Monday

Monday, Memorial Day. What can I say about this lovely holiday, but that I love having the day off work. And of course thanks to everyone that fights or has fought for our country, that is this holiday right.

I first went for a run in the morning even though I was still a little under the weather. I hadn't been in so long that I needed to force myself to go. I was very tired and only made it about 2.5 miles. I just couldn't go any farther so I turned home early. After my run I decided to help Ando with some yard work; he was cutting the grass so I just jumped in. You will all be happy to know the fountain is back up and running again. It seems every year it gets a little more tedious to put that fountain in. I said to myself this year that buying the fountain with all the rocks around it was on of the worst ideas we have ever had. I'm not sure if the fountain will come out this winter because I don't want to have to put it back in.

After all the fountain hubbub it was time for a little fun. So Teed, Mo, Ando and I went to Taste of Cincinnati. It started raining when we first left and still was drizzling a little when we got down there, but the skies cleared and it turned out to be a good time. It wasn't too crowded, thanks to the rain I'm sure, and you really didn't have to wait in line for any food booth. Nothing was way crazy there, but there was definitely enough to choose from. I always love buying small portions of food at expensive prices.

The rest of the night was just laying around the house being lazy. I did watch some episodes of The Office season one that I borrowed from Teed. I would say all in all it was a good Memorial Day!

I ate some tasty food at Taste of Cincinnati, but not enough for two.

Sunday

Sunday was like my Saturday since I didn't have to work on Monday; I actually got two days off in a row. Ando and I went for a bike ride at Lunken in the morning/ early afternoon. It took a little longer than I thought it would to set up the bike rack. I thought I bought an easy bike rack that would take no time at all to set up, but I was mistaken. The good news is that next time we use the rack it will be much easier to use. It was just the initial set-up that took so much time.

The bike path at Lunken is only 5 miles, but Ando and I still only went around once. I had a 3:30 soccer game so we were pressed for time, but also I forgot to put sunscreen on. When we arrived I thought about the sunscreen and knew I was going to get burnt. Sure enough I got burnt on my shoulders even though we were barely out in the sun.

I then headed to my indoor soccer game, which I haven't been able to make many of, and proceeded to find out that the other team didn't show up for the game. We had so many people show though that we just scrimmaged each other with a few other people that were hanging out at the soccerplex.

The evening brought on a cookout at the DT Ranch. I got to see the chicks, and bees for the first time since their arrival. There was of course some burgers and sausages with yummy side dishes and Jenster made dessert for everyone. I also tossed some football and frisbee and there was a bonfire that lasted into the night. The bonfire was so hot you couldn't walk by at a leisurely pace you had to run by and stand back so as not to get scorched by the heat.

As you can see my Sunday was packed full of fun. And since Teed really wants me to have new tag line I have decided to oblige.

Ando and I went for bike rides; no bun in the over to also enjoy the ride.

Saturday

Well I had to work on Saturday, but the morning was free which meant it was time to look at some more reception sites. We looked at three places, all on the west side. One of them was out past Stricker's Grove and offered paper plates for your wedding. You could upgrade to clear plastic plates and for even more money you could have the real china. It was an alright place if they would have put some updates into the place and not offered paper plates. Of course it didn't win in the end.

We also looked at Pebble Creek, which wasn't big enough, and The Woodlands. The Woodlands is in Cleves off the beaten path a little bit. It was big and open and not very expensive. We have decided to go with this place, which I am still trying to come to terms with. I can't believe I am having an all West Side wedding. I never thought I would be doing this, but hey it is nice and cheaper so why not. I don't want to hear anything from people about the true West Side soirée.

After the morning I went to work for a little ballet in the park. It wasn't very long so I got off a little earlier than I thought. Everyone was hanging out at Jenster's house so I headed there to meet up with everyone. We all sat on her front porch and talked before Teed, Ando and I headed to the bar. We walked up to Gaslight, but decided to look at Molly Malone's and their outdoor seating. It wasn't crowded out so we went to Molly's and sat outside. There were some dudes who showed up smelling like Axe body spray. I just love that smell and couldn't help myself, even in front of Ando, I picked one of them up. Ok really I didn't because I don't love the smell of Axe. I started having a coughing fit toward the end of the night and told Teed and Ando that we needed to leave. Teed wanted to finish watching the end of the Reds game, but I just couldn't make it.

Saturday was my worst night of sickness and it was proven by the fact I went downstairs in the middle of the night to sleep on the couch so Ando could get some sleep without me coughing the whole time and keeping him awake.

