We, like many of you, are bored. I have been a terrible blogger the last 2 weeks, posting nothing, or rambling about basically nothing. It has been snowing. There is snow everywhere. The kids are crazy- the husband hasn't been able to work in almost two weeks and is going bonkers. Me? Well, I have been a work. They released us for two days last week, but that ended up being truly torturous. I loved that time with my babies and I didn't want to go back.
let the randomness begin.
1) I'm watching Idol and wondering if my hair will ever look like JLo's, or if it is starting to get stripper long.
2) I will never have a flat stomach as long as there is ranch dressing and processed cheese.
3) I love shoes but haven't indulged in a while. My husband will disagree.
4) I thought I could cook until I met my husband. We had ox tails tonight. They were incredible.
5) I love hearing little kids laugh.
6) There is a solution for every single problem. There is a cure for cancer, it just hasn't been found quite yet. There is an answer for everything- some we are supposed to know, some we aren't supposed to know just yet, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Be curious. I am.
7) I paid $30 in shipping for paper plates for the wee one's 1st birthday. I realize 8 hours later that this was stupid.
8) I wish I weren't as messy as I am. I desperately want to be an organized person.
9) I go to see my youngest big brother next weekend, and I am so excited. I haven't been to LA since I was a wee kid, and I am ready for warmth and some time with my daddy.
10) Sometimes I think it's funny to make John carry me like he does the kids. We both usually laugh so hard that I end up crashing to the ground.
That is about it.
ciao.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snowpacolypse 2011- a recap
I've been at my house since Monday afternoon. I have eaten my weight in food, and cleaned the house 60 times. I have attempted laundry, but I was over it the minute that I began. I pondered putting on jeans, but quickly switched for sweats. I did put on mascara and chap stick.
Last night I took a ride on a rhino and went to a friends house. She challenged me to a wii game of just dance. She stomped me. I'll admit that I am not the best dancer. I channel my artistic side in other ways, but dancing is not one of them. I grew up the granddaughter of the best dance teacher in town. I am the daughter of a ballerina. I can tap. Thank God that doesn't require much grace. As I age I realize that my ability to dance must have been passed down through my father's genes. We have equal dance talent. My brother, on the other hand, is freaking rico suave on the dance floor. I'm pretty sure that is how he snagged his hot wife. Anyway, I lost by thousands of points on both just dance, and Michael Jackson's dance revolution. I did kick her 7 year old's ass though, and I am okay with bragging about that. I swear the only reason she kept winning is because she is 8 feet tall, and I am 5 feet tall. I think that makes a huge difference. That is what I am telling myself.
Today I watched Regis display more signs of dementia when calling Brooke Burke "Brooke Burns" and blaming it on his card. Poor Reg. Even if it was a genuine mistake, we will all assume he has old timers just because he is 100 years old.
I then watched Megyn Kelly's coverage on the riots in Cairo. I feel sorry for those people that aren't directly involved. They have no money- the ATMs are shut down, and so are banks. No money=no food. Makes my heart hurt. Megyn Kelly is my favorite- I may adore her more than Shep. And I LOVE Shep.
I swear that I will again write something that has some form of substance to it. As for now, I don't have much to say. The below picture pretty much describes how the last three days have been, and it screams how I am feeling. till later...
Last night I took a ride on a rhino and went to a friends house. She challenged me to a wii game of just dance. She stomped me. I'll admit that I am not the best dancer. I channel my artistic side in other ways, but dancing is not one of them. I grew up the granddaughter of the best dance teacher in town. I am the daughter of a ballerina. I can tap. Thank God that doesn't require much grace. As I age I realize that my ability to dance must have been passed down through my father's genes. We have equal dance talent. My brother, on the other hand, is freaking rico suave on the dance floor. I'm pretty sure that is how he snagged his hot wife. Anyway, I lost by thousands of points on both just dance, and Michael Jackson's dance revolution. I did kick her 7 year old's ass though, and I am okay with bragging about that. I swear the only reason she kept winning is because she is 8 feet tall, and I am 5 feet tall. I think that makes a huge difference. That is what I am telling myself.
