DMB Weekend!

As you can tell, we have all been crazy, super busy lately. We all know the stresses of work are catching up with us and the weather of summer is just flying by. I am not wishing summer away by any means and I hope that I would stay like this forever, but it can't. So instead of just letting time slip through my fingers again, I have many things planned for the next 4 or 5 weekends. Most of which are weddings of friends which should be a good time, but this coming weekend is the Dave Matthews Band concert.

I have been lucky enough to see DMB before in concert, just not in Pittsburgh. So this year, we are going! And by we, I don't mean my hubby and I...I mean his best friend and his wife. Here's the story...

About three years ago, my hubby, his friend and I were just chatting and a conversation about DMB started. My hubby, who is a fan of every single other kind of music, dislikes DMB and said he would never go to a concert. His friend, who you wouldn't think would like DMB said well then I'll take her! So the deal was made. Except the next year that DMB was in town, he got married that weekend!! And then I don't believe they were in town last year so this year was our opportunity.

The night before tickets went on sale we decided to go to the Saturday concert just because of work and what not. It will just be easier. Typically it seems like they sell out really fast for the Saturday concert but now lawn seat tickets are floating around like crazy for sale!

I can't wait for Saturday now and spending time with Adam's friend and his wife (who I just adore). We are that couple that always hangs out (puke, I know).

Are you going to the DMB concert too? Let me know if you are...maybe we can meet up! Also, do you happen to know if I am allowed to carry in a cooler of water at First Niagra Pavilion?

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Let's Go Bucs!

So last night I went to the Pirate game with my hubby.  Although I’m not a huge baseball fan, I was really looking forward to going all day.  My husband absolutely LOVES the sport and watches every game on TV (not just the Pirates but literally every baseball game that might be on TV), has one of those “business man special” season ticket packages and a fantasy team that he watches and nurtures all hours of the day.  At times I find it to be terribly annoying and other times, I find it endearing.

So how did I end up going to the game?

My husband’s best friend and fellow season ticket holder, wasn’t able to go last night so I was asked and said yes.  I haven’t been to a game yet this season and lately my hubby and I have been having a blast together and I wanted to keep the momentum rolling.  Besides…the ballpark has cotton candy, hot dogs, peanuts, dip n dots and beer which, was especially delicious on last night’s muggy night in the ‘burgh.

We got to the seats and they were awesome.  They were close to the field on the third base line and it was one of those rows of seats that just had four seats.  We settled in to watch the game.  However, things didn’t go quite the way I thought they would.  Have you been to a game lately?  I feel like because the Pirates have been terrible for so long and people more-or-less stopped going to the games, that they forgot their baseball game manners.  Seriously!  Not a single person waited till the action stopped before getting up and moving around.  They just would stand up as the pitch was being thrown and we would miss what happened.  This one guy, he really didn’t get it…to the point where I got snappy at him.  After a few innings of dealing with it, we decided to leave our seats.  We headed over to the new Budweiser bar (at least that’s what I think it’s called) in the outfield along the first base line.  It was really nice and what a way to watch the game!  You have a beautiful view of the city and river, you can see the field, they have flat screens everywhere in case watching the game live is boring, they have a lovely liquor selection and the beer selection was MUCH better.  So we settled in here to watch game.

I ended up getting a little tipsy and I think the hubby did too.  We laughed our asses off.  In fact, at one point, we were discussing whether or not the Pirate Parrot considered himself a “furry.”  Of course we were at the game just off the heels of the furry convention ending so naturally our conversation went this way.  Overall, going to the game last night was super fun and they WON!  My point is, if you haven’t given the Bucs a chance yet this season, you should.  It was a great night out.

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The Basement Transformation

My basement looks just like any other basement in the Pittsburgh area (and not like the one in the photo). I even have the Pittsburgh toilet (a random toilet, just sitting there, by itself) and the Pittsburgh shower (you guessed it...a shower head in your basement, just randomly there, but not near the toilet). It is time to get organized with all of the crap we have accumulated since we moved into our house in 2009 and fix it up!

Now, my basement is not horrible in any way, shape or form. It has high enough ceilings that my tall, tall, tall husband can walk through it without hitting his head (a HUGE buying factor of the house), and a cement floor that is in great shape. The windows are just glass blocks and the basement area spans the whole length and width of my house. So essentially, we have a lot of room to work with.

I am not looking for a complete re-model. I just don't have the time, money or effort to want to put that kind of work into our basement, especially in a house that we hope to sell in a couple of years. But my thought is some nice shelving/storage area against the walls so I can nicely organize my holiday items, seasonal clothes, sporting equipment, etc.

