My Farmhands
I took this picture Christmas 2006 when we were home. This is at the Red Hill. I did a gradient map overlay then wiped out the color of the tractor - pretty nuts. Shawn and Owen are sitting on the tractor. So cute. And I did the overlay of a digital scrapping freebie - the frames. So cool. I did a drop shadow before I merged the layers. It could use some more work, but I think this is pretty good.
~M.
Shea
Fun at the stadium:
We went to a Mets game on Wednesday with Frank and Christel - two of Shawn's work colleagues. It was COOOOLD up there in the nosebleed seats, but it was so much fun. The train ride wasn't too bad on the way out there. We had "hot dogs" (which I repeatedly said in the New Joisey accent perfected by Lisa's British cousin Thomas during his recent visit to NYC) and a pretzel. Our tickets were only $3 each (the joys of being affiliated with NYU), so buying food seemed appropriate. The Mets were playing the Nationals. It was the day AFTER a guy fell to his death on an escalator, so we were extra careful to hold on and pay attention where we were going. The Mets one. Shawn, who doesn't really care about baseball, cheered for the Nationals. He was being funny. There were obnoxious high school kids sitting behind us. The stadium is in the flight path for planes going to/from La Guardia. I love the picture above with the flags and the plane. Owen will definitely enjoy a baseball game when he visits this summer.
The train ride home wasn't as easy. A kid was being stupid. He was with his parents and not holding on, and the train lurched and he fell backwards, stomping down HARD on my toe. Just what I need - a bruised toe in time for the wedding. My shoes are open toe. Luckily it didn't do any visible damage and I haven't really thought about it. But here's a tip - keep your feet tucked under your seat if at all possible during train rides.
I love 30 Rock for many reasons, one of which is Lemon says "Blugh."
~M.
We went to a Mets game on Wednesday with Frank and Christel - two of Shawn's work colleagues. It was COOOOLD up there in the nosebleed seats, but it was so much fun. The train ride wasn't too bad on the way out there. We had "hot dogs" (which I repeatedly said in the New Joisey accent perfected by Lisa's British cousin Thomas during his recent visit to NYC) and a pretzel. Our tickets were only $3 each (the joys of being affiliated with NYU), so buying food seemed appropriate. The Mets were playing the Nationals. It was the day AFTER a guy fell to his death on an escalator, so we were extra careful to hold on and pay attention where we were going. The Mets one. Shawn, who doesn't really care about baseball, cheered for the Nationals. He was being funny. There were obnoxious high school kids sitting behind us. The stadium is in the flight path for planes going to/from La Guardia. I love the picture above with the flags and the plane. Owen will definitely enjoy a baseball game when he visits this summer.
The train ride home wasn't as easy. A kid was being stupid. He was with his parents and not holding on, and the train lurched and he fell backwards, stomping down HARD on my toe. Just what I need - a bruised toe in time for the wedding. My shoes are open toe. Luckily it didn't do any visible damage and I haven't really thought about it. But here's a tip - keep your feet tucked under your seat if at all possible during train rides.
I love 30 Rock for many reasons, one of which is Lemon says "Blugh."
~M.
Bracelet from Greenflea
An old typewriter key. I love it. I don't really wear bracelets, but I've been sporting this one. It was a memento from the weekend activities with Lisa and her family. I crashed on the South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge and Staten Island Ferry trip as well as the flea market and Mexican dinner. Good times. I may be banished now, but it was fun while it lasted.~M.
Saturday's Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
We had PERFECT weather on Saturday, so we thought we'd make the most of it. After each going to the gym (not being married I don't have access to the NYU gym, so I frequent Lucille Roberts), we wandered around the neighborhood until we found a restaurant that had open air seating. Unfortunately it was in the shade, so a little chilly. But the price was cheap and we could people watch, which was fun.
We walked to the subway, and right before we descended at W4th Street to catch the A to Brooklyn, we were handed free cokes in glass bottles. Ah, memories of the shop and opening those sweet cokes and dr. pepper's on the old bottle opener. And the taste - wow. Can't beat the taste of crisp coke in a bottle. YUM. So we took pictures of that.
Onto Brooklyn, we walked from the Brooklyn side to the Manhattan side, then walked south to South Street Seaport. We enjoyed the STRAND Outlet store (18 miles of books), I found an "Owen" New York bike plate, and we saw crazy people, giant boats and the Brooklyn Bridge from another angle (see the last photos).
All in all, a pretty good outing for a spur-of-the-moment idea. ~Mari.
Peepshow from My Window
NYU students get naked for Earth - Campus
Shawn was making lunch on Thursday when he was distracted by a parade, of sorts, basically naked people chanting down the street. He didn't notice they were naked - from 5 flights up I guess the paint on their bodies and the signs that covered them distracted him. I noticed when I looked but wasn't sure enough to tell him until they were walking down the street. What a pity.
Anyway, I found this article and realized what it was about. (Couldn't understand their shouting/chanting or read their signs ourselves) I wish I'd thought to stick my camera out the window to show our perspective of the event. I'll get better at training myself to be at the ready for camera ops.
~Mari.
Shawn was making lunch on Thursday when he was distracted by a parade, of sorts, basically naked people chanting down the street. He didn't notice they were naked - from 5 flights up I guess the paint on their bodies and the signs that covered them distracted him. I noticed when I looked but wasn't sure enough to tell him until they were walking down the street. What a pity.
Anyway, I found this article and realized what it was about. (Couldn't understand their shouting/chanting or read their signs ourselves) I wish I'd thought to stick my camera out the window to show our perspective of the event. I'll get better at training myself to be at the ready for camera ops.
~Mari.
My Boys
Keep finding oldies and goodies to test out my digital scrapbooking knowledge on - I am killing myself, sitting at the computer much longer than work requires me to, but I LOVE this stuff. How can I ever go back to paper and scissors and glue and everything looking like a Kindergartener did it???~M.
