Sometimes it pays to work hard for your boss.
In this case, it's my previous boss - who, in his new position, has many perks. One of them is the ability to bestow coveted concert tickets on former employees, such as moi.
So, alas - Brian and I, "new mama needs a break" Christine, and little brother "my sister is rocking cool" (ok, i will pretend he said that) Jonathan are going to the Rothbury Festival. Many thanks to my mom, for coming over to watch the boys (Brian and I will commute to the concert to help out) - and thanks to the babysitters who will be supplementing!
Some of the bigger names we will get to see: Snoop Dogg, 311, Modest Mouse, Dave Matthews and John Mayer. It should be a fun weekend! ;)
http://www.rothburyfestival.com/
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Long overdue on updates!
I know, I know...where are the loving photos of our son? Where are the detailed descriptions of his ongoing evolution? Still stuck on the 2GB stick in our digital camera - that's where!
I am down to 4 business days left of my current contract job. Part of me never thought this day would come - as of July 3rd, I will be "unemployed"...at least, in a traditional sense. I plan to spend the following week preparing for our vacation in Canada with the Moyle's - and then hopefully I will be able to line up another contract when we return. However, I hope to keep it down to 2-3 days a week. Working 4 days a week has our life in constant choas. It's actually shocking what a difference that 1 day a week makes. No blogging, no playdates, no weeding the flower beds I have worked so hard on. No fun at the gym. Isaac and I haven't even gotten to go to the splash-pad yet this year!
We have been busy! The weekend after Brian's adventure in Detriot with the boys - we returned to Detriot for a Tiger's game with Chris and Mindi. Then, last weekend, we headed to the cabin for some serious R&R. There was mingling with the neighbors, a few visits to the beach...some naps for everyone. As always, it was hard to come home.
The flip side of working 4 days a week...Isaac loves daycare - seriously....(school, child development, call it what you will). He has had so much fun with his buddies every day, and just cracks us up when we pick him up after work - running to the door with his little daily sheet). His vocabulary is growing larger every day...with lots of tank too (thank you), on and off, peaz (please), juice, beans, ahpole (apple), ah-nanuh (banana), googoo train, cah (car), bikekle (bicycle), ahpane (airplane), bacebah (baseball), monkey, mouse, etc...a myriad of animal noses - songs like "wheels on the bus", itzy bitzy spider, etc. This is, by far, the most fun yet. :)
Anyways, I will try to get some updated photos up next week! Drop in, let us know how you are doing!?
I am down to 4 business days left of my current contract job. Part of me never thought this day would come - as of July 3rd, I will be "unemployed"...at least, in a traditional sense. I plan to spend the following week preparing for our vacation in Canada with the Moyle's - and then hopefully I will be able to line up another contract when we return. However, I hope to keep it down to 2-3 days a week. Working 4 days a week has our life in constant choas. It's actually shocking what a difference that 1 day a week makes. No blogging, no playdates, no weeding the flower beds I have worked so hard on. No fun at the gym. Isaac and I haven't even gotten to go to the splash-pad yet this year!
We have been busy! The weekend after Brian's adventure in Detriot with the boys - we returned to Detriot for a Tiger's game with Chris and Mindi. Then, last weekend, we headed to the cabin for some serious R&R. There was mingling with the neighbors, a few visits to the beach...some naps for everyone. As always, it was hard to come home.
The flip side of working 4 days a week...Isaac loves daycare - seriously....(school, child development, call it what you will). He has had so much fun with his buddies every day, and just cracks us up when we pick him up after work - running to the door with his little daily sheet). His vocabulary is growing larger every day...with lots of tank too (thank you), on and off, peaz (please), juice, beans, ahpole (apple), ah-nanuh (banana), googoo train, cah (car), bikekle (bicycle), ahpane (airplane), bacebah (baseball), monkey, mouse, etc...a myriad of animal noses - songs like "wheels on the bus", itzy bitzy spider, etc. This is, by far, the most fun yet. :)
Anyways, I will try to get some updated photos up next week! Drop in, let us know how you are doing!?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Time to play another game
For those that have frequented this blog for a while. We have a quick game to play.
What is this a picture of? And for bonus points how is this related to a previous game?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Detroit Weekend
Brian's voice here.
So I have been told that I need to write about my weekend in Detroit. Since Becky and the girls had a weekend on mothers day, the guys decided to do a weekend in Detroit. Since the Tiger season had so much hope we decided to go to 2 Detroit/Cleveland games over the weekend. We've had the tickets since they went on sale so we were all pretty geeked.
