Child Photography

Yesterday at my place of work (I am not allowed to disclose my place of work as per strict instructions from our big boss, sorry) a couple and their "minister" came up to the front window and asked if they could get married here. The receptionist replied that of course they can and and if they would like to see a salesperson.

"NO, we mean right now. We want to have our ceremony right here, right now."

So, there were a few minutes of mayhem, but the impromptu wedding actually happened right outside our office building at 4:30pm. The minister (who looked liked she meant business so I kept calling her the sinister) brought what we all assumed were her children. The little boy was less than 10 but he was the photographer and seemed like he knew what he was doing, getting all the angles, even lowering himself to a knee - really professional looking. The little girl just stood there and one of my buddies said she looked like a child from children of the corn (me: hysterically laughing).

So, we did what any professional office building would do: stood at the windows and gawked in between the blinds. It was crazy! We did get wind that he was being deployed and if that is in fact the case, good for them, we wish them the best, and I mean no disrespect. But if not - seriously? Married in jeans in a public place, by a sinister and her grade school photographer? Where's the reception? Long John Silver's (nevermind, that place is awesome..)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

It's like Christmas on crack, orchestra meets Metallica, a wild laser show that burns your retinas...and it ROCKS. Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Winter Tour promoting their NightCastle album stopped in Toledo again this year and was exponentially better than the years past - no offense to my former place of work, but SeaGate was smaller and the new arena is on par with the other venues that TSO plays in so needless to say, we all got our faces melted.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, if you have never seen them, consists of a full orchestra, insane guitar riffing, banging keyboards, mind blowing vocals, a blinding laser show, a high voltage violinist, pyrotechnics, smoke, lighting, fist pumping, power stances, and head banging - oh yeah!. The violinist is this really hot chick from the UK that runs all over the stage while playing rock n' roll violin (I know, I know...). At one point, she was shredding the violin, ran over the the lead guitarist, did this amazing power-slide on her knees and wound up on her back under him as he was solo-ing. What? Awesome.

The stage lights up, but you can't even believe how it constantly moves and how the lights become digital screens - it's craaazy. There are parts of the stage that lift up into a scissor jack as the musicians stand upon them and play while smoke is billowing out of the base of the tower. The digital and REAL flames during the Carmina Burana were simply thrilling. Here are some pictures that don't really do it justice unless you have been there and they serve as a reminder.

If you ever have the chance to see TSO in concert - DO IT. Now for the photos:

This is the opening song with "stars" in the background. Look at how the truss is in a V form

Our first glimpse of green lasers! Notice the truss is now in a straight line

These are flags of the nations of the world - so cool!

Licks of flame! Guitar riff!

Big flames now! You could seriously feel it on your face

During the Carmina Burana, the ring around the arena was "engulfed in flames." Amazing!!!

This surprise blast of fire was in the middle of the arena

The lead guitarists (and creator) and violinist

POWER STANCE!

Lead guitarist Chris up on the scissor jack (see the lightning in the background?)

The finale! The second stage lifted up and basically flew - it blew my mind.

Suave Professionals: VibrantShine

Getting new Shampoo and Conditioner is one of life's simple pleasures. When my sister worked at a salon, she could get me great discounts on stuff like Bumble & Bumble or TIGI/Bed Head which was super fabulous because my hair is just like a sponge - it retains the smell of everything. This can be a great thing when I go to the salon or have lovely smelling shampoo (seeing as how I wash my hair every three days) or a terrible thing (smoky bars, bonfires, smelly kitchens, working in the seafood department at Food Town in high school....).

Suave makes a great line called Professionals - I love the imitation BioLage one! It's amazing. Last night I purchased a different type called VibrantSHINE which claims to restore luster and shine as well as Sebastian Laminates (insert trademark symbol here). See website here for more products.

WWHELL! My hair does look terrific (if I do say so myself), however it smells like a PERM! Yeah, a home permanent from Olgilvie. Ick! I might take it back and see if I can exchange it (does Walgreens do that?).

So, if you need Christmas ideas for me, buy me those giant bottles of Shampoo and Conditioner of moisturizing Biolage for dry hair - the real stuff - and be sure to take a whiff before you purchase it. If it smells like your mother's bathroom circa 1985, please don't buy it.

Craigslist of the Week/Month

I have been slacking on these and I am sorry, but I think this one redeems the lack of posts. I had to read this advertisment a few times to figure out what the "seller" or poster was seeking and I still am not entirely sure that I am clear on it. What I do know is that this person should invest in a spell checker or dictionary rather than a forklift. Click here to see the entire post and the picture entitled "Garbage Man Dan." Instant Cragislist classic.