Sad Story
I've come across this article in the clippings from work. Breaks my heart.
Report Cites Abuse of 91,000 Babies Under 1 - washingtonpost.com
Neglect, Abuse Seen in 90,000 Infants - AP
Study Finds Abuse in One of 43 Babies - New York Times
1 in 50 infants abused or neglected - Baltimore Sun
They don't have previous data to know if this is a trend. But most of the abuse in these youngest babies (less than a week in some cases) is neglect. Maybe it's just new moms not knowing what to do? Either way, it's just horrifying.
Here's the definition of neglect for this study: the failure the meet a child's basic needs:
I don't know the answer. But I hope this much press makes something happen.
~Mari.
Report Cites Abuse of 91,000 Babies Under 1 - washingtonpost.com
Neglect, Abuse Seen in 90,000 Infants - AP
Study Finds Abuse in One of 43 Babies - New York Times
1 in 50 infants abused or neglected - Baltimore Sun
They don't have previous data to know if this is a trend. But most of the abuse in these youngest babies (less than a week in some cases) is neglect. Maybe it's just new moms not knowing what to do? Either way, it's just horrifying.
Here's the definition of neglect for this study: the failure the meet a child's basic needs:
It also shows all the different headlines and the way the newspapers handled this story.
"That can be anything involving the provision of appropriate housing or food or clothing or even access to medical care."
I don't know the answer. But I hope this much press makes something happen.
~Mari.
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
When I went home for Easter and the wedding shower, Beth and I had our hair blown out - just as a treat. I was half asleep from the early morning plane rides and anxious to get back to playing with Owen, visiting with family, etc. SO I wasn't the best client for the hairdresser. She was nice though, and gave me a valuable tip.
Two things were happening - the area of my scalp closest to my forehead (I guess my hairline) was flaking. This has always been the case (well always being since I've been in grad school I think...maybe longer) - so I just deal with it, comb it out and move on. I've tried some dandruff shampoos, and it's not always super noticeable or bothersome. WELL, the hairdresser told me that it isn't dandruff but dry scalp - probably caused by stress (imagine that). She recommended tea tree oil infused shampoo. She washed, dried and styled my hair, and my scalp was a lot better - less flaky with only a few little red patches that needed to heal. Well, a week and a half later, I've been washing my hair every other day (or maybe every third day - hard to keep track w/o work outfits and hairstyles to keep me on schedule) - and my scalp is 500 times better. My hair hasn't lost any body or curl or anything, plus I love the sweet pepperminty smell of the shampoo and the thick conditioner. I bought some Triple Threat shampoo from Duane Reed drugstore. And it's working great. I love new, successful beauty tips!
The hairdresser told me I was shedding a lot of hair though (tell me something I don't know) - another thing caused by stress. I've always had lots of hair, and I still have lots of thick out of control hair, so I've never been bothered too much by losing some. But maybe THAT will be the next hair thing I tackle. Possible causes are stress, of course, and lack of protein. But I eat meat every day, so we'll see.
Maybe when the wedding's over my stress will be gone - YEAH RIGHT... Meanwhile I'm enjoying my sweet smelling hair and non-itchy scalp. Ta Da!
~Mari.
Two things were happening - the area of my scalp closest to my forehead (I guess my hairline) was flaking. This has always been the case (well always being since I've been in grad school I think...maybe longer) - so I just deal with it, comb it out and move on. I've tried some dandruff shampoos, and it's not always super noticeable or bothersome. WELL, the hairdresser told me that it isn't dandruff but dry scalp - probably caused by stress (imagine that). She recommended tea tree oil infused shampoo. She washed, dried and styled my hair, and my scalp was a lot better - less flaky with only a few little red patches that needed to heal. Well, a week and a half later, I've been washing my hair every other day (or maybe every third day - hard to keep track w/o work outfits and hairstyles to keep me on schedule) - and my scalp is 500 times better. My hair hasn't lost any body or curl or anything, plus I love the sweet pepperminty smell of the shampoo and the thick conditioner. I bought some Triple Threat shampoo from Duane Reed drugstore. And it's working great. I love new, successful beauty tips!The hairdresser told me I was shedding a lot of hair though (tell me something I don't know) - another thing caused by stress. I've always had lots of hair, and I still have lots of thick out of control hair, so I've never been bothered too much by losing some. But maybe THAT will be the next hair thing I tackle. Possible causes are stress, of course, and lack of protein. But I eat meat every day, so we'll see.
Maybe when the wedding's over my stress will be gone - YEAH RIGHT... Meanwhile I'm enjoying my sweet smelling hair and non-itchy scalp. Ta Da!
~Mari.
Digital Scrapbooking
I went to Michaels in Queens this weekend - to pick up some supplies. I've got all my bells done for the wedding (Gran is starching them for me!) - and I needed something else to crochet - before I start on my next effort, the chromium star blanket. Anyway, while there I picked up this magazine: Digital Scrapbooking Magazine
It has inspired me... So I'm probably going to have a whole new "craft" to obsess over!
~Mari.
It has inspired me... So I'm probably going to have a whole new "craft" to obsess over!
~Mari.
FOUND
Ah, the blue tooth headset is snugly in my ear. It was hiding at the bottom of a box of junk in my closet. How it got there, I'll never know. I'm just glad I found it.
The DVD player is on the fritz still. I got it to play video, but no sound. I've had that problem before, but usually it will work itself out. Anyway, it's time for a new DVD player. Today is Shawn's birthday, so he can pick it out. :)
We're going to an off-Broadway play tonight, then dinner to celebrate. Two years ago I was planning him a big, kid-themed 30th birthday party. This year will be much more laid back. I'm sure he's wishing it would be with more than just me, but whaddya gonna do? Here's what we're going to see: My First Time.