Today I watched Regis display more signs of dementia when calling Brooke Burke "Brooke Burns" and blaming it on his card. Poor Reg. Even if it was a genuine mistake, we will all assume he has old timers just because he is 100 years old.
I then watched Megyn Kelly's coverage on the riots in Cairo. I feel sorry for those people that aren't directly involved. They have no money- the ATMs are shut down, and so are banks. No money=no food. Makes my heart hurt. Megyn Kelly is my favorite- I may adore her more than Shep. And I LOVE Shep.
I swear that I will again write something that has some form of substance to it. As for now, I don't have much to say. The below picture pretty much describes how the last three days have been, and it screams how I am feeling. till later...
Monday, January 31, 2011
snowpacalypse 2011
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| dreaming of a snowy day with power... |
I hate this uncertainty. I hate now knowing what I am doing tomorrow. I am a planner. I need to know these things. Should I fill bottles with water just in case? I worked for the freaking Red Cross for crying out loud. You would think I would be prepared, but alas, prepared I am not. I just kept telling people as they exited their cubes today "See ya Thursday" cause I just have a feeling..... anyway.
So while I am preparing to be unprepared for the "epic snowstorm" (thanks mike collier for that terrifying description), I am being tortured with Orange County Choppers, and Paul Sr's foreclosure, and I am sure basketball will pop up on the screen at some point. I have canned food. That should suffice.
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| my big crazy man. he 's so 2 its not even funny. |
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| my personal chef- and full time handsome. |
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| john gave these to me for christmas in 2005. they are a mess, and I love them with my whole heart. |
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| my baby- almost 11 months. can't believe it. |
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| lukie rockin the walker, looking clueless. |
Stay safe y'all, and ill leave you with a memorable picture to give you sweet dreams. Ciao.
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| yes- its a wig. |
Monday, January 24, 2011
can i schedule a time to schedule you in?
So I have mentioned that life is crazy being a working mother. Tonight I had one hour with my kids, and then I had to go to a meeting. Thank goodness the big one was awake when I got home and I could play with him for a bit before he went down. Thank goodness he didn't remember that Woody's head had again fallen off and he was on top of the refrigerator "in surgery".
As far as chores go, I got nothing accomplished today. I take that back, I actually rescheduled 5 appointments for myself and kids because I can't leave work for them like I used to. Another thank goodness- thank goodness my good friend is the office manager at the pediatricians office. She has promised that BuzzWoody will be playing upon our arrival, and we were guaranteed the latest appointment. It's hard to take these two anywhere together. The big one is uncontrollable, and the little one wants to crawl. I find it hard to manage both stages at once. I have the monkey leash for Will (as if) and the sling for Luke. In a perfect world this will work. I'm sure in my world it will end with me having a monkey tail wrapped around my legs, a baby dangling from a sling, and a knock on the door from child services.
But here I sit, and I can't help but feel like I got nothing accomplished today, and I feel guilty about it. Laundry is still piled up. The kids clothes, while clean, are still in baskets. I don't have a clue what I will wear to work tomorrow, partly because I don't know what is clean, and partly because I own only 2 pair of socks, and I'm pretty sure they are both dirty. I imagine I could turn them inside out or wear John's size 12 ones. It has been known to happen. If you tuck the toe in you don't really notice all that much.
My hope for tonight is that I remember to wash my face and set my alarm, and dream of a day when I don't have baby food crusted on my left shoulder, and boogers on my pant legs.
Or maybe it's not. I think that there is a faint scent of bliss in this stage of life. Maybe that is why everyone says it goes by so fast- we are too busy to just sit back and observe.
My good friend sent me an email about the Bible study I am currently in (and behind on) and it was a blurb from Rick Warren about how to focus your day, and how your quiet time should and can be in the morning.
Rick Warren is a man. I respect him completely-he is totally inspirational, but he is, in fact, a man. Its like a male OB telling you how labor feels. Quiet time before the kids get up seems impossible.
My first thought was 'I can totally do this. It will help me get on the treadmill. I can do my Bible study while walking.' light bulb!!!