"My neighbor and I have been trying to get an old Forklift running all summer and finally gaveup on it to make room for winter projects, anyhow the forklift was not at the curb for 3 minutes before the Famous "GarbageManDan" Of sylvania droveby and stopped.... he actually parked for 30minutes gaurding it untill atleast half a dozen of his buddies showed up in a mini van and they all got out... at this point me and my nieghbor didnt know what to expect next, quickly they went for the forklift and lifted the dam thing on the back of garbageman dans dodge dakota.... nice work dan!!! i check on here every hour to see how high hes going to price it ( IF he can get it running) ahhh maybe he already took it to the scrap yard... - keep up the good work garbageman dan "

The Seafood

The Seafood, located on Alexis, has been in business since the 60s and is a nice little Toledo gem. The Seafood keeps it real - no website, certainly no facebook, not much advertising. It must be word of mouth and a loyal customer base that has been frequenting for eons as we were definitely the youngest people in there....by about 30 years. The menu was huge and featured a vast variety of, well, seafood, but also your more traditional dishes like liver & onions and things for the non-fishy eaters like burgers and steaks.

This is the kind of place that you have been going to with your Grandparents for years. You may have hated it when you were a kid - scrounging the menu for anything to eat and maybe settling for a plain hamburger and fries or fried shrimp (unless you are me and you loved every food and any age). However, by now you have grown into your taste buds and can appreciate the seared ahi tuna and the crab cakes on the menu.

A giant warm roll of marbled rye and pumpernickel bread was served to us first along with our shrimp cocktail. I had halibut broiled with Cajun seasoning with steamed veggies - a mixed a wax beans and carrots. The veggies were not fabulous (can I get some broccoli?), but the fish was excellent. DT had Lake Erie Perch that was fresh and delicious. Our waitress was efficient and polite, the hostess checked on us numerous times and you know I love customer service.

There were lots of paintings and decorations on the walls: really authentic and interesting stuff like gigantic stuffed marlin, fish nets, and the like. The paintings were stuff like this:














Overall, it was a really nice change of pace and I would recommend The Seafood for a nice quiet dinner, good service and great seafood.

It's not plural (or possesive)

It really bugs me when people make titles or proper nouns plural or possessive by adding an "S" to the end.

Example #1:
"There are frozen dinners on sale at Meijers."
This sentence is often heard at Weight Watchers and immediately after you will hear the sound of my blood pressure increasing. Yes, it is in fact audible. I will save this tirade for another day, but WW is maddening and the sale at Krogers is not making this meeting any more tolerable.

Example #2:
"I graduated from St. Ursula's."
Well, you must have juuust made the cut, because anyone with a semi-respectable grade point average knows it is just one Ursula, and her first name is Saint - Saint Ursula. Ugh.

Christmas Shopping

What kind of salesperson would I be if I didn't start talking to you about Christmas the day after Halloween? Actually, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't offer you the opportunity to shop from your couch for Christmas?

For those of you that don't know, I proudly sell (and model daily) Premier Designs Jewelry. I always have catalogs and would be happy to bring or mail you one if you like. I also would be thrilled for you if you wanted to earn free jewelry by hosting a party. Parties aren't for you? Cool. Need great gifts for the holidays? Excellent. Want to buy something fabulous for yourself? Even better. Call, email, or post me. Love, your Jewelry Lady.

Happy Halloween!

From the sweedish chef! Have fun tonight!

It's a tough job...

Today we carved punpkins for tonight's wine tasting! It was incredibly fun - I carved a big scary one, a small happy one and a mid sized skeleton one with a pattern (first time ever using a pattern - it was a success).

Andrew Z's Pizzeria

Last night we visited the newish pizza joint in Levis Commons - Andrew Z's - it's the old Bistro Wasabi - with an extreme sports makeover.

Our appetizers were these cheesy pizza dough balls with marinara that were delicious and southwest egg rolls with a ranch sauce that were equally as delicious. We ordered pizza (of course), and I got a veggie sub named Gay Steve's Veggie Sub (I ordered it extra Gay and the waitress laughed so she gets points for not being stuck up). The reviews came in - everyone said it was average. I tasted it and thought is was delicious (although that may be due to the fact that I have been on a steady diet of air and water for a month). The dough looked to be made from scratch.

The restaurant itself was really clean, had those great red tumblers, tons of flat screens and sports paraphernalia, played upbeat current music, and was hosting a beer pong tourney that evening. Interesting concept: there was one women's restroom, and one unisex restroom (no men's!).