Friday

I was sicker than I thought last week. I was sure I was going to shake this cold in a couple of days, but it ended up taking me a week to get over it. I didn't think I needed to go to the doctor, but come Saturday all I wanted to do was go to the doctor. Of course I couldn't and it was a three day weekend and it was even more impossible. I am feeling better today and don't need to head to the doctor's anymore. I hope I didn't get anyone else sick that I was around this week.

As you can guess not much happened during the week since I was sick. Friday I was off work the whole day and went shopping for myself. I needed to buy a bike rack for my car and the new bikes Ando and I just bought. I decided to go to Dick's and see what they offered. I bought a nice bike rack that wasn't the most expensive, but also not the cheapest. I wanted to buy something that looked easy to set up and use and would last a long time.

I also bought myself some clothes, kitchen gadgets, and a wedding shower gift for Ando's cousin. I haven't officially been invited to a shower yet, but was told I would be and I had a bunch of coupons laying around so why not use them.

That night Ando and I went on a date by ourselves to Maggiano's in Kenwood. I had never been there before and we just wanted something simple so why not a good chain restaurant. The people there were all out for a night on the town. I had no idea people thought going to a chain restaurant in Kenwood mall was a night out on the town. The "couple" sitting next to us were having a good old time snuggling up together. Ando and I decided it was a professor and his foreign exchange student about 20 years his younger going out together. They made sure to show everyone how much they liked each other and boy were they talkers. They kept talking to our waiter and then at the end of the night made their way to us. Why they felt the need to talk to us I have no idea, but luckily it was the end of the night and they were leaving. We just said a few things to each other, but it was more than enough for me. I'm not sure when the next time I will head back to Maggiano's is, but I am guessing it won't be soon.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday to follow!

Baby Brunch

Yes, I am still alive. Ando thinks I coughed up a lung last night, but this morning it was confirmed that I still had both of my lungs. I am slowly getting better, but just wish this pesky cold would go away. Let us now move on to what has happened this week.

Sunday was when I started getting sick with a sore throat, but had to suck it up and have a baby brunch for Mo and Taca. Jenster and I threw a shower, really just brunch with some gifts, at Kona in Oakley. There were six of us total to celebrate the upcoming birth of Taca. I was going to get a bloody mary with my meal, but apparently Kona doesn't serve alcohol before 1pm on Sunday's. I went healthy instead with a smoothie, which I was hoping would also soothe my throat. Mo got some cute outfits including Bengals gear for Taca to wear when she comes out to see the world. I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures to post, sorry.

After brunch Mo, Jenster and I went to Sharon Woods to take a walk. It was such a nice day outside that I didn't want to waste it indoors. We had a good walk and no one came up to Mo to touch her like normally happens when she walks by herself. Maybe Jenster and I should go walking with Mo all the time so strangers don't try and talk to her.

Ando and I actually made and ate dinner together on Sunday night too. This is becoming such a rare occurrence that I thought I should mention it. I made him put down the magazine he always reads at the table too to talk to me. I can't wait for school to be over so I won't have to work so many nights; and till we hire a new person at work to take off some of the load.

Monday and Tuesday I was sick and miserable while still having to work at night. Wednesday I went into work late, but still had to go to get some work done so I couldn't take the whole day off. Hopefully I will be better tomorrow and my lungs will be fully healed. I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather we are having because I am not able to fully enjoy it with my work schedule. So go outdoors and have some fun for me!

Reds, Receptions, & Rides!

Shando is a bit under the weather today, but I am trying to push through to write you all an amazing blog. I have been quite the busy little bee lately and no time has come up for me to write a new blog.

I will start with Friday. I went into work early because I needed to leave early to look at another reception place. Once again it was a dud. It was just one big gym that smelt like a gym and stale smoke. There was also a big puddle on the floor from what I am guessing was a roof leak; we had a lot of rain the night before. There are no pictures of this place as it was so dark inside you wouldn't have been able to make anything out.

After the disastrous reception hall Ando, ED and I went to Marribelle's for some grub before the Reds game. ED and I had our own tickets and Ando was going with Teed, Mo and Jenster. Marribelle's was good food, but ED's chicken wasn't cooked all the way through. She sent it back and of course there was no charge for her sandwich.

We headed to the Reds game, which was apron give away night, but were too late to procure one. Thank goodness, I don't need more crap sitting around my house. Ando met up with Teed, Mo and Jenster to get his ticket into the game and ED and I went into the ballpark to find our seats. We weren't sitting near each other and the game was crowded, they were playing the Indians, so I really didn't get to see the rest of the gang that night. It was a fun game though and the Reds won!! The bad part came when we tried to get out of the garage. My car just sat in line for 20 minutes before we finally started moving. It's worth paying $1 to park further up town than to get a free parking pass by the stadium. I thought we would never get to leave that parking lot.