And then it actually hit me! I missed the whole point. The point is to focus. How else can we truly get the most out of what we are doing? Whether it's a a short term Bible study or your life, the goal is to focus and appreciate the moment. That is how you get the most out of it.
I currently suck at this.
ciao.
As far as chores go, I got nothing accomplished today. I take that back, I actually rescheduled 5 appointments for myself and kids because I can't leave work for them like I used to. Another thank goodness- thank goodness my good friend is the office manager at the pediatricians office. She has promised that BuzzWoody will be playing upon our arrival, and we were guaranteed the latest appointment. It's hard to take these two anywhere together. The big one is uncontrollable, and the little one wants to crawl. I find it hard to manage both stages at once. I have the monkey leash for Will (as if) and the sling for Luke. In a perfect world this will work. I'm sure in my world it will end with me having a monkey tail wrapped around my legs, a baby dangling from a sling, and a knock on the door from child services.
But here I sit, and I can't help but feel like I got nothing accomplished today, and I feel guilty about it. Laundry is still piled up. The kids clothes, while clean, are still in baskets. I don't have a clue what I will wear to work tomorrow, partly because I don't know what is clean, and partly because I own only 2 pair of socks, and I'm pretty sure they are both dirty. I imagine I could turn them inside out or wear John's size 12 ones. It has been known to happen. If you tuck the toe in you don't really notice all that much.
My hope for tonight is that I remember to wash my face and set my alarm, and dream of a day when I don't have baby food crusted on my left shoulder, and boogers on my pant legs.
Or maybe it's not. I think that there is a faint scent of bliss in this stage of life. Maybe that is why everyone says it goes by so fast- we are too busy to just sit back and observe.
My good friend sent me an email about the Bible study I am currently in (and behind on) and it was a blurb from Rick Warren about how to focus your day, and how your quiet time should and can be in the morning.
Rick Warren is a man. I respect him completely-he is totally inspirational, but he is, in fact, a man. Its like a male OB telling you how labor feels. Quiet time before the kids get up seems impossible.
My first thought was 'I can totally do this. It will help me get on the treadmill. I can do my Bible study while walking.' light bulb!!!
And then it actually hit me! I missed the whole point. The point is to focus. How else can we truly get the most out of what we are doing? Whether it's a a short term Bible study or your life, the goal is to focus and appreciate the moment. That is how you get the most out of it.
I currently suck at this.
ciao.
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| random but totally cute pic of my big baby. |
Sunday, January 23, 2011
scrub a dub
Any mom knows that trying to shower when your kids are around is a nightmare. Now that Will is a little older he looks at me funny and its starting to make me uncomfortable. I don't know what age I need to stop changing in front of him, but I'm guessing that pointing and laughing at my butt is a subtle sign that it's almost that time.
When I need to get ready on the weekends, I lock my kids in my room with me, turn on Nick Jr, and jump in the shower. This works for the big one. He goes into a trance as soon as anything animated comes on. The little one (who is currently pulling at my pants leg screaming) is not phased by the TV. So I jump in the shower, and he stands at the glass door banging at me and doing that whine/cry thing. I try and speed up my normal 20 minute shower, and it never fails that I forget something. Lately, I have been noticing that I have dried conditioner in the folds of my ears.
I couldn't handle it today. I grabbed him- stripped him down and took him in with me. He needed a bath anyway, so I thought that he may like it. Not so much.
He screamed the whole time (no, the water wasn't too hot) and I tried to wash my hair with one hand. Meanwhile, my left arm was about to fall out from trying to hold an extremely slippery baby. It was literally spasming because it had never been exposed to that much exercise.
I don't work out. Well, I have before, and I intend to do it again some day, but I'm not really consistent in the world of physical activity. My workout today was taking the stairs 4 times.
Needless to say, it didn't go well. I skipped conditioner all together, and I now have a frizzy puff on top of my head. He is squeaky clean and smelling of lavender and looking adorable as usual. I look like hell.
