Yolande

1. I gave my blog it's monthly face lift today, so for those of you who read through Google Reader, you may want to see the new decor:) I'm completely guilty of reading blogs the lazy way through GR, too, and miss the real layouts.

2. I've spent my day off doing the following: sleeping until 9 am [went to be at 10 pm!], laundry, car wash [it was hideous and felt neglected], and scouring the internet for our anniversary trip. My new idea: KEY WEST! I'm still keeping Napa and Boston at the top of our "must see" list, but right now the beach is calling. And we've always wanted to see Key west. Look at these pictures and try not to drool:

Do you see what I see? The LOW in May/June is 78 degrees. The low, people. The highs are in the 80s which is my ideal temperature. This aspect sells me instantly on Florida. Also, I really want to keep this vacation under 2k for the hotel [5 nights], flights, and food/drink. It CAN be done but we just need to research a bit. I'm also toying with the idea of Mexico because it's usually inexpensive but we'll see. Right now I'm all about Key West but I have to run it by the big guy when he gets home.

3. Apparently, I might have the day off tomorrow. My boss and co-workers basically told me on Saturday that I looked "tired" and "worn out" the whole day. I think they feel sorry for me and my dark circled eyes because I've been working my arse off there then attempting to work 0n the house in the evenings. So they've pulled some strings and told me to call in the morning, just in case they get hit hard with new evals, but otherwise I'm off tomorrow! Cross your fingers that we don't have a rash of ankle fractures on our death trap ice because I'd LOVE another day to breathe. Not to mention that Nate also has a day off so I could actually spend some time with my husband for once. Shocking concept, I know.

1. I bought some fun camera-related stuff and tried to emulate Dooce with the ever-popular 'stuff on a dog' shots.

Lens filter that soothes my anxiety about scratching the glass:


Nifty lens pen that will clean both the filter and lens glass with ease:




2. Henry has an appointment for a second opinion next Monday. We are hoping for the best.

3. As if our $200 bill wasn't enough from our current vet, we received a notice in the mail that went something like this: "Thank you so much for paying us $200 of your hard-earned money. But, whoops! We forgot to add another $24 to your tab for the 'fecal flotation test.' Please send the additional fee asap. Yours truly, Rip Off Vet."

To say that Nate was a bit steamed is an understatement. Definitely the last straw and you might have heard things like, "Henry, I promise not to make you see that whore-of-a-vet anymore," and, "I'll float a piece of my own poop for them and ask for another $24 just for fun." I find the whole thing quite entertaining at this point but my husband does not see the humor just yet.

4. We ate some mighty fine grub this weekend. For instance, Saturday morning breakfast:

Cranberry and chocolate chunk scone from a local bakery. Mmmmmmm.

And breakfast Sunday morning:



Homemade cinnamon rolls that put Cinnabon to shame. Seriously, though. Mmmmmm.


5. REI dividends make us a happy family. Because Nate insists we use our REI card for everything we have $300 of free credit to spend as we please. The only reason I agree to this credit card use is because we don't carry a balance month-to-month and I enjoy free stuff just as much as the next person.

It's a weird in-between season time right now, so I only managed to spend a little bit of my half of the dividend. But a new pimp sports bra and camelback water bottle are enough to satisfy me at the moment. And what's that I see?

A new pair of running shoes [not from REI] that are non-Asics?!?! I feel so disloyal and yet rather excited for a new brand. We got fitted at Fleet Feet and this is what they suggested after watching me run on a treadmill with different shoes. Pretty sweet, huh?

------------updated at 5 pm sunday-----------------
Since getting the shoes on Saturday I've pounded out a total of 14 miles with these babies and I think I'll keep them. Breaking in running shoes is always a pain but I think I likey.



And Nate's cool new canteen water bottle makes him happy, too. I just think it's fun to photograph.

6. We are officially running in the STL half marathon next month. I never knew it was one of the largest halves in the nation with nearly 10,000 runners. Can't wait!

7. After I threw myself a pity party due to my lacking closet, I decided to treat my wardrobe with a new jacket from H&M. I love it. Collar popped:


And collar flipped down:


This one didn't get a new jacket but is obviously quite jealous anyway:



8. Am I the last blogger on the planet to give in to this?

I've withheld all this time because I really don't see how a book about vampires can be so fantastic. I admit, part of me wonders if this series can live up to the hype. I have Andrea to thank for lending me the first two books and she promises they will be worth my time. Let the addiction begin...

9. While stopping into PetSmart the other day we observed numerous excited dogs dropping bombs on the floor. Look left: dog pooping. Look right: owner cleaning up a different poop. It is always mad chaos in there.

This must have sparked a memory for Nate because he said, "It's like that time I took Henry to the groomers. I look over to see him shaking from fear, wracked with anxiety about seeing many strangers. But then I look a little closer and see he is assuming the position, dropping monster turds all over the floor. I'm sure the groomer thought we neglected to take Henry out for a whole week, considering how massive the poop turned out to be."

Does anyone else find this visual amusing? :)

10. It's 35 degrees and pouring down rain today, just like yesterday. Why do the weekends have to bring such crappy weather when Thursday and Friday boasted temps in the upper 50s with actual sunshine? Ugh. The only positive I can find: at least it's not snowing. And actually, the rain is washing away most of the snow we had....not all of it, but most of it. Please, Spring, please show your face.

---------updated at 5pm Sunday-----------
Never mind. I spoke too soon. The rain has officially turned into big fatty flakes of snow. You win, Mother Nature. I'm waving my white flag.