of $100; 4 were purchased (I was treated!) and off we were to explore.
Edgar: "I need to go to the ATM"
Nacho Admirer #1: Lady in her 40's
A wrong subway was taken to try and get to the MET, so we headed to grab lunch at Pax (I had an awesome slice of veggie pizza!) and people watch (dude looks like a girl!). Did I mention it was cold! We saw one of the guys from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" taping a segment.
We arrived at the Nederlander Theatre for the 2 o'clock show. The theatre was not as big as I thought it was, but it had a good vibe going. The show was amazing! It has been one of the longest running shows on Broadway. The cast included Frenchie Davis from American Idol. The singing was great! I would definetly go back for another experience.
http://www.siteforrent.com/intro.html
After the performance, we headed to Chevy's on 42 ST for dinner (Shaggy and Mamacita!). After packing away most of my dinner, chili con queso and a Tecate, my belly was more than satisfied.
Nacho Admirer #2: 3 toothed black lady in her 60's "What time you got suga?"
Next stop on the non-agenda was Rockafellar Center. We saw the tree and the swavorski star- too bad they aren't lighting the tree until next week. It was cool to see people skating on the rink. We decided to go to "The Top of the Rock". Tickets weren't bad at all ($14). We headed to the top of the center and took in amazing views of the city at night...it was so peaceful....a good time for reflection. The Empire States building done up in red/green lights is breathtaking. Heading to the next level up was also a good time. The attraction stays open until 12 a.m. and you can go for as long as you like.
http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html
Last on our list of things was FAO Schwarz. Holy toys! In the time we were there, we saw a lot, but not nearly all they had to offer....doll making station..make your own Hot Wheel.
We found the life size piano that was in the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks...it was cool! You could purchase it for a mere $250,000. The other toys weren't too badly priced; I picked up some wooden toys and a bamboo toy set for Jakob.
http://www.fao.com/home.jsp
Finally making it back to Grand Central Station we had time before our 10:22 train back to CT. We enjoyed some good old Star Bucks and a good dose of people watching (chinese girl posing against the glass of the map!).
Nacho Admirer #3: 14 year old
The plan was to "go pee!" befor the ride home, but that didn't happen. We were so involved in the people watching that we made the train with like 2 minutes to spare. There were not many empty seats and some were left standing. I decided to stand with the guys as I have a thing about sitting next to people I don't know. Nacho and Jorge performed well on "the pole".
The quite ride home back to my house was a nice time to reflect on the fun day I had in the city with good friends. The feeling of being in the city was good....not too many people...not crazy hustle in bustle...and the feeling of Christmas in the air.
After going to bed late the night before, 6 am came pretty fast. Breakfast was had by most at DD...I settled for my usual TURBO. Caught the train in Milford and off we were.
Subway passes in hand, we headed to Times Square to purchase tickets to see RENT that afternoon. The wait was long and cold, but went by fairly quickly (if that makes any sense!). We were entertained by lots of diverse people...Pigeon Joe....Jamaican XMAS tunes. Tickets were 25%ff the normal price of $100; 4 were purchased (I was treated!) and off we were to explore.
Edgar: "I need to go to the ATM"
Nacho Admirer #1: Lady in her 40's
A wrong subway was taken to try and get to the MET, so we headed to grab lunch at Pax (I had an awesome slice of veggie pizza!) and people watch (dude looks like a girl!). Did I mention it was cold! We saw one of the guys from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" taping a segment.
We arrived at the Nederlander Theatre for the 2 o'clock show. The theatre was not as big as I thought it was, but it had a good vibe going. The show was amazing! It has been one of the longest running shows on Broadway. The cast included Frenchie Davis from American Idol. The singing was great! I would definetly go back for another experience.
http://www.siteforrent.com/intro.html
After the performance, we headed to Chevy's on 42 ST for dinner (Shaggy and Mamacita!). After packing away most of my dinner, chili con queso and a Tecate, my belly was more than satisfied.
Nacho Admirer #2: 3 toothed black lady in her 60's "What time you got suga?"
Next stop on the non-agenda was Rockafellar Center. We saw the tree and the swavorski star- too bad they aren't lighting the tree until next week. It was cool to see people skating on the rink. We decided to go to "The Top of the Rock". Tickets weren't bad at all ($14). We headed to the top of the center and took in amazing views of the city at night...it was so peaceful....a good time for reflection. The Empire States building done up in red/green lights is breathtaking. Heading to the next level up was also a good time. The attraction stays open until 12 a.m. and you can go for as long as you like.
http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html
Last on our list of things was FAO Schwarz. Holy toys! In the time we were there, we saw a lot, but not nearly all they had to offer....doll making station..make your own Hot Wheel.
