I love how he talks to himself
Kevin, Bekah, and Crew
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Print to Film
In my recent traveling I have been able to do a bit of reading. My theme for the summer was books that have been made into movies.
I started off with the Twilight series a couple of months ago. They were entertaining and definitely held my interest, but you can't expect to be wowed by young adult fiction. The movie, however, was VERY cheesy. Definitely glad I waited for the rental (and I wasn't even the one to rent it, HA!) I will see New Moon, although I may way for the rental on that as well. I'm hoping the new director will do better than the last.
A few weeks ago I picked up My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult while I was
in the Denver Airport (the first time, not the time I spent the night.) I thought this was a beautiful story. Each chapter comes from a different character perspective. Picoult allows you to relate to her characters as a parent, a sibling, a friend. Warning: Read with a box of tissues. It doesn't play out like you think it should but I was crying from page three on. Unfortunately, even thought I haven't yet seen the film, I was only able to picture Anna as Abigail Breslin. I was able to let the author describe the characters and I could form them in my mind, but Anna always came out looking like Abigail.
On my way to Boston I read Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. It was okay. The character wasn't very deep, and was a little irritating, but it was an easy read and good for the airplane. I thought it was pretty funny though when it came up as the in-flight movie. Kevin watched the film while I finished the book. But when Kevin and I discussed it later, the film is nothing like the book. (Are movies on film anymore? Isn't everything digital?) Apparently the film writer and director took a lot of creative liberty almost changing the entire story line. The book ending felt a little rushed. It looks like the film ending was a little more entertaining and better for the box office.
On the return flight I read The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Wiseberger. This was entertaining
and different than the movie as well. The difference with this story was I had already seen the film. Typically I prefer to read the book first so the movie doesn't dominate how I view the characters or give a way a books ending. I would much rather have the ending of a movie spoiled over a books ending. But the book was different enough from the movie to keep my attention and allow me to develop a new vision of characters. There is a lot of swearing and I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart, but I thought it helped the reader shape Andy's character.
I have one of this "theme" left for the summer; The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
I started off with the Twilight series a couple of months ago. They were entertaining and definitely held my interest, but you can't expect to be wowed by young adult fiction. The movie, however, was VERY cheesy. Definitely glad I waited for the rental (and I wasn't even the one to rent it, HA!) I will see New Moon, although I may way for the rental on that as well. I'm hoping the new director will do better than the last.A few weeks ago I picked up My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult while I was
in the Denver Airport (the first time, not the time I spent the night.) I thought this was a beautiful story. Each chapter comes from a different character perspective. Picoult allows you to relate to her characters as a parent, a sibling, a friend. Warning: Read with a box of tissues. It doesn't play out like you think it should but I was crying from page three on. Unfortunately, even thought I haven't yet seen the film, I was only able to picture Anna as Abigail Breslin. I was able to let the author describe the characters and I could form them in my mind, but Anna always came out looking like Abigail.
On my way to Boston I read Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. It was okay. The character wasn't very deep, and was a little irritating, but it was an easy read and good for the airplane. I thought it was pretty funny though when it came up as the in-flight movie. Kevin watched the film while I finished the book. But when Kevin and I discussed it later, the film is nothing like the book. (Are movies on film anymore? Isn't everything digital?) Apparently the film writer and director took a lot of creative liberty almost changing the entire story line. The book ending felt a little rushed. It looks like the film ending was a little more entertaining and better for the box office.On the return flight I read The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Wiseberger. This was entertaining
and different than the movie as well. The difference with this story was I had already seen the film. Typically I prefer to read the book first so the movie doesn't dominate how I view the characters or give a way a books ending. I would much rather have the ending of a movie spoiled over a books ending. But the book was different enough from the movie to keep my attention and allow me to develop a new vision of characters. There is a lot of swearing and I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart, but I thought it helped the reader shape Andy's character.I have one of this "theme" left for the summer; The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Slumber Party in Denver
I’m back from Boston and can’t wait to tell you all about it, but I just had to share with you about my adventure in Denver!
I left my hotel at 10:50 am EST and Kevin walked me to my bus
stop. I took the bus to the Subway station and the picked up another bus that took me to Logan Airport. I left Boston at 2:45 pm EST time headed to Denver for my connection flight. On our descent to Denver, the pilot informed us that there were severe thunder and lightning storms over the airport and we would be circling while they blew over. After 40 minutes of circling the pilot again came over the speaker to let us know we were being rerouted to Colorado Springs to refuel and wait. We, and the 25 other planes in front of us, spent two hours on the runway in Colorado Springs. By the time I got off the flight in Denver, they were announcing the last call to Ontario, CA.