I have searched high and low for NICE shelving and storage units for my basement...meaning nothing too fancy, but nothing that is just going to fall apart the second I put it together. But this is where the issue is. I can't find what I want, nor do I think I even know what I want.

I've come to the conclusion that my husband is just going to have to take the lead on this project and just get what he thinks is suitable and just tell me that is that. I've looked at way too many pictures, DIY websites and have looked at other basements that I just want bits and pieces of everything and I know I can't have it all. I am, for once in my life, indecisive, and can not figure this basement situation out.

Has anyone else recently done a mini basement re-model, as I am calling it? Remember, nothing too fancy, too expensive, or a lot of work. I just really want some shelves/storage areas and MAYBE we'll actually put the Pittsburgh toilet in a bathroom-like area...MAYBE.

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Well That's Just Ducky!

I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life…33 years to be exact and I absolutely love it here.  You can ask anyone.  When I’m out of town, I brag about it.  When people come in to town, I brag about it and become their personal tour guide.  I just love it…I really do.  So I think it’s kind of funny that earlier this week was the first time that I ever went on an official, guided, tour of the city!

A number of executives and other people from my “big girl job” were in Pittsburgh for a big meeting.  That evening we had a group activity that was planned for us and it included going on a Just Ducky Tour of the city and dinner. 

A Ducky Tour?  You may be laughing but that’s okay and believe it or not, it was a really great time.  The boat itself was clean, the staff was extremely friendly, professional and they really knew some cool facts about the city that I had never heard before.  Another great part about it was that we were able to bring our own coolers on the duck and enjoy wine, beer and pop while we learned about the ‘burgh.  The hour long tour went by in a jiff and we were all a little disappointed that it had ended because we were really enjoying ourselves.

In a nutshell, what I’m trying to say, is that if you have a bunch of people coming in from out of town and you’re looking for something fun to do…try the Just Ducky Tour.  There’s a tone of belly laughs involved and it’s a great way to learn and see the city!

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A 30 Minute Walk

The winter months always get me into a work out funk, especially this winter. I go strong until it starts to get cold outside and it doesn’t even matter if I work out inside. Just the thought of having to go outside after a nice hot work out, where it is super cold, just doesn’t thrill me. So now that the weather is finally staying nice (although we have run into some rain) a fellow blogger and I have taken up walking at lunch.

We get an hour lunch where we all work, which is nice but most of the time we are all finished eating in a half hour and just sit there and chat for the remainder of the time (Note: This is when we come up with brilliant ideas!!) So instead of just being a bump on a log for that 30 minutes, we decided to put on our walking shoes and get moving.

Our office location is quite nice in the fact that it is right by the North Shore walk/bike/run/rollerblade path (I honestly have no clue what it is really called but people do all of those things on it). The path takes you on a nice stroll by the river, behind the new Rivers Casino and the Carnegie Science Center, past the submarine, and almost to PNC Park where the path ends. From our building, we can walk the whole way down to the park and turn around in just 30 minutes.

Now I realize that 30 minutes may not be the best work out, and walking at that, but during the week it is hard to even find 10 minutes to myself when I get home from work. There are a million other things that need accomplished around the house and really I just want to eat, shower and go to sleep! Working out is the last thing on my mind when I park my car and walking into my house.

So if your office is near the North Shore of Pittsburgh at all, put on your walking shoes at lunch and give the North Shore walk/bike/run/rollerblade path a try. It will make your afternoon go so much smoother.

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The Brazilian – Part 1

If you read my last post about my Groupon addiction you would know that I recently purchased a deal for laser hair removal. I bought this deal on sort of a whim. I had been going back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to wax but when I saw this I clicked purchase on an impulse. Yes, it was stupid of me but I heard some of my friends say they got their underarms done and didn’t think much more of it. The deal was for small, medium and large areas, each tiered at different price points. I purchased a medium size area so that I could get a Brazilian. A Brazilian is valued at $1,375 – the Groupon was $249. For laser hair removal you have to get at least 5 to 6 treatments. The Groupon I purchased gives me 6 treatments at the discount cost. I thought it was a great deal. The catch is that all of my treatments must be complete by October 31. The spa is conveniently up the road from where I work so I figured I’d have time during lunch.

Anyway, for those of you questioning if you should get laser hair removal or not, I figured I would tell you about my experience and give you updates. I did my research online after making my purchase and quickly became terrified; I read that it hurt so bad after the first treatment people would not go back. I kept reading other posts, hoping they had better experiences and a common thing I was reading was that it felt like a rubber band snapping your skin. A rubber band, that couldn’t be so bad, right? I was less nervous.

