T-minus 1 day!!!!!!

That's right, tomorrow night Laura will be experiencing her first Less Than Jake concert. We will be at the Engine Room here in Houston around 7 or 7:30. Now, I've see these guys about 10 times back in Milwaukee, and every time the show was better than the last. The last show I was at was last May at The Rave. Not only was I right up in front (as usual), but I was lucky enough to catch one of their guitar picks that they threw into the crowd. Less Than Jake, to me, is like Aerosmith to Laura. And for any of you that know Laura, you know how much she LOVES them, and would do anything to see them.

Actually, now that I mention Laura, I am very surprised how much she has gotten into LTJ. I never thought of her as the type of person who would like this music, but I guess I was wrong. I'm not saying she's a "diehard" fan or anything like that, but she can sing along now with the best of them:) For any of you that have never heard any of their songs, do yourself a favor and check them out. You won't regret it. Just follow the link on the side of the page, and enjoy! Hopefully after tomorrow night I'll have some cool merch to tell you about.

So, we'll be talking to all of you in a few days, and try to give Laura a call on Tuesday morning so you can hear how much fun she had:)



"Well I'm half awake and half a world away, all my past mistakes and every misspent day, proves that I'll never change, I'll always stay the same...I wouldn't have it any other way"

Oh What A Night

Greetings and Salutations! So last night Laura and I went over to my cousins house to hang out, get some food and play some games. He and his wife invited over two other couples, so we knew it was going to be a good time. After a good couple of helpings of chicken fajitas (and rice of course), we started to play a game called Catch Phrase. Basically, for those of you who are unsure about what it is, you are given a word and you have to describe it without saying that word or trying to rhyme it with anything. We split it up as boys vs. girls, and let me just tell you, I have not laughed that much when playing a game in a LONG time. I mean, I know it sounds easy, but some of the things people were coming up with just from only getting one description were hilarious. We really got into this game, and it is certainly going to become a member of our family very soon.

Anyway, back to the real reason for this post. Now, my cousins, as with most Mexican families, are big into boxing. So of course, the Mosley/Vargas fight was on last night. Now, I am not necessarily big on fights, and I know Laura hates boxing with a passion, but last night was something to watch. In case you missed it, Mosley won on a TKO with 1:22 left in the 10th. Vargas didn't get knocked out, but his left eye was so swollen, the doctors at ringside couldn't even see his eye! Now, most fights I've seen have been somewhat boring and uneventful, but this was truly a sight to see. The fight was good, the action was good, and it was interesting to see round by round Vargas' eye get more and more swollen. I'm not saying that I will be watching fights on a regular basis from now on, but I had to put in my two cents after last night!

So, a fun night of games, a man becoming hideously disformed from a fight, and a lot of good food! Who could ask for anything more!!! In case you are all interested in seeing what I was talking about from the fight, here is a picture of Vargas after the fight.

The Four Queens Sports Fatigue

I’m so done with the four biggest “Drama Queens” in sports right now:

Brett Favre: The headline in the papers said “Aikman predicts Favre retirement”. Wow. So it’s come to this. Other QB’s wildly speculating on a subject everyone (including those in Wisconsin) are totally sick of. Enough. Please.

Roger Clemens: He’s retired. He’s not retired. He’ll play for the Astros. He’ll go somewhere else. He doesn’t want to travel. He wants to play one season with his son. His mom said before she died that he should retire. He still hasn’t made a decision. Ugh.

Barry Bonds: I’m so tired. Ohhhh. Everybody get off my back. I’m gonna retire after this year. No I ‘m not. ESPN is hounding me. I hate Pedro Gomez. Here, Pedro, have this exclusive. Oh yeah, ESPN is doing a reality show about me. But I hate them. Shut up already.

A-Rod: I’m gonna play for the Dominican. But wait, you’re American, born in America! Okay, I’m not gonna play at all. Oh wait, now I am. For America. But I don’t like how the WBC portrayed all this. How come nobody likes me. Zip it, cooler!

Green Thumb?