Ugh - I just got forgotten myself. I was supposed to be in a conference call with work - and just yesterday I was told "we'll always call you - no need to call us." Well, they didn't call me. I feel like leaving. I may take a walk to calm down.
Happy Birthday Shawn. ~M.
The DVD player is on the fritz still. I got it to play video, but no sound. I've had that problem before, but usually it will work itself out. Anyway, it's time for a new DVD player. Today is Shawn's birthday, so he can pick it out. :)
We're going to an off-Broadway play tonight, then dinner to celebrate. Two years ago I was planning him a big, kid-themed 30th birthday party. This year will be much more laid back. I'm sure he's wishing it would be with more than just me, but whaddya gonna do? Here's what we're going to see: My First Time.
Ugh - I just got forgotten myself. I was supposed to be in a conference call with work - and just yesterday I was told "we'll always call you - no need to call us." Well, they didn't call me. I feel like leaving. I may take a walk to calm down.
Happy Birthday Shawn. ~M.
Losing
My Bluetooth headset for my phone - without it, my conference calls are a nightmare (I have to hold a hot cell phone to my head for more than an hour, sometimes two)... plus I am going crazy - where could it be. I intentionally left it here so as not to lose it during travels to DC and OK... But it's not where it should be, and I can't figure out where I would have moved it. I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have moved it and that I did not. But where is it???My DVD player - I know where it is, but it's broken. We tried to pop in "Barefoot in the Park" last night (we've finally signed onto a Blockbuster mail-in movie thing) and it didn't work. We tried another DVD, and just horrible noises coming from the player. We watched a DVD last Thursday, just before we left for OK - and it worked fine. WHAT happened? Who knows? All I know is I need to buy another DVD player...
My mind... so many details, so many thank you notes, so many invitations to create and address. PLUS work and all that entails. Right now I'm waiting for a 17MB file to download from the shared drive... Someday I'll teach people to compress their PowerPoints - not just to make my life easier... I'm such a gretch.
Our friend Coretta did a test cake for us - it's SO gorgeous. I don't want to ruin the surprise BUT I do want to post the image and compare the difference between Beth's and my "test" cake. HA!
Captain Cranky
Using a tutorial, I made this comic-book effect. I kinda like it. I'm practicing because I might do something like this for say the wedding rehearsal - or the bridal shower or something in my final "wedding book" that I'm planning to create using Blurb.com... Although I'm sure I'll make MANY books with that site. What fun!~M.
Starbucks/Walmart States
Starbucks/Walmart update
Came across this in a blog I read (not the one linked, which is the original source).
Two posts in one day, but this is too good. It cracked me up... ~Mari.
Came across this in a blog I read (not the one linked, which is the original source).
Two posts in one day, but this is too good. It cracked me up... ~Mari.
wikiHow: How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup - wikiHow
One of the things on my iGoogle page is the "how-to of the day" and this is one of today's. (There are actually about three that come up during the day, rotating the oldest ones off)
It reminded me of one of my experiences with Shawn's family - we were eating our first Thanksgiving dinner together. I laughed a LOT! There's no getting away from it - it's in EVERYTHING.
Except diet coke... Slurp!
~Mari.
One of the things on my iGoogle page is the "how-to of the day" and this is one of today's. (There are actually about three that come up during the day, rotating the oldest ones off)It reminded me of one of my experiences with Shawn's family - we were eating our first Thanksgiving dinner together. I laughed a LOT! There's no getting away from it - it's in EVERYTHING.
Except diet coke... Slurp!
~Mari.
PRWeek: Femmes on the Web
Teen girls outnumber boys as creators of Web content - PRWeek US
I guess teenage girls spend their time dishing about others - and tearing each other down. And boys are busy...playing games online?
Who knows. I just found it interesting.
~M.
I guess teenage girls spend their time dishing about others - and tearing each other down. And boys are busy...playing games online?
Who knows. I just found it interesting.
~M.
NYT: Girls Getting Older, Younger
Never Too Young for That First Pedicure - New York Times
I didn't have a manicure until college - and it's not something I keep up. I guess this is just a "sign of the times" - but BLUGH.
But I wish the innocence of dolls and Barbies and all that could last a little longer for little girls today.
NYT: Bridal Gown Trends
The Bride Wore Very Little - New York Times:
Think this might be part of the reason so many marriages end in divorce? Because the brides focus on the celebrity and "after party" of the event/wedding, instead of the marriage itself?!
It's still so hard not to get sucked into it...the bridal machine, designed to suck all your savings and spit you out on the other side of your wedding a little let down, like the day after Christmas, but with no Boxing Day Sales... It's going to be great though - because I'll be married to the best guy ever! Whee.
~M.
"According to a 2006 survey by Condé Nast Bridal Media, 16 percent of couples choose a destination wedding — a fourfold increase from a decade ago. The same survey found that only 46 percent of brides are married in a church or synagogue, down from 55 percent the year before. With weddings transported to other locales comes a loosening of conventions.
Whether they marry in a walled garden, on a tennis court, on a yacht or at the beach, “brides are more focused on the after-party, and on personalizing it,” Ms. Bratten said."
Think this might be part of the reason so many marriages end in divorce? Because the brides focus on the celebrity and "after party" of the event/wedding, instead of the marriage itself?!
It's still so hard not to get sucked into it...the bridal machine, designed to suck all your savings and spit you out on the other side of your wedding a little let down, like the day after Christmas, but with no Boxing Day Sales... It's going to be great though - because I'll be married to the best guy ever! Whee.
~M.
Jellybean Sudoku
index.sudokucards
The things people make... I think I want the Jellybean one!
~Marilyn Jean, the Jellybean. =)
The things people make... I think I want the Jellybean one!
