June Wrap-up

We had a really busy June. I'll cover a few highlights.

School's done for the summer for me. Surprisingly I got an A. I really didn't think I would with all the issues the teacher was having and with the structure of the class being loose. I am considering taking two classes this fall, but I don't really want to pay for it. It's kinda expensive to go to school. If I can afford it, I probably will.

Our trip up to Traverse City was fun, C3 was about the size I thought it would be, which was small. Matt wasn't quite as prepared. Which worked well for me, since we had more time to do other things. On the way up on Friday we stopped at the Grand Traverse Distillery for a quick tasting which was a bit strong for me, but Matt enjoyed it. We picked up some Cherry Vodka and some Whiskey. Also that Friday after we left a super wonderful sushi dinner at Red Ginger and a quick drink at the Chocolate den, it started to rain as we walked back to the car. By the time we were driving back to the Casino, it was a torrential downpour with gale-force winds. Fortunately I had pick up a little umbrella a couple of weeks before and my plan was to stay slightly dry, at least my head. As we were running from the car to the lobby through the giant puddles, my umbrella blew inside out and tried to fly away. Soooo alot of good that umbrella did me. It was hilarious.
We were both completely soaked. A quick change of clothes and a quick trip to the casino and it was still storming when we got back to the room. Made me wish I hadn't pick the top floor. But that's just me being paranoid. Saturday we stopped at C3 and bought a few comics and ran into some people Matt knew. Then we hit a few wineries and I overheard some people talking about a dinner experience that the Black Star Farms offered. I grabbed a brochure and we discussed it and we called and got reservations and now had planned a dinner. It was wonderful. You get 3 small glasses of wine and a plate of meats, veggies, bread and fruit to grill with cheese that you melt and pour over the cooked food. It was so much fun. Sunday we headed back, making sure to stop for some of the best fried fish ever at Bortell's just South of Ludington.

The next weekend was Ted and Megan's Wedding! Heading down Thursday, we took our time and grabbed some lunch in South Haven at Clementine's and stopped at a couple of winery tasting rooms to pick up a few bottles of wine. We had a few issues with the GPS and Chicago highways and it took us longer than anticipated to get to Woodstock. We got there in time to go to BW3 with Ted, Travis and Neil as well as a bunch of other guys for a bachelor party or something along those lines. I grabbed a quick bite, a drink, and a laugh at Neil attempting to eat 50 Blazin Hot Wings, before heading back to the hotel and letting the boys have their time together. Friday morning was disappointing, the Super 8 breakfast sucked. I don't know why I was surprised, but I was. Matt and I headed to the next town over, Crystal Lake and got a Jamba Juice and check out the stores and bought tons of liquor at the liquor stores. Alcohol is so much cheaper when not in MI. Stupid taxes. Met people at the Tux Shop to get the tuxes and headed out for some lunch at this place we passed that looked like a castle, how could we go wrong with a place that looks like a castle? As we left the neat castle place to head back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal, a storm was coming in. We were behind the Torreson's van at a stop light and the wind was really gusting and the clouds open downpour upon us. As we continued through the light, a light post fell over, and missed all the cars on the other side of the road and looked like it hit the Torreson's van and continued to fall. I stopped, put on my flashers, and called 911 while Matt called Ted and let him know we would be late and continued to exit the car and run over to the Torreson's whom had pulled in to the next parking lot. I stayed where I was, blocking traffic from hitting the debris and cars driving around the pole until the firemen got there to put up barrier and then drove to the parking lot where Torreson's were parked. We gathered our nerves, moved all the tuxes and random other stuff to my trunk and piled into my car to head on to the hotel since the Torreson's van was undriveable with a flat tire and some body damage. A quick change out of our dripping wet clothes and we were off to the rehearsal. Once we get to the church, there is no power. Great. Good thing there were lots of windows and candles. It ended up working out just fine. We took Torresons to the police station to file a report on the way to help set up the gym for the reception and the cop was a bit rough at the start, but he warmed up to us after we all drove over the the accident site and he saw the light pole and damage to the van. Once we got to the school to help set up for the reception, it was amazing to see the transformation that was underway. Megan had it all planned out and did a super great job turning an ordinary gym into a beautiful reception hall. As another storm was underway, we all headed back to the hotel where drinking and D&D was done and at some point the Lemonhead song was sung; there are pictures of tibbing as well, but I was sleeping by that point. Since the Super 8 breakfast sucked, Matt ran out to a local donut shop and got some donuts for breakfast. Matt went with Ted for some wedding morning errands and when the got back it was time for the guys and flower girls to get ready and head to the church for pictures. I kinda enjoyed relaxing in the room, not getting my picture taken, but I got bored quickly as well. Luckily I had to get Taco Bell before the wedding for the guys to eat. So I headed out early for the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding (with power), short and sweet. Then more pictures. Off to the reception we went where there was tasty food, awkward moments and lots of laughter.