So, I did it again...I sentenced another 2 innocent plants to death. This Monday when Dave and I had a day off together we went to the Houston Garden Center in search of some flowers to brighten up our front entry way. Well, this is not the first time I've done this. Every time my mom came to visit (3 times) we went out to find me some "hardy plants". And every time, within only weeks I killed them. It is quite depressing seeing as my grandma (Grammy) and my mom are expert gardeners. My dad and my brother are also decent gardeners. How is it that I can tell if an animal isn't behaving normal or is sick at the slightest sign, but I can't remember to water a plant? I thought I had come to terms with this lack of talent, but I recently discovered that I have not. I still want to be good at it. It is hard for me to accept. So, we approached a lady who worked at the store and Dave proceeds to tell her that I have this disability. She points out a few plants and then looks at me and says, "even these need to be watered at least once a week"! She gave me a look like I was unworthy of such a responsibility. We purchased a Geranium and an African Iris. Hopefully this time I will do my part in giving them a better life than the plants before them! :) If not, Dave claims that he is pretty good and often planted flowers back at his house. Ron... Yvonne... can I count on him?

Cavalia

So, last night Dave and I did something quite different than our usual movie or t.v. watching. We received 2 free tickets to the production Cavalia! For those of you who don't know it is a mix between a circus, a ballet, an opera and a comedy show! I really don't know how to accurately describe it, but it was amazing! The key element was 37 trained horses! Mostly, unbridled and unrestrained, I was in awe of the amount of control and trust the horses and performers had for each other! In addition to the beautiful Lusitanian Stallions there were acrobats, contorsionists, trapeze artists, dancers and so much more! If you blinked you missed something! The show reaffirmed my absolute love for horses and partially makes me regret buying a car instead of a horse! Mom and dad- remember those discussions!? All in all, I highly recommend it if it comes to a town near you!
Laura

"us" recently

So, for those of you who haven't seen us in awhile...here we are. This is a couple of weekends ago at a friend's birthday party. I didn't think we looked any different, but I was just looking at a picture of when we started dating (back in October of 2004) and I guess we do. It's probably due to the fact that I had short (chin length) blonde hair! I can guarantee I'll never go short again, but the color...well, if any of you really know me, it changes constantly! So, your guess is as good as mine as to what it'll look like in a couple weeks...months...years! And Dave has different glasses and his hair is done slightly differently. Anyway, this is one of my favorite pictures of us, so enjoy!
Laura

Valentine's Day

So, have you ever had your significant other tell you that they weren't going to get you anything for a particular holiday??? Well, Dave and I decided just that. We both agreed that we show each other everyday that we love each other and don't need this "Hallmark holiday" to show our love. Also, we figured it would save some money. O.K......so, I knew I would get him a card, and I have to say that I figured he would get me one as well; but, that would be it. Nothing else, right? Wrong! I came home on Sunday night to a huge surprise! I carpooled that day with a co-worker, so she dropped me off in front of our apartment, instead of me going in back like I normally do. I noticed immediately that the blinds were closed. They are NEVER closed when Dave is home. So, I knew something was up. When I walked in, all of the lights were out and there were candles EVERYWHERE!!! Dave had love music playing on the computer too! I followed the candles into the kitchen where there were more candles, a HUGE display of red roses, a card and 2 wine glasses! I then preceeded (as tears ran down my cheeks) to the other side of the apartment. Same story...more candles. Except this time instead of roses, I found Dave waiting for me! We toasted to "us" and after one glass of wine we went out to dinner. We had a wonderful time at dinner and continued to toast to ourselves back at home until the bottle was gone. We talked all night and listened to cheesy love songs. It was very romantic! I have to thank Yvonne, Lynn and Jenny for teaching Dave how to treat women well. I have to asume that growing up with 3 women would help to teach a man that! :)
Anyway, the lesson here is that I no longer will trust Dave when he says he is not going to do anything for me! Even though he says it was "nothing", it meant the world to me!
I hope all you women out there can say you had just as good of a Valentine's Day as I did!
Laura
P.S. Thank you so much honey! I love you!

Talking about everything is nothing...A spoof!