~Marilyn Jean, the Jellybean. =)
S&B
From WWD:
TV, the Next Frontier for Steve & Barry's
When Shawn's cousin Robbie, and his wife, Tabby, were in town last weekend, we had the BEST time. Their mutual cousin Kellie, a true New Yorker, took us around. The natural history museum, China town, Little Italy, Times Square, Toys R Us, etc. Robbie makes me laugh hysterically - I think we were just on the same wavelength or something. And it was good to spend time with Tab. She's pretty awesome.
And Kellie - well I could write a love letter about her, but I won't. Needless to say, I'm a LUCKY LUCKY girl to get to become a part of this family.
SO, this ties into the S&B article above because one of the things we did was go to Steve & Barry's to look for souvenirs (R&T's daughter, Sarah, wanted some sunglasses). They had a pair of running/casual shoes on sale for $9. They were a dark greeny-grey with purple edging. AND they had a size 11. Holy heck!
So I've been sporting new kicks this week.
Happy Valentine's!!!
PS Can't wait to get my hands on a Spock T-Shirt from S&B. TOO cool!
TV, the Next Frontier for Steve & Barry's
When Shawn's cousin Robbie, and his wife, Tabby, were in town last weekend, we had the BEST time. Their mutual cousin Kellie, a true New Yorker, took us around. The natural history museum, China town, Little Italy, Times Square, Toys R Us, etc. Robbie makes me laugh hysterically - I think we were just on the same wavelength or something. And it was good to spend time with Tab. She's pretty awesome.
And Kellie - well I could write a love letter about her, but I won't. Needless to say, I'm a LUCKY LUCKY girl to get to become a part of this family.
SO, this ties into the S&B article above because one of the things we did was go to Steve & Barry's to look for souvenirs (R&T's daughter, Sarah, wanted some sunglasses). They had a pair of running/casual shoes on sale for $9. They were a dark greeny-grey with purple edging. AND they had a size 11. Holy heck!
So I've been sporting new kicks this week.
Happy Valentine's!!!
PS Can't wait to get my hands on a Spock T-Shirt from S&B. TOO cool!
Via Perez
"There is a strange pecking order among actors. Theatre actors look down on film actors, who look down on TV actors. Thank God for reality shows, or we wouldn't have anybody to look down on."
- George Clooney
I literally laughed out loud!
IHT: Swag for Blogging
Beauty bloggers begin to pull in the swag - International Herald Tribune
Interesting. I'd have to write about beauty products, get an audience and be more diligent about posting... Not for me, but it's an interesting phenomenon.
Onward. ~Mari.
Interesting. I'd have to write about beauty products, get an audience and be more diligent about posting... Not for me, but it's an interesting phenomenon.
Onward. ~Mari.
frankly.
This is pretty interesting. I didn't add my blog, because I'm not looking for non-real life readers. But it's kinda cool to find other bloggers around the island! However, most of these seem to be written in 2003, then stopped. So who knows.
Last night Shawn and I went to see Rabbit Holes, a Pulitzer Prize winning play, put on by third year grad students at the Tisch School at NYU. FREAKING AWESOME. I was sobbing during the first half it was so good... Man, there's a big difference between undergrad plays (OSU and UMD) and this. WOW. And imagine...we can go see Broadway plays, and off-Broadway plays (the only difference is the number of seats in the theater)... Now to find the money and time to lavish such entertainment on ourselves. The NYU play was only $12 each - less than a night time movie! And SO MUCH BETTER.
Wedding stuff is coming together. I have much, much more to do. But it's coming. We ordered the paper for the invitations, so I can get started on those this weekend maybe. I have about half the decorations bought, and I need to nail down what shipments have made it to Oklahoma and what's still in transit.
I "officially" became a NY'er yesterday when I went to change my driver's license. I am sure the picture is going to be a doozie. The "License XPress" really was fast - I was in and out in about 30 minutes (of course I stood in line before it opened for another 20 or so, but it was all good)... Such an adult.
~mari.
Last night Shawn and I went to see Rabbit Holes, a Pulitzer Prize winning play, put on by third year grad students at the Tisch School at NYU. FREAKING AWESOME. I was sobbing during the first half it was so good... Man, there's a big difference between undergrad plays (OSU and UMD) and this. WOW. And imagine...we can go see Broadway plays, and off-Broadway plays (the only difference is the number of seats in the theater)... Now to find the money and time to lavish such entertainment on ourselves. The NYU play was only $12 each - less than a night time movie! And SO MUCH BETTER.
Wedding stuff is coming together. I have much, much more to do. But it's coming. We ordered the paper for the invitations, so I can get started on those this weekend maybe. I have about half the decorations bought, and I need to nail down what shipments have made it to Oklahoma and what's still in transit.
I "officially" became a NY'er yesterday when I went to change my driver's license. I am sure the picture is going to be a doozie. The "License XPress" really was fast - I was in and out in about 30 minutes (of course I stood in line before it opened for another 20 or so, but it was all good)... Such an adult.
~mari.
Baby Got Back?
I found this through a NYC-based shopping (!) blog that I have in my feeder. How funny is it?
fredflare.com | mixtape USB memory stick
I made a few mixtapes in my day, as I'm sure most everyone my age has. I even got one as a gift when I was about 20. Pearl Jam, as if I didn't know them. Anyway.
I don't think I'd have any use for something like this, but I think it's a cute idea.
~M.
fredflare.com | mixtape USB memory stick
I made a few mixtapes in my day, as I'm sure most everyone my age has. I even got one as a gift when I was about 20. Pearl Jam, as if I didn't know them. Anyway.
I don't think I'd have any use for something like this, but I think it's a cute idea.
~M.