Saturday was a whirlwind of reception hall shopping. We, and by we I mean me, Ando, my sis and parents, were going to look at 5 reception halls on Saturday. I came to the conclusion that a reception hall is a reception hall and I don't like them. They are way too stuffy and formal which is not what Ando and I want. I think I may go into the business of renting out a space that mixes indoor with outdoor in a woodsy setting that isn't too expensive. I would make a killing because that doesn't exist here. We still have no idea what we are going to do about the reception, but I am guessing we are just going to have to pick something that we aren't in love with and go with it.

When we were finished looking at all of the halls I decided to treat myself to some Putz's. I didn't have it all last season and I really needed something to take the edge off. I just got a small twist cone with rainbow sprinkles. It was oh so good and just what I needed after a long day, even though it was only half over.

Ando and I finally made it home and then proceeded to leave again to buy some bikes. We have been talking about buying bikes for a couple of weeks now so this was our opportunity to make it happen. Ando wanted to get a bike to try and ride to work a couple of times a week. He thought about buying a scooter, but thought he should first try the bike. We went to Campus Cyclery in Clifton to test out some bikes and eventually buy them. I hadn't ridden a bike in ages and was nervous to take it out for a test spin, but it really is true what they say, "it's like riding a bike". It all came back to me and I was fine. I have never had my own bike so this is exciting for me. I just hope Ando and I stick with our promise to go for a bike ride together once a week.

That evening Ando and I rode our bikes to Jenster's house for a grill out. The ride up is literally up, one big hill, but it is a short ride. We just hung out on the deck, drank some beers and ate some burgers and sausages. Teed brought over the cake he bought for Molly's birthday for all of us to share in, but no one wanted any. Teed bought a kosher cake on accident and kosher cakes do not taste like regular cakes. We all thought it would be fine, but it really wasn't good. The bike ride home was much easier, all downhill. The first test with the bikes on the road turned out well.

This post is getting a bit long so I will end it here, but stay tuned for Sunday. It was another fun filled day, even though it was when I started getting sick.

Special Occasions

These last couple of days have been full of celebrations. Of course Mother's Day was Sunday. Ando and I first went to his parents to wish his mom a happy Mother's Day. We just hung out in the afternoon and played some Wii. There was a little wedding talk, but not too much which was fine with me. I am getting a little sick of wedding problems; well really just the one, reception place. If I have my way that will be picked by the end of this weekend.

After hanging out with Ando's family we headed off to my parents house. All of my siblings plus my grandmother and grandpa were there. That was more people than what we had for Thanksgiving. Quite a rare day for all of my siblings to be at the same family function together. We did the typical eating and talking with a few beers mixed in. My grandma and sister-in-laws all got to see the engagement ring as well. They all seemed to like it, but then again who doesn't say they like an engagement ring?

The second celebration was for Mateo's, Ando's brother, birthday. His birthday was on Tuesday and the fam, plus Coral, Mateo's girlfriend, were going out to dinner to celebrate. I didn't think I was going to be able to make it, but at the last minute, well really I was already there, our shoot got canceled. Macho Max and I were starting to set up for our shoot when we realized nothing was set up which was a little fishy. We asked around the school and found out there was no shoot that night. I guess no one felt like calling and telling us it got canceled.

Since my shoot wasn't going to happen I was able to meet Ando and the family for Mateo's birthday dinner. They were all eating at Ambar in Clifton. I got there just in time to sit down and eat the dinner they had ordered. It was all very good, but you really can't go wrong with Indian. After our awesome meal we headed to Graeter's for some ice cream. Ando and I just split one scoop since we both need to get in tip top wedding shape. The only way that is going to happen for me is if I starve myself and the chances of that happening are slim to none.

All the celebrations were a good time and I hope everyone enjoyed their day in the spotlight. I have included some pictures of our yard blooming in the springtime for you to enjoy. They kind of say Mother's Day to me!

I have nothing new wedding wise and really won't for awhile. I am trying not to think of anything till July or August. If you have any suggestions for my last line I will take any and all of them.

Blowing Off Some Steam

Will Ando and I use a wedding planner? Doubt it. What we found out on Friday is that we have a pretty good grasp on everything that needs to be done and most everything we can do on our own. The planner did give us a few good tips and said she would help us out with some vendors and tips for no extra cost; that we will most likely use. Now if we could just find a reception site we like that is still available. I don't understand why you have to pick places so far out, I hate it.

