1001 Words

Destructokeebs

2012-02-15T20:35:00.002-07:00

Happy Heart Day

2012-02-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

V-Day ensemb complete with red tights and a home-made Valentines necklace made by Mimi! Despite being teased the entire day by all the guys I work with, it was totally worth it!

Clayton

2012-02-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Me or the town? Who knows!

Sunday in Santa Fe

2012-02-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Coffee gathering!!!

Incredibly old buildings. Awesome.

Loretto Chapel:

Once again, The Pantry!

Saturday in Santa Fe

2012-02-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our beloved El Rey!

Breakfast at The Pantry.

Mike in awe of his first (of the three during the trip):

TWO BUCK CHUCK! Trader Joe's Stop #1.

Railroad Park...love this swing!

The Flea...

My favorite piece of art on Canyon Rd.

Tebowing:

Love.

I take it back, this was my fav!

Night on the town (Ristra & Secreto) - complete with rose petal martini! So tasty...

So handsome.

On our way to Santa Fe!

2012-02-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

Obligatory Starbucks run:

Mike talking about politics:

Dion's stop!

It makes Mike so happy...

We have finally arrived!

Only in Colorado

2012-02-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Duck...duck...

2012-02-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

Geese.

Wipe Out

2012-02-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

They still haven't gotten over the Sunday Run Day in the snow. I love my dogs.

A Life of its Own

2012-02-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Tree now has one.

Wade Pool

2012-02-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

This gives whole new meaning to being up to your knees...and the gooftard kept leaving the path just to wade in the snow!

Let me once again reitterate: SO MUCH SNOW.

We took Kona Man & The Keebs to the dog park hoping to wear their little furry butts out before leaving them inside to go to Baker St Pub to watch the Super Bowl with Couples without Kids. Wore us out, too. Trying to run for any distance in snow is a beating!

Keebs would know. He made himself a little snow bed behind our dog park bench and just passed out.

But of course had enough energy to pull me all the way home.

This is when Keebs loved and trusted his adored Mother...

Aaaaaaand this is when he discovered that can result in being thrown into a three foot pile of snow. It was Mike's idea................*insert evil grin here*

Live & learn.

SO. MUCH. SNOW.

2012-02-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Seriously. This is the most snow our house has ever seen while we've been in it. And because you can't get enough pictures of the snow or my dogs, get ready for incredible white cuteness.

Storm of the Century

2012-02-03T17:08:00.002-07:00

Ok, so it wasn't quite as bad as everyone said it would be. It has not, however, stopped snowing since last night. It's reached past Keeb's chest and is now up to Kona's. It's so high, Keebler has to leap through the back yard just to move! Awesome.

Early Bird Gets the Light Show

2012-02-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

These have been proudly diplayed since Christmas (I'm guessing). I marveled at them the first time I tried my new commute hours, and have enjoyed them every morning since. I kind of dread when the sun starts rising at an earlier time. The dark lets me ease into the work day; less of a shock on system. But most of all, I'll miss the lights.

Dust Mites

2012-02-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

After an entire conversation on the dustiness of JB's new cube decor, Liz came up with an ingenious idea: electronic duster cans! BAM!

This is when we started to realize the cans were getting insanely cold...

Aaaaaand this is when we decided it would be more entertaining to dust each other!

It turned out to be a very entertaining Sales Close.

Comute Comedy

2012-01-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Somehow, Denver drivers make the ride just a little more entertaining.

Currency

2012-01-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

While in the market area, many of my co-workers discovered the wonder that is my purse. Scissors, camera, Advil, and most importantly for some of my less-than-well friends, travel-size Kleenex. In fact, Cush's nose was running so profusely he confiscated my pack.

To my surprise and delight, he repaid me double. It kinda made my day., especially considering that I am now in dire need of my own Kleenex stash...winter cold, here I come.

Hanky Panky

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

I want to make one (from The Fabled Needle). I'm loving the cold, but I'm already looking forward to spring clothing!

Have a Good Weekend

2012-01-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Was the title of the e-mail my dad sent me with the following picture. What a sendoff into the goodness of Saturday & Sunday...

The Cube

2012-01-27T17:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a tour of my home-away-from-home. Welcome!

Let's start with my conference (lunch) table.

So you're very sure whose cube you're entering...

Tada! Complete with Thrifted Chair of Greatness.

Panorama. It's a large desk, for sure.

And finally, the Quote Wall.

The Food Truck: an Appreciation

2012-01-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan. Especially when it's a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles and I'm soon going home to my Colorado cold. It's too consistently 80 degrees for me in California. Thanks, but I'll take my Earth Mamas and four distinct seasons over Fake Bakes and obnoxiously warm in January any day.

Team Denver

2012-01-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Group photog in front of the Taco Bell (formerly the PAG) building. West Market Area meeting. Always a good time (although it is way too hot in California, especially considering it's January).

That is a lot of blue button down. Just sayin'.

E.C.P.P.

2012-01-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Cush and his Epic Chicken Pot Pie (because what else would you order in Irvine, CA):

The Tree

2012-01-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

It occured to me last week that I absolutely despise plastic plants. All this one did was gather dust in the corner of my office next to my nifty conference table (where I often eat lunch with a good book). Besides, it blocked my window! So Friday morning (as I am the first person in at sixfreakin'thirty in the morning), I stealthily placed it in JB's cube. The laughter that ensued was almost nonstop. In fact, his initial reaction upon finding it's new home was priceless.