Ad Age: Lipstick Sales Not with Trend as Economy Slumps
Not Much Color in Cosmetics This Time - Advertising Age - News
This type of thing interests me - it's something I run across because of work (I read advertising, marketing and PR blogs/e-mail newsletters/etc.). But it has economics and cosmetics - at a time when I'm starting to actually wear a little make up. (Still not a lipstick-every-day kinda girl, but I'm working my way)
With age comes trying to conceal it I guess. I am 27.
~Mari.
This type of thing interests me - it's something I run across because of work (I read advertising, marketing and PR blogs/e-mail newsletters/etc.). But it has economics and cosmetics - at a time when I'm starting to actually wear a little make up. (Still not a lipstick-every-day kinda girl, but I'm working my way)
With age comes trying to conceal it I guess. I am 27.
~Mari.
PEM | Origami Now Folding Station 2007
PEM | Origami Now Folding Station 2007
This is really cool - really slow videos on how to fold origami, and I could probably even follow along, if I were into that kind of thing. I'm still into yarn crafts right now. Got a really good ABC baby blanket going for my friend Leslie...
I digress. ~M.
This is really cool - really slow videos on how to fold origami, and I could probably even follow along, if I were into that kind of thing. I'm still into yarn crafts right now. Got a really good ABC baby blanket going for my friend Leslie...
I digress. ~M.
A Quote On Speaking
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
-- Dorothy Nevill
Who is Dorothy Nevill? ~Mari.
-- Dorothy Nevill
Who is Dorothy Nevill? ~Mari.
Yikes - WSJ article about WiFi
Wi-Fi Users, Beware: Hot Spots Are Weak Spots - WSJ.com
I guess I should be glad that my wireless router doesn't really work and I have to access my cable internet through an actual ethernet cord. Who knows what danger lurks on the mean streets of NYC?
*shudder*
~MJP
I guess I should be glad that my wireless router doesn't really work and I have to access my cable internet through an actual ethernet cord. Who knows what danger lurks on the mean streets of NYC?
*shudder*
~MJP
Fun with Photoshop
I can't WAIT to have wedding photos to try this out on - having just the flowers in color while the rest is black and white. Oh man...
~Mari.
Brrrr...
It's not quite so cold here. In fact we've been having oddly warm weather. Like temps in the 60s and 70s, and today we're having thunderstorms, but it's still soooo warm out.
This is vintage Beth from 2007, Thanksgiving, on the Staten Island Ferry. Isn't she cute?
~Mari.
flowers, a crocheted teddy bear
A teddy bear I crocheted with some yarn given to me by Christopher, Shawn's second cousin. Some flowers I bought myself (I had a dinner guest - my cousin Lisa!) in a vase that was a Christmas gift from Beemer. And you can see the ring on the flowers, just for fun.
~M.
Weekend at Bernies - REAL LIFE
Only in New York? We watched a different news story about this the first night - they had an eye witness and everything. It was HILARIOUS.
~M.
What I Do NOT want my cake to look like
I-Reporter's wedding cake is a full-size likeness of herself - CNN.com
Rolling on the floor laughing so hard! Thanks, CG. ~M.
Rolling on the floor laughing so hard! Thanks, CG. ~M.
Cake Disaster
Beth and I had a good time making this cake. Too bad it looked like we were kindergarteners. But it sure did taste good. So the consensus is we're going to buy the cake. And I'm OK with that. If we'd had about a pound more frosting and a little more patience MAYBE we could have made it happen/look better. Oh well.The topper is actually a clearance sale M that we turned over to be a W - just for show. Now I can use it as a christmas ornament, or more likely as all-year-round "M" decoration. I never tire of my initial! I'll have new initials in this new year one way or another, it's just a matter of sorting out if I keep my maiden name as part of my middle name or not... It's hard to lose the cool rhymingness of my name. And oh, I'll no longer be a maiden. I guess that's OK. Matron-hood here I come???
Bottom of the Rock
The look up at the rock - taken when beth was here over t-day break. so beautiful... and where the official-ness of it all began!
Thread Crochet and Snowflakes
Thread Crochet and Snowflakes
I adore crochet, and I've been doing a few flat angels, some Christmas bells and snowflakes. It's so much fun and so rewarding when they're finished. I'm not as good at starching them, but adequate. Practice makes perfect.
~Mari.
I adore crochet, and I've been doing a few flat angels, some Christmas bells and snowflakes. It's so much fun and so rewarding when they're finished. I'm not as good at starching them, but adequate. Practice makes perfect.
~Mari.
sisters
one more before sleep. This was taken in the NYC subway...yes, i got outta control with the teeth whitening in PhotoShop, but fun none-the-less. ~M.Snuggly Snowflakes
Here's a gem of a project I made for Gran last spring. It was inspired after I found a snowflake pattern during the Christmas season, but too late to finish before last Christmas. I couldn't WAIT until now to give it to her, so she's had it since her birthday in April. I hope to see it again when I go home for Xmas... only two weeks! My crochet hook is going again, but nothing this extravagant. This was my first (and only-so far) adult sized afghan, and I'm really pleased with it!
Happy Christmas!!!
~Mari.
Happy Christmas!!!
~Mari.
wishing
*don't wish your life away*
i am enjoying my time here in new york. probably too much. it's just amazing fun. i don't have too many friends yet, but i'm getting to do things... that i normally don't have time for. i'm reading, getting holiday presents bought and made, and spending time with the man i'm going to marry. how crazy is that? we're having a fun time... and i'm so excited christmas is here. i'm ready to spend some time in oklahoma.
~mari.
i am enjoying my time here in new york. probably too much. it's just amazing fun. i don't have too many friends yet, but i'm getting to do things... that i normally don't have time for. i'm reading, getting holiday presents bought and made, and spending time with the man i'm going to marry. how crazy is that? we're having a fun time... and i'm so excited christmas is here. i'm ready to spend some time in oklahoma.
~mari.
Sentiments...
I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them.
