Last night was a preview showing of the new movie, The Other Boleyn Girl. If you remember British history at all, you would know right off the bat that it is not a "feel good" movie (Henry VIII). The movie was based on a book of the same title by Philippa Gregory. I haven't read the book yet, but probably will after all my tests are done. I have read another of her books and liked it a lot (The Constant Princess).
Anyway, despite the lack of feel goodness, I thought it was a pretty good movie. It's always hard with historical fiction to know what to believe, but most of the big stuff is accurate (per Wikipedia). And since one of my favorite genres is HF, the movie was right up my alley.
It was snowing yesterday. When I got out of the movie, it was still snowing and everyone was warming up their cars and scrapping off the ice. I'm not sure why, but it amused me.
Ben is feeling under the weather. I'm hoping that it's just a cold he will get over quickly. The flu has been going around, so hoping that's not what it is.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Prayer Request
Some of you already know about this situation, for those of you who don't, Mark Ostlie works at GMI. His daughter has a heart condition and is in need of a new heart. Here's her blog...
I really can't imagine what it would be like to be in a situation like this.
Please pray and pass along.
I really can't imagine what it would be like to be in a situation like this.
Please pray and pass along.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sehr Gut
Last night we went to Gasthof's to celebrate Rob's, Ed's and Paul's birthdays. Almost 30 of us were there. It was a lot of fun! Our table was the "cool" table - we went through 2 boots while the other table didn't order a single one. Ben got bratwurst and I got jagerschnitzel. Yummy! The accordion guy came to our table (after being bribed with some $) and played some songs for us.
After dinner a few of went downstairs to the bar. There was a live band that played mostly polka. Ben and I polka'd and did a few slow dances too. And boy! does doing the polka wear a person out! When the polka band packed up dance music started. We stayed for a little while, but our party had dwindled down to five (Smeeta, Dave, Katie and us) and we were all getting tired, so we packed it up.
Today I think I'm going to work out. Then go to EB (former employer) to help Ben's uncle serve lunch. If I'm lucky there will be leftovers for me to bring home. (Every year his aunt makes her homemade hot beef sandwiches for the tax people. It is so good!). Then I think Ben and I might look at some houses. This weekend I am not studying, so it will be nice to just relax and get stuff done.
Off to the exercise bike!
After dinner a few of went downstairs to the bar. There was a live band that played mostly polka. Ben and I polka'd and did a few slow dances too. And boy! does doing the polka wear a person out! When the polka band packed up dance music started. We stayed for a little while, but our party had dwindled down to five (Smeeta, Dave, Katie and us) and we were all getting tired, so we packed it up.
Today I think I'm going to work out. Then go to EB (former employer) to help Ben's uncle serve lunch. If I'm lucky there will be leftovers for me to bring home. (Every year his aunt makes her homemade hot beef sandwiches for the tax people. It is so good!). Then I think Ben and I might look at some houses. This weekend I am not studying, so it will be nice to just relax and get stuff done.
Off to the exercise bike!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Blast from the Past
We have a long time friend that is getting ready to move to N. Carolina. Last night Ben met her for dinner while I went to a Stampin' Up party. I met them afterwards for a quick beer.
I get there and Ben tells me this funny story... he says that the bartender asks for ID's, looks at his and asks, "Do you know Sarah Obert?" (my maiden name for those who don't know), all the while looking between Ben and Debby with an accusing glare. Turns out that she went to my high school and church (and maybe even our wedding since her mom is friends with my mom). After hearing the story (and laughing VERY loudly) I made sure to find Amber and let her know everything was cool.
I get there and Ben tells me this funny story... he says that the bartender asks for ID's, looks at his and asks, "Do you know Sarah Obert?" (my maiden name for those who don't know), all the while looking between Ben and Debby with an accusing glare. Turns out that she went to my high school and church (and maybe even our wedding since her mom is friends with my mom). After hearing the story (and laughing VERY loudly) I made sure to find Amber and let her know everything was cool.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
24
In a little over 24 hours from now I will be sitting down in a not-quite-comfy chair in front of a computer. I will be in that chair for about 3 hours. And if everything goes as planned, I will only have to sit in that chair 3 more times.