The next problem I normally have is drying my hair and doing my makeup. It takes almost 30 minutes to dry all of my hair. There is a ton of it, and I try not to do it that often, but about every other day it has to be done. Sometimes if I'm lucky, the kids will play on the floor and watch me or TV, but lately this hasn't been the case. They have been wanting to sit on the counter in front of me and watch themselves, and slobber up my mirror, turn on my faucet, and chew on my somewhat expensive make up brushes. The big one brushes his teeth with my toothbrush and toothpaste, and is probably over loaded on fluoride. Whatever- its called picking your battles. You can eat my toothpaste if you leave my mascara alone.
This used to really stress me out. After all, I try and keep my things in their place, and when the kids and I leave the bathroom it looks like a tornado went through it. If they aren't in the bathroom, they are in my closet pulling out all of my shoes. Thing I don't get is they never ever touch John's stuff. EVER.
So in my quest to lead a more peaceful and stress free life, I am trying to not let this get under my skin. I've decided I don't need to go back into my bathroom until this evening, and avoid the whole mess.
When I need to get ready on the weekends, I lock my kids in my room with me, turn on Nick Jr, and jump in the shower. This works for the big one. He goes into a trance as soon as anything animated comes on. The little one (who is currently pulling at my pants leg screaming) is not phased by the TV. So I jump in the shower, and he stands at the glass door banging at me and doing that whine/cry thing. I try and speed up my normal 20 minute shower, and it never fails that I forget something. Lately, I have been noticing that I have dried conditioner in the folds of my ears.
I couldn't handle it today. I grabbed him- stripped him down and took him in with me. He needed a bath anyway, so I thought that he may like it. Not so much.
He screamed the whole time (no, the water wasn't too hot) and I tried to wash my hair with one hand. Meanwhile, my left arm was about to fall out from trying to hold an extremely slippery baby. It was literally spasming because it had never been exposed to that much exercise.
I don't work out. Well, I have before, and I intend to do it again some day, but I'm not really consistent in the world of physical activity. My workout today was taking the stairs 4 times.
Needless to say, it didn't go well. I skipped conditioner all together, and I now have a frizzy puff on top of my head. He is squeaky clean and smelling of lavender and looking adorable as usual. I look like hell.
The next problem I normally have is drying my hair and doing my makeup. It takes almost 30 minutes to dry all of my hair. There is a ton of it, and I try not to do it that often, but about every other day it has to be done. Sometimes if I'm lucky, the kids will play on the floor and watch me or TV, but lately this hasn't been the case. They have been wanting to sit on the counter in front of me and watch themselves, and slobber up my mirror, turn on my faucet, and chew on my somewhat expensive make up brushes. The big one brushes his teeth with my toothbrush and toothpaste, and is probably over loaded on fluoride. Whatever- its called picking your battles. You can eat my toothpaste if you leave my mascara alone.
This used to really stress me out. After all, I try and keep my things in their place, and when the kids and I leave the bathroom it looks like a tornado went through it. If they aren't in the bathroom, they are in my closet pulling out all of my shoes. Thing I don't get is they never ever touch John's stuff. EVER.
So in my quest to lead a more peaceful and stress free life, I am trying to not let this get under my skin. I've decided I don't need to go back into my bathroom until this evening, and avoid the whole mess.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
a change in the making
Those that know me well know that I will hear a song, fall in love with it, and listen to it a billion times. "A change in the making" by Addison Road, and a conversation with a friend got me thinking today.
Why are we obsessed with aging? Why is it so terrible? I know some of you are cursing my 28 year old self under your breath, but I really don't understand what the big deal is. I don't get it. I was talking to a college friend the other day, and she is upset about her upcoming 30th birthday. She said that once this happens, she will be 40, and then it won't be long before she is dead. ha!
yeah. she was for real! (sorry I called you out, T) Why are we teaching our children this? It is like complaining all day Sunday about having to go to work on Monday. It's a waste of a perfectly good day. I've never been one of those people that looks back on high school and college and wishes they could go back. I can't help but think that the most fun is ahead.
I've admitted that I have no idea what I'm doing in my life, I have totally had my fair share of confusion and struggle. But I'm trying to figure it out day by day- just like everyone else. I heard on TV today "Age is God's promise that we still have more to offer to the world." What a wonderful reason.