- Jane Austen
A little horrible, but I'm OK with that. And how funny that it's a JANE AUSTEN quote?!
Life is trudging along here. Last night was the Rockettes, which was FREAKING AMAZING... Well worth it, even if we were in the very back row, our view was amazing. I'm starting to love NYC...hopefully not too much. :)
~M.
- Jane Austen
A little horrible, but I'm OK with that. And how funny that it's a JANE AUSTEN quote?!
Life is trudging along here. Last night was the Rockettes, which was FREAKING AMAZING... Well worth it, even if we were in the very back row, our view was amazing. I'm starting to love NYC...hopefully not too much. :)
~M.
/golden year
I'm officially 27. That's pretty scary.
My birthday was good. We went to a Mexican dive restaurant and I had a piece of cake. I'm hoping to score a Magnolia Bakery cupcake at some point. Meh. Thursday night we'll have the real fun - we're going to see the Rockettes! How groovy. :)
My birthday was good. We went to a Mexican dive restaurant and I had a piece of cake. I'm hoping to score a Magnolia Bakery cupcake at some point. Meh. Thursday night we'll have the real fun - we're going to see the Rockettes! How groovy. :)
SNAP!
Fact of the Day: rubber bands
Stephen Perry, of the rubber manufacturer Messrs. Perry & Co., patented his design for vulcanized rubber bands on March 17, 1845. They were designed to secure "papers, letters, etc.
Pre- engagement photos
Here's a shot at arm's length in Shawn's apartment before we left. We had our engagement photos done by my cousin Lisa in Central Park on Saturday... one is posted on our wedding site, which I launched yesterday: wedding.silvermari.comcheck it out! ~Mari.
New Trisha!
Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love!
Silly me gets excited every time a new Trisha Yearwood album comes out, and this week was no exception. Luckily I found the CD in K Mart - yep, there's K Mart in Manhattan... I could have gotten a better deal at Amazon or something - but who can wait? And it's a good CD. I'll probably listen to it incessantly, burn out, take a break, then add it to my rotation.
Things are rocking along here. Nothing major to report. Just getting into a groove and trying to figure out how best to do this thing -- plan the wedding I mean.
~Mari.
Silly me gets excited every time a new Trisha Yearwood album comes out, and this week was no exception. Luckily I found the CD in K Mart - yep, there's K Mart in Manhattan... I could have gotten a better deal at Amazon or something - but who can wait? And it's a good CD. I'll probably listen to it incessantly, burn out, take a break, then add it to my rotation.
Things are rocking along here. Nothing major to report. Just getting into a groove and trying to figure out how best to do this thing -- plan the wedding I mean.
~Mari.
How Pedestrian
Without a car I'm walking everywhere. Working at "home" isn't really giving me much of a commute, but for groceries, hooks for the walls and anything else I might need - I'm hoofing it. Yesterday I walked 28 blocks to Bed, Bath & Beyond. Kinda crazy, but it's good for me. However, it's finally getting cold here - and frigid temps mean I'm less likely to get moving out there... Especially when it's dark. I'm sleeping or working all the hours of daylight (for the most part). Anyway. I do have my daily jaunt to the post office. Charming.
~Mari.
~Mari.
Continual Annoyances
The post office rented a box to Shawn. He got it, tried the key, and yes, it works. All is well. (The box is for me and is in my name) I go to check my mail today - the key doesn't work. Turns out, they turned over the box back to its previous owner WITHOUT notifying us. SO... who knows where my mail is, or how long this will take me to unravel. I've changed all my credit cards, other mailings, etc. already. I should just have everything sent to my "work" address and say "Screw You, USPS!" GEEZ.
~M.
~M.
Day One
Working from home is certainly not easy, but I think it can grow on me. I have made it through the first day and was reasonably productive. I know the days will go by faster when I get really busy/have lots to do. But for now, organizing and sorting my files and office supplies, in addition to regular day-to-day web site updating, e-mailing, etc. will keep me busy.
To the post office!!!
~M.
To the post office!!!
~M.
A Quote...
There are lots of ways of being miserable, but there's only one way of being comfortable, and that is to stop running round after happiness. If you make up your mind not to be happy there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time.
- Edith Wharton
- Edith Wharton
Halloween Costume
Shawn and I met at a Halloween party. I went to a work-related one tonight. I didn't know what to dress up as, so I perused the costume store. When I saw this purple wig, I knew I had to have it! So I didn't really have a costume, other than I was wearing a wig, fishnets and black. :) I guess I was a "starlet" or something. Or maybe I was just "incognito." I have another party to attend next week - we're supposed to go as our "alter ego" - so I think this will suffice for that too. We'll see if I have a brilliant idea between now and then.~Mari.
black & white...
Inspiration
This was* black and white damask. I like the graphic quality, the contrast of the black against white, and splashes of purple will really POP against it. I'm thinking a "seasonless" wedding - not something super spring like or floral. i may even pick a different black and white pattern, depending on what i can find and like...
onward.
~mari.
*image removed at some point, and post updated March 2010
This was* black and white damask. I like the graphic quality, the contrast of the black against white, and splashes of purple will really POP against it. I'm thinking a "seasonless" wedding - not something super spring like or floral. i may even pick a different black and white pattern, depending on what i can find and like...
onward.
~mari.
*image removed at some point, and post updated March 2010
Future: New York
The city so nice they named it twice?
This was the start of a post I never published or finished. So I'll give it a brief go now. I need to get back to work!!!
I am preparing to pack up and ship out sometime in the next couple weeks. Should be interesting. I'm selling off much of my stuff. So anyone who needs a loveseat and comfy chair should e-mail me immediately! :)
~M.
This was the start of a post I never published or finished. So I'll give it a brief go now. I need to get back to work!!!