We rolled into town a couple of hours after the Stanley cup parade. We checked into our room at the Atheneum hotel in Greektown. I can't rave enough about the hotel, aside from a sub par air conditioner in the room it was perfect.
Friday night the Tigers lost, but it was atleast a close entertaining game. Afterwards we hit a couple of bars and crashed. We ended up walking around Greektown in the morning and grabing some great breakfast food & coffee at a cafe by the hotel. We hung out some more at the hotel and went off to the game.
Saturdays game was much better. Detroit won 8-4 with the high point being the grand slam by Renteria in the 8th. It was REALLY hot during the game so we went back to the hotel to clean up. And here is the meat of the story that you've read through my rambling to get to.
The whole weekend I'd been saying how Leyland stays at the same hotel we were at, and that I've heard he hangs out for a little while after the game in the hotel bar. So as we were walking down I noticed that he was in there. Rob, Mike, & I walked in to shake his hand and tell him we enjoyed the game. After that we were buzzing about meeting him and went to the Fishbone for some dinner. Rob had noticed that the Raconteurs (Jack White band) were playing at the Fillmore and how cool it would be to see them play. So as he was trolling outside for tickets, Jon & I went to Cheli's because I heard a "Lets go Redwings" chant. Sure enough there were a few of the Wings there, Lindstrom, Holmstrom, Chelios, Datsuk, and a couple of others. So Jon and I managed to get to the floor they were on, hang out and shake hands with Lindstrom and Chelios. After they cleared the bar for a private party we found out Rob & Mike had bought 2 tickets to the show and were in there. We pushed our luck and managed to get in without tickets to see the last couple of songs. At that point we figured we couldn't loose for the night. We went to another bar, hung out and then went back to the room.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Rafalski & Draper brought the cup to the game and through out the first pitch on Saturday. That was pretty cool!
A very busy and eventful weekend, but one I won't soon forget.
So I have been told that I need to write about my weekend in Detroit. Since Becky and the girls had a weekend on mothers day, the guys decided to do a weekend in Detroit. Since the Tiger season had so much hope we decided to go to 2 Detroit/Cleveland games over the weekend. We've had the tickets since they went on sale so we were all pretty geeked.
We rolled into town a couple of hours after the Stanley cup parade. We checked into our room at the Atheneum hotel in Greektown. I can't rave enough about the hotel, aside from a sub par air conditioner in the room it was perfect.
Friday night the Tigers lost, but it was atleast a close entertaining game. Afterwards we hit a couple of bars and crashed. We ended up walking around Greektown in the morning and grabing some great breakfast food & coffee at a cafe by the hotel. We hung out some more at the hotel and went off to the game.
Saturdays game was much better. Detroit won 8-4 with the high point being the grand slam by Renteria in the 8th. It was REALLY hot during the game so we went back to the hotel to clean up. And here is the meat of the story that you've read through my rambling to get to.
The whole weekend I'd been saying how Leyland stays at the same hotel we were at, and that I've heard he hangs out for a little while after the game in the hotel bar. So as we were walking down I noticed that he was in there. Rob, Mike, & I walked in to shake his hand and tell him we enjoyed the game. After that we were buzzing about meeting him and went to the Fishbone for some dinner. Rob had noticed that the Raconteurs (Jack White band) were playing at the Fillmore and how cool it would be to see them play. So as he was trolling outside for tickets, Jon & I went to Cheli's because I heard a "Lets go Redwings" chant. Sure enough there were a few of the Wings there, Lindstrom, Holmstrom, Chelios, Datsuk, and a couple of others. So Jon and I managed to get to the floor they were on, hang out and shake hands with Lindstrom and Chelios. After they cleared the bar for a private party we found out Rob & Mike had bought 2 tickets to the show and were in there. We pushed our luck and managed to get in without tickets to see the last couple of songs. At that point we figured we couldn't loose for the night. We went to another bar, hung out and then went back to the room.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Rafalski & Draper brought the cup to the game and through out the first pitch on Saturday. That was pretty cool!
A very busy and eventful weekend, but one I won't soon forget.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Today is Brian and I's 7th anniversary. In lieu of anything fancy, we are going to our favorite Indian restaurant for lunch. That may not sound exciting to you - but a nice, quiet, yummy lunch alone - sounds just fine to us!
I can't believe it has been 7 years. I am trying to imagine what I was doing, 7 years ago at this moment. I believe I was just getting to the church, a memorable trip with my Dad, dressed in his classic jeans, t-shirt and green hat, about to have my pictures taken. Brian, I am not sure...watching Dawn apply makeup to Matt, in order hide the broken nose from an ill fated dive into the pool the night before?