My first appointment was this past Tuesday. I was not really sure what to expect, everyone’s pain threshold is different. When I walked in I felt a mix of emotions, excitement and nervousness. After filling out the paper work, Toni (female) greeted me and said she was ready for my treatment. We went back to the room and she talked to me about the procedure: it would take 10-15 minutes and she wanted to make sure that I had shaved two days prior (that is what they recommend). After the pep talk I took off my clothes from the waist down and laid on the table. Toni put a very cold gel on the area and gave me goggles to wear. They are different than tanning goggles as I could not see out of them. She then said that she looks for three things, 1. A reddish/pink color on my skin 2. The smell of burning hair 3. She will use tweezers on one hair and it should easily come out with very little effort. Toni then said she was going to start – eeeeeeeeekkk!

The first zap was not horrible but it surely didn’t feel good. I would compare it to the feeling of a hot curling iron quickly touching my skin. I know that sounds horrific, it sort of was/is but it is very quick. What the heck was I putting myself through? She said, “is that ok?” I told her yes and to just keep on going. When the laser zaps you it stings for only 1 second and then the sting is gone in that area. Time passed by quickly but with each new zap, it was more uncomfortable and I did let out a couple, “OUCH, ok that hurts!” Some areas were more sensitive than others, I couldn’t wait to be done.

When I was finished I was surprised as it did not feel like she got all of the area. The laser is actually about 2 inches long but the zap is only felt in a small, concentrated area so it actually covers more than you think – thankfully! The area was definitely pink in color. Toni said that I should wait three days until I shave and that I should notice hair growing back in patches. Supposedly your hair “sheds” out. I put my clothing back on and was on my merry way. The best part is that there is no down time and no pain afterwards.

If this laser thing works, it will be the most amazing thing ever! If more Groupon deals come through for this sort of thing, I will more than likely make another purchase. I don’t think I could do a large area though, like my legs. 10-15 minutes was just enough time before I was about to tell her to stop. It really is a strange feeling, I don’t know why anyone would compare it to a rubber band snapping your skin. It is a jolt of heat, almost like you’re going to get a burn. However, I am very excited for my second appointment and look forward to seeing the progression. Have any of you gotten laser hair removal? If so, what did it feel like to you? I will keep you guys updated, hopefully this is worth it!

 

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Releasing my Inner Kenyan

It’s Pittsburgh Marathon weekend! And I am embracing my inner Kenyan.  I am going to be surrounded by thousands of runners – which, running is their life!  Running is not my life. I’m doing this to support a good cause, and “It Seemed Like a Good Idea” at the time when talking with friends.

I’m running the relay – not the half, not the full. I give props to those who are. I’m running one small section in support of the Animal Rescue League.

But, I am going to try and release my inner Kenyan.  My goal is to finish my section without walking, successfully find my teammates at the exchange zones, not get lost when migrating back to the finish line, and to not be the last person trucking along.

I’ve done a little less than “decent” training for this event. I won’t run if there is inclement weather, or if it’s too cold, or too hot. Really, any excuse I could find to get out of a day of practice, I used.  I did successfully run 5 miles the other day in an hour, which for me is outstanding, because I can’t honestly say I ever ran 5 consecutive miles in my life – even when I ran track in high school.

I’m hoping the “race day high” everyone talks about will allow me to find my inner Kenyan, and run like the wind! I will be smiling when I see my friends cheering me on as I cross the West End Bridge and on to Carson Street. I will make this fun.

It has been a stressful, long, busy week at work (I have bitten off every nail I have). But this weekend will bring new successes, will be shared with friends, and in the end, I will feel like I have accomplished something. I may not have run the entire marathon myself, but I AM part of a team that completed all 26.2 miles.

So if by chance you are down watching on the route on race day, or even flying by me as you work to complete your full or half, just yell at me to release my inner Kenyan.

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Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Funny how things work out sometimes, and how sometimes - before you know it - the day has slipped away. Welp, that's what happened to me yesterday. I dropped the ball. It was my day to blog, and I just never had five whole minutes to myself to do so. I know I have talked about this time and time before – the concept that as you get older, the days get shorter, the years fly by… and it’s true! Maybe for me, it is the fact this this year is jammed-packed with exciting/life changing events.

Priorities and time management. I’m struggling. This is usually an area in which I have always done well. I did the most important things first and the least important things last. Why now is this so hard? Is everything THAT important that I can’t prioritize?