I am preparing to pack up and ship out sometime in the next couple weeks. Should be interesting. I'm selling off much of my stuff. So anyone who needs a loveseat and comfy chair should e-mail me immediately! :)
~M.
Yikes!
The wedding's off -- see you in court! | Oddly Enough | Reuters
$48,800 diamond engagement ring. ... Both were 21 years old when they became engaged in December last year, but by September this year the wedding was off.How could two 21-year-olds afford a nearly $50K ring?!?!?!
a crochet project
12 teddy bears. I didn't get a straight on image, but it ended up being really cute, and not too hard.~Mari.
BOO on Craigslist
I'm just trying to sell my stuff, but the THREE people who agreed to come buy stuff today are no-shows. I'm tired of waiting around and could be out running errands, or just more able to relax/take a nap/etc. I guess now I've just got to give it up.
Annoyance!!!
I am having FUN on the internet looking at wedding stuff. I am SO going to be able to do this... I've also registered for a bunch of the bride sites...
Ah, someone is coming to pick up the silver lamp. And maybe I can sell him some of the other stuff people haven't picked up yet!!! I need to repost some stuff. LAME!
back to it. ~M.
Annoyance!!!
I am having FUN on the internet looking at wedding stuff. I am SO going to be able to do this... I've also registered for a bunch of the bride sites...
Ah, someone is coming to pick up the silver lamp. And maybe I can sell him some of the other stuff people haven't picked up yet!!! I need to repost some stuff. LAME!
back to it. ~M.
The Engagement Story
SO, here's how it went down. (Not a surprise to me either, but I'm OK with that - imagine how close I was to telling more people than I actually did!) We went to Coney Island during the day, just as something to do. It was beautiful and we had authentic Nathan's hot dogs, went on the Wonder Wheel and sat on a bench talking/looking at the water. Then we came back to his apartment, got dressed up and went to dinner - a sushi place nearby. We were stared at VERY hatefully by a "true New York" couple - accents and all. Our chopsticks skills leave something to be desired, but we were pretty happy and ignored them for the most part. Something to get used to I guess - some people are excruciatingly rude here, but I digress.
We had tickets for the observation deck at the Top of the Rock, and we were able to go get in line at about 8 p.m. It took about 20 minutes to actually get to the top because there are only two elevators for that. But once up there (69th and 70th floors), it took our breaths away. You can walk all the way around for 360-degree views of the city. Literally city as far as your eye can see, and you know there's more beyond that. Crazy that we were so high up and still couldn't see many stars (although we did see four planes in the sky AT ONCE...) There were kids on a field trip and other tourists. The kids were throwing pennies off the top - they kept telling their teacher it would be OK because hadn't he seen Mythbusters about it? Ah, kids.
So, the actual proposal was pretty awesome. He read me a little poem he'd written, and he did get down on one knee. I plucked the ring out of its box and put it on my finger quickly before he changed his mind! But then I actually let him slip it on my finger once he stood up. :) It wasn't exactly movie-worthy, but it was special for us... There was no cell phone reception, so calls home had to wait until we got back to the apartment. I was wearing spike heels (so dumb, when will I learn?) so my feet were killing me from all the walking - and we just stayed up at the top for an hour or so. Just looking at this place we're going to call home...at least for now. But then we came back here to his apartment (with me hobbling the last bit of way -- blister city people), and we made our phone calls to start the word spreading.
Answers to main questions:
What's the ring like? 1.25-carat diamond hearts & arrows/round cut in a replica Tiffany setting in palladium
When's the wedding? sometime in 2008 (either May or November - pending Shawn's teaching schedule, my job situation, etc.)
When will you DECIDE when it will be? After I get moved and settled and figure out where I'll be working - basically before the end of 2007, and hopefully in the next month.
Where will the wedding be? Indiahoma, OK (UMC for ceremony; reception TBD)
Other wedding details? TBD
Where will you live? New York City
work schmerk
Things are about the same as always. I'm just trucking along. I am crocheting a blanket - in the 12 teddy bear pattern from Gran - that is turning out SO cute. I'm starting to get hand cramps from so much crocheting!!! so i'll have to finish it later this week.
I guess...I don't have much to say. More in the next week though... STAY TUNED!
~M.
I guess...I don't have much to say. More in the next week though... STAY TUNED!
~M.
A new haircut
My friend Barbara took me to a salon called Frizzles. Too funny. But I got a great haircut with loads of layers - and the blow out is great - she added curls at the end with just the brush and blowdrier. I can't stop looking in a mirror!
More photos on Flickr (click the photo to see - add me as a contact to see them all!) - this photo was trying to show the back too - with all the cute curls. This cut is going to look good curly or straight. Can't wait to play with it more!
To sleep. ~Mari.
More photos on Flickr (click the photo to see - add me as a contact to see them all!) - this photo was trying to show the back too - with all the cute curls. This cut is going to look good curly or straight. Can't wait to play with it more!
To sleep. ~Mari.
sinusitis
I've been laid up for the past few days. I caught a cold from owen at his party, which morphed into a sinus infection. Me, being uneducated about such things, thought it was just a cold and that I'd get better. Well, pushing through/toughing it out was a BAD idea - i got sicker and worse with each day.
Finally on Thursday I went to the doctor, got some antibiotics and went home to lie in bed. SO I missed Thursday and Friday from work. Even though I got dressed for work on Friday thinking I could make it, my head was throbbing and just the pain. Unbelievable.
Today, Saturday, I'm feeling somewhat better. We'll see how it goes.
~Mari.
Finally on Thursday I went to the doctor, got some antibiotics and went home to lie in bed. SO I missed Thursday and Friday from work. Even though I got dressed for work on Friday thinking I could make it, my head was throbbing and just the pain. Unbelievable.
Today, Saturday, I'm feeling somewhat better. We'll see how it goes.
~Mari.