But because we have several of these around the office, I decided this morning to put one in Nate's office as well. He, assuming that his boss place it there as a joke, moved it to the regional managers office. Complete fake foliage chaos. I loved it. They are all moving around except for JB's, who is actually starting to like it...or like the attention it gets. Either way, I'm heartily amused and that's all that really matters!

Success Kid

2012-01-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

He wins.

Looks like morning in your eyes

2012-01-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

On my way to meet Heidi for what is quickly becoming our Saturday morning ritual of breakfast or tea and thrift store shopping (a ritual to which I start looking forward on...oh...about Tuesday each week), this was the sunrise that greeted me. No thrift store find of the day can compare.

Cinebarre

2012-01-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

What better way to end an already stellar week than with a Cinebarre Date Night!

Although I must admit, by the time Sherlock Holmes: a Game of Shadows was over (at nine p.m.) our brains were both so tired due to still getting used to a Grown Up schedule, we could barely think straight. It makes for an...early date night. :-)

Tie Skirt

2012-01-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Epic.

Vest - GAP Outlet
Sweater - Merona for Target
Boots - DSW
Necklace - Walmart

DOWN WITH SOPA.

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you don't know about this, you should. I pre-loaded this in support of the Blackout in protest of SOPA. I'd encourage anyone who touches the Internet on a daily basis (meaning EVERYONE) to do the same. It is not the government's right to limit freedom of speech, in any medium.

The list of participating websites alone should get your attention.

Strike.

Button Up

2012-01-17T18:05:00.005-07:00

People discard clothing simply because it's missing a button. Of course, when it's a vintage jacket (look at that tag, I could just die for tags like that) like this, getting an exact copy of the button is simply out of question. So change them all!

If you look closely (read: click), these are all silver in nature, but apart from that they have completely different patterns. Part of the benefit of having a huge collection of vintage buttons is full use of the collection on thrifted clothing items that need them!

Next, a new jacket that had awfully white buttons that simply didn't go with the dress with which I want to wear the jacket (because I always have a plan).

BAM. Vintage gold and rhinestone (you can't really see here, but the middle one has an original Model T!!! How appropo):

It makes my heart happy.

The Thin Red Line

2012-01-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Mike and Keebler walk this line. One one side is fear & loathing, on the other adoration. They both just need a big push to the latter. I think Keebler walking alongside Mike (with no direction from him) through the dog park was a big start...

Epic squee.

Angels/Losing/Sleep by OLP

This week's thrift store finds!!!

2012-01-14T22:12:00.001-07:00

Yes. That is three exclaimation points in the title, because today was an epic thrifting day. I started working in the office this past week which resulted in five (yes, five) days of waking up at 4:50 a.m. to be out of the house an hour later, miss rush hour, and be in the office for my new hours of 6:30 to 3:30. I'm happy to say that, while this is an adjustment, there are a lot more people up at this hour than I would've ever thought.

Just kidding.

What I meant was: it really hasn't been bad (surprisingly)! Getting home around 4:30 makes the evening with my Mike just linger. It has, however, caused some major changes to our sleeping habits (anyone else think you sleep better when you get up early and go to sleep early? I think you do).

That's a really long intro to this: I woke up this morning (on a Saturday) at 6:30 to meet Heidi at Delectable Egg at 7 for a morning of thrift biz. What a way to start the day!

We started at ARC where the find of the day was probably the $25 office chair EXACTLY like the one I have at home, but black (which matches my office better anyway). Last night I was complaining to Mike that my shoulders were killing me after a week at a desk. Partly because I'm still (out of habit) favoring my left shoulder. And partly because we have really crappy office chairs. So when I watched two customers physically pondering this chair, I thought my one chance was gone. But not so! I brought it home, wiped it down with anit-bac wipes, and called it good.

We ended up at Hospice Thrift for their once-a-month 50% off day, and learned the error of our ways getting there at five minutes til open. You must get there 30 minutes before or not only be last in line, but expect to park a block away. Total. Chaos.

But totally worth it.

The find there was an amazing collection of shoes. Including a pair of Born tennies that make me feel like I'm in the 1920s and about to go bowl (like I would know). Also, I apparently now can't take a picture of thrifted clothes without dogs feeling as though they are entitled to be in the shot.

Let's get a close up of...wait. KEEBLER!

I give up (even when I try stealth, his tail wins). Gianni Binni, Antonio Milano, Doll House (my personal favorite) and a vintage pair of heels (love me some vintage shoes). Awesome.

I also found some incredible jackets, sweaters, a new Vera Wang dress jacket, and a Talbots skirt. I felt like I'd hit the jackpot!

Probably because I did!

Neverchanger by A Shoreline and Dream

Corporate Poetry

2012-01-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

One of my stocking stuffers was Nature Magnetic Poetry, which I hoarded until I moved into my new cube (it has a window!). One of the many ways I'm completely messing with the general status quo (i.e. sparse cubes) of the office.

Get excited.

Incognito

2012-01-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Once again, my feet disappear into the floor at Colorado Childrens Hospital.

Perilous

2012-01-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Note to self: take your boss' advice and work from home when it snows. Most tense drive I've ever had.

On the bright side, the art in Greenwood Village takes on a whole new light.