It was time to blow off some steam so Jenster and I went out to The Gaslight, Molly Malone's was too crowded, on Friday while the boys were at band practice. We had some "beers" together and talked about how many girls were actually at the bar. Usually there are a ton of dudes at gaslight and girls are hard to come by, but not this time. We also saw a little baby at the bar; and by little I mean a couple of days old. Why would you bring a new born to the bar. Just stay home and have your friends over; that's a little soon to have a baby out in my opinion, but then again I'm not a mom. Jenster knew who the child belonged to too. Ask her all about it next time you see her. The boys met us for a drink after practice, but Teed couldn't stay long because he needed to get home to Mo. He was in one of his Teed moods too, but couldn't do anything about it.

Saturday morning Ando and I, along with my parents, went to look at our first reception hall. It was awful! I am pretty sure nothing has been done to the place since the early '80's. The sign on the front is airbrushed and the inside had some nice mint green sponge painting. I didn't like it at all; we need to keep looking.

After my lovely reception experience I had to go to work. Not at all what I wanted to do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. And to top it all off it was lacrosse. I hate taping lacrosse I just want to poke my eyes out. The only thing to make it a little better was the fact I got to work with Macho Max, formerly Markerena in the blog; he wanted his name changed so there it is.

After a not so good day I needed to go out again and have a good time; Teed was still in his "mood" as well. We all had Dewey's at our house and sat on the front porch for a bit before deciding what bar we wanted to go to. Of course we ended up at the Gypsy Hut. We got some shots and drinks while sitting at the bar and having Ando being annoyed with the three of us, the usual minus Mo who went home after dinner. Teed saw someone he knew and then Ando and I saw his cousin; Jenster was the only one who didn't know someone. We all "played", I say played loosely because everyone, except Ando, was drunk, ping pong upstairs.

Since we were all drunk, including Jenster, that made it a White Castle night. It was Jenster's idea too and Teed seconded it of course. We all got some sliders and tried the new chicken italiano sandwiches, they weren't that good by the way. While we were in the drive thru I climbed in the back seat to have some fun with Teed, who was sitting in the middle seat to be closer to Jenster, and Jenster. Ando was none too pleased, but that is what you have to expect when everyone else is drunk and you are driving. Finally a night out to have a good time with no cares in the world.Did I mention it was track jacket night, I think I forgot.

Today's discussion: nothing new; where should our reception be. Hopefully this will be answered this weekend.

Planning

Weddings, weddings, weddings. I feel as though all I have done lately is plan a wedding. And I haven't even done that very well. There had been no reception place picked and the wedding is about 1 year away. At this rate I'm pretty sure we will be having our reception at The Farm.

And my parents would be ok with The Farm too. I know because Ando and I met with my parents on Sunday to discuss the wedding a little more. They don't want Ando and I to have an outside wedding which is what both of us really want. We don't want to have a typical sit down and never get up from you seat wedding. We want everyone to mingle and have a good time while eating some good food. So if you all come to our wedding you better make sure to have a good time and not make it too formal.

My parents also think Ando and I are crazy because we want good food. When we had them over for dinner on Sunday we make turkey lettuce wraps with bok choy. They think we just eat weird food all the time, even though I don't think it is weird. My mom thinks she isn't going to eat at the wedding because there isn't going to be anything "normal" there. I'm thinking she will be fine because we can't afford to pay for any "crazy" food. We got nowhere on the wedding by the way. Hopefully Ando and I can get a bit further when we meet with a wedding planner on Friday. Yes, I have caved in and am getting some advice from a planner. I don't know how much we will use her or even how much it will cost, but one little meeting won't hurt anything, right?

Not much else has happened this week, except me losing sleep over finding a reception place. The longer we wait the more places get booked up and the more sleep I lose. I will let you all know how the planner session goes.

Today's discussion: what should the wedding favors be? (And now you can vote in the upper left corner!)

The Week That Was

There was no big news to report this week. hence my lack of posts. I did get my engagement ring back on Monday and it fits beautifully now. Ando and I also had dinner at his parents on Monday with his brother and girlfriend who was in town. It ended up that we were both wearing the same shirt, but in different colors too. I didn't have my camera with me so I could take a picture of it for all of you to decided who looked better.

Ando and I did get to meet with the priest at St. Teresa on Wednesday after work. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out not to be too bad. He just asked us the usual questions about being baptized and confirmed. But then he needed our addresses......I gave mine and then it was up to Ando. Yep, he already found out that we live together. He told us that if we have a 2 bedroom that we should be living and sleeping in separate rooms. Ando and I decided to take what the priest had to say to heart, so now we each have our own room to sleep in; I got the bed and Ando got the love seat. No, really we are doing what we have always done, being annoyed with each other in a queen size bed.