Whoa, hey there! How ya' doin? You kind of a... snuck up on me. Not cool! But, since you're here, just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

If you remember, a couple of weeks ago Laura put up a post on talking to her mother about nothing. Well, even though I give her a hard time about it, I understand this. I know how much she loves her parents, and how much better she feels when she can keep some sense of normalcy after moving away over a year ago. Talking to her mother for hours on end about what the weather is like, or what they are wearing, or how their favorite shirt just doesn't look the same on them anymore makes them both happy. And I respect this. Nevertheless, I do not follow this trait. When I get on the phone, not just with my parents but with anyone, I like it short and to the point. Give me the days exciting events, and that's all I need. And if you think this is limited to only phone conversations, all I have to say is...NOT SO MUCH! This is the way I am in life as well. Long, drawn out stories do nothing but bore me. I mean, sometimes a story needs a lengthy explanation, and I understand that. However, most of the time a simple A,B, C story would work for me. I don't need background information and what everyone was wearing or who was standing where, just give me the facts! Too much talking can kill your mind. Oh yeah, you didn't know that!? Well it can. I can back this up with scientific proof, but that would be too much info:)! To make a long post short, I love the rambling part of Laura as much as I love any other part, and I would never want it to change. Just don't expect me to turn a conversation about my jeans into a 30 minute mini-saga, complete with illustrations and guest speakers!!!

Super "Sloppy" Bowl

Well, it's been a while since I have put anything on here, so what better day to start up than today! Here are a few of MY TAKES on the game today, and some other interesting things you may not have known.

- This may be the second most boring Super Bowl to date. Clearly no teams can beat the snooze-fest that was Super Bowl XXXV between the Ravens and the Giants back in 2001. Don't get me wrong, I like the Steelers, but really, there is no contest here. I don't want to see Seattle. I don't even think Washington wants to see Seattle. They're boring, and they haven't faced a tough team yet.

- For all you betters out there, here are some interesting ones for you to think about before the game:

*Team to Win the Coin Toss - Seahawks: (-105) Steelers: (-105)

*Will Either Team Score 3 Straight Times w/o Other Team Scoring - Yes (Conversions Excluded): (-145) No (Conversions Excluded): (+115)

*Over/Under FIRST Made Field Goal of the Game - First Made FG o34.5: (-105) If No FG -- No Action u34.5 : (-125)

*Over/Under FIRST Punt of the Game (Must be an Official Punt) - First Punt o42.5 : (-115) Return Yards Don't Count u42.5 : (-115)

*Total Number of Different Players to have a Pass Attempt - Pass Attempts o2.5: (-180) Pass Attempts u2.5: (+150)

Just a few to wet your whistle. For more, check out: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5299120

- Here are some fun little facts for Super Bowl Sunday:

* Most Super Bowls generate $100 million in merchandise sales bearing the Super Bowl logo. The all-time high was Super Bowl XXXI, Green Bay over New England, $120 million.
* The Super Bowl is the top at-home party event of the year, surpassing New Year's Eve, (Hallmark Cards, Inc.).
* Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest day of food consumption behind only Thanksgiving (American Institute of Food Distribution).
* The NFL licenses 50 companies to produce products bearing the Super Bowl logo - everything from party plates, invitations, aprons, helmet chip and dip sets, banners, pennants, dishes.
* The average number of people attending a Super Bowl party is 17 (Hallmark).
* Ninety-five percent of Super Bowl watchers watch with at least one other person (Hallmark).
* An estimated 14,500 tons of chips and 4,000 tons of popcorn are eaten on Super Bowl Sunday.
* The California Avocado Commission says that on Super Bowl Sunday, Americans scarf down eight million pounds of guacamole.
* Sales of antacid increase 20 percent the day after Super Bowl Sunday.
* Six percent of Americans will call in sick the day after Super Bowl Sunday.
* Super Bowl Weekend is the slowest weekend for weddings.
* Sales of large screen TV's increase five times during Super Bowl Week (National Electronic Dealers Assoc.).
* Fans spend an average of $15 on food and drink at the stadium during Super Bowl (Service America).
* Fans spend more than $50 million on food during the four days of the Super Bowl weekend (Thursday-Sunday).
* Fourteen miles of soft-drink pipeline leading to 160 dispensers serve fans at the game.
* Nine of the 10 most-watched TV programs of all time are Super Bowls.