TC C3

Matt and I are heading up to Traverse City again this weekend, this time for Cherry Capital Con, a comic book and entertainment convention at the Grand Traverse Resort. We are actually staying at the Turtle Creek Casino, realizing a long time desire of Matt's to stay overnight at a casino. I don't really get it, but whatever, it's his dream, not mine. :) It should be fun. We will be stopping at the Grand Traverse Distillery on the way up. We are both looking forward to that. They have vodka and whiskey. Sweet. We will also be going to some wineries too, at some point. Probably Old Mission this time.

I'm really looking forward to out Annual Summer Party this year on July 31. I haven't starting doing too much planning yet. I try not to get to far ahead of myself, it is still 6+ weeks away. We still have some maintenance and updating to do. I like to change at least one thing between summer parties, even if it's as small as a light fixture. And the party is a good marker of how much time has passed. Time seems to be getting away from me this year.

Star Wars Rocks

Williams-Sonoma has Star Wars cookie cutters and pancake molds. Sweet.

Busy: Full of Distracting Detail

Sometimes I overbook myself. I like being busy. This summer semester I have class on Monday and Wednesday. This upcoming weekend I have my first commissioned cake. An engagement cake for some friends of my sister-in-law Mary's mother who were at Mia's birthday party. I need to deliver it Friday. Then today, I got a call from my aunt. She wants a birthday cake for her granddaughter. Pick up Friday. I said yes. I have also told friends I would hang out Friday night. I think I will be tired. We may also be going out of town this weekend, still deciding.

I miss Murdock. He was such a part of my everyday activities. He would be waiting for me in the morning when I got up and would follow me around until I left for work. He would come running when I would come home. He would cuddle with me when if I took a nap or sit with me to watch TV and eat dinner. And sit with me at night watching TV or doing homework. He liked to sit on my feet. He would run and jump in boxes and just hang out in the box. And so many other little things. He was just so present in our life. I keep looking for him to come running around the corner and meow at me. :( The other cats have been more active and loving since he's gone. Fills the void a little. Not quite the same. But things are getting easier.

Murdock

A legend has died. We put Murdock down today. He had gotten really skinny the last couple of weeks and we brought him to the vet last night and the vet thought something was definitely wrong. Blood work showed final stages of kidney failure, dehydration, and anemia, among a long list of other minor things wrong that all added up to a terminal diagnoses. We decided it was best to put him to sleep and today was the best day. He only had days or possible weeks left of getting sicker and sicker. Possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. I will miss him so much.

April Plans

The month of April is here, already. This year is almost a quarter over. School is going pretty good. The class I'm in is a breeze for me, so much that I wish I'd taken two classes instead of one. I looked at my classes the other day and after this class, I'll only have 6 of the 20 I need for an Associates in Business. That makes me sad. :(

I had alot of fun making my niece's 1st birthday cake. I made my own marshmallow fondant for the first time and it turned out pretty good. People have been asking if I could make cakes for them, and I decided to pick a name, make some business cards and get a business email. So.. Taste of Fantasy Cakes is now it. Matt helped picked the name. lol

Scott, Sarah, Matt and I are all going to Chicago for C2E2 this weekend. We are all super excited. Neil Gaiman is Sarah's favorite author and he is doing a special reading we are all going to. One of my favorite vampire romance authors Sherrilyn Kenyon is going to be there. Matt's favorite comic book illustrator Alex Ross is going to be there and I sure Scott will have something he thinks is really neat too. Oh, and Carrie Fisher will be there too. :) And all sorts of other really neat people and things. We will spend way too much money, I predict.

Matt and I are going to The All Michigan "Not So Taxing" Wine Event at the BOB Thursday and then getting my free lobster dinner at Gilly's. I cannot wait. I love food and wine.

Stick a Fork in Me

The Twilight geek in me squealed a little when I discovered one of the B&B's I've had my eye on is in Forks, WA. Anyone have $799,000 to spare?

Also this B&B is right by Rialto. Coincidence? I think not.

(And New Moon comes out on DVD Saturday)

The Big Switch??

After being a dedicated Sam's Club member for 10 years, I am thinking of switching to Costco. A few weeks ago Sam's fired all their sample people and brought in an outsourced company to work the sample booths. Sunday was the first day I had seen these new people and I was even more disappointed than I thought I would be. 90% of them were staring off into nothingness and not even acknowledging the people grabbing samples. I've never cared for the fact the Sam's is owned by Walmart, but I kinda pushed it out of my mind and ignored the issue since I liked going so much. I do enjoy the products and I am hoping Costco will have similar options. Costco is also significantly geographically closer. When we go shopping, it will save time and money to shop at Costco. Hmmm....We are going to go investigate Costco and see if we can live with this switch.