Tomorrow is test one (Regulation - tax and business law) for my CPA license. I'm a bit nervous. I feel great about the tax stuff but still a little shaky on some of the bus law.
In other news, yesterday my boss came over and told me about a job posting. He really encouraged me to apply for it. Funny thing is, I saw the posting last week and talked to someone in that group that I know. Today I am going to submit my name for it.
Tomorrow is test one (Regulation - tax and business law) for my CPA license. I'm a bit nervous. I feel great about the tax stuff but still a little shaky on some of the bus law.
In other news, yesterday my boss came over and told me about a job posting. He really encouraged me to apply for it. Funny thing is, I saw the posting last week and talked to someone in that group that I know. Today I am going to submit my name for it.
Friday, February 15, 2008
V Day
I had a very sweet Valentine's day... It started off with some yummy dessert that Krista brought in to work. She said she would give me the recipe. :) My mom came into work to drop off some cookies and Ramona (front desk) gave me a kiss (Hershey's toffee). Then after lunch someone from my group brought in a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
Ben and I were about to start making dinner when we decided to go look at a few Parade of Homes. We were able to make it to three before they closed for the night. Two of the builders we liked a lot. One we got some information on, but the other one there wasn't anyone at the house, so we'll have to contact them for more information.
When we got home we made chicken tacos and margaritas. Very Tasty. Zoey got canned dog food. It smelled kind of like bacon. She gobbled it down very quickly. By the time we finished with dinner it was too late (for me at least) to start a movie. So we decided to skip that part.
Ben and I were about to start making dinner when we decided to go look at a few Parade of Homes. We were able to make it to three before they closed for the night. Two of the builders we liked a lot. One we got some information on, but the other one there wasn't anyone at the house, so we'll have to contact them for more information.
When we got home we made chicken tacos and margaritas. Very Tasty. Zoey got canned dog food. It smelled kind of like bacon. She gobbled it down very quickly. By the time we finished with dinner it was too late (for me at least) to start a movie. So we decided to skip that part.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
It's a Small 'Park' After All
Last night Ben and I went to the Linkin Park Concert at the Xcel Center. We got to sit in the GM suite! It was very cool. One of the managers in my group has a couple of sons that are huge LP fans, so he talked to the VP of finance to get the suite for us. It was a perfect spot to enjoy the concert.
The first band I did not like at all. One of those screaming into the microphone and jumping around like you're hot stuff bands. The second band was Coheed and Cambria. I had actually heard of those guys. They were good. The lead singer had some crazy, big hair. And finally, Linkin Park. They did a great show. It was fun watching the mosh pits.
During intermission, who should walk into the suite but a former co-worker of mine! He was in the Pepsi suite and he noticed me walking back from the bathrooms. What a crazy coincidence! We were able to catch up a bit.
Also during intermission, Ben and his boss and a co-worker went to the Microsoft suite to see if anyone they knew was there. Nope. But they did see some suites with a lot of food and not too many people (our suite did not have food). So my manager and the the IS group and I went on a hunt for free food. It was hilarious! Both managers would just walk into a suite and if someone gave them a weird look they would just say, "Oh, sorry. We're looking for John." and then walk out. For a while a security guard was following us around.
A new thing we found out last night... if you park in the ramp by Alary's bar (off of 7th Street) you can get parking validated if you get a drink, and they provide free shuttles back and forth to the Xcel Center. Way cool!
The first band I did not like at all. One of those screaming into the microphone and jumping around like you're hot stuff bands. The second band was Coheed and Cambria. I had actually heard of those guys. They were good. The lead singer had some crazy, big hair. And finally, Linkin Park. They did a great show. It was fun watching the mosh pits.
During intermission, who should walk into the suite but a former co-worker of mine! He was in the Pepsi suite and he noticed me walking back from the bathrooms. What a crazy coincidence! We were able to catch up a bit.