The rest of the work week was pretty uneventful. It was another early, late, early, late, early week. I hate having to rotate like that, but I get to do it again this week! On Friday we all got a surprise visit from our good friend Markerena. He helps us out on shoots sometimes and since he was in the area for another job he stopped by to say "hey". It really brightened my day to see a nice face leading into the weekend.

That evening was even laid back with just Ando, Jenster and I going to dinner at Sorrento's. We didn't realize Friday night was Karaoke night so we asked to sit away from the bad singers. I almost got Jenster to get up and sing, but I guess she just didn't have enough beers in her. After our long Sorrento's experience, the pizza took forever, we went back to our casa so Jenster and I could look at bridal magazines and books she got out of the Library for me. Every wedding dress in those books is awful looking. I don't know what I am going to wear walking down the aisle if that is what I have to choose from. The books just made me realize how much I really do want a wedding planner. I don't want to have to do all this work by myself.

I had some big plans to accomplish a lot on Saturday, but really didn't get as much done as I had hoped. I went running in the morning since I only went once during the week and got soaked in the process. Of course it started raining when I was the furthest away from my house. After my nice wet run Ando and I headed out to Ault Park to see if there was a wedding being set up. Sure enough there was. We just looked around to see what the set up was for a reception there and then walked around the park a little. We came to the conclusion that we need to go to Ault Park more and walk on the trails there. Oh, and the wedding reception we liked, but now need to figure out the cost and if it is even available.

You probably don't want to know all the little stuff I did after Ault Park so I am going to skip straight to that night and going out with Ando's students to Montgomery Inn. The TV Association had an end of the year banquet and they all invited Ando's new fiancée to judge, no cross that out, meet her. It was a little awkward, but overall not as bad as it could have been. It was also another opportunity for me to go to Montgomery Inn and not pay for it. I don't think I have ever paid for my own meal there. I hope all of the guys, and few girls liked me because if they didn't I don't know what I will do with myself.

Nothing exciting happened after dinner. Mo went home early, Jenster wasn't feeling well so she stayed in and Ando, Teed and I went to Gaslight for a couple of drinks. Again Teed was mistaken for someone else by the same lady that has done the same thing twice before at Gaslight. I can't imagine Teed looking like someone else with those sideburns and all, but apparently he has a twin out there that I need to meet.

Ando and I aren't fighting about the wedding any more; we just have decisions we need to make. This week it is inside or outside reception?

No Ring

As I wrote earlier Sunday was a busy little day for me. I first had to go to my indoor soccer game; it is the start of a new session. We lost the game to a good team that came down two divisions, clearly they shouldn't have, and I didn't score. I thought my foot would bother me a little more than it actually did during the game too.

I had to leave right away after our game to book it home and get ready for Mo's baby shower that afternoon. I just love babies and baby showers so I was super excited. I picked up Jenster and we headed to Mo's parents for the shower. When we first got there I got a congratulations from Mo's dad on my engagement, which I wasn't expecting, but was very nice. I also got some congrats from Teed's mom and Mo's sister, all of whom wanted to see the ring, but I couldn't produce one. My ring was still at the jeweler, which upset some people who wanted to see the beautiful ring Ando bought me.

The shower was what I was expecting; there were no games which was good. We had a few appetizers and then Mo opened all of her gifts. She didn't get any nipple cream, but we did get her the baby bjorn; I am expecting Teed to wear it all the time. After she was finished we ate lupper and just hung out and talked. Not to worry there was lemonade and tea cookies at the shower. Apparently that is a staple at all baby showers, news to me. Jenster and I tried to keep our convo going, but ran out of things to talk about since it was the third day in a row we had seen each other.

Jenster and I were ready to leave so I could head out to my family function that started at 5pm. First we had to take some of Mo's presents since she got so many and didn't know if she could fit them all in her car. We just took most of the small stuff and left all the heavy things for the pregnant lady to handle. This is how it is supposed to work right?

I then went to my family function, sans Ando, at Molly Malone's up the street. It was a birthday, welcome home from Iraq, Anniversary party, all for different people. Once again I was told a bunch of congratulations, and had no ring to show. I really just had some beers since I already ate and talked with my family. Ando did end up showing up toward the end of the get together for a beer of his own. It wasn't that I didn't invite Ando, he was doing some work related activities throughout the day.

Ando and I are now fighting about where to have the reception. And by the way don't think all the other fights have been resolved because they haven't.