Andrew Z was in the kitchen making pizzas and came out to our table to see how everything was - I really appreciate good customer service! I wonder how late he was there? Working late at the pizza place then on the morning talk show would be tough. It would be nice for a local guy make it in Levis. Good luck Andrew Z!

Adam

Adam’s Scary Apples

Posted using ShareThis

Potato Power

Wow! Tell me you aren't going home today to try this!

BORK

Do you remember the Swedish Chef from the Muppets? He was crazy - always making something random and fighting with the chicken. Well, that's what I'm dressing as for Halloween! I love it! Yesterday, I got my giant chef's hat and mustache and shirt. The apron will be easy seeing as how I am dating an actual chef, but the bow tie is proving to be a bit difficult. Here's a little psyche up video. YES!

Nap Time

Do you fall asleep in inappropriate places? Do you get tired during loud events like monster truck rallies or live sporting events? If you answered yes, you might be my twin.

If I am tired, I absolutely cannot control falling asleep in public. Examples:

1) Today - at my desk - sitting up.
That's not that uncommon. Many people do this. Right? I'm blaming it on post vacation depression.
2) In college - during lecture - regardless of sleep the night before.
Again, I know most people cannot stay awake the entire class because they were up the entire night before bonging beers or smoking cigarettes on someone's crappy porch furniture. Same for church - the staying awake part.
3) At a televised UT football game - 3rd quarter - after about 4 beers.
I had been working all day and it was the first time I sat down in about 8 hours. Everyone was cheering and screaming all around me and it did not matter. I might as well had a binky in my mouth and a blankie in the other. Terrible.
4) On my first date with DT - in a movie theater - Harry Potter even!
Now, that's ridiculous. A first date with someone you are trying to impress, and a movie you have been dying to see!

Sigh. I have been to a sleep clinic and have been diagnosed with some sort of sleeping disorder, but, c'mon, who doesn't get tired? At least I have a permanent doctor's note. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Halloween Costumes: For Kylee

Kylee, per your request, here are some of my past Halloween costumes and some other unique costumes from parties I attended.

Here is my sister and her friend as Siamese twins - an old costume my Dad and his brother wore in the 80s (sans fishnets). You are not mistaken, it's two lime green polyester jackets sewn together. Nice. Itchy.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a GAZELLE! It's Tony Little exercising in a bar complete with a mullet...oh yes.

My parents take Halloween very seriously (maybe that's where I inherited the spirit) and are seen here as their famous Christmas trees complete with light-up bulbs powered by a battery pack. Those are gifts on their feet and yes, these costumes have won them awards.
My sister and I dressed up as the Girls Next Door the first year it aired. We just needed to find a blonde friend to complete our trio and a male friend willing to get drunk in a robe. It wasn't hard.
Being the Wicked Witch of the West at the time of the play Wicked was just incredible. The effect: all the girls told me the LOVED the play and I looked just like Elphaba - all the men told me I looked disgusting and to try to be sluttier next Halloween. "Uh, 'member when you were Kendra?? "

Being Medusa was very exciting because I used an old bridesmaid dress (recycle!) AND it was comfortable. What I found annoying was that Britney Spears pulled some stunt earlier in the year, donning a big snake around her neck and several party-goers asked me if I was trying to be Ms. Britney. Uh - when hell freezes over. Didn't you read Greek Mythology - I'll turn you to stone.

Home

Well......I'm home. Bah hum bug.

Downtown Vegas

Old Vegas, otherwise known as downtown or Freemont Street, was quite the experience. The entire street is covered in what seems to be an aluminum shell that also acts as a humungous movie screen. The Freemont Street expereince is complete with lots of street vendors, Elvis impersonators, spray paint artists, and incredible people watching. Some of the casinos still use the ole coin and bucket system! I finally saw the cowboy so I can so home now.

The Wedding

Saturday at 5:30pm we headed to the JW Marriott Resort for the ceremony and reception immediately following. The ceremony was outside in one of the most beautiful settings I've seen for a ceremony; palm trees, stone pergola, harpist, perfectly manicured gardens - gorgeous.

Cocktail hour was on the rooftop terrace at sunset with passed appetizers and drinks (and no bugs or humidity!).

Dinner was filet mignon the size of Nevada itself served with a shrimp appetizer and spinach salad prior. Toasts were great, dancing and more drinks followed then we all hit the casino (bride and groom in their tux and gown too!).

Pics to come upon my return. Here's the cupcake table (not to fret, there was also a 5 tiered wedding cake).