Work isn’t slowing down, wedding plans are mounting, house projects are never-ending. The nice weather is here, so that means more riding, training for this marathon relay and getting exterior house work done.

There are only so many hours in the day, and clearly not enough for my liking (namely on weekends). I am in desperate need of some “me time.” Really, all I want is a Sunday to lie in my pajamas and catch up on American Idol and maybe paint my nails. Is that too much to ask? Apparently.

I need more time to do all of my fun wedding crafts. I need more time to clean the house and organize our basement. I need more time to plant flowers outside our landscape-lacking home.

I need more time. But how can I do this? How do all of you other working wives and/or bachelorettes do this? Heck, how do any of our male readers do this?

Truthfully, life is so jammed-packed that I asked Nick to take the lead baking the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes last Friday night for our friend’s going-away party. Now, he did an awesome job (minus the icing I had to re-make), but the cupcakes were the sh*t, none the less. But Nick shouldn’t have to turn into Betty Crocker because I’m pressed for time. I’m lucky he is capable enough to help me out quite often, but I STILL need more hours in the day. (PS – these were AMAZING, and IF you have TIME, you should make them)

Sadly, we won’t even have time to visit our new niece until mid-April. This makes me sad. But just look at this face – we need to meet her!

So much to do, so little time.

4 months until the wedding! 33 days until the marathon! 5 days until Easter!

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Rowing...An Amazing Sport and the Best Thing I Ever Did!

I’ve lived in Pittsburgh my entire life so of course, I’ve driven over our lovely rivers a million or more times.  For years, I would look down and see tons of rowing boats moving like centipedes up and down and I would always think to myself “boy, that looks amazing” and “I wish there was a rowing team when I was in high school because I would have joined.” 

About six years ago, I was driving across one of our glorious bridges with one of my best friends Sue and I peered down at the river and there were the boats.  I made a comment to her about how cool it looked and she said that she always thought the same thing.  For about a year, she and I always talked about it until one day, she called me up and told me that she looked in to it and they have a winter session starting in a couple of weeks.  Without even thinking about it, she and I signed up!

Its five years later and she and I are now on a Master’s Rowing Team for Three RiversRowing Association based on Washington’s Landing.  We fell in love with it from the first indoor practice.  Once we hit the water for the first time, we were even more hooked!  It’s the most amazing sport for several reasons…

1.        It’s the best full body work out you could do next to cross country skiing.

2.       You meet so many different and amazing people that we’ve become really great friends.

3.       Going to races and competing is exhilarating and fun (especially if you win a medal).

4.       It’s a beautiful way to see the city and utilize our amazing rivers.

5.       It’s incredibly peaceful and such an amazing stress reliever.

Overall, it’s the BEST thing I’ve ever done for myself and I’m so glad that Sue and I finally got off of our butts, stopped talking about it and just did it!

Now, I believe in a previous blog post, I explained that a little over a year ago, I was stung in the foot by a bastard scorpion.  That took me out of rowing for a year and to be honest, I was incredibly sad.  Rowing became such a huge part of my life and something I did just for me.  It sucked when I wasn’t able to do it.  Well…I’m back at it.  Last night was my first practice back with the team and it felt so incredibly good.  It was a little weird as I can’t feel my foot and it still swells really big with a lot of activity but I started to figure it out and it felt great!  Not to mention the fact that it was just great being out on the water with a group of people that I spent a lot of time with and traveled with.  It also felt great that they all missed me and were so glad to have me back.  Have I mentioned that I absolutely LOVE rowing?!

So here’s some advice from a girl that took forever to try something she always wanted to do…If you’ve ever wanted to do something, like rowing, and was just too scared to try it…just do it!  If you’ve ever thought about joining rowing…definitely do it!  You won’t be disappointed!!!!  Even if you’ve never rowed before, it doesn’t matter.  There are beginners teams and recreational teams etc.  It’s awesome!

BTW…Weight Watchers Update:

Week 3 Weigh In:  Lost 1lb
Total Lost:  6lbs

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First cut of the grass...in MARCH!?!

So I got home from work yesterday and Adam decided to cut the grass. It needed it, but I can't remember the last time people cut grass in March, at least this time in March (and yes I know we are almost to the last week with April and Easter right around the corner!) He is not the only one to cut it in our neighborhood though. Last weekend, my neighbor to the left cut his (and he is the anal neighbor who cuts it on the reg) and the woman across the street cut hers too (she is the neighbor who is out there with the first flurry of snow shoveling her driveway).

