5 Rules for Graduation

Went to my nephew's graduation last night. Can we say SNAFU? Sadly, I graduated from the same ghetto high school, so I empathize. But, seriously - it could use some work. Here's what I learned:

1) Using a church WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING in the summer in Cincinnati where humidity is 200% is not a good thing.

2) NOT having someone's diploma is ALSO not a good thing. My nephew walked on stage after having his name called only to NOT receive his diploma. They literally stopped the ceremony so that they could fumble through the 50 (that's right - ONLY FIFTY) diplomas looking for his and it wasn't there. I think he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Thank goodness someone hollered out from the crowd "It's ok - we know you did it." Yes - we knew he did but it would have been nice for him to have it on one of the most important days of his life.

3) Get a bigger venue for the ceremony. It was standing room only. For something as formal as a graduation, there should be seats for everyone. If you can't accomodate everyone, then provide tickets and only those with tickets can attend. It's sad to see parents have to stand.

4) Don't let the students on the stage act like idiots. Two wore sunglasses and danced across the stage like they were in a 50 Cent video. It's GRADUATION. Not MTV.

5) Make sure your speakers (whether it be educators, guests, honored students, etc.) can ENUNCIATE. Nothing bothers me more than a mumbler doing public speaking.

Ok - so I'm over my vent. The thing that bothered me the most was my nephew not getting his diploma. He was upset. I don't blame him. But, I told him to hold his head up high and act with dignity and integrity. It wasn't his mistake and he won't be the one looking like a fool. Hopefully that's advice he can take with him for life.

Here he is with my brother and his wife. Everyone was SO HOT - so we all look terrible.



On a more positive note, I had a great weekend with my family. Except those random family members that just drive you crazy. Had to deal with one of those. Can you tell I don't tolerate well? LOL! But, LOVE spending time with Scott and the girls. Always makes it worth it.

Here Scott is kissing Addie's toes. He would tickle her toes and she'd smile and bury her face. We were outside under a patio, which is why she's a nakee baby. I had a onesie on her but it was just TOO HOT. I didn't want people thinking we were hillbilly.



Then there is Maggie. I can't believe her front teeth are already coming in. She's not even six and has already lost a mouthful of teeth. Can you say ORTHODONTICS??? She's such a stinker!



But, she's so cute! :)

Got a busy weekend...

Have you ever seen Old School where Will Farrell (i.e. Frank "the Tank") is talking and he's like "Got a busy weekend planned. Going to Home Depot - maybe a little Bed, Bath and Beyond." It just CRACKS me up. I feel that way - got a busy weekend.

Tonight is cropping and photo shoot with Barb and Laura. Looking SO forward to it - you have NO idea! Night out with the girls is always good. Plus, Scott is taking Maggie to the Reds game. (Benefits of having a brother that works for the organization) Then tomorrow is SPA DAY for me! Scott bought me a gift certificate for a facial, mani, pedi, etc. and I'm cashing that bad boy in at 2:00. Can you say EXCITED!!!!

Sunday is a family party with Scott's relatives. My plan is to stay in the corner in the shade with Addison because it's supposed to be about 80 degrees. I don't want the poor little peanut to get hot and goodness knows that I'm not all about being sweaty. Maggie should have a good time with her cousins - at least I hope so!

Finally Monday is a graduation party for my nephew. I figure I'll be completely worn out by then. I'll need a day off just to recoup from my weekend.

Enough blah blah about my boring life - here's some photos. Started playing with photoshop this morning. I just LOVE this photo of Scott and Addie. He had her name tattooed on his back with the shamrock. LOVE the tat. (By the way, the other one on his shoulder is "Ginger" in Chinese) ;)



Here's Maggie in her TKD stance. That girl WILL figure out her White Belt Form 1. LOL! Scott's been working with her diligently on it.



Finally, one of my favorite photos of Addison's feet. I just have a thing for baby feet. They're so cute! Now, adult feet = gross. But, baby feet = sweet and precious.



Puts a smile on my face!

Confessions...