Also during intermission, Ben and his boss and a co-worker went to the Microsoft suite to see if anyone they knew was there. Nope. But they did see some suites with a lot of food and not too many people (our suite did not have food). So my manager and the the IS group and I went on a hunt for free food. It was hilarious! Both managers would just walk into a suite and if someone gave them a weird look they would just say, "Oh, sorry. We're looking for John." and then walk out. For a while a security guard was following us around.
A new thing we found out last night... if you park in the ramp by Alary's bar (off of 7th Street) you can get parking validated if you get a drink, and they provide free shuttles back and forth to the Xcel Center. Way cool!
Monday, February 11, 2008
It's no Ruth's
The plan was that after Grant and Ben looked at houses, Ben and I would go to GC and get some sticky fingers (our favorite special). Well, Grant, his dad and step-mom were heading over to Pittsburgh Blue and invited us to go along. So we did. I have to say, I wasn't overly impressed. I had the filet mignon. It just wasn't all that flavorful, in my opinion. The mac and cheese was pretty good. The highlight of the meal for me was the key lime pie. It was wonderful! (So what does that say about a steakhouse - that I like the dessert better than the steak - probably not so good!).
Anyway, given a choice, I would much rather a) get sticky fingers at GC or b) go to Ruth's Chris for a real steak.
Anyway, given a choice, I would much rather a) get sticky fingers at GC or b) go to Ruth's Chris for a real steak.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Bunch of Dresses and Houses
On Friday night Kelly and I went to see 27 Dresses. Although it was your typical chick flick, I really liked it. Probably due in part to Katherine Heigl being in it (one of my favorite actresses). And probably in part because it's about weddings. Anyway, I would recommend it.
Yesterday Ben and I looked at some houses on the Parade of Homes. We saw some pretty nice ones. Now we just need to figure out if we're really that serious. I think we are. Which means a lot of house projects in the near future.
Today's plans are laundry, grocery shopping, and studying. Ben is going with Grant to look at houses this afternoon.
Yesterday Ben and I looked at some houses on the Parade of Homes. We saw some pretty nice ones. Now we just need to figure out if we're really that serious. I think we are. Which means a lot of house projects in the near future.
Today's plans are laundry, grocery shopping, and studying. Ben is going with Grant to look at houses this afternoon.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Obsessed
(Warning - if you don't like mice and you come to our house at all, don't read this post).
Every fall as the weather turns cold, we get a few house guests from the great outdoors. Usually a few traps with some PB does the trick. This fall it was a different story... I think the whole mouse community moved in. We caught a bunch with traps and then didn't see them for a while so we thought we were done for the season. Around Christmas time we started seeing them again. So more traps were set. With no results! I seriously think these mice are PB resistant.
In the past, Zoey has been unaware of our guests. She'll be curious when we're emptying a trap, but that was about it. Again, this year it's a different story. She stalks her prey. And she does rounds all the time to see if she can find one. In the past, she always sleeps with Ben while I shower and get ready. This past week she leaves the bedroom with me and inspects the house. At night instead of pestering me to come to bed, she goes up and down the hallways, in the kitchen and dining room and sniffs around every couch. Then repeats. Crazy.
Anyway, we bought some poison for the garage and bought a bunch more traps. So far we have caught one.
If there are mouse lovers out there, let me assure you that we tried to deal with these cute mice in a humane way... but they didn't like the live traps either. So the death traps that we have are insta-death ones so at least they die quickly.
Every fall as the weather turns cold, we get a few house guests from the great outdoors. Usually a few traps with some PB does the trick. This fall it was a different story... I think the whole mouse community moved in. We caught a bunch with traps and then didn't see them for a while so we thought we were done for the season. Around Christmas time we started seeing them again. So more traps were set. With no results! I seriously think these mice are PB resistant.
In the past, Zoey has been unaware of our guests. She'll be curious when we're emptying a trap, but that was about it. Again, this year it's a different story. She stalks her prey. And she does rounds all the time to see if she can find one. In the past, she always sleeps with Ben while I shower and get ready. This past week she leaves the bedroom with me and inspects the house. At night instead of pestering me to come to bed, she goes up and down the hallways, in the kitchen and dining room and sniffs around every couch. Then repeats. Crazy.