I love the smell of fresh cut grass, would love to have that smell bottled, but is it just me or is it really weird to be doing this in March in PA? We have already hit record temperatures, and everyone is trying to predict how the summer is going to go (as Tiff likes to say, "either its going to be 114 degrees here or Texas will just basically be on fire!") I don't know what I think the summer will be like, but I can say I am a little nervous to find out.

My flowers outside have already started to bloom. Now yes, I understand the first day of spring was this week, but again, I ask, am I the only one who thinks that these things shouldn't be happening yet? I heard on the radio the one morning that the huge blizzard of 1993 (don't quote me on the year...I was not old enough to remember) but it happened last week during that year. Oh how the world has changed.

But I will take the bright sunshine and 80 degree weather any day over a blizzard. I will take the blooming flowers over icicles and fresh cut grass over a snowy driveway in no time. I always said I wanted to live in a climate where winter didn't exist. Well...seems like I got my wish in Pittsburgh, PA!

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Two Words

He's BACK!

He's amazing... that is all.

Welcome back!

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Sounded Like a Good Idea

So, it looks as though I have been tricked into getting in shape to run the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay this spring. I say tricked because my best friend and fiancé are running, and I feel like I should too – especially because we are running for charity, and we get a medal!

However, I hate running. It makes my lungs hurt, it makes my legs hurt and it gives my shin splints. I’m not a fan. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high,” and probably never will. I run for a mile as a warm up to whatever exercise I may be doing, and then I call it quits.

But here I am, all registered to run 3.5 miles, which happens to be the shortest leg of the race, because clearly, I am the most out of shape.

After I get back from my vacation (which I am SO looking forward to going on tomorrow), I am starting my regimen. Perhaps some Couch to 5K to get me in the spirit?

BUT, as I mentioned above, my team, so rightly named “Sounded Like a Good Idea,” will be running for charity.

We are running as part of the Animal Rescue League's "Paws Over Pittsburgh" team. The ARL's mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical attention, and comfort to all abandoned, neglected and injured animals brought to us by the community; to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for them, and educate the public about humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation. An animal lover myself (as many of you know from my posts), I know how important organizations such as the ARL are and all of the good that they do, which is why we've chosen to run in support of them. Help us come to the animal's rescue!

Our team has a donation goal of $500. Click here to help my team and donate to a GREAT cause!

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I Hate School Buses

It was only recently that I started my hate for school buses. In fact, before I never really paid much attention to them, or particularly those inside. But there was just one day...

I didn't really have that great of a day at work. It's not like anything horrible happened, but it just wasn't a great day. I was driving home my usual route and got stuck behind a school bus. We were on a major roadway, highway-type of road, but it's not. For those who are Pittsburghers, I was on Rt. 51. I was stopped at a light behind this school bus and could clearly see through the windows that kids were literally beating up on each other. There were kids standing up, cheering, jumping on each other and girls who kept dodging to get out of the way. Obviously the bus driver wasn't doing a damn thing and I wasn't about to be stuck behind a school bus watching a kid get beat up. So what did I do? I called the cops. Yup- I did. However, I don't know if anything ever happened to the bus driver, if the kids who were beating the other kids up got in trouble or whatever, but regardless, at least I was the concerned citizen and did what I thought was right.

So just the other morning I was on my way to work and was beside a mini bus at a red light. I feared what I would see if I looked over m left shoulder and of course, to my surprise, I was not happy about what I saw. There had to have been six kids all standing up, in the aisle, doing something. And since this was a mini bus, the bus driver was RIGHT THERE and could see it all and still didn't seem to care. The light turned green, the kids held on, and off they all went, standing up and doing something stupid. My evil morning mind really wanted to pull a quick lane switch in front of the bus just to see the kids go flying (mind you I said my evil morning mind...) but I didn't. I just tried to drive really fast away so I didn't have to see some other jagoff do it.

The point of my rant is that when I rode the school bus, all of a mere five minutes to school and then the dreaded hour long ride home since we decided to go to OPPOSITE way back...we NEVER stood up and if we did, it was to get off of the bus but not until it was at a complete stop. If we stood up prior, the bus driver didn't open the door. They also made sure we were quiet so they could hear the traffic around them. So why are the bus drivers obviously in lala land now days? Why don't they tell the kids to sit down and be quiet? That bus driver on Rt. 51 should've put the bus in park right then and there and broke up the fight, but no, he kept on going.

And another thing, we have to have kids in a car seat until they weigh a certain amount, yet kids can ride on school buses, obviously standing up, and not have to wear a seatbelt? Give me a freaking break!