This is nuts

2012-01-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

I was recently the recipient of an e-mail with helpful little hints in life. One of these was the use of a pecan to hide scratches on wood furniture. This got my attention, as I am the proud owner of two vintage library chairs only showing their years in style and some scratches on the mod-mahogany. What have I got to lose but 5 minutes and some elbow grease?

Before:

After:

Worthy.

Requiem for a Tower by Escala

Tebowing

2012-01-09T12:30:00.001-07:00

Last night after the Bronco's amazing win over the Steelers (you can pick your jaw up off the floor regarding my knowledge of aforementioned game and subsequent win - I have my secrets), I posted to Facebook that as much as I have loved the Cowboys (well, pretended to love since Emmitt and Aikman left), I'm jumping ship and supporting Tebow.

You would not BELIEVE the onslaught of comments that ensued. But one of my former co-workers and favorite people who now works for Ford out in California (his wife survived Hodgkins last year - we're tight), posted that he wanted a photo of me Tebowing. I asked a mutual friend of ours to help me out this morning in the office.

When he said he was using it as his desktop background, I thought he was kidding, until he sent me this:

Laughed so hard I almost cried. Even if it's only there for the photo, it's still priceless.

Lucky Denver Mint by Jimmy Eat World

Themed

2012-01-08T14:55:00.001-07:00

My parents bought Mike and I Ford hooks and an awesome metal blue oval for Christmas. I'm a moron and haven't posted pictures until now. But they're so perf in the already vintage Ford themed guest bath! And now there's extra places for guests to hang their biz.

Don't they look great??

What the Water Gave Me by Florence + The Machine

This week's thrift store find(s)

2012-01-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do something different with my jewelry for a while, but have just been too intimidated by the sheer volume of baubles. Rather than purge, I prettily organize! I was inspired when two tarnished silver pieces caught my eye, the result of which was putting about 20 pieces of silver and glass combinations in my cart. Utilizing one of the dressers in the store, I laid out how I thought it might work and for what I would use each one. The result was only one purchased piece not being put to good use (and go figure, it was the cheapest one anyway).

A place for everything, and everything sparkling in its place!

Home is a Fire by Death Cab for Cutie

Passive Aggressive

2012-01-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

If I were unquestionably wealthy, I would own several of Kelly Reemtsen's paintings. I can't get them out of my head. That's the thing I love most about art. Some you love, some you hate, but either side you can't forget. It seeps into you. Changes you. And as you change, get older, have new experiences, you preferences change. There is always more to see.

I'm also incredibly jealous of her loft! Those chair paintings are incredible. As is her collection of vintage dresses. Obviously.

Touched by V.A.S.T.

All we lack is

2012-01-05T23:32:00.002-07:00

Time.

My favorite is the best children's book. I've totally read it; it's as funny as it sounds.

Brothers on a Hotel Bed by Death Cab for Cutie

Potato

2012-01-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

What the couch looks like after 3 nights of being alone in my house. Scary.

Scary awesome.

Who comes up with this stuff?!

2012-01-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Plush bed bugs, fat cells, viruses...

Don't worry, STIs were not included in the bunch! Hahahahahahahahaha!

Take the World by She Wants Revenge (right up there with "Joy Formidable" on the list of epic band names)

This Little Piggy

2012-01-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

My freshman year of college was...rough. Most of which was my own fault. But my mom knew how bad it was getting in December when I turned 19. She came down to College Station with my Gran & Grandad to take me to lunch, go grocery shopping, and give me something to open on my birthday. She gave me a big, soft pink robe and pig slippers. I wore those for four years, one in Davis Gary (which I'd like to forget - setting up a blanket in the dorm hallway to hide from my roomate and talk to my boyfriend three hours away, these piggies were my best friends), and three years in Schuhmacher Hall (which I still sometimes miss).

I've been going through everything in my closets and under beds, shedding so to speak and readying the first donation to ARC of 2012. I found these in a container, and decided it was the perfect opportunity to reignite the passion. I took Mike to the airport this morning, it's just me and the puppies for a weak. The companionship is warranted.

Now, if I could just don them without Kona and Keebs viewing me as a walking chew toy...

Trojans by Atlas Genuis

This is why I thrift.

2012-01-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Jump into the Fog by The Wombats

It's the end of the world as we know it

2011-12-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

And I feel fine.

The Navesink Banks by Gaslight Anthem

For the Love of Cheese

2011-12-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Wine & Cheese night. And definitely Top Five Dates. Ever.

Overcome by Live

Bark less, wag more

2011-12-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Probably my favorite Christmas present this year, and it wasn't even mine! Mike's sporting his new t-shirt, appropriately petting the puppies. Luvs it.

Date Day

2011-12-28T23:01:00.002-07:00

We began this Wednesday with a two week post-op appointment during which Dr. Hugate checked my incision, removed the Steri-strips, told us there was less than 1% chance this osteachonroma could return, that everything was in great shape and my movement was further ahead than he could've expected, and said (I kid you not), "This is an incredibly rare place to develop one of these, but considering your luck with this sort of thing, it's not that surprising."

I love this guy! Seriously, love this guy; he's a freakin' genious. I have been blessed with incredible doctors.

One hour later, we were high-fiving each other on the elevator down to the Explorer to continue our Date Day in celebration of Life.

We began at Crave, where we actually split a sandwich, sweet potato fries (epic), and salad. And were very pleased with ourselves and how much we didn't eat at a restaurant made for pigging out.