No matter what age you are, you have a purpose. What an honor! There are always new ways to grow and learn, and to teach and give. I think about "A letter to my 18 year old self" and I realize that in 10 years, when I am 38, I may have advice to give to a young mother that is balancing a billion things and trying to stay sane. Kind of like I am now. However, I have no idea what I would say.
Maybe I should start with "don't throw away Will's newborn clothes just yet. You will be pregnant again in 2 seconds."
In all seriousness, and in my very young and naive opinion, age is not something to fear, but a gift.
I hope to be always be growing and evolving, and when I am at a point where I'm not I think I'll be in big trouble. I am a wiser and more confident woman than I was 3 years ago. Being a mother and wife has made me stronger in every aspect of my life. However, it is also my biggest challenge. There are days when I am positive that I am not centered, and I have to take a moment for me and be conscious of where I am, and regroup. The beauty in this is that I learn each time how to do it differently because each situation is different. I am becoming more efficient at realigning myself to be where I need to be, to be a better person for all those around me and for myself.
I still have moments where I am completely frazzled and clueless, but being present and conscious of those around me and myself (that is the hardest part) is the big lesson I have started to learn in my 20's.
I am not a techy, so I couldn't figure out how to get the clip on this blog- so I have included the link below to a slideshow type thing with the song. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that it causes you to explore where you are like it did me.
Click here to listen to "a change in the making" by Addison Road.
ciao.
Why are we obsessed with aging? Why is it so terrible? I know some of you are cursing my 28 year old self under your breath, but I really don't understand what the big deal is. I don't get it. I was talking to a college friend the other day, and she is upset about her upcoming 30th birthday. She said that once this happens, she will be 40, and then it won't be long before she is dead. ha!
yeah. she was for real! (sorry I called you out, T) Why are we teaching our children this? It is like complaining all day Sunday about having to go to work on Monday. It's a waste of a perfectly good day. I've never been one of those people that looks back on high school and college and wishes they could go back. I can't help but think that the most fun is ahead.
I've admitted that I have no idea what I'm doing in my life, I have totally had my fair share of confusion and struggle. But I'm trying to figure it out day by day- just like everyone else. I heard on TV today "Age is God's promise that we still have more to offer to the world." What a wonderful reason.
No matter what age you are, you have a purpose. What an honor! There are always new ways to grow and learn, and to teach and give. I think about "A letter to my 18 year old self" and I realize that in 10 years, when I am 38, I may have advice to give to a young mother that is balancing a billion things and trying to stay sane. Kind of like I am now. However, I have no idea what I would say.
Maybe I should start with "don't throw away Will's newborn clothes just yet. You will be pregnant again in 2 seconds."
In all seriousness, and in my very young and naive opinion, age is not something to fear, but a gift.
I hope to be always be growing and evolving, and when I am at a point where I'm not I think I'll be in big trouble. I am a wiser and more confident woman than I was 3 years ago. Being a mother and wife has made me stronger in every aspect of my life. However, it is also my biggest challenge. There are days when I am positive that I am not centered, and I have to take a moment for me and be conscious of where I am, and regroup. The beauty in this is that I learn each time how to do it differently because each situation is different. I am becoming more efficient at realigning myself to be where I need to be, to be a better person for all those around me and for myself.
I still have moments where I am completely frazzled and clueless, but being present and conscious of those around me and myself (that is the hardest part) is the big lesson I have started to learn in my 20's.
I am not a techy, so I couldn't figure out how to get the clip on this blog- so I have included the link below to a slideshow type thing with the song. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that it causes you to explore where you are like it did me.
Click here to listen to "a change in the making" by Addison Road.
ciao.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dinner Club-January 2011
Some friends and I formed a dinner club after I had the wee one, and we have had such a blast. Some of our parents were involved in one in the 80's, and they had a ball, so we decided to carry on the tradition.