I vow this much, if my future kids ever have to ride a school bus, they will get the wrath of mom Christine and they will be told if I ever hear they stood up on the bus they will be grounded forever. I don't need my child flying through the school bus windshield because some idiot of a school bus driver doesn't have the balls to tell my kid to sit their ass down.

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Happy Hump Day!

Wednesday…typically referred to as “Hump day”, is a day that most people look forward to.  It’s the middle of the work week, one day before “Thirsty Thursday” and two days from Friday.  So why do I find Wednesday’s to be the absolute WORST day of the week?

I think it’s because Wednesday’s are really the start of my very busy work week.  Owning my own bar/restaurant and working my “big girl” job really fills my schedule.  On Wednesday’s, I wake up at the butt-ass crack of dawn and go to my office for a full day.  Then I rush home, change, make dinner, do the dishes and I then I rush down to the bar to start my shift.  By the time I get home it’s very late and before I know it, my alarm is going off and I’m up, logging in to my computer and working my “big girl” job.  I then shut down, jump in the shower and back to the bar to get it opened.  Again, I get home late and then it’s up again to work the “big girl” job.  I then have to call in the liquor order for the bar, pick-up the liquor, take the liquor to the bar and check it in and put it away.  Then it’s back home again to get some housework done whether it is cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.  I make dinner, clean-up, jump in the shower and back to the bar.  By Saturday, I’m exhausted but I know I just have to get through one more long night at the bar and then finally…it’s Sunday.  Precious Sunday.  The day where I don’t get out of my jammies, I don’t answer the phone; I don’t cook, clean, do laundry…nothing.  I lay on the couch with my hubby, watch mindless TV, order pizza and take a million naps.

Now don’t get me wrong…I love my life and I’m very happy with both the bar/restaurant and my “big girl” job.  Sometimes I feel pretty damn lucky…like I “have my cake and I’m eating it too” kind of thing. What drives me crazy is that everything needs to run on a very tight, strict schedule or it all won’t get done and I can’t have that.  My list each and every week has to get done or I feel like everything is falling apart.  I know, that’s slightly dramatic but, it’s the truth.  This must be what it’s like to have children.  I can’t imagine all of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, running around and craziness that goes into to being a parent.  Especially if you’re working parents.  I think you guys are crazy but I give you mad props.  Because if my week is this crazy and it’s just because I own my own business and work another job…I can’t imagine what it’s like to have kids. 

So I guess this blog post is dedicated to all of the hardworking people and parents who just don’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done but somehow always managed to get done…like me!

Happy Hump Day!

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Has It Been Five Year's Already?

This past Friday, my hubby and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversary and it was one of the best days that we’ve had together in a long time.  I really wanted to make the day special for him.  Not only because it was our five year wedding anniversary (which I feel like these days, that’s a real accomplishment) but because things have been a little crazy for us over the last month.  So this seemed like the perfect time to celebrate and I just wanted to celebrate us.
Here’s what we did…

First, my hubby woke up surrounded by five heart-shaped balloons and each balloon had one reason why I loved him attached to it.  He just laughed and smiled because he knows that I love balloons just  because I feel like you can’t help but laugh and smile when you see a balloon…right?  Next we exchanged gifts.  The gift he gave me was a really big deal.  He gave me my engagement ring back which has been at the jewelers for the last seven months trying to be fixed…don’t ask.  The important thing was that it was finished and back on my finger.  My gift to him was a two-parter.  I always like to give one “traditional” gift and for five years, the traditional gift is wood.  So I went out and found a log and cleaned it up.  I carved our initials in it with a heart around it just like you would in a tree.  I then dug out a hole in the top to place a votive candle in it that was used at our wedding.  It’s totally cheesy and corny but cheesy and corny is just who I am sometimes.  The second part of my gift was a little adventure.  We went to a new place that just opened called Copper Kettle Brewing Company.  It’s located in Greenfield on Greenfield Avenue and we actually got to brew our own beer.  It was such a neat experience and we had a blast.  It really taught us so much about the beer making process and for two people that love beer as much as we do…this couldn’t have been a more perfect thing for us to do.  We then get to go back in 14 days to bottle and label our beer so now we’re trying to come up with a clever name for our anniversary beer.  Following the brewery, we went out for a nice dinner and then to a local bar to hang out and have a few drinks.  We laughed and had great conversations.  I felt so lucky and for the first time in a long time…I just felt like a normal couple, doing normal couple things.  A lot of the time I just feel like our bar runs our life and that’s all we do and all we talk about.