Don't Take Things Personally
"Rain does not fall on one roof alone."Remember not to take things personally.
-Cameroonian proverb
(From my sheet-a-day calendar)
chest cold
i am still fighting this cold that i contracted from owen. yes, it was worth it to kiss his face, but now i've felt yucky for nearly a week! no fun. i hope to get better soon...
i've been resting up this weekend BUT yesterday my power was off, then the AC wasn't working, so the apartment was gross and almost uninhabitable. (with no power, i had no fans, so i split - saw Nanny Diaries - ugh) today the power is back on.
Sunday School started up again today. We're going to be starting a book about Hebrews next week. Should be pretty good. (The books hadn't arrived by today b/c had to be special ordered)
I had brunch at my friend Christine's house. I caught up with Emily who was there too. Emily and Christine worked at my job - E as receptionist and C as an intern. Christine made pancakes. Yummo! And BANGIN hashbrowns. Plus there was pineapple, juice and coffee. I drank from an Orange County Starbucks mug -- one of C's roommates is from the OC, just like my mama!
SO I haven't exactly been chained to my bed, even though I probably should be. I am treating the cough with Robotussin. And I have taken naps, going to bed early, etc.
I am looking forward to the VMA's tonight. Am I a NERD or what?
~M.
PS Wash your hands! Especially after playing with a sweet little 3-year-old! And don't share drinks... no matter how much he begs. :)
i've been resting up this weekend BUT yesterday my power was off, then the AC wasn't working, so the apartment was gross and almost uninhabitable. (with no power, i had no fans, so i split - saw Nanny Diaries - ugh) today the power is back on.
Sunday School started up again today. We're going to be starting a book about Hebrews next week. Should be pretty good. (The books hadn't arrived by today b/c had to be special ordered)
I had brunch at my friend Christine's house. I caught up with Emily who was there too. Emily and Christine worked at my job - E as receptionist and C as an intern. Christine made pancakes. Yummo! And BANGIN hashbrowns. Plus there was pineapple, juice and coffee. I drank from an Orange County Starbucks mug -- one of C's roommates is from the OC, just like my mama!
SO I haven't exactly been chained to my bed, even though I probably should be. I am treating the cough with Robotussin. And I have taken naps, going to bed early, etc.
I am looking forward to the VMA's tonight. Am I a NERD or what?
~M.
PS Wash your hands! Especially after playing with a sweet little 3-year-old! And don't share drinks... no matter how much he begs. :)
zum...
today is daddy's birthday.
i am writing a post from my new office! isn't that exciting? and naughty of me to blog at work. oh well, just wanted to share this moment.
it's COLD in here.
~mari.
i am writing a post from my new office! isn't that exciting? and naughty of me to blog at work. oh well, just wanted to share this moment.
it's COLD in here.
~mari.
Paparazzi
By the end of the weekend Owen was a smidgen tired of having his picture taken. I definitely didn't take as many as the first couple times, but enough. Head on over to Flickr to see the rest (just click the photo) - they're mostly private except for what's on this blog, but if you become my contact i would be delighted to share my entire ~1800 photo collection.
Photo entries are SO FUN!
Photo entries are SO FUN!
don't give me no lip
This is the lipstick I wore on the night I met Shawn: October 30, 2004. Owen had been alive for two months.Wearing lipstick is something I should do more of - makes my teeth whiter and keeps my lips softer than normal - plus I can look more put together, right?
The only thing I dislike is how it wipes off. And it gets dry - the lipstick that is "long lasting" and what have you.
there was a little girl who had a crooked smile. she thought it was charming - like heather locklear's but not so much in reality.
"Never a lip is curved with pain That can't be kissed into smiles again."
Bret Harte
~mari...
liquid eyeliner
i've been digging loreal's felt tipped eyeliner marker. good times.but this is a picture of my eye from a few years ago. i should do more and more eye make up.
my eyes are some of my favorite features. i love mostly wearing copper and bronze shadows now - something to make the blue appear bluer. i also buy blue shirt after blue shirt in the attempt to further blue-it my eyes. it's part of what makes me me.
lips - that's another story...
~mari.
Sneak Peek
HOPEFULLY I'll get my act together and write a proper entry about the fun that was Owen's THIRD birthday party!
It was a blast. I am exhausted. Travel was easy and actually fun. I love getting to watch TV on an airplane, and I'm starting to like "How I Met Your Mother." Goon bait!
Off to bed in the hopes I can still fight off this icky germy cold... but it was worth it to kiss owen's face!
~M.
It was a blast. I am exhausted. Travel was easy and actually fun. I love getting to watch TV on an airplane, and I'm starting to like "How I Met Your Mother." Goon bait!
Off to bed in the hopes I can still fight off this icky germy cold... but it was worth it to kiss owen's face!
~M.
notes from shawn's dissertation
July 30, 2007
18 people plus Shawn. Most, even his adviser wore jeans!
Sitting and watching, I could see the water fountain. We had been warned not to drink the water - tastes pretty gross. I did find out WHY it gets so gross. An older Asian man (likely a professor) rinsed his hands in the fountain, splashing water into the mouth piece. ICK!
Shawn used a beautiful, simple PowerPoint. Dark purple with white text and lively movies.
This work may have biomedical applications, such as automatic testing.
I think he used the word "crap" when talking about the device of the experiment.
~Mari...
18 people plus Shawn. Most, even his adviser wore jeans!
Sitting and watching, I could see the water fountain. We had been warned not to drink the water - tastes pretty gross. I did find out WHY it gets so gross. An older Asian man (likely a professor) rinsed his hands in the fountain, splashing water into the mouth piece. ICK!
Shawn used a beautiful, simple PowerPoint. Dark purple with white text and lively movies.
This work may have biomedical applications, such as automatic testing.
I think he used the word "crap" when talking about the device of the experiment.
~Mari...
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