Anyway, we bought some poison for the garage and bought a bunch more traps. So far we have caught one.
If there are mouse lovers out there, let me assure you that we tried to deal with these cute mice in a humane way... but they didn't like the live traps either. So the death traps that we have are insta-death ones so at least they die quickly.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Super Tuesday
Yesterday was Super Tuesday. I was planning on going to the caucus last night. In the past, I have had tax season to worry about, so I haven't ever gone. But last night when I got home from work I was beat. So I stayed home and studied.
This morning Robin told me he went to the Democratic Caucus. Being ever curious, I asked who he voted for. He began answering by saying that it wasn't so much a vote for, as a vote against the other person. (He voted for Clinton, in case you wanted to know, because he thinks Obama is too inexperienced). That got me thinking... I wonder what kind of information we could find out if on the ballets you could vote for someone or against them. I think it could be valuable to know how many people actually wanted Canidate A or how many people just didn't want Canidate B.
Anyway, sorry that this wasn't a very interesting post. :)
This morning Robin told me he went to the Democratic Caucus. Being ever curious, I asked who he voted for. He began answering by saying that it wasn't so much a vote for, as a vote against the other person. (He voted for Clinton, in case you wanted to know, because he thinks Obama is too inexperienced). That got me thinking... I wonder what kind of information we could find out if on the ballets you could vote for someone or against them. I think it could be valuable to know how many people actually wanted Canidate A or how many people just didn't want Canidate B.
Anyway, sorry that this wasn't a very interesting post. :)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
... You can dodge a ball
Friday morning when I woke up I felt terrible! I had a fever and was very tired. I thought about not going to work, but then thought that my dodge ball team would think it was very convenient that I was sick. So, I drugged up and went to work.
Dodge ball was a lot of fun! We got completely slaughtered, but I think we all had fun. We did end up winning the last two games, so that left us with a good feeling. The other team was all male. While the two of us girls on my team are freakin' awesome (evidenced by the fact that most games it was one of us in the final two on our team), I do think that the other team had an unfair advantage. One of our coworkers that refrained from playing was watching and she said the other team was playing "dirty." She said that there were several times that they didn't go out when they should have, etc. She said she tried very hard to keep her "basketball mom" rage locked up. I think it's funny and sad that they "cheated." 1. It was just for fun. 2. We did suck, so it's not like they would have lost. 3. It was just for fun.
After the game I went home to take a nap. Much better! Then we had David and Heather over for dinner (bribe for getting David to play on my team after I told him I wouldn't play on his). We had a great time. We played Scrabble with them. It was a very close game. Ben ended up winning because he used up all his tiles.
Anyway, my fever is gone and I am just left with a cold. Yesterday I slept and relaxed (but yes, still studied). Today I plan to do more of the same with a trip to the store worked in to buy some Super Bowl munchies.
Dodge ball was a lot of fun! We got completely slaughtered, but I think we all had fun. We did end up winning the last two games, so that left us with a good feeling. The other team was all male. While the two of us girls on my team are freakin' awesome (evidenced by the fact that most games it was one of us in the final two on our team), I do think that the other team had an unfair advantage. One of our coworkers that refrained from playing was watching and she said the other team was playing "dirty." She said that there were several times that they didn't go out when they should have, etc. She said she tried very hard to keep her "basketball mom" rage locked up. I think it's funny and sad that they "cheated." 1. It was just for fun. 2. We did suck, so it's not like they would have lost. 3. It was just for fun.
After the game I went home to take a nap. Much better! Then we had David and Heather over for dinner (bribe for getting David to play on my team after I told him I wouldn't play on his). We had a great time. We played Scrabble with them. It was a very close game. Ben ended up winning because he used up all his tiles.
Anyway, my fever is gone and I am just left with a cold. Yesterday I slept and relaxed (but yes, still studied). Today I plan to do more of the same with a trip to the store worked in to buy some Super Bowl munchies.
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