2010 Olympics

I really enjoy watching the Olympics. I think I might like winter Olympics more than summer Olympics, just for the fact of fewer events to keep track of. Summer Olympics seem to have hundreds of different events to watch, and winter Olympics feel much simpler. Ice dancing, speed skating, snowboarding, skiing, ski jumping, and so much more. So much fun to watch. Also the Olympics are in Vancouver this year, it just makes me want to visit Vancouver all the more. Maybe on the Alaskan cruise we are eventually going to go on we will make sure and have a stop here.

I Heart Sushi

Our foray into the world of sushi has been slow and careful, until now. Lotus Garden, by Rivertown, has sushi included in the buffet, which is actually not too bad. We had been making a few more visits, and experimenting with different varieties here, Matt more so than I. And are really enjoying expanding our sushi world. Since the Dragon Room has supposedly closed, we are going to have to find a new go to place for sushi. It seems to be gaining in popularity in the area and downtown and Kentwood has some really good looking places we are going to start trying out. :D On our trip to Traverse City last week, we stopped at Red Ginger for dinner one night and thoroughly enjoyed every single thing we tried there. There are way to many good restaurants in Traverse City. We have a hard time choosing where to go for dinner when we are up there, but Red Ginger may become a mandatory lunch or dinner place for us.

January 2010

I can't believe it's 2010. This year will be the 10 year anniversary of my graduating from high school and I am doing almost exactly the same thing I was doing when I graduated. Same house, same company, same man. :) We are thinking of making some sort of big decision this year. Not sure exactly what, but something drastic. Probably in Novemberish time frame. Planning a change for a year+ away doesn't seem very daring, but it is for us.

My resolutions from last January were a big fat failure. I didn't do anything productive in 2009, other than audition for American Idol. (Which is on TV as I type.) And I think I will audition again this year, even if Simon will no longer be there. It will be my last year I am able to try out, but I can always start trying out for X Factor. lol Recap: 1. Lose weight - Nope, fatter than ever. 2. Continue learning French - Nope, hardly touched the program all year and ever forgot some of what I had learned. 3. De-Junk House - Not really, brought a few boxes of crap to Goodwill and sold some bulky items at a garage sale, but that is all. I doubt we even got rid of as much as we brought in.

I don't have a good feeling, but I will set some resolutions again this year.
1. Lose Weight - I need too, and I will.
2. Learn French - Still always wanted to be multi-lingual. Must try harder.
3. De-Junk house - If life changing potential is to happen, we need less stuff.
4. Drink more wine - I really think this will happen.

I think this will be the year of mini-vacations. Looking ahead to the year I see a trip up North in Feb for a long weekend, a trip to PA for a long weekend in March, Ted's wedding in June for a long weekend, a potential AI audition which would be a least one long weekend, and a potential long weekend with the Markanovichs. Plus we need a wedding anniversary of some kind in May too. That's going to take most of my vacation that I have left. It really doesn't look like we are going to make it back to Maine or on a warm weather vacation that Matt promised me for 2010. Sigh, too much fun to have. I'll just have to plan better for 2011.

Christmas Cookies 2009

Christmas is coming sooooo quickly this year. I'm not even working a 2nd job this year and I can't believe how busy things feel. I loved baking with my new Kitchenaid. I just need spare bowls now to have one soaking while I'm using the other, at least for high volume days like yesterday. I made 9 varieties of cookies yesterday, with another half made and ingredients ready for 3 more plus I want to make some more caramels. So I still need to make more cookies. One of the cookies are the Lemon-Thyme cookies that I had made a couple of years ago. Matt's friend Thom (comic store) still talks about them, but not in very glowing terms, so I was going to make a whole batch. Just for him. lol


List of cookies:

-Espresso Hazelnut Balls
-Pistachio Lime Balls
-Hot Chocolate Pecan Balls
-Coffee Shortbread
-Pistachio Trees
-Gingery Cranberry Pecan Cookies
-Dried Cherries and Almond Cookies
-Carrot Cake Shortbread
-Triple Layer Decadence

Winter Wonderland

Historically I have blogged 4 times in December. I'm not thinking that is going to happen this year unless something really interesting happens. Winter is here. I love the start of winter. We started up the wood stove tonight for the first time, and I closed the bedroom window all the way, it's pretty cold out tonight. I have also started planning my bake-a-thon for my Christmas cookies I make. Super excited. :) Might be slightly odd that these things excite me, but they do. Also, Matt got me a Kitchenaid mixer for Christmas this year and I am hoping it makes things go more quickly. I've always wanted a Kitchenaid. Now to rearrange my whole kitchen to find the best place for it. I will also come in really handy for making royal frosting.

Ross Sisters

Watch past the song for some amazing stuff.

Holy Goats, it's November.