Next stop: the pet-friendly Outlets at Castle Rock. Unfortunately, the Gap Outlet is not pet-friendly...

Mike oggled and swooned after the perf hoodie, but (fortunately) they didn't have his size (J.Crew can bite my butt with their prices).

Just after he posed for the photo (he didn't really look that crestfallen). I found this to be quite amusing.

Outdoor Outlets. Cool. Especially smack dab in the middle of winter...

Where I found the most perf butterfly necklaces AND matching earings at the Fossil outlet. Last one at the store. I win.

We ended the night with a date with the Castors and Hudsons at...CINEBARRE! $5 movies Monday through Thursday. Slap your daddy good. And look at that dead sexy hat!

Group love.

The Man I Love: an appreciation

2011-12-27T22:01:00.001-07:00

We're watching the final two episodes of Star Wars (we went in story order, not chronological order) tonight, which gives me time to update the ol' blogspheres. A good red blend is giving me the inclination. But as I ponder what I've done (read: haven't done) today, it gives rise to a clandestine photo from the comfy couch (I've been boycotting the BCC in celebration of not having to sleep in it).

We're both nerding it up on the interwebs (even while I type this with a soundtrack of Star Wars characters in the background, Mike is sending me shirts I can't live without he found on This is Why I'm Broke - I'll use those to break up the writing for those of you who are only here for the visual stimulation).

I need to brag on Mike for a bit tonight. He has been more incredible the past two weeks when I've been incapacitated than I could've even guessed or hoped for. My first memory is one of the first nights I moved from BCC to my own bed. I was still taking medication and therefore unable to walk straight. I'd fallen asleep before him due to pain killers, but woke up at 2 a.m. or so dreadfully early, and knew I wouldn't be able to make it downstairs for water on my own. I was forced to wake Mike up and explain grogigly to him what I needed.

"I already brought your water up; it's on your nightstand," he said half in his sleep. He anticipated my needs before I even knew what they were.

That's representative of what he's done for me the past 2 weeks. There are very few things as unsexy as your wife throwing up in a hospital bed or needing help just to reach the restroom. He set alarms for pain killers (that included 3 a.m.), had every sort of comfort food he could think of and made countless pieces of toast, filled up countless water bottles, gave me the pills I needed when I couldn't even tell time.

He was ready to fight anyone who told him he couldn't stay at the hospital. When I began shaking after surgery it was completely uncontrollable until he touched my face. I know now that he did so with a feeling of helplessness, but when he stopped I protested (beginning to shake again), and told him just to keep doing what he was doing. I fell blissfully asleep soon after.

He washed my hair, he helped me bathe, and never once made me feel guilty or humiliated. He helped me up and down the stairs for a week. He gave me his pillows from our bed (and I was so drugged I didn't even know), was willing to watch any movie, play any video game, that would make me feel better. He changed bandages daily, trying to move the tape in different places so it wouldn't hurt so badly when we took it off.

He fed the dogs, he shoveled snow, he admonished me for feeling bad about a large scar. He turned on the fire place to keep me warm, he bought me nacho materials (the Ultimate Comfort Food), he made sure I wore my sling, he came to my rescue when I fell on the stairs. He drove us around, he wanted to celebrate our Victory (when we received the official proclaimation from the surgeon that it was, indeed, a benign bone tumor), he bought me bottles of my favorite wine, he has let me play Zelda for hours on end (don't worry, I don't use the shield and therefore don't move my left arm).

All that to say, he has loved me. Loved me more than I ever thought possible. And my appreciation, my awe, of that...it knows no bounds.

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I've got a week left of vacation. I intend to enjoy it to its fullest.

Only the Sith deal in absolutes

2011-12-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Deep down, they abhore Pugs. Face it. We buy them for our own amusement. This was from the Toy Shoppe...I played about 8 hours of Zelda, watched 3 Star Wars movies, a couple episodes of Star Trek Generations, and tried not to move my arm. It worked! Getting better by the day!

And to all a Good Night

2011-12-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

This Christmas was definitely in the Top 5 holiday memories. The amazing way it came together, spending my first Christmas in Colorado (and in my own home!), the blessing of my parents flying up here (had they been driving, they wouldn't have been able to come due to road closures in Kansas and New Mexico), not having to drive 16 hours after surgery (which, again, due to road closures, we wouldn't have been able to do, either). Had we not had the C-Scare, we wouldn't have been able to spend Christmas with my family...

AND MY PARENTS DID STOCKINGS!

Mike and I love stockings. We pulled out goodies from oversized socks, unwrapped gifts in the light of my Christmas tree, and ended the evening with a showing of Easy A. It was also Keebler's first Christmas. You can see the remnants of their gifts all around their tired little bodies.

Keebs wants to do that again!

Thrifty Christmas

2011-12-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

We were up and out of the house today by 7:20 for a Starbucks run and a first row spot in line at ARC when it opened. Turns out that really wasn't necessary; apparently Thrift Saturday landing on Christmas Eve is great for dispelling crowds!

Two hours later, we walked out with half a car full and it was only the first stop! Find of that stop was a 1950s Egg Nog bowl and cups, along with tons of great clothing finds (for all parties involved, actually). Each cup says "Merry Christmas" in several different languages!