Ok - here's the deal. I'm not a real redhead. I know...hard to believe, huh? I guess because I've colored my hair for so long, I didn't believe it myself. Wanna know how long I've been buddies with Ms. Clairol? Let's put it this way. I've been with Scott for 11 years and he has NEVER seen me with my natural haircolor. NEVER. Not once. I've always kept it red and now that I'm getting the stray greys, I keep it colored even more. (Although it's hard to do when you're trying to balance work, 2 kids, etc.)

This past Sunday I finally decided that I would grant Scott his wish of seeing me with brown hair. The idea of being a brunette really didn't sit with me well. I just feel like part of my identity is being the red head. Plus, my name is Ginger. It's just MEANT to be that way. But, I went with it and bought a box of brown dye and did the deed. The only thing is - the red still shows through. (Much to my surprise and yet joy!)

But, I don't know what to do with my hair at this point. I'm growing it out. I just really like long hair and it's due for a trim (which hopefully will happen this weekend!) but I'm also growing out my bangs. I figured I'd take a photo this morning of it. I'm not sure where to go next with this mop. (Did I mention that my hair is SUPER thick, too?) It needs a conditioning treatment. Maybe something else to tackle this weekend.

What do you think?



I wanted to remind Scott that just because I dyed my hair brown, it didn't mean that I would turn into Eva Longoria. Darn. I forgot to mention that. Ha!

I'm not ready to make nice...

Ok - I don't get all political, so don't expect it here. However, I just have to express how excited I am that the new Dixie Chicks CD came out today. Already downloaded it. Oh yes...I've missed them.



My husband gives me a lot of heck for still listening to them, but I just really like their music. So, they can't keep their mouth shut. Neither can I, I suppose. Might as well just sit back and enjoy some tunes. For the record, I respect the office of our President.

Now - on to less controversial issues. Addison is so stinkin' cute! I need to download my photos from this weekend. She is in the smiling mode these days. She LOVES it when her daddy calls her his "little leprechaun". (She was born on St. Patty's Day) She buries her face and just smiles. It melts my heart. The past five years were totally worth it to watch her look up at me and smile. Completely worth it!

I also need to download photos from Barb's black belt testing this weekend. Pretty cool stuff!

Back to my CD!

It's just been a GREAT week...

NOT! First off, I woke up yesterday morning with facial swelling. I had the lips of Angelina Jolie (probably punishment for all of my Brangelina rants) and the nose of an old drunk. My face was SO swollen. I apparently had an allergic reaction to something which has since converted itself into hives.

Exhibit 1:


Ignore the mess behind me. I'm at work and creative minds are messy. (Plus, it's not MY mess) But, check out the red rash all over my face. It's down my back and arms. I'm like a cat against a scratching post - if something's not moving, I'm rubbing up against it. I had to run out to Bigg's (local grocery chain) to get a t-shirt since I wore a heavy shirt today. (It's 60 degrees in Cincinnati) I also grabbed some Claritin to help with the itching. You know it's bad when you ask the pharmacist what you can take and they take a step back with a look like they've just seen Bigfoot. Not a good day for me.

Plus, my poor little Addison had to have 5 vaccinations yesterday. I swear, they vaccinate against everything these days. They gave her one for ear infections! Where was that when I was a kid? Heck - where's that now? Poor little thing is so tiny that her legs are bruised from the shots. She's still a peanut - a whopping 8 lbs, 13 ounces. She's going to be the tiny one.

When I was growing up, my best friend was a girl named Jenny and she had a sister, Amy that was "the tiny one". Jenny was like me-she wasn't a small girl. But, Amy was and when they were teenagers, Jenny hated Amy for that. I worry that will be the case with Maggie and Addison. I had to chuckle and think to myself "I have Jenny and Amy". I'm sure that won't be the case but it's so hard to realize that Addie is STILL not the same size Maggie was AT BIRTH and Addie is 2 months old. She's my peanut!

Oh well... enough blabbering for today. I have to go find some tree bark to scratch up against.

Just some photos...

Of my beautiful girls! :)

Five going on fifteen!



Gettin' bigger! Will be 2 months tomorrow! (Sniff!)

It's been a few days...

Obviously since I've last posted. I had a rough week last week. Addison needed to be switched to soy formula. Fortunately, she's doing 100% better. I never realized the difference that it would make. She's happy, nowhere near as fussy and sleeps a lot better. Her poor little tummy was hurting, that's for sure! Now - she's happy baby and smiles for mommy all the time! LOVE that!