We found the life size piano that was in the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks...it was cool! You could purchase it for a mere $250,000. The other toys weren't too badly priced; I picked up some wooden toys and a bamboo toy set for Jakob.
http://www.fao.com/home.jsp
Finally making it back to Grand Central Station we had time before our 10:22 train back to CT. We enjoyed some good old Star Bucks and a good dose of people watching (chinese girl posing against the glass of the map!).
Nacho Admirer #3: 14 year old
The plan was to "go pee!" befor the ride home, but that didn't happen. We were so involved in the people watching that we made the train with like 2 minutes to spare. There were not many empty seats and some were left standing. I decided to stand with the guys as I have a thing about sitting next to people I don't know. Nacho and Jorge performed well on "the pole".
The quite ride home back to my house was a nice time to reflect on the fun day I had in the city with good friends. The feeling of being in the city was good....not too many people...not crazy hustle in bustle...and the feeling of Christmas in the air.
11.11.2005
Thanksgiving Melee
Thanksgiving with the Schreier's kicked off Wednesday night with having the guys over for pizza, beer, and making cookies!
We had a good time! We made sugar cookies (each one perfectly made and decorated by Jorge), 2 chocolate cream pies (Nacho), an apple pie (Jorge). Edgar, Todd, and Jakob played video games. Much beer was polished off and festivities quieted down around 1:30 a.m. Little Hasselhoff managed to stay up til the end too!
Because Thanksgiving with Brian fell through, we decided to have Thanksgiving at our house and invite the guys over.
This was our first time cooking the turkey in the turkey fryer I bought like 2 years ago. It came out awesome! This was the first holiday that Todd and I have had to prepare everything ourselves as my family usually comes over for dinner. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, rolls, corn, beans, onions/gravy, green stuff, cranberry sauce, olives, and 18-20 lbs. of turkey! We were all finished eating and Jorge was still piling the turkey on his plate. Because we were all still pretty full, dessert wasn't a huge hit. The movies of choice this year were "Saw" and "Lampoons Christmas Vacation". Nacho, Jake, and I headed out for DD...a search for a sprinkled donut for Jake....and a very quick trip to Walmart where I bought Polar Express and a Thomas the Tank Engine game for Jake's VTECH system.
The day of thanks ended around 8 p.m. Jakob cried when he heard that they were leaving...he cried at the door while he was waving goodbye....and he cried for like 30 minutes after they left..."I miss them so much!"
He has a blast with them and they are all really good with him.
Friday was spent relaxing and cleaning up. My Mom stopped over and decided that she was going to have Jakob overnight.
My plans for Saturday are to head to NYC. Todd was asked if he wanted to go and he showed no interest. There was a spark of interest on Friday morning, but I wanted to go and have a good time and hear NO COMPLAINING about ANYTHING.
We had a good time! We made sugar cookies (each one perfectly made and decorated by Jorge), 2 chocolate cream pies (Nacho), an apple pie (Jorge). Edgar, Todd, and Jakob played video games. Much beer was polished off and festivities quieted down around 1:30 a.m. Little Hasselhoff managed to stay up til the end too!
Because Thanksgiving with Brian fell through, we decided to have Thanksgiving at our house and invite the guys over.
This was our first time cooking the turkey in the turkey fryer I bought like 2 years ago. It came out awesome! This was the first holiday that Todd and I have had to prepare everything ourselves as my family usually comes over for dinner. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, rolls, corn, beans, onions/gravy, green stuff, cranberry sauce, olives, and 18-20 lbs. of turkey! We were all finished eating and Jorge was still piling the turkey on his plate. Because we were all still pretty full, dessert wasn't a huge hit. The movies of choice this year were "Saw" and "Lampoons Christmas Vacation". Nacho, Jake, and I headed out for DD...a search for a sprinkled donut for Jake....and a very quick trip to Walmart where I bought Polar Express and a Thomas the Tank Engine game for Jake's VTECH system.
The day of thanks ended around 8 p.m. Jakob cried when he heard that they were leaving...he cried at the door while he was waving goodbye....and he cried for like 30 minutes after they left..."I miss them so much!"
He has a blast with them and they are all really good with him.
Friday was spent relaxing and cleaning up. My Mom stopped over and decided that she was going to have Jakob overnight.
My plans for Saturday are to head to NYC. Todd was asked if he wanted to go and he showed no interest. There was a spark of interest on Friday morning, but I wanted to go and have a good time and hear NO COMPLAINING about ANYTHING.