Next we ventured to Boulder at Hospice Thrift where my dad and I bought over 40 ties between the two of us each of which cost 10 cents! I so wish I'd known that when I made my tie skirt. That didn't consitute find of the stop however. That went to my new fav jacket (to die for; I LOVE BUTTERFLIES!):

While in Boulder, we had to stop at Wahoo's for the traditional seafood bowl of greatness. Love that place. And we sat across from a Starbucks where my dad vividly remembered me asking them if I'd ever find someone to spend the rest of my life with. Oh my stupidity!

A quick stop at Lafayette Flea Market resulted in a very nicely shaped 1940s suitcase (the top one):

And finally, Goodwill, where my dad scored the Find of the Stop. A new, with tags, sport coat originally $225. I think he paid $6. I wasn't camera ready with that one.

We win.

Double Date Day

2011-12-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

My first time out on the town in a loooooong time. Ok. Maybe not that long. But it felt long. We started off with brunch at Sam's No. 3 just down from the Clayton's fav downtown Denver Hotel (the Curtis). That kept us warm enough to make it to the bus to Tattered Cover (it was a balmy 15 degrees; sue us for Mass Tansiting it - it hurts to both shiver and sneeze). We enjoyed a few reads and even more memories of the place at which we were wed (luvs it). Oh, and stopped by Gorrin Bros for new hats!

After a brief respite and a run to Game Stop (Buy 2 Get 1 used games - can it get any better?), we made our way to The Orchard for dinner, yogurt, and the required Target stop.

While we waited for our table, we stopped into Grand Rabbits Toy Shoppe, which is unBElievably cool.

Mimi & her Lions!

After a tasty meal at Rock Bottom Brewery, we took Mims to Red Mango for some Greek Frozen Yogurt in myriad flavors and artful toppings. I believe right here Dad is saying "You no get". But in actuality, we did!

T-Shirt Scarf

2011-12-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

We did absolutely nothing today. It was snowy and wonderful, full of techno-biz (I am so saving up for an iPad after drooling over my parents' newly procured pads), Zelda, great comfort food via the Crock Pot, and lots of love.

My mom found this fantastic idea from Hello Giggles, so we used some old thrifted t-shirts and tried it out ourselves. I haven't decided how I'm going to embellish mine yet. I'm thinking pin or buttons. Either way, it's incredibly soft and oh so chic!

Lazy days are so much better when they're not actually due to being confined to the couch.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Mimi & Poppy have arrived! And so has over a foot of snow...God answered a prayer on that one. What a beautiful Christmas this is turning out to be!

Tongue & Cheek

2011-12-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about where dogs actually keep those incredibly long tongues of theirs?

Me neither.

Santa, Baby

2011-12-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

I went the simple route for wrapping this year...they looked so pretty under the tree!

Complete with little metal watering cans and cardinals...and a Trader Joe's Wine Caddy. ;-)

Concernicus

2011-12-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

The really funny thing to watch the past few days have been the dogs. They are sleeping a lot more around us in the living room than normal, because I'm sleeping all the time. Even their bedtime hours are all out of wack due to sleeping through the day and not being able to doso again at night (while the Big Comfy Chair is comfy when you're awake, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep not only sitting up, but avoiding anything touching one full side of your back is difficult, to say the least).

One night, Mike fell asleep with me in the living room, as did the dogs - their first night out of their crate. Every time I moved Keebler bolted up just to look at me and make sure everything was O.K.

It seemed like they even knew how fragile I was, as they didn't even jump on me. Dogs are such precious things in life; they know Their People.

I took this photo of Mike and Kona from BCC. True to form, still taking a picture a day even after surgery. I love this little blog.

Wishful Thinking

2011-12-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

In going through my phone to find photos to represent the days I've spent in a haze of pain killers, sleep, movies, and basically immobile and in quite a bit of pain on the Big Comfy Chair (so, not a lot of photos...), I came across a photo I was going to send to Mike to see if he liked the dress for his birthday party. I decided against it as the last thing I need is another dress.

But I look at it now and wish I'd bought and worn it, as it would have been the last time I could have without a fairly prominent scar on my shoulder. I really like my shoulders. I'm trying not to be sad about it, as my Mom says, "It's a battle scar that tells everyone you're a survivor, and you didn't have to do it again."

Which is true. But even cancer survivors have a little bit of vanity...

Bow Wow Bouquet

2011-12-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Karley and Du sent me this wonderful arrangement that arrived at Quivas right after we did. It cheered me up just looking at it through the week. They couldn't have picked a more perf gift! Not pictured were the chocolate covered strawberries and apples from my parents from Edible Arrangements. My family knows me so well.

Peaches

2011-12-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

She has been through every surgery I've ever had. Including yesterdays. Screw being 28, if I want a stuffed animal in the operating room with me, she's going.

I was surprised at the lack of weird looks I received. They see everything, I'm sure. She still had the hospital tag from 1993...they don't make 'em like they used to (I had my own bar code...creepy).

Osteochondroma

2011-12-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

I know you might find this amazing, but the world doesn't stop when you're in the middle of a personal crisis. You think that it would, that it should, but that's just not how life works.

I had all my surgeon questions written in a Note on my Blackberry. We had packed. I ate and drank nothing after 11pm the night before (come to find out it's so you don't regurgitate anything during surgery that would subsequently flow back into your lungs...I always wondered that). We were prepared, damn it.

Ha!

No. No, we weren't.