Saturday afternoon's alright alright!

Here's the lobby of Planet Hollywood complete with chandelier pillars surrounding the escalators up to the casino - who says Vegas is glitzy? Tonight is the wedding at the JW Marriott just off the strip. J Timberlake is in town so I am keeping my eyes peeled for more celebrities.

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

Today in Vegas

Jerry Springer is at our pool! Weather is perfect again!

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

At Caesars!

Pool

We survivedthe first night - saw Penn & Teller and hit the tables a bit. At the PH pool now, dream come true! Weather is perfect!

Viva Las Vegas!

We're off to Vegas in the morning!! Friends are getting married there on Saturday and we are staying until Monday. Planet Hollywood is our home base (complete with a bottle of liquor each day! and roof top pool). This will be my third trip to Vegas and I am extremely excited.

My goal is to mobile upload once a day. Have a great week! Wish me luck :)

Art Tatum Memorial

Habe you seen this? It's right in front of the new arena downtown. Pretty cool.

If your name is Chris....

...Or Christine, or Kristine, or Kristin (you get the point), hit up Spaghetti Warehouse for lunch today. In honor of Christopher Columbus, they are giving away FREE select lunch (and possibly) dinner selections to celebrate Columbus day. Click here to get the coupon.
I adore the Spaghetti Warehouse - their bread and butter alone is to die for- their spicy meat sauce is amazing, minestrone soup and salad combo is a great healthy option, not to mention that you get a vat-sized receptacle of soda with your meal. They even have DMD (that's Diet Mountain Dew to those of you non-pop lovers). When I go there, I MUST sit in the trolley; it's is one of my favorite things to do (often resisted or eye-rolled by co-workers).

The Toledo Spaghetti Warehouse is downtown on the corner of Superior and Lafayette. I find it humorous that their website is www.MEATBALLS.com. Good one.

Why drinking inhibits weight loss

The title of this post may seem obvious but I think the real reason is that weight loss experts say that drinking inhibits weight loss is because when you get drunk you lose your willpower. For instance, you can stick to your eating plan all day, go out and have some drinks, and then blow it when you come home by eating a whole frozen pizza. Possibly not really recall eating it. THAT's the real reason.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday to my Dad (aka the Mustache)!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the five of us from a charity function in Denver - Jamie's "Bad Santa" event.

Thanks for being an amazing Dad and teaching me so much! Happy Birthday - Love you!

Gentleman Broncos

In the vein of Napoleon Dynamite, this movie could make you pee your pants or walk out of the movie theater...it's a crap shoot. Either way, Stiffler's Mom is a comedic genius in every movie she graces with her presence (Best in Show, a Mighty Wind, Legally Blonde, Pootie Tang, and all her amazing TV cameos).

Just go, just go...

Today, I stopped at a Mediterranean deli for lunch on Conant after a meeting in Arrowhead Park. I am never out that way hence I cannot think of the name of the deli, so forgive me. It is located right next to Chipolte...

Either way, the case was full of Lebanse delights - tabbouleh, fattoush, shish tawook, grape leaves, hummus, fava salad, falafil, you name it! I decided to be good and get a little dish of fattoush. I get to the register and hand her my debit card. She says to me that the credit card machine is down and they are only taking cash. I tell her I don't have any cash but I open my purse to look anyway.

Sure enough, I don't have any, but she tells me to just give me what I have - like the coins in the bottom of my purse! So I empty out my purse and am giving her my coins mixed with wrappers and bobby pins and loose aspirins that have busted out of the vessel. "Uh, these are over the counter, they just came out of the bottle. They aren't drugs."

Oh, I was so embarrassed, but she was hell bent on giving me this food and I was hell bent on not taking it for free. But for as embarrassed as I was, she was equally as nice and kind. A lesson in karma. She really paid it forward today.

SO - I must go back and overpay at some point this week and I encourage you to visit this generous deli as well. The fattoush was the best I've ever had.

Uninspired

Normally by this time, I have a great Halloween costume idea and I am already constructing it. Nothing has struck me yet this year.

For those of you that don't know, I am a super huge geek about Halloween and take my costume VERY seriously. I mean it. One year, I painted my body green and wore a fake nose to be a very convincing witch (I loved that costume, sigh).

Maybe it is because no great movies have come out lately. Let's face it, I cannot pull off being The Silk Spectre.

Right now, I want to be some kind of R2-D2 (not current), Dolly Parton (way not current), or maybe Lady Gaga (overdone).

Got any great ideas for me? You can be outrageous.