weekly update

It's been a while since I've updated because I've been away in Baltimore this past week. We hold the largest event at the Baltimore Convention Center which draws firefighters from up and down the East coast.

This is my sixth visit to the city and I always seen to enjoy myself even though I can honestly say that I feel unsafe there. This is the only city I've visited (and I've visited a lot of cities) where I go out of my way to be extra cautious. I had a co-worker who was mugged right outside of his hotel a few years back. It's just a shame that there is so much crime out in that area.

I could tell a million stories from this week. I almost got ran over in a crosswalk (amongst about 5 other people) when the sign said walk. It was so bad that I marched over to the driver and lectured her. I guess one of the other pedestrians felt the same way because she marched over to the driver at the same time I did to lecture her as well.

I caught a game at Camden Yards. It sure will be nice when we get our stadium done here. I had pretty decent seats (considering our tickets were free) in the lower level. It was firefighter's night in honor of our event at the convention center.

I got schooled by the lady at the Northwest check-in kiosk. She gave me a lecture about waiting to put my bag on the scale until they called my name so it doesn't get mixed up with my kiosk neighbor's bag. I felt like saying "Lady, I travel all the freaking time...maybe you should have grabbed my bag tag first. I had my bag tag all printed out before my neighbor over here even stepped up to the kiosk." Instead I just stood there and nodded my head with a fake smile.

I sure missed Meredith this week. She is so much fun and has the cutest personality. She got a little roughed up this week. Here is a picture of her first black eye. It's kind of hard to see since it's almost gone in this picture but I thought it was worthy of a mention on the blog.

We also figured out what to do with our stairs. We just stuck a chunk of wood between the tension rod and the bannister. Thank goodness that's taken care of.

photoshop

I have officially ventured into the world of Photoshop. I figured since I have this fancy camera I need to be able to touch up my pictures. I just ordered Photoshop Elements 6 and I got such a fabulous deal that I have to brag about it.

Here is reason #846 why I like Amazon better than Best Buy (Jeff Bezos, you will like this):
I got it new on Amazon for $59.99 with no tax or shipping charges.
Best Buy has it for $99 + tax.

Here is reason # 847 why I like Amazon better than Best Buy:
There is a $20 rebate if you show proof of ownership of a previous version (I'm a cheater because we have other versions of it at work) but you are NOT eligible if you buy your new Photoshop Elements 6 at Best Buy amongst several other retail giants (okay, the rebate has nothing to do with Amazon but it's just anoter reason for me to hate on Best Buy).

Essentially, I'm getting it for $40. If I walked into Best Buy today, it would cost me over $100. How the heck does Best Buy stay in business? I guess there are just too many people who don't research prices before they buy.

cute or nerdy?

If anyone has noticed, Etsy is listed on this blog as one of my favorite websites. I will officially admit to the fact that I have an Etsy habit. I pink puffy heart Etsy! I convinced Greg it would be a great idea, yet again, to order some more things from Etsy. After much debate, I decided to get us matchy-matchy outfits. At first I thought it might be a little nerdy but now I think we're awfully cute. Some may roll their eyes at this but those people are just haters if they can't find something cute with this.

Is this not the cutest thing ever? And I love my top - and the best part is it's handmade. It's very well made and she makes the cutest clothes for adults and babies - her shop is called Boutique Mia. She also makes pants for little boys & girls. I actually got three compliments on my top from complete strangers. I never get random comments like that.

And of course, I LOVE the pillowcase dresses she makes. So cute!

Meredith will be able to wear this again next year as a little top.

We went to the farmers market and got some great produce, honey, and chocolate.

She had a great time. I love this picture of Em and her daddy.

This is also a cute picture of Em and Grandpa.

movin' on up

Meredith has really learned how to get around these days.

She just learned how to crawl up the stairs.

Here she is showing off.

So - I need a gate for the bottom of the stairs now. If you have suggestions, please comment. I really have no idea what to put there.

This is what I currently use.

first trip to hopsahi

We ventured out to the cabin last weekend for the first time this year. It turned out to be cloudy, windy, and cool so we didn't get any quality swimming in but we had fun. Meredith is the first of the 'next' generation to go out to the cabin.

It was exactly the same as I always remember it. Hairy spiders & a showerless bathroom. Okay, okay...there is that outside shower that we subject our neighbors to but that is not enough motivation for me to be brave enough to stay the night. We'll stick to day trips.

Just hanging out with Grandma.

Mmmmm...sand is yummy.

So is this rock.

Having a little fun with Mark.