They make you take off all your clothes. I at least thought I could maintain some semblance of normalcy by holding on to my underwear. Nope. They mean everything. Strike 1.
They tried to put the IV between my wrist and my elbow which is just weird. That is not the normal spot (and let's be honest, I know what that is). Add to that the initial catheter was defective and broke off in my blood vessel potentially causing major issues, and an hour into our hospital visit I'm quietly losing my mind.
The surgeon walked to the prep room with a photo on his iPhone of his previous tumor removal (he was unaware, it was strapped to his hip). I later found out it was a seven pound tumor removed from my room buddy (to whom we never spoke) in the hospital that night. Dood. This did prepare me for the question he eventually asked: "Do you want a photo of it?" Do I want a photo of it?! What kind of question is that?!
The answer was, of course, Yes. Yes, I would like a photo of it! (No, that will not be a photo of the day).
And then, he signed my left shoulder. I was so taken aback by this I didn't even ask why.
I still get asked car questions even when I'm naked, hooked up to an IV, and about to receive so much anesthesia I'm just hoping to remember Mike's name when I come out of it. Strike 2, Happy Gas Guy.
I am completely incapacitated, to the point of being unable to open my eyelids, and they're thinking of sending me home rather than spend the night in the hospital. I can barely say my own name and you think that's the way to go?!
We had to share a room. What is this, an 80s episode of General Hospital?!
The nurse had the gall to say due to sharing a room there was a possibility Mike wouldn't be allowed to stay. I'm not above admitting it was the only time I started freaking out.
I won't even go into the story of my first potty break (which happened to be the first attempt at movement I made) after the surgery. Privacy curtains. They are there for a reason, people in the medical field.
I do not exaggerate when I tell you it took 5 seconds after the first shot of narcotic pain killer for me to throw up. I love freaking nurses out.
Let me just say this: it will be a long time before I eat anything resembling apple sauce again.
How many orderlies did I have to tell NOT to touch my left arm to attempt a blood pressure cuff? What part of scapula surgery did you not read on the chart?
WHY DOES EVERYONE IN A HOSPITAL INSIST ON SLAMMING DOORS?!
4 inches. That's how long the incision is. That's how big the scar will be. 4 inches is huge.
Surgery causes you to shake. Uncontrollable, body twisting shakes that you can't physically stop. The was one of the scariest moments of the whole ordeal. And is, apparently. completely normal.
I have gone through life thoroughly taking the use of my left arm for granted.
Mike is one of the biggest blessings I have ever received. If not for him...I'd have a lot less fun recounting the story of our first medical malady together.

I took this on our way to the hospital. Really, today's post is more a picture of words. But I figured this would be a good ending.

Boots & Barkley Strike Again

2011-12-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

A Doggie Deluxe Cheese and Sausage set? How do I have any budget left?!

Mike ran a ton of last minute errands with me in preparation for (and avoidance of thinking about) surgery tomorrow. It was actually a great evening. Unexpected delight.

I'm 28 Today

2011-12-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

But with everything we've been through, and the fact that Mike turns 30 this year, I kinda feel like we just skipped it. Surprisingly, I'm not bitter about this. I just want Wedesday to be done.

Happy Birthday to me.

Exploring Black Hawk

2011-12-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Because there's more here than...nope, no there's not. It's pretty much just casinos.

But at least I married a man who appreciates the *very* little things. Including reading the historical markers.

That would be our hotel. I almost felt bad.

The rest of Black Hawk...

30-Something

2011-12-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mike's 30th birthday at the Timberline Grill in Black Hawk. I have to say, I was incredibly impressed with both the food and service. But what was most impressive was 11 of our closest friends driving up to join us! I wish I'd gotten more photos...

Dogs in a Manger

2011-12-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mike found this and immediately thought of me. Pretty much made my day!

2011-12-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Because nothing says "Thank you, Lord, for being born" like Disney Princesses.

Not to mention candy cane Sally Hansen polish strips...

I love the TCH Gift Shop.

Holiday Dinner Plate

2011-12-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am such the sucker for the well-packaged pooch paraphernalia:

Dog's choice of roast stuffed duck, fuzzy chicken, or baked plush lobster with a side of rope greens, baked potato bean bag, and corn on the cob chew toy.

C'mon!

Put that in your pipe and smoke it

2011-12-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

I don't normally delve into polics, but seriously. You hippies are killing me.

Cold Hands = Warm Heart

2011-12-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's been very cold here. We've had unrelenting ground moisture in the form of snow and ice for weeks. In fact, the dog's water bowl is consitently frozen. I warm it up enough to get the massive chunk of concave ice out, letting it melt in the sink while I fill it again. This morning, Mike had a bit of fun with the hot water...

Christmas Tree Puppy

2011-12-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Kona luvs him some holiday decor.

Keebler is cool with it as long as you're there...

I've Got a Feeling

2011-12-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Tea & scones will seriously make anything better...what great food and even better company!

Hostesses with the Mostesses! Pretty sure between the two of us we drank 20 cups of tea. SO GOOD.

And Mike got all dressed up to act as butler when everyone arrived. Such a supportive man. Also pretty good lookin'.

Preparation

2011-12-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Tea Around the World! Heidi and I are soooooo excited...

Next Up

2011-12-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

I so want to make one of these! From my newest follow.

Puzzling

2011-11-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Why do hospitals and doctor's offices always have these and always smell the same?! Biopsy today. Gotta appreciate the anesthesiologist. And Mike.