So that was our anniversary day together.  It was fun, relaxing and perfect and if you are looking for a really fun thing to do, definitely check out Copper Kettle Brewing Company.  They don’t have a website yet but you can find them on Facebook or through their bar website which is Hough’s.  And if you have any ideas on what we could name our brew, leave it in the comments section!  Thanks for letting me share.

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Since the Dawn of Time...

I grew up as an only child and being an “only” definitely had its advantages and disadvantages but one thing it didn’t do…was make me your typical spoiled brat.  My parents never had a ton of money and they both worked extremely hard so that they could provide for me but, they also taught me how important it is for me to work and be responsible.  I started working when I was 11 years old for my dad who owned his own handyman business.  When I was 18, I got my first “big girl” job as an admin for an advertising agency which helped pay for my college education.  I worked full-time and went to school part-time.  I’m now 33 and still working my ass off.  I still have a “big girl” job (part-time) and my husband and I own our own bar/restaurant.  I’m not complaining, I actually like working hard…it gives me something to do and keeps me out of trouble but, what really bugs me, especially in an economy such as this, is when people just take having a job for granted.  And I feel like a lot of people coming up in the workforce now just don’t get it.  To me they come across as feeling entitled and they are somewhat lazy and inconsiderate.  Does anyone else feel that way?  Or, is it just because now I’m in my 30’s and the reality of it is, I was the same way in my 20’s?  I don’t know…all I do know is that yesterday I got screwed and I’m pissed!

Thursday’s are my longest day of the week.  I typically work for my “big girl” job about 3 to 3.5 hours.  Then I jump in the shower, grab a bite to eat and I’m off to the bar.  I open the bar on Thursdays so I have to stock beer, do roll-ups, portions, clean and get the place open for business by 3 p.m.  Then I bar tend till about 9:30 p.m.  My relief comes in at 9 p.m. but has to restock beer etc. before she comes on.  Last night turned out quite differently though, as my relief decided to call off work ten minutes before she was supposed to walk through the door.  At that point, it was too late to try and find someone to fill in for so I just said fine, I’ll work it!  I ended up working the shift.  Thankfully, the girl that comes in it 7 p.m. to wait tables, till about 9 p.m., decided to stay on with me and we just toughed it out together.  I mean who calls off ten minutes before your supposed to show up for work.  You can’t really do that in the service industry because the hours are weird and most people in this industry have other jobs.  Not to mention the fact that she called off because of her period!  WHAT?!  I just couldn’t believe it. 

In the end, myself and my faithful side-kicked, pushed through the night will smiles on our faces, made some great money and had some giggles.  But, I’m still really upset and I can’t figure out if I’m upset with her because I’m her boss and I feel like what she did was inconsiderate and disrespectful or, if I’m upset because she’s my friend and it was inconsiderate and disrespectful.  Either way, I have to say something to her and I’m just not looking forward to it.  I mean, I can appreciate the girl calling off because she didn’t think she could work her entire shift, but I didn’t appreciate her doing it ten minutes before she arrived.  I don’t know…I just feel like all of these younger kids pull this crap all the time and it’s frustrating to me because they make more money working 20 hours per week then most people twice their age, not to mention the fact that so many people are without work right now and really struggling.  Calling off because you have your period doesn’t seem to me like you appreciate your job….the one that I gave you and can take away from you anytime.  I’m baffled… I just can’t imagine calling off work (any work) because I have my period.  Women have been working with their periods since the dawn of time.

UGH!

I apologize for the rambling and complaining etc. but I’m frustrated.  Sometimes, this is when I wish that we never opened our own business! 

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The snow is here...Now the dogs are a mess!

So in one of my last posts I asked where's the snow? I heard the question was also asked on GMA the same morning (which I am already on my way to work when it comes on) but I felt right on topic that day. We ended up getting a couple of inches, nothing too exciting, but of course everyone freaks out! It took a fellow blogger and I two hours to get home after work that first snow fall of the year! Typically it takes us anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 depending on what fantastic event is going on in Pittsburgh. The worst is when the Pirates have an afternoon game...and even though they are horrible, people still go! How is it that we have the worst baseball team and yet, people still go to afternoon games? Don't they have to work like the rest of us? I digress...

Now that the snow is here, I get to look forward to my dogs rolling around and jumping in the snow like snow bunnies and bringing it all through the house once they are finished. It is fun to watch them do it (as you will see below) but the end result is what I hate. Don't you hate walking in the house, taking off your shoes at the door like we have been taught, but the first step you take in your socks is into a wet spot thanks to the dogs? ARGH!