Our wedding day was about as perfect as they get. We were surrounded by friends and family who love us, the weather was perfect, nothing notable went wrong, and most of all - we enjoyed it! So often I hear stories of regrets and stress from wedding days...and we had none.
The last 7 years have been much the same. We have always been blessed with dear friends and loving family. Any "bumps" in our road have been managable and most we look back on with some element of humor. We have been blessed by our hilarious, busy, sweet son, who tries us and yet, brings us the greatest joy. Like last night, when he was inconsolable over a painful molar...until Brian came into the room, put his hand on him...and then, silence.
So, today - just a thank you - to all of those people who have shared the last 7 years with us, and to my husband, for making it so easy to love him all these years. Thank you for drinking that one cup of coffee for me.
I can't believe it has been 7 years. I am trying to imagine what I was doing, 7 years ago at this moment. I believe I was just getting to the church, a memorable trip with my Dad, dressed in his classic jeans, t-shirt and green hat, about to have my pictures taken. Brian, I am not sure...watching Dawn apply makeup to Matt, in order hide the broken nose from an ill fated dive into the pool the night before?
Our wedding day was about as perfect as they get. We were surrounded by friends and family who love us, the weather was perfect, nothing notable went wrong, and most of all - we enjoyed it! So often I hear stories of regrets and stress from wedding days...and we had none.
The last 7 years have been much the same. We have always been blessed with dear friends and loving family. Any "bumps" in our road have been managable and most we look back on with some element of humor. We have been blessed by our hilarious, busy, sweet son, who tries us and yet, brings us the greatest joy. Like last night, when he was inconsolable over a painful molar...until Brian came into the room, put his hand on him...and then, silence.
So, today - just a thank you - to all of those people who have shared the last 7 years with us, and to my husband, for making it so easy to love him all these years. Thank you for drinking that one cup of coffee for me.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Mothers & More Ebay Sale
My mother's group is having an ebay sale! All proceeds go towards Mothers & More, Chapter 137! Take a peek!
Here is how you get to it!
Go to www.ebay.com
click advanced search
click items by seller
enter in the seller users id box: greenbitsyspider
click search
;)
Here is how you get to it!
Go to www.ebay.com
click advanced search
click items by seller
enter in the seller users id box: greenbitsyspider
click search
;)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Congrats Jim and Rose!
I just got a message from my mom that Antonio Giacalone was born around 6:30am this morning to my Uncle Jim and his wife Rose. Antonio is the 4th son. His brothers are Rob, Chris and Giuseppe.
Antonio is also the 11th boy in our family, from my generation down. I am the only girl.
Boys are: Tim, Mike, Jon, Rob, Chris, Giuseppe, Sam, Jack, Will, Isaac...and now - Antonio.
If you include my dad's side of the family, the ratio gets worse. My aunt has 4 sons and a daughter, my uncle had 2 sons and a daughter...and I won't even go into their offspring!
Can you guess that my chances of having a girl are probably pretty slim! ha.
Antonio is also the 11th boy in our family, from my generation down. I am the only girl.
Boys are: Tim, Mike, Jon, Rob, Chris, Giuseppe, Sam, Jack, Will, Isaac...and now - Antonio.
If you include my dad's side of the family, the ratio gets worse. My aunt has 4 sons and a daughter, my uncle had 2 sons and a daughter...and I won't even go into their offspring!
Can you guess that my chances of having a girl are probably pretty slim! ha.
Long time, no update!
Sorry it has been so long! Life has been a whirlwind. I know, I know...our life is ALWAYS a whirlwind...but really! I don't have much time to update this - so here's the summary of our last month!
Here's how it went....Brian had to travel to GA, off and on, for 3 weeks. We are still struggling with Blue's corneal ulcer - which was requiring a boat-load of pills and 6 eye drops a day! I started my new contract gig, now working 4 days a week. I figured I could do that for 2 months - right!? Oh yea....that extra day, man, I didn't know it would make such a difference! In the middle of all that, I went to an Autodesk seminar in Detroit (Dad watched Isaac)...then, the next day...Isaac got sick! Dad was kind enough to come over and watch him so I could go to work for the next 2 days. (when it rains, it pours?).
That weekend, I attended our friend's Joe and Jamie's wedding (by myself - I just couldn't miss it!) - leaving Sunday as my only "down day"....well, if you call chasing a 20 month old by yourself "down time"! Ugh! Needless to say, by the time Brian came home, he had a needy, exhausted wife.