After not eating for 16 hours, Snarf's is pretty darn good, too.

Tie One On

2011-11-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Dorothy and I made a skirt out of these! I still have to put the hook & eye on, but the first day I wear it you can bet it will be that day's photo contribution. It's so awesome. And I have all the skinny ends to use for a wreath! I have a thing for ties...

Road Kill

2011-11-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Kona & Keebs are big fans of the toys we bought them at Sam's. I'm a big fan of how funny they are.

Still, loves Mom more...

Tryptophan Coma

2011-11-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

We did nothing this afternoon. It was awesome.

Ren Fest

2011-11-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Dorothy brought the costumes she's been working on since we first met at the Colorado Renaissance Festival over three years ago. These costumes are unbelievable, and fit perfectly! I can't wait to wear them at any excuse...

Also, the fact that Mike has to get tights for his is highly amusing to me.

Before & After

2011-11-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

I found these clear ornaments at ARC for $2 and have been holding on to this duplicate copy of a Michael Crichton book I bought at Hospice Thrift for 99 cents.

You never know when inspiration will hit you!

Turkey Triumph

2011-11-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

My first turkey in my roaster over (thanks Mom & Dad) turned out perfectly! It was a very successful Thanksgiving feast at Quivas - my first ever in my own home. Look at that electric knife skill...

Daddy spuds...

Dorothy made stuffing and Robert made Green Bean Casserole, and of course Sweet Potato Casserole. A unanimous favorite of the day.

And the China was busted out for the Asian-themed table setting.

Thank You

2011-11-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

I spent the week working at one of my favorite dealerships, as the first three days of Thanksgiving weak are usually pretty dead. So they were also there to witness the different emotions caused by not knowing what was going on with my health. I was so dispondent over a poor piece of chocolate cake the day before, that my manager surprised be with a completely made-from-scratch cake. Just for me.

How many people have had a cake that simply pronounces who they are? Best. Cake. Ever.

I cried.

The Overlook

2011-11-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Mike was trying to distract me from the worries at hand by taking me to our park bench overlooking part of Boulder Valley.

Unfortunately, it was getting so cold I was distracted from that...

Hospital Booties: an appreciation

2011-11-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

MRI was today. Man those are rough. Laying absolutely still for over an hour is even more difficult than it sounds, and it sounds pretty hard.

Because I came from work, and was wearing tights and heals, I didn't have socks with which to walk around the hospital. So I asked if they had any booties...pretty much the one souvenier from hospital visits to which I looked forward.

I found these to be so amusing that I took them home with me. When I called my dad to tell him the MRI was done, I let him know I was the proud owner of a new pair of hospital booties.

"Well, Christmas came early for you didn't it," he responded. The sarcasm apple doesn't fall far from that tree.

Happy Birthday (a bit early)

2011-11-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Mike game me my birthday present before Thanksgiving vacation...so I'd have ample opportunity to make use of it! I'm not sure which I loved more, that he'd pre-ordered the newest Zelda game and purchased the one console I didn't have to play it...or that he tried to wrap it!

Princess Party

2011-11-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

For Michelle's 40th birthday, her husband Jeff held a Princess Party in her honor, complete with pin the lips on the Frog Prince...

Princesses...

Damsels in Distress...

Knights in Shining Armor...

And a rousing game of Chubby Bunny!

And Now You Know...the Rest of the Story

2011-11-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

This might better explain the complete lack of photog upload for the past few weeks. I've been taking them, but the last thing I thought about was uploading them...

From my Dad to our family regarding the past few weeks (once we actually had something to tell them):

Dear Family,I didn’t mean to go all Paul Harvey on you. However, as we immerse ourselves into the middle of the holiday season, Robin and I wanted to bring you up to speed on a situation our family has been dealing with since before Thanksgiving.

About a week before Thanksgiving Kendra called Robin and told her she had found a lump in the middle of her back. She thought it might be something she developed over the course of starting a new exercise program with Mike about a month earlier. However, due to her history, she was concerned. Robin advised her that it was probably not a big deal, but that she ought to contact her family doctor soon to have it checked out.

Kendra took the advice and called her doctor that afternoon. Her doctor got her in the very first thing on the next day. After looking at it and reviewing her history with cancer, the doctor sent Kendra from his office directly to the hospital for an ultra sound. While we all felt grateful for the quick action, we also had our concern ratcheted up a notch or two by the fact that the doctors all seemed to be very concerned.

She had the ultra sound on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Afterwards, all the doctor could say was that there was a mass located in her muscle but the radiologist would have to be the one to make a further determination. Bear in mind that while these events were taking place her doctor was leaving on vacation and house guests were on the way to Mike and Kendra’s house for an eight day stay. Not the best timing for either event.

After a long weekend, she got word from her doctor and telling her that it was probably a good idea to prepare herself for the worst, but hope for the best. (Cancer patients who have received radiation as part of their treatment are nine times more likely to develop tumors in the radiated areas later in life than the general population.) An MRI was scheduled to take place the next day, Tuesday. While these details were all taking place, Mike picked his parents up from the airport for a stay scheduled long before these events took place, Robin and I were making preparations to host Thanksgiving for the Workman family. We told Karley and Dustin about the situation but no one else in the family. There was no need to alarm anyone else until more facts were known. But to say we were distracted is an understatement. The MRI confirmed the location and more details about the mass, but a biopsy would have to be performed to identify exactly what it was. Because of the holiday, that was not able to happen till just two days ago. (How long do you think this past week has been?)