Maggie has been in Tae Kwon Do for almost 2 weeks now. She's starting to get parts of it and loves going. It's great to have an activity that she can be so involved in. Scott's very dedicated to making sure that she gets the most out of it and he's been awesome in terms of taking her since I don't get home from work until later.

Then there was Mother's Day. That amazing man of mine bought me a spa gift certificate. Whoo hoo!!!! I cannot WAIT to redeem it. I need to set up that appointment - mani, pedi, facial, etc. Life is good!

Now - to the meat of today's post. That's right - it's Grey's Anatomy time. Gotta break it down because I'm still in shock. I won't be able to wait the entire summer for the next episode.

WHY WHY WHY???? Why did Denny have to die? I was devastated. For some reason, I thought he and Izzy would ride off into the sunset and be completely happy. Color me stupid.



Of course I cried during most of the episode. It's not because I'm hormonal, either. It was a darn good two hours of television. What about when The Chief was dancing with his niece and she talked about the boy loving her. SOB!



Then there is Meredith and Derek putting their dog to sleep. I've been there. I know how bad it is. Except, their dog didn't look like mine. My lab had her tongue hanging out where they had sedated her beforehand. It hit me deep - made me remember Sicily and when we had to put her down 2 days before Christmas in 2004. Sob!



Izzy holding Denny after he died tore me up. I can't even imagine. Or, when Alex picked her up and sat with her. By then, I was a snotty, blubbering idiot. There was not enough Kleenex in the house.




I actually started to LIKE Alex after that scene.

It's not Grey's though, unless something just sets me off. Ticks me off like Brangelina. Oh yes- there was a moment like that last night. WTH???



I'm not going to lie - I championed for Meredith and Derek to get back together. I wanted to see them develop a romance. But, that was EPISODES ago. I began to feel for Addison - I thought she was trying. I thought Derek was actually starting to change and would become the husband he SHOULD be for her. Boy - was I wrong. I won't tell you what I yelled at the television but let's just say it was the same thing Derek called Meredith last week. Oh yes... I said it. And, I meant it.

What Addison should have done here is thrown the drink in Derek's face. If I would have been writing this show, she would have. LOL! (And then maybe kicked him in the crotch)



Finally, let's talk about George. Good ole George. Compassionate and sweet and puppy-like George. Even with his schoolboy haircut, he's still adorable and funny and starting to gain on the female audience. He didn't owe Meredith that apology but he gave it anyway. He didn't need to defend Izzy's actions - but he did. What a man. Plus, he dates the chunkier girl. LOVE Callie. Love her because she's spunky and not a size 2. I can relate. Callie kicks major ass.



To the Grey's fans...we have all summer to wait this out. I would talk about Yang and Burke, but I'm not sure what to say about them. Love Preston - Love Yang. I love how she asked the Chief to tell her how to keep her edge. I knew it was a matter of time before the tough exterior would wear down. It's about time. Take care of Preston, Christina. You need him more than you know.

It just blows me away that a show has that sort of affect. I don't think I've ever been that addicted to a show before. Either it's a good show or I've basically given up on life. LOL! I don't think it's the latter, although Scott would disagree with me. (Of course, he thinks Survivor is the end-all, be-all)

I better get back to designing. Almost done with most of my CHA stuff. (Ok - so not really, but I like saying that.)

Endless Chatter

It's been a while since I've had time to post to the blog, clean it up (in terms of updates), etc., so I worked on it today. What do you think? Hopefully it looks a little better. Oh and word to the wise - under my "Fun Stuff" category, Tyler Durden can be a bit crude, but totally hilarious. Just my PSA of the day.

This week has been a bit rough. Poor Addison was sick and kept me up most of the night on Monday. Yesterday I went to work on 1.5 hours of sleep. I called Barb to get me a Starbucks concoction that would keep me awake. Let me tell you - when you ask Barb Hogan to do something, she delivers. She brings me this Frap that was LOADED with God knows what and I woke up alright. I also had a caffeine rush so bad that I could hardly type. Talk about Stacker 2 in a cup. Considering that I never drink coffee, next time I'll take it easy.