Time is just flying. I really don't know where all the time is going, since I don't really feel like I have accomplished to much. Thanksgiving is a week away and we are not really looking forward to it this year. Matt's dad hasn't found a way to balance his new family with his old family and we are feeling abit abandoned. Sadly we have Thanksgiving at his house this year, at least that is how it worked out since it was actually his year last year but he wanted to meet all his new family since he had just gotten engaged, which was understandable. It's really confusing. :( He practically told us not to bother with Christmas. Whatever.

Anyways, we got the new ATT Uverse a couple a weeks ago and are having fun with the DVR. We are recording way to many shows and with us as busy as we have been, haven't watched as many as we hoped. I saw 99 shows we had to watch a couple of days ago...mostly Matt's cartoons. We also have lots more channels, all for just slightly more than we were paying for Comcast. I really was trying to reduce our bills when I went looking for new cable/Internet, but this just looked so cool and has really worked out great. Other than the installation and the stupid customer service people from India, but that's all in the past now.

We went up to Traverse City again last weekend for the Toast the Season wine tour on the Leelanau Peninsula. There are about 20 wineries on that particular peninsula and 17 were participating and we could get wine and food at 16 of those 17 wineries. It was a lot of fun and we bought some great wines. Our main problems came at the hotel and the barking dogs in the 2 rooms next to us. We eventually complained and the people and their dogs got kicked out. Ironically the first winery we went to after that night had the people directly in line in front of us complaining about getting kicked out of their hotel since their dog was barking. How many people could get kicked out of their hotel for barking dogs in one night?? Same people?? More than likely. I kinda wish that I had waited and talked Matt into going up next weekend to Old Mission Peninsula's Macaroni and Cheese Bake Off. Maybe next year.

Have you all been to http://icanhascheezburger.com/ and http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/? Funny Stuff.

Maine Thoughts

Yes, it's true. I am thinking that Maine might be our vacation destination of choice next year too. I LOVED Maine, and if it is possible, I want to live there some day. But it is awfully far away, which is appealing as much as it is daunting. I am already looking for rentals for June 2010. :) Is 9 months too early to start dreaming about your next vacation? It feels like forever since I stood on the rocky shores of Maine.

The High Points...Kinda

I can't believe September is almost over...Time sure flies. I think bullet points is the way to go today...

- Cake class with Brie is a ton of fun.
- Intro to Business class isn't bad. Teacher is nice, mandatory group mates are cool, slightly worried I'm not taking class seriously enough...
- Cat's are cute.
- Won a free book from goodreads.
- Garage Sale was a bust. :(
- Scott and Sarah's Halloween party is coming soon. Yeah!!
- Josh Lieske is getting married Saturday.
- Karaoke is a blast. Need duet partner...hmmm
- Bought a guitar.
- Cool weather has arrived in all it's awesome coolness.
- Ball fields will be torn down and replaced with a Family Fare and strip mall. Super Pissed.
- My Grandparents are getting sickly.
- No October Dykehouse Family Christmas.
- Car is making weird noises.
- Still want to move.
- Artprize looks neat and I want to check it out.
- Dragon Room sounds tasty.
- Want to buy a bushel of apples and bake constantly.
- Saw Kelly Clarkson concert.
- Michigan Renaissance Festival was cool.

Videos

I feel like I should be blogging something important....but I am going to post a video instead.

Cat Takes a Bath @ Yahoo! Video

Also, totally can't wait for the next Twilight movie. I'll have to read all the books again before it comes out.

'New Moon' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

Traverse City Lovin'

I love "Up North". We just booked another vacation for next weekend, Labor Day weekend, in Traverse City. We are really hoping to be able to move north someday. We may even take one more trip up north before winter hits. We will have to see how the finances hold up. We have always loved the scenery and all the lakes and it is hilly, not mostly flat like it is here. There is also the whole cherry thing. lol Which Matt may hate, but I love. Cherry Republic is a great store and they have wine and cider now too. It is too cool. We are hoping to explore a little more of the area on this trip too. We went to the Old Mission Peninsula last time and I am hoping to go to the Leelanau Peninsula this time.

Dexter is Cool

Life is boring again. I have zero plans for the rest of the month and I start school again on the 1st. I was so busy with homework and having fun for the last 6 weeks or so, I feel antsy with nothing coming up. Season 3 of Dexter came out today. I was going to start watching it tonight, but I had some season finales on tonight, so I might start tomorrow. Dexter is such a great show. It's so twisted it is perfect for me. :D

I had Matt dust off our bicycles the other day and we went for a short bike ride last night to get me some ice cream. My first in like 10 years or more. Ever since I got a car, I've driven every where. It was fun to ride again. I think I will have to ride my bike more often.

Also, I sick of my job again. The monotony of it all is really getting to me. Same things day in and day out. I'll get over it. It will help when one of my co-workers is on vacation next week and I get to do his job as well as my job. Still, sick of it.