I waited in line for two hours to try to get a flight home (and there was probably a two hour wait for rest of the line behind me). As the list of outgoing flights on the television monitors got shorter and shorter, I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving that night. When I got to the counter the only spot they had to Ontario would get me in at 11:00 pm on Wednesday night. They offered me a flight to LAX landing at 10:15 and I took it. Unfortunately this means I no longer had a ride home. It was 11:00pm on Tuesday night and I didn’t really know who to call. As I pulled on socks and another long sleeve t-shirt (now totaling three shirts) to keep warm as I slept on the ground, I remembered Brian and Brandon were off for the summer. So Wednesday morning at 4:00 am PST, I sent out a text looking for a ride in from LAX. God bless those boys (and their wives) for checking their phones that early. Brandon even called back that early. Brian said he could do it and will that last juice of my cell phone battery I sent a text with the time, flight number, and terminal.
Then my phone shut off.
I had not told my husband, sister, or mother how I was getting home; all three who knew I was spending the night in the airport. I had sent a mass text about a pick-up and was not able to tell any of them I found a ride. What on earth did we do before cell phones? After searching for a charging station like they have in Ontario, and finding out that the electronics store didn’t open until 9:00, I headed to the payphone. I dialed the number, entered my credit card, and couldn’t get the phone to work. I just needed to leave a message for Kevin but had no idea what to do.
I began to cry. I was almost hysterical but couldn’t stop. The stress mixed with the lack of sleep had taken its toll and I didn’t know what to do. I am 27 years old and I feel like a child that can’t find her mother. I just sat in the payphone booth and cried. I must have been louder than I thought because a very nice woman (Kelly) and her son on their way to Hawaii came around the corner to ask if I was okay. While trying to suck in air, I explained the story. She let me use her cell phone and I left a message for Kevin telling him to call Brandon, Brian, and Rachel. I assumed Rachel would let me mother know or my mother would end up calling Kevin; I think both happened. I left the pay phone number for Kevin, but when he called back all I heard was a hello before they cut us off. So much for working the system.
I headed over to my gate to sit and wait, still crying occasionally. I was so upset I could have sworn I heard them page me over the intercom. It wasn’t until they said my name again that I realized the airport really was paging me. When I called from the “courtesy phone” I identified myself and she asked if I was Kevin’s wife. I said yes and I think I started crying again because she said she was going to patch me through to him. After talking to Kevin later, that isn’t something they normally do. Kevin let me know he had talked to everyone and everything was fine. And that was all I needed. I cried a little more on the phone with him, but I was fine after that. Kevin is my support and mind of reason. He had taken care of everything and I was heading home.
Brian was there when I walked out and I have never been so happy to see a face I recognized.
Lesson learned: Always carry your phone charger when traveling.
I left my hotel at 10:50 am EST and Kevin walked me to my bus
stop. I took the bus to the Subway station and the picked up another bus that took me to Logan Airport. I left Boston at 2:45 pm EST time headed to Denver for my connection flight. On our descent to Denver, the pilot informed us that there were severe thunder and lightning storms over the airport and we would be circling while they blew over. After 40 minutes of circling the pilot again came over the speaker to let us know we were being rerouted to Colorado Springs to refuel and wait. We, and the 25 other planes in front of us, spent two hours on the runway in Colorado Springs. By the time I got off the flight in Denver, they were announcing the last call to Ontario, CA.I waited in line for two hours to try to get a flight home (and there was probably a two hour wait for rest of the line behind me). As the list of outgoing flights on the television monitors got shorter and shorter, I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving that night. When I got to the counter the only spot they had to Ontario would get me in at 11:00 pm on Wednesday night. They offered me a flight to LAX landing at 10:15 and I took it. Unfortunately this means I no longer had a ride home. It was 11:00pm on Tuesday night and I didn’t really know who to call. As I pulled on socks and another long sleeve t-shirt (now totaling three shirts) to keep warm as I slept on the ground, I remembered Brian and Brandon were off for the summer. So Wednesday morning at 4:00 am PST, I sent out a text looking for a ride in from LAX. God bless those boys (and their wives) for checking their phones that early. Brandon even called back that early. Brian said he could do it and will that last juice of my cell phone battery I sent a text with the time, flight number, and terminal.
Then my phone shut off.
I had not told my husband, sister, or mother how I was getting home; all three who knew I was spending the night in the airport. I had sent a mass text about a pick-up and was not able to tell any of them I found a ride. What on earth did we do before cell phones? After searching for a charging station like they have in Ontario, and finding out that the electronics store didn’t open until 9:00, I headed to the payphone. I dialed the number, entered my credit card, and couldn’t get the phone to work. I just needed to leave a message for Kevin but had no idea what to do.