If you google dinner club, you will see all sorts of insane things that people do. I have heard of one that only focuses on recipes from Bon Appetit magazine. I have heard of some that have lovely multiple course dinners with the best of china. That sounds great and all, but we are mostly working mother's with very young children. We don't have time for that, AND for it to be fun. Preparing an eloquent dish while shooing a 10 month old off your leg sounds miserable. It needed to be casual- very low key.
After discussion, we chose to have the host couple prepare the meat of their choice and a signature drink, and each couple would bring a side and a little something to sip on if they had something particular they liked. The one idea we stole from another dinner club in town is that each host invites a mystery couple. It can be anyone of their choosing, and it has been so fun to show up and find out who is there.
We have had many memorable experiences thus far: the queso explosion, the quest for outdoor curtains, the ceiling of twinkle lights, and the tipping of the ladder. It never fails that someone will be hilarious.
It has been almost a year since our first meeting, and it has been something that I look forward to every month. Here are some memories of our night.
Now that I am uploading pictures, I am giggling about how almost everything was a PW recipe. It has to be said, everything she does is the best and SO SO easy. A couple of suggestions for the dips is to add more cayenne to the artichoke and olive dip, and to add more jalapenos and black beans to the black eyed pea dip. They were both delicious. Another thing I forgot to snap a picture of was the jalapeno corn bread. It too was divine. The wedge was a classic wedge with bleu cheese dressing (my favorite salad of all time). Hint: stew poured lovingly over mashed potatoes is hard to beat. I have been craving it ever since.
After dinner is a time to hang out with friends and just enjoy a night off from the world and with each other. It was so nice to sit by the fire on this very cold night. Please enjoy some incriminating photos. Fair warning: the pictures are either yellow or dark- depending on what time it was. I may need to stick with the auto setting for evening functions.
If you google dinner club, you will see all sorts of insane things that people do. I have heard of one that only focuses on recipes from Bon Appetit magazine. I have heard of some that have lovely multiple course dinners with the best of china. That sounds great and all, but we are mostly working mother's with very young children. We don't have time for that, AND for it to be fun. Preparing an eloquent dish while shooing a 10 month old off your leg sounds miserable. It needed to be casual- very low key.
After discussion, we chose to have the host couple prepare the meat of their choice and a signature drink, and each couple would bring a side and a little something to sip on if they had something particular they liked. The one idea we stole from another dinner club in town is that each host invites a mystery couple. It can be anyone of their choosing, and it has been so fun to show up and find out who is there.
We have had many memorable experiences thus far: the queso explosion, the quest for outdoor curtains, the ceiling of twinkle lights, and the tipping of the ladder. It never fails that someone will be hilarious.
It has been almost a year since our first meeting, and it has been something that I look forward to every month. Here are some memories of our night.
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| Pioneer Woman Artichoke and Olive Dip and Pioneer Woman Black Eyed Pea Dip. |
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| Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes |
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| Delicious Beef Stew (not Pioneer Woman...) |
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| Wedge Salad (I couldn't help myself- I had to eat it before I remembered to take a picture. |
Now on to the important thing. The specialty drink. Our hostess dared to be creative with a blueberry martini. FAIL. Ha! sorry Jen. I rarely drink liquor, so I thought it was terrible, but alas, my new favorite and the most dangerous drink of all time arrived to save the day.
The hot and dirty martini. Or as I call it, the HOT and DIRRTY. This is a serious drink, folks. Be prepared to take the next day to recover. Now, I am no expert bartender, but here is what I think was in this magical nectar. Pepper vodka, (who knew, right?) jalapenos, olive juice, olives... I think that was it. You can tell that I didn't mix this myself.
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| She did. Multiple times. They kept creeping up in front of me.. |
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| 4 pictures and this was the best one. I think our host was permanently confused. |
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| the ladies of dinner club + mystery lady |
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| no nick- your head isn't yellow and shining. I like this picture. |
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| the mystery guest and E |
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| Our beautiful hostess, Jennifer |
Many thanks to our beautiful hostess (and host) for a wonderful night full of memories, and a wasted Sunday chugging water, eating grease, and vowing to never touch a martini again. (as I sip my hot and dirrty...)
ciao.
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