- Finally, I hope everyone does enjoy today. We are going to be heading out to a friend's house for the first half of the game, so I'm praying it will be enjoyable. The Rolling Stones, I could do without. After the whole Janet thing a few years ago, I fear we are going to be seeing nothing but The Stones, Aerosmith and Paul McCartney. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. So to everyone out there, HAVE FUN TODAY!! Afterall, it IS the Super Bowl, no matter how uninteresting it may be. My pick, you ask. Simple: Steelers 27 - Seahawks 13! HAPPY EATING!

Dave

P.S. Unfortunately my brother-in-law will not be in this years Super Bowl. However, he was in last years :-) Matt, this one's for you...

Don't Inhale!

So, I'm not sure where to even begin this post. All of you know that I work in a building that is very new; not even a year old, to be exact. Well, just like all new buildings, not everything is done perfectly the first time. We've had issues with many of the animal enclosures since the opening of the building last March. One of the aquariums has been the biggest headache of all. This particular tank has a large tube through it that kids can crawl through. It was intended to hold piranahas! It was a very anticipated part of the building, however, it has never held piranha due to a leak. Over the last 10 months a variety of tactics have been used in order to fix this tank, but none have been successful. For those of you who think this should be easy, please keep in mind that this tank isn't all glass; it's walls are all rockwork except one. So the leak is not visible at all. At one point we had the construction workers come back and they used 70 gallons of some type of foam in the tank to fix the problem. It, of course, didn't work, and I could have bought a house with the amount of money that they spent on this foam! So, anyway, we made the hard decision of paying a new contractor to come in and clean up the mess, instead of the old ones trying to fix what they did wrong. Although it will cost the zoo a lot more money, at least it will be done correctly. So, we closed our building to the public about a week ago and the construction began. The piranha tank was/is the priority so that is where they began. Within a day of drilling they found 12 different toxins in the rockwork of the tank that would have easily killed anything we would've put in there! All of these "toxins" were obviously used unbeknownst to us. A few days later (Sunday) another keeper came running into my area and told me that we need to secure our animals and get out of the building now! Turns out that their drilling released a toxic fume into the air. After hours of phone calls to our supervisor and curator, who were both off that day, we got clearance to re-enter the building. Apparently, the amounts were not high enough to really harm humans, despite several of us coming down with headaches, watery eyes, upset stomachs and stomach cramps. Once our supervisor and curator got there we were told that for the animal's safety we were to move them all out ASAP. This was music to our ears, as all of us keepers were so scared for our animals. On the other hand, we have over 250 animals in our building and it wouldn't be an easy task. It took 25 people (other departments came to help), over 7 hours to find places for the animals, tear down caging and set it back up in the new locations and physically move all the animals. It was a long night to say the least. In the end, all of the animals are safe, which is what matters most to us. Hopefully, we can find some way to make the original contractors liable. As for me, I have the bruises and scratches to prove the animal's reluctance to move out of their beautiful exhibits, and I am sore in places I didn't even know existed. So, if anyone asks me "how's work?", expect me to grunt and roll my eyes. On a happier note, I have today and tomorrow off to recoup. And after all of this, I'm sure I'll be happy to go back to work on Thursday. It's great to be able to say that I love my job...in good times and in bad!
Laura

Did someone say Super Bowl Party!?

With the Super Bowl only a week away, it's time for everyone to start plugging their ears and stop tuning in to ESPN for their "round the clock" Super Bowl coverage. We have plans to go to a party on Sunday for the game; something I personally don't like to do. However, as many of you know, I like a happy home, so we are going! Anyway, I was reading an article on Steve Czaban's website about Super Bowl parties, and I thought to myself, "Self, this is a sign. You need to show this." So, as much as I would love to take credit for this list, it is through the creativity of another that I have this. Without further adieu, here are the people most likely to come to YOUR Super Bowl party:

The Gambler: Sits there stone silent, rocking back and forth like Leo Mazzone. Spends inordinate amounts of time on cell phone during timeouts and halftime covering his mouth. Eventually erupts with either a loud “YES!” late (usually when the over hits) or a muttered string of expletives followed by a hasty exit without saying goodbye to anybody.
The Boozer: As soon as you said “free beer” he would have showed up to watch girls softball.
The Snoozer: Guy who can’t hold his liquor and BBQ and ends up slackjawed snoring by halftime.
The Jerry Markbre: Knows every rule in every situation and is always ready to let everyone know about it.
The Pete Morelli: Thinks he knows all the rules, but almost always misinterprets them.
The Bitter Fantasy Guy: Insists on recounting every trade his team made all year, before losing in the final.
The Chatty Kathy: Woman from work, who insists on yapping all game about office gossip.
The Coordinator: Guy who uses phrases like “Z-Whammy, Slot-Bingo” to pretend he knows the plays.
The Nostradamus: Fearlessly predicts every play before it happens. Eventually is right, and won’t shut up.
The Bitter Wife: Can’t understand why husband won’t leave when game is still going on in 4th quarter.
The Anti-Martha Stewart: Host with a paltry selection of food and snacks, but thinks its some great “spread.”
The Duece Staley: Guy who shamelessly drops a withering “deuce” in the bathroom.
The Scout: Single/divorced guy who spends way too much time in kitchen, working the ladies.
The Vocalist: Guy who shouts “ooh” and “ahhh” at even meaningless plays.
The Mel Kiper: Somehow claims to know at least a half dozen NFL or ex-NFL players personally.
The Bad Dad: Lets his son run around trashing the house, spilling food, and generally causing havoc.

Walk The Line

So, a while back my brother wrote a post on his blog about Walk The Line. Let me just say, that for once we agree on a movie. Wow...it really was amazing! They both deserve the awards that they got for their performances and I wish they'd get more. Joaquin and Reese were both very believable! It's over 2 hours long and isn't that action packed and somehow it still manages to keep your interest. I actually didn't want it to end. Dave loved it too! We both called our parents right after we left the theatre, urging them to go see it; and this is coming from someone who hates country music (Dave), and someone who the only thing she knows about Johnny Cash is a great song called Ring of Fire (me, obviously). Anyway, my point is... go see it. Or if you don't like going to movies, then buy it when it comes out. No need renting it, as the cost of doing that nowadays is half the price of owning it!
Laura

Talking About Nothing is Everything

Well, I have been nagged by Dave to get my butt in gear and write a few posts on our new blog. Yes, what that means is that all the previous posts were from my handsome honey, Dave. My brother seems to think the last post was mine because Dave's "are normally funny". Well, surprise! I guess I haven't written yet because it seems like my day to day activities aren't interesting enough to share with everyone. Except my mom of course. Dave is very right when he says that her and I could cut our phone conversations in half and still be talking about nothing! We tell each other what we had for supper, exactly what we did throughout the day, sometimes what we wore and I even remember a few occassions when we hung up because one or both of us expressed that we had to use the restroom. Well, what can I say? She's my mom and somehow I feel closer to her when we know everything going on in eachother's lives. O.K., not everything...but close. I mean back when I lived in Milwaukee we could sit for hours over a cup of coffee discussing boys (and by boys I mean Dave), clothes, money, my work, friends and much more. It sometimes felt like we were two teenagers gossiping in a school cafeteria. It was great! It's one of the things I miss the most about being away from home. So, no my "meaningless" conversations with my mom are never really "meaningless" and they'll never stop, as silly as they might sound to the outside listener. Dave knows this first hand, and although he sometimes makes fun of us (he often takes the phone away from me and "scolds" my mom-she loves it though), he will never ask me to stop. He respects me more than anyone EVER has...this is one of the many reasons I am marrying him! And that by the way, is the number one thing my mom and I discuss now-a-days. What color will this be, when will I try my dress on again, what will the centerpieces be, what readings, what linens, who will be there, what d.j., what photographer, etc. etc. etc. But, I love it... I am talking to my mom about the most perfect day of my life (even if all the qustions above never get answered or turn out completely wrong...it won't matter)!
Laura

Something's Gotta Give...

Do you ever just have those days where you need some sort of divine intervention to calm you down? Well, if anyone's listening up there, today is one of those days. It's not necessarily one thing or another, it's just a "group effort". Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I couldn't ask for a better script than the one that's playing out in front of my eyes. I know I am blessed and have been well taken care of, but sometimes I need more of a push. Patience; not my top virtue. I don't know, maybe I just need a good nights sleeps. Tomorrow is a new day and I am going to treat it like one. It'll take an army to bring me down from now on...