So, Brian is back...and we are still busy! We went to the cabin for Memorial day - and it was beautiful! Mom came up for a night, and all the neighborhood kids LOVE the sandbox that Dad put together. We also go to admire the new ramp to the beach that Dad built a few weeks ago. Sunday, we had a potluck with all our neighbors on Birch Ave! Then, Monday, our theorem about the weather held true. The day to go home is ALWAYS the nicest. Isaac even went in the water. When we turned our back - he just dashed, in true monkey-style - towards the water and was immersed before we could stop him. He didn't even seem phased by the temperatures - he was just too happy running on the beach with his puppy dawg.
So, here we are....another busy week...Friday we get to go to see Tom Petty with Jon and Dawn - and then off to Jon's Mom's retirement party!
Someone, get me a teleporter - NOW!
Here's how it went....Brian had to travel to GA, off and on, for 3 weeks. We are still struggling with Blue's corneal ulcer - which was requiring a boat-load of pills and 6 eye drops a day! I started my new contract gig, now working 4 days a week. I figured I could do that for 2 months - right!? Oh yea....that extra day, man, I didn't know it would make such a difference! In the middle of all that, I went to an Autodesk seminar in Detroit (Dad watched Isaac)...then, the next day...Isaac got sick! Dad was kind enough to come over and watch him so I could go to work for the next 2 days. (when it rains, it pours?).
That weekend, I attended our friend's Joe and Jamie's wedding (by myself - I just couldn't miss it!) - leaving Sunday as my only "down day"....well, if you call chasing a 20 month old by yourself "down time"! Ugh! Needless to say, by the time Brian came home, he had a needy, exhausted wife.
So, Brian is back...and we are still busy! We went to the cabin for Memorial day - and it was beautiful! Mom came up for a night, and all the neighborhood kids LOVE the sandbox that Dad put together. We also go to admire the new ramp to the beach that Dad built a few weeks ago. Sunday, we had a potluck with all our neighbors on Birch Ave! Then, Monday, our theorem about the weather held true. The day to go home is ALWAYS the nicest. Isaac even went in the water. When we turned our back - he just dashed, in true monkey-style - towards the water and was immersed before we could stop him. He didn't even seem phased by the temperatures - he was just too happy running on the beach with his puppy dawg.
So, here we are....another busy week...Friday we get to go to see Tom Petty with Jon and Dawn - and then off to Jon's Mom's retirement party!
Someone, get me a teleporter - NOW!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
New Old Job...Week 1
Well, I have been working at my new contract job, which is at a company I used to work at, which also happens to be my husband's company. How's that for confusing? It seems they need some CAD help, awfully bad - which, I am glad to provide given the generous rate they are paying me. But that's what contractors do - right? Get paid generously for the lack of predictability of their jobs?
In all honestly, I have been enjoying it. It's nice to be in the corporate world again, (although spam filters are criming my email style) - and I have gotten to sit in an AutoCad Electrical training session for the last 2 days. I didn't know training on a new software was going to be a bonus of this contract job! Whoo hoo. It's not unlike the software I used last time I worked there, so I feel as if I am pretty well up to speed - oh, except for the part where I really don't know KNIL about electrical schematics. Ok, I do...but, well, not like I know structural panels.
Training is fun and all, but tomorrow I am totally ready to actually get to producing some drawings! I am not used to producing so little in 3 work days. Ha.
Aside from that, I have a busy few weeks ahead. Between Brian's travels, my Autodesk seminar AND chasing my son...whew... I will be looking forward to memorial day. My one respite between now and then...my spa weekend with the "Blue Sky" gal's this weekend.
Before I sign off, just want to say big ol CONGRATS to the Tunney's on the birth of their twins! Can't wait to meet them!
In all honestly, I have been enjoying it. It's nice to be in the corporate world again, (although spam filters are criming my email style) - and I have gotten to sit in an AutoCad Electrical training session for the last 2 days. I didn't know training on a new software was going to be a bonus of this contract job! Whoo hoo. It's not unlike the software I used last time I worked there, so I feel as if I am pretty well up to speed - oh, except for the part where I really don't know KNIL about electrical schematics. Ok, I do...but, well, not like I know structural panels.
Training is fun and all, but tomorrow I am totally ready to actually get to producing some drawings! I am not used to producing so little in 3 work days. Ha.
Aside from that, I have a busy few weeks ahead. Between Brian's travels, my Autodesk seminar AND chasing my son...whew... I will be looking forward to memorial day. My one respite between now and then...my spa weekend with the "Blue Sky" gal's this weekend.
Before I sign off, just want to say big ol CONGRATS to the Tunney's on the birth of their twins! Can't wait to meet them!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Employment news...