Today Addison seems to be doing better and she's so stinkin' cute. As soon as I get time I'll upload some photos and post. Scott and I are pretty much running from morning to night these days. We enrolled Maggie in Tae Kwon Do and Scott is the awesome dad that makes sure she makes her classes. (FOUR days/week) He often takes Addison with him since I don't get off of work and get home until after 6:00 and by the time we're both home it's dinner, bathtime for the kids, laundry, etc. So - forgive me for not being caught up. Sleep is overrated but I'm a grouchy bear when I don't get enough.

On a side note, Nick Lachey's CD was released yesterday. Big KUDOS to a fellow Cincinnatian who is not too bad to look at either. Us girls in the office have been driving our boss crazy with our Nick Lachey obsession. Can you believe this is Nick?



This definitely doesn't help my weakness for men in eyeliner. (Think Brandon Flowers and Billie Joe Armstrong) Don't worry Scott - I'll leave you alone about it.

Back to work. Got two paper lines nearly finished and a third on the way. Already starting to pick out names. By the way - speaking of movies, has anyone seen Super Troopers. If not - GO RENT IT. I nearly tinkled myself laughing. Meow....

RAK winner and can a girl catch a break?

First off - reasons why I can barely function this morning and need to get a Mountain Dew but due to my new diet, I'm not drinking soda, so here I sit with toothpicks holding my eyelids open. (and doing run-on sentences)

1) Addison has a cold. Poor peanut. :(
2) I have an ear infection.
3) Maggie's allergies are worse - she's been coughing, runny nose, etc.
4) Addison pukes all over herself right as she was getting ready to go to bed for the night. Has to be re-bathed, re-fed, etc.
5) My new diet has caused me to run to the bathroom 3 times a night. (Nothing like the initial water weight loss)
6) Maggie wakes up in the middle of the night sobbing because her throat hurts. She wakes up at 2:00, 3:23, 4:15, etc.

Today I've made three doctors appointments and have already taken more Advil than is medically feasible. I think combined this week, Scott and I have managed 7 hours of sleep. This weekend is National Scrapbook Day and I've got a full schedule. I'm planning on sleeping Sunday.

Now - for the good news. I have RAK winners! Yes - more than one! I picked three, so here they are:

Melinda
Claudia
Angie

I have a very secure system of writing names down on torn pieces of paper, throwing them into a lunch pail and drawing them out. Results were kept secret until I wrote them in the blog.

For the winners, please e-mail me your addresses at ginger@imaginationproject.com. Please don't send me messages about Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, etc. I get plenty of those and the last time I checked - I didn't have the equipment to require those medications.

Oh - and regarding my Ziggy Zaggy thing - it was from The Man Show. My husband watches it on G4 at night and for some sick reason, I think it's hilarious. Totally un-PC and meant to tick women off, but I find it more amusing than anything. Probably because I grew up with three brothers - nothing is sacred. Those of you who guessed right got an extra entry!

And, before I do my Jessica Simpson rant (oh and it's coming!), here is the MAIN reason why she's a goofball



WHY would you divorce this?????

Numbers

Ok - so I was trying to think of fun things to blog about. I'm back at work and of course getting back into the groove of things. This weekend I went to Somerset to visit my family and stopped in Lexington to see Sheila at Mountains of Memories. LOVE that store! Anyway - wrote down a few things about my trip:

Number of times I had to climb into the back seat of my Tribute to calm a fussy baby - 3
Number of times I had to beg Scott to let me go to Taco Bell - 2
Number of times Maggie asked "are we there yet?" (I think she saw this on The Simpsons!) - 8
Number of times Addison woke up in the middle of the night - 5 (across two nights - I guess not too bad since she was out of schedule)
Number of pairs of crocs I wanted to buy - 4
Number of Mullets at the Super Wal-Mart - 7 (NOT kidding - I started classifying them)
Number of stores my cousin and I went to on a shopping spree - 5
Number of times I vented about Brangelina, TomKat and Jessica Simpson - 6

Not too bad - I had a great time. I LOVE visiting my family. I was excited when Scott suggested heading down there on Friday. He took off of work to spend my last day of Maternity Leave with me. He's the man.

I was going to upload a photo but Blogger is giving me fits. Grrr...

Oh - and I'll be drawing a name for the RAK tomorrow! :)