I began to cry. I was almost hysterical but couldn’t stop. The stress mixed with the lack of sleep had taken its toll and I didn’t know what to do. I am 27 years old and I feel like a child that can’t find her mother. I just sat in the payphone booth and cried. I must have been louder than I thought because a very nice woman (Kelly) and her son on their way to Hawaii came around the corner to ask if I was okay. While trying to suck in air, I explained the story. She let me use her cell phone and I left a message for Kevin telling him to call Brandon, Brian, and Rachel. I assumed Rachel would let me mother know or my mother would end up calling Kevin; I think both happened. I left the pay phone number for Kevin, but when he called back all I heard was a hello before they cut us off. So much for working the system.
I headed over to my gate to sit and wait, still crying occasionally. I was so upset I could have sworn I heard them page me over the intercom. It wasn’t until they said my name again that I realized the airport really was paging me. When I called from the “courtesy phone” I identified myself and she asked if I was Kevin’s wife. I said yes and I think I started crying again because she said she was going to patch me through to him. After talking to Kevin later, that isn’t something they normally do. Kevin let me know he had talked to everyone and everything was fine. And that was all I needed. I cried a little more on the phone with him, but I was fine after that. Kevin is my support and mind of reason. He had taken care of everything and I was heading home.
Brian was there when I walked out and I have never been so happy to see a face I recognized.
Lesson learned: Always carry your phone charger when traveling.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
When Life Gives You Lemons . . .
You add club soda and vodka!
But if you run out of vodka, you put them out on your dining table. My MIL has lemon's coming out her ears and she sent me home with a bag full last week. I haven't had a chance to make lemonade and had too many for one bowl, so I spread them out. It was simple storage turned centerpiece.
But if you run out of vodka, you put them out on your dining table. My MIL has lemon's coming out her ears and she sent me home with a bag full last week. I haven't had a chance to make lemonade and had too many for one bowl, so I spread them out. It was simple storage turned centerpiece.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gimpy Puppy
In mid April Bubba was limping around so we took him to the vet. The doc thought it might be growing pains and gave us a pain medication with an anti-inflammatory. The medicine made him very sick so we only gave it to him once, and her stopped limping after 48 hours. Last week and limp was back and getting worse. He hardly ever put pressure on the foot. So we went back to the vet on Monday, and saw a different doc. He took some x-rays and thinks it may be osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD); cartilage damage or abnormal growth. Bubba may outgrow it. But if it gets worse or the medication doesn't seem to work, there is the option of surgery to remove the cartilage flap. He was so sad. Whenever the boys are separated they are a little mopey without their brother.
Bubba is doing a lot better now. A limp is rare and he is eating better. Thanks Dr. Mickelson!
Sox and Deep Dish
Kevin was sent to Rock Island, Illinois for a class for two weeks so I went out to see him over the weekend.
I got to Moline on Friday night and we relaxed in the hotel. Rock Island is on the border of Illinois and Iowa separated by the Mississippi River. I knew the Mississippi was quite long, but I didn't actually ever pay attention to how long. You could see a little bit of the river from Kevin's hotel room.
On Saturday we headed into Chicago for two days. We booked our hotel through Hotwire and were quite surprised when we landed the Hilton of Chicago in the heart of Downtown.
On Saturday afternoon we met up with Pablo and Anna Otaola for a White Sox game. Pablo and I grew up together and have know each other for years, but I haven't had the chance to meet his bride of a year. It was nice to chat, catch up, and get to know each other, but it was super cold.
After the game we were on a mission to find the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. The conceirge recommended Lou Malnati's. Eh - it was okay. I am sad to say I prefer pizza from BJ's Brewery.
On Sunday we had so many options of things we wanted to see and do that we couldn't pick on for a short time in the city. So we walked around all of downtown.
We walked by Soldier Field where just the night before the US Men's Soccer team beat Honduras. We couldn't believe how many Honduras fans were in the city on Saturday night.
One of our favorite things was the art sculptures around the city. I have no idea what this thing was called but it looked like a giant droplet of water.
The giant fountain in Grant Park that shot water 150 feet in the aid at the top of the hour.
On our way back to Rock Island we stopped at a Cracker Barrel for lunch. A first for Kevin.
And of course we had to take a picture of the sign with our name on it.
We've now been spotted in Illinois and Arizona!You can see all of our pictures on Flickr.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Vintage Kitchen Tools
I have received reviews on my new/old kitchen decor.
I love vintage kitchen gadgets and added them to my wall. I am still waiting on another egg beater from my mother and will continue to look for an old rolling pin. 
However, my sister and husband are not huge fans of the placement of my tools. Kevin liked our family sign over the door way and the tools on the back splash.
However, my sister and husband are not huge fans of the placement of my tools. Kevin liked our family sign over the door way and the tools on the back splash. 
Anyone have any suggestions to display my favored gadgets?
I guess I should clarify, they only mixed reviews is between my husband, sister, and I.
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