As of the end of this week, I will no longer work at Team Industries. A lot has transpired in the last few months, and it is time for me to move on and try out some new adventures.
As of Monday, the 5th, I will be contracting myself out for 2 months. In the meantime, I will be able to evaluate what direction I will go in next...and continue to market myself as an independent contractor. I hope that this will allow me to expand my knowledge base, put some of my past experiences hard at work and allow me to focus more on my family. I am VERY excited.
So - if anyone is looking for a super fab AutoCAD designer...you know where to go.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Farewell Brontosaurus Head.
Brontosaurus Head. The nickname of Blue's best doggie friend - Max.
Max passed away yesterday. His poor body just could take no more. It was sad, and sudden.
How do you explain to your doggie - that his friend is gone? We are very sad, for our friend's - who have lost their dear, loved, hilarous, loyal buddy - and for our boxer, because they were, quite simply, best friends.
Dawn and I used to always sing:
"Best friends, two of a kind....hanging out....best friends".
Farewell, Maxie-boy. We'll miss ya.
Courtney's Pic's...
Courtney took some candid shots of Isaac this weekend - I thought I would share!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Rough n' Tumble Boys Playdate
We had a rough n' tumble boys playdate last Friday with Luke and Lucas. There was lots of one-on-one basketball action, fun with goo-goos (trains) and chocolate cookies.
:)
A little bit of Catch up
After talking to some family & friends we decided we should post a quick couple of pictures and a quick video.
These pictures probably wouldn't be so funny, just Isaac putting on one of Brian's old shirts. What makes it funny is the second picture with the cross in the background, the shirt looking like a robe, and Isaac with his hands up appearing to be giving a blessing...The gold Mari Gras beads add a nice touch too.
And here is a little video of him talking.
These pictures probably wouldn't be so funny, just Isaac putting on one of Brian's old shirts. What makes it funny is the second picture with the cross in the background, the shirt looking like a robe, and Isaac with his hands up appearing to be giving a blessing...The gold Mari Gras beads add a nice touch too.
And here is a little video of him talking.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Visit in Flint...
Isaac and I got to spend a few days in Flint last weekend. So, we played with the Gifford kids at the children museum, hung out at the Brown Sugar Cafe with uncle Michael, and even helped him get some work done. :)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Do you ever just listen to the words?
So, I am sitting at work, with my itunes cranked so I can try to get this design off my desk...when suddenly I start listening to the words of a song "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie.
It depicts a person mulling about a hospital, obviously there for someone they love.
The words go..."I'm thinking of what Sarah said, that love is watching someone die..." and then..."who's going to watch you die"...
Oh so sad! How many times have I listened to this song and never heard what it was about? It's true though, all the words about waiting rooms and nurses with their heads hung low.
The irony is, my brother and I were talking about our Grandmother this weekend. 8 years later, we are still overcome with sadness at the memory of her passing. Not just that she passed, but the days preceding - all the love that was shown by the friends and relatives who came to say their goodbyes (whether they knew that it was a goodbye or not). Now this song makes me think of that...and thinking of that makes me worry and fret about my parents, my brothers, my husband, my child. Just a little more than I can handle because I turned on itunes. Another one to throw in the vault that is only visited when one if feeling morose.
Off to the next tune...Beck - "Where's it At?"
It depicts a person mulling about a hospital, obviously there for someone they love.
The words go..."I'm thinking of what Sarah said, that love is watching someone die..." and then..."who's going to watch you die"...
Oh so sad! How many times have I listened to this song and never heard what it was about? It's true though, all the words about waiting rooms and nurses with their heads hung low.
The irony is, my brother and I were talking about our Grandmother this weekend. 8 years later, we are still overcome with sadness at the memory of her passing. Not just that she passed, but the days preceding - all the love that was shown by the friends and relatives who came to say their goodbyes (whether they knew that it was a goodbye or not). Now this song makes me think of that...and thinking of that makes me worry and fret about my parents, my brothers, my husband, my child. Just a little more than I can handle because I turned on itunes. Another one to throw in the vault that is only visited when one if feeling morose.
Off to the next tune...Beck - "Where's it At?"
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
W.V.F.D.
Tim is the President of the Wolverine Volunteer Fire Dept - and so on Saturday, we took the boys for a tour of the firetrucks!!!
Tim shows us the oldest "fire truck" - built in 1904 - and it still operates!
Fireman Tim and his son, Will.
Tim shows us the oldest "fire truck" - built in 1904 - and it still operates!
Fireman Tim and his son, Will.
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