My solution, I am buying them boots. We shall see how long this lasts before I get sick of putting them on. I did this with their shock collars too (and before I hear any crap about that, they learned their boundaries and don't have to wear them anymore...except for the random times they get brave). I would be really good about putting them on and thankfully they don't have to wear them anymore. I figure at least snow is only around for a couple months, so I should be able to handle it. When I get these boots (suggestions on where to buy them would be nice!), I will be sure to post pictures, but until then, I will chase them around the house with a towel to get their paws dry.

Here is a video from a snow day they had last year. Around 2:10 is my favorite part when Mark (the black one) gets a surprise from Axel. You will notice Mark is not a huge fan of the snow and has to have Axel make him a walking path. What a baby!

They are the best of friends and forever will be. But this year, let's hope we don't get that much snow again and I won't have to get the snow off of their bodies too!

Here is to hoping for snow days, even though we aren't in school anymore!

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Emmy's Heart

I was watching NBC Nightly News and saw this great piece about Emmy's Heart, an organization that makes tutus and capes for kids who are in the hospital. What a great idea! The video ’Tutu Lady’ delivers joy to sick kids told the story of how the creator, Laura Pita, got the idea because her son was sick in the hospital as well as her mom and she needed something to do to keep her mind busy.

All of the tutu and cape makers are volunteers, Laura's friends. I think this would be a fun thing to do for a girls night! Laura is currently doing this for a couple of hospitals in Florida but encourages you to try it in your town.

If you can't be creative, we can still help because Emmy's Heart also accepts monetary and supply donations. So the next time you take a trip to JoAnn Fabrics or Michael's clearance bin, or your mom or grandma's sewing closet, pick out a few extras that they have and donate them! On the website, they state, "We use rolls of 6-inch tulle to make our tutus and crowns. Capes are make from poly/cotton blend broadcloth with felt appliques. Our hair items are made with grosgrain ribbon. We also use 3/4 inch no-roll elastic and velcro. Did I mention buttons? We love to embellish our hair items with fun buttons too!"

If you and your friends decide to create some flare, Laura promises it doesn't require much! Why not make a couple of tutus or capes to make a child's day brighter? I am sure Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh would gladly accept your donation. In fact, a friend of the WWB and local designer, Angie of Sew Addicted in Pittsburgh said she already has a ton of tutus that she would love to donate. Follow her and Emmy's Heart on Facebook!

Let me know if you do donate or make your own designs. I would love to see them!

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Am I Rambling?

So many things have happened in the last week that I’m not even sure what I should talk about.  So please forgive me if I’m rambling.

Thank You!  I want to personally thank everyone who voted for our bar in the The ‘Burgh’s Best Neighborhood Bar contest.  I still can’t believe we won and we’ve had so much fun talking about it and promoting it down at the bar! 

Welcome ‘Lil Bastard!  For those of you who don’t know me, let me give you a little bit of background before you read the rest of this story.  Last year in October, I was in Dallas, TX, for my “Big Girl Job.”  While there, I managed to be stung by a scorpion seven times on my foot.  Turns out I could have died and since having been stung, I’ve had to adjust to some permanent changes in my foot i.e. I sustained terrible nerve damage and it still swells.  Well, since the scorpion incident, I really wanted to get a tattoo on my foot of a scorpion and the number seven.  This would be my first tattoo and I really thought that this one actually had good meaning behind it and it was a worthy tattoo.  So as a one year anniversary gift to myself, I finally got the tattoo last week while I was in Phoenix.  I named him ‘Lil Bastard in honor of the ‘Lil Bastart that almost took me out!

Snow…really!  It’s already so cold here that we had our first snow over the weekend.  Although it didn’t last long and there are no remnants of it happening other than it’s colder than a “well-diggers behind” out there, I still can’t believe it snowed.  It especially stinks since I just got back from Phoenix where it was 100 degrees!  I suppose it’s time to face the fact that winter is officially here.  It’s time to bust out the snow gear and snowboards and embrace the season.

Happy Halloween!  Today is Halloween so…Happy Halloween!  I hope everyone has a great day especially if you’ll be out trick-or-treating with your little ones.  I also want to say Happy Birthday to my sweet little niece.  Today she turns three. 

I think I’ve done enough rambling for today.  Happy Halloween everyone and be safe!

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REMEDY WON!!

I just wanted to follow up to Tiff's post about the Best Bar in the 'Burgh contest...

REMEDY WON! Her bar beat out the closest competitor by .02%, so we've been told.

Congrats REMEDY and Tiff!

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