10.02.2005
Ehhhh
Ok...I decided to dye my hair. I got sick of the "growing out red/showing brown" so I went back to black...with blue tint....really blue tint. Just in time for Halloween I suppose.
Went to Coopers last night for drinks in celebration of Anne "moving on" from "hell". It was a good time.
After my iPod not "feeling well" (yes there is an icon that means it is sad!) for 3 weeks, we brought it to Best Buy and now it has to besent out for repair. Another 2 weeks without it! Jakob is bummed because I have songs loaded on it for him. He yelled at everyone in the store "Momma's iPod is broked!".
I saw an article in the paper the other day of a bank robbery that took place in Norwich about a block or two from where my bro works. There was an actual picture of the dude- looked just like my brother!! I called to ask my Mom where he was!! The picture in todays paper didn't really look like him though. Imagine that?!
Went to Coopers last night for drinks in celebration of Anne "moving on" from "hell". It was a good time.
After my iPod not "feeling well" (yes there is an icon that means it is sad!) for 3 weeks, we brought it to Best Buy and now it has to besent out for repair. Another 2 weeks without it! Jakob is bummed because I have songs loaded on it for him. He yelled at everyone in the store "Momma's iPod is broked!".
I saw an article in the paper the other day of a bank robbery that took place in Norwich about a block or two from where my bro works. There was an actual picture of the dude- looked just like my brother!! I called to ask my Mom where he was!! The picture in todays paper didn't really look like him though. Imagine that?!
9.27.2005
Cornea Transplant Update
October 21, 2005 will mark my one year anniversary! I had a follow up appointment today and Dr. Shah says everything still looks great. Of the transplants he has done in the last year, my eye has healed the best and has the best vision. Before my surgery, my vision was 20/-400 with it now being between 20/30 & 20/40. He will begin to take out my sutures in 6 weeks, starting with 3 on the right side of my cornea as they are kind of tight.
I do experience eye head aches (if you have allergies or have had one, you know what I am talking about) when I am really tired....
I do experience eye head aches (if you have allergies or have had one, you know what I am talking about) when I am really tired....
Potty Update
Today marks 1 week in the "potty teaching phase". It is working out well. Jakob is up to trying to go every hour...he gets all excited and can't wait to put a sticker on his chart! We had a bad day Saturday....and going poo is posing a challenge (he has only gone on the potty 2 times). He picked out Buzz Lightyear pull ups and was all proud.
9.25.2005
Thomas the Train at Essex
Jakob will be so excited that we are going to Essex to ride Thomas the Train 11/12/05. He is so fascinated with trains. The train ride is approx. 30 minutes long and he will get to meet Sir Topham Hat. It is going to be hard not telling him now...but if we did, he would ask everyday and all day "Are you ready to go?!" . We have invited along Missy, Joe, Lucas, my parents, Nana, brother and his family.
9.22.2005
Kennebunkport- Columbus Day Weekend
We're going on vacation!!!!
I would prefer VT for the fall, but.......Maine and the ocean will do just fine.
After searching many a places to stay....I was looking for a room on the ocean- all were not to my liking!....I found a place on a cove. We are taking along my Mom so she can "tend" to Jakob at night. My Dad decided that he will not take the weekend off of work, so we will go alone and have a great time. The only scheduled activity is a trolley ride (Jake LOVES trains!).
I would prefer VT for the fall, but.......Maine and the ocean will do just fine.
After searching many a places to stay....I was looking for a room on the ocean- all were not to my liking!....I found a place on a cove. We are taking along my Mom so she can "tend" to Jakob at night. My Dad decided that he will not take the weekend off of work, so we will go alone and have a great time. The only scheduled activity is a trolley ride (Jake LOVES trains!).
9.21.2005
No More Diapers?
Since yesterday Jakob has gone to the bathroom on his "Royal Potty"a minimun of 4 times a day. He was doing this dance and my Mom asked if he wanted to use the potty and he said "Sure!". Now he is obsessed!
I never thought it would happen! Everytime we would ask he would yell "no potty!" and he would scream if we tried to put him on it.
I never thought it would happen! Everytime we would ask he would yell "no potty!" and he would scream if we tried to put him on it.
9.17.2005
8.22.2005
All Around the Kitchen
Jakob: "Momma, you see all the trappic wights? They all have pretty colors. Do you smell yellow? I smell green. You green Momma? Ok, you green
For you parents fortunate to listen to Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes play on Noggin:
Jakob: "Mommy, I want a cocktadoo"
For you parents fortunate to listen to Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes play on Noggin:
Jakob: "Mommy, I want a cocktadoo"
8.21.2005
8.08.2005
8.02.2005
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