The biopsy was performed at the hospital on Wednesday, three days ago. More waiting. Thursday night the doctor finally called with definitive information. The bad news: there is a tumor on the bone in her back left shoulder. The good news: it is benign (at this point) and is probably not related to her earlier illness (what are the chances?).

The reason for sharing all this information now? First as a praise for answered prayer. Second, because there are still issues that need to be dealt with that affect short term planning to one extent or another.

Surgery will need to be scheduled to remove the tumor as quickly as possible so it cannot develop into something else. It is not clear yet just when that will happen, but more than likely in the next week or two. There is a chance that could preclude Mike and Kendra from traveling for the holidays. If they are able to travel, we’re sure that Kendra will be in some discomfort and sore from the procedure followed by fifteen hours in a car. We wanted you to be aware of that. We may be going to Denver to help if for any reason Mike and Kendra needed assistance. We’ve told them one or the other or both of us would be there on 24 hours notice, whenever that might be. (You can see how that might have an impact on any holiday plans.)

Good news: at this point, it doesn’t look like any further action will be needed after the surgery. More good news: as a result of all of this, Kendra has done a lot of research and discovered things that her oncologist should have been doing on a yearly basis that have not been taking place to look for other common problems. She is looking for a new oncologist. The best news: Mike has been wonderfully supportive, helpful and caring throughout this entire ordeal. As parents, the toughest part of this has been seeing your child suffer from a long distance away and not be there to help and guide the process. But it makes all the difference to know that Kendra has found someone to fill that role in our place.

So there you have it. A bullet dodged. Prayers answered. Life goes on with only minor adjustments rather than major upheaval. We are optimistic about the future in the long term; looking forward to Christmas with family in the short term. If any of the plans have to get altered along the way, we’ll let you know ahead of time and you will know all the details as to why. If you feel lead to contact Kendra to offer words of encouragement or support, I would advise you to do it through email or send her a note. Between dealing with insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and still working full time for Ford she is physically overwhelmed, not to mention emotionally exhausted.

We look forward to seeing you all soon and celebrating together,

Kurt and Robin

How Appropo

2011-11-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

The irony of this article's title is not lost on me now having had several weeks pass and a receiving a resolution to the lump I found on my back. Initial doctor's appointment was the next day (Friday). I think I'll let my Dad explain the whole situation in tomorrow's post.

I liked this article most for it's title/pictoral representation (Planet of the Apes anyone?) as well as this quote:

"When you look back on the history of past civilizations, a striking feature is the speed with which most of them collapsed, regardless of the cause." - Jesse Lenz

Belated Thrift Store Finds

2011-11-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Set of awesome mugs from World Market (looked like they'd never even been used!). And a travel water bottle, that had definitely never been. Very beverage-intensive thrift store biz.

Dee Kona & Dee Keebs: a study

2011-11-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

I've never seen two dogs more attached. Such a sweet blessing on a daily basis!

Tea Around the World

2011-11-14T20:52:00.001-07:00

Heidi & I are hosting a tea party for some friends in our neighborhood and family (well, Heidi's, since she's from Colorodo - and no, she doesn't ski). So I made invitations for all the ladies. Each one is unique (but still themed), and the RSVP info is held in an origami crane (am I especially proud of this touch? Why yes! Yes, I am!).

Super happy with how they all turned out (although it's a really good thing I had a three day weekend to complete them or it never would've happened).

Lurv

2011-11-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Keebs curled up in Kona's legs today. Epic squee.

Power Card

2011-11-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Jansicks, Bourgois, and Claytons met up for adult revelrie at Dave & Busters Saturday night! I think it sparked our once fanatical love of the adult Chuck E. Cheese once more...we bought two Xbox games with our saved up tickets! Heck yes.

Everyone at the races...and Michelle peaking!

Mike & Ashley!

Ya know.

Jeff & Michelle showing us the best makeout spots.

Dustin & Ashley, who are actually expecting! They were grandfathered in to Couples without Kids. Who knew doctors who told you you'd never have children could be so wrong?! Further proof to continue taking BC if you really aren't interested... ;-)

Our fav. Ok, my fav, but Mike is awesome and therefore plays with me.

Next Generation

2011-11-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mike and I have become Trekies once more with Star Trek: The Next Generation now being on Netflix streaming. As cheesy as some of the moments are (really? Riker is supposed to be the hot one? And what is with Deanna Troy's onsies?!), I appreciate the writing now far more than I did as a kid watching Picard with my mom.

I was going to marry that man one day. He's still on The List.

Anywho, Geordi's constant stream of space nonsense made me tell Mike that his outtakes had to be hilarious. Hence the embedded video. You might have to like Star Trek to appreciate; I laugh every time I watch it!

Imported from Detroit (although technically it's Dearborn)

2011-11-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

They're the competition and let's face it, we're paying for their bailout, but the fact of the matter is: this is brilliant.

View from Above

2011-11-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love lamp

2011-11-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our service and parts manager took us to PF Chang's for a delectable lunch in (brace yourself) Greeley, Colorado. I seriously love their light fixtures. If my house were bigger, I'd find one!

Prince Lived Here

2011-11-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Seriously. A purple house. With aqua shutters. Who in their right mind?!