-Yesterday is history, today is a mystery, tomorrow is a gift!

Kobe goes off!!

So, not being the biggest basketball fan, I was about to not write a thing about this, but being a SPORTS fan, I feel obligated. Kobe Bryant went off for 81 points last night. 81 points!!! Now, I'm not comparing this to 100 points from "Wilt the Stilt", but c'mon, the guy absolutely went off. And let me pose this question to you, do you know the names of any of the other Lakers? Of course not because there main goal on the the team is to A.) Get Kobe the ball and, B.) Get out of the way. Nevertheless, this was an amazing performance from an amazing athlete. Notice, I say athlete, not person. I will never forget what Kobe was accused for in Colorado, but now I may think of last night and what he did before I think of anything else!

The King has Returned!

So, a few weeks ago a very sad thing happened in our house. My Playstation 2 passed away with little fuss. It kind of just died, mid-game mind you, and since then things have not been complete for me. Until now! I drove to the local Target store and purchased a new PS2. Very slim design, and with the ability for online gameplay built right in, unlike its predecessor that had to have an expansion pack put in place, I am at peace. My world is complete once again. I toyed with the idea of an Xbox instead, but that would be like starting over. My brother-in-law just purchased a new Xbox 360, which I am SUPREMELY jealous of, but that was just way out of my price range. So now, I wait for PS3, and enjoy all of my games once again until I can upgrade. Oh happy days...

01/21/2006

So, I guess we should really get this thing going! After a quick, but very enjoyable weekend last week, it's good to be home and it's good to be relaxing. I will admit, there is nothing like being back home with family and friends, but there is something different about coming home to a place of your own. And yes, the company down here in Texas (Laura), while not nearly the same as that in Wisconsin, makes it home:) So, here are some rantings and ravings for this week;

1. My favorite commercial right now...the NFL commercial featuring the Philadelphia Eagles. You know, the one where the players are in the locker room after the game and a kangaroo comes in posing as the new mascot so that it can steal some authentic apparel only to be confronted by the actual mascot of the Eagles!!! HILARIOUS!

2. Favorite show...24. Unfortunately we are experiencing some technical difficulties here that don't allow us to receive anything other than ABC and CBS, so here's hoping for a miracle. 5 years running and still going strong. Who doesn't love Jack Bauer???

3. I hate to say this, but I am getting sick and tired of Angelina Jolie. I mean, today I saw a little blurb that said, "What makes Angelina cry...". WHO THE HELL CARES!? I mean, is this the next Mother Teresa, or what? Don't get me wrong, I am a BIG fan of hers, most of the time, but enough is enough! I am going to personally lead a boycott right here in my own home. Even though Laura is in love with her, (a little too much at times me thinks), I am done hearing about her and how perfect she is. HOMEWRECKER!

4. Last but not least, I plan on foregoing my own wedding to marry Mandy Moore. Laura doesn't know about this yet, but I am sure she will be ok with it. C'mon, she's talented, beautiful and is just plain wholesome. I think I may have a pretty good chance at her. I mean, if I put on a little bit of the 'ol Dave charm, I could make this interesting. Huh, I like this idea...

5. FREE IDEA! Yes, this is the last one, I promise. STAR WARS EPISODE III finally got the recognition I think it deserves the other night. I know most people don't like Anakin (played by Hayden Christensen), but I think he did an absolutely masterful job of portraying a kid, really, that is lost in love and war. Bravo and kudos to George Lucas for the awards he has won. I got your back, George.

Alright, alright. I'll leave you all with a picture from the trip home. It's the fam, minus one brother-in-law, and including a very unhappy Nathan. Baby Grace is getting big...thank God for these pipes I have over here otherwise I would have been in trouble:)

1/11/2006

Well, my faithful sidekick has finally done something productive on her day off:)

As for this blog, it was inspired by the mind of a genius...(brownie points!?)...and is now in the hands of idiot savants. Our day to day lives are truly stories to be told, and to know us is to love us. Take care and enjoy the ride!