Gimmie Some Candy!

So I am officially depressed that my vacation is over. It hit me last night after work and I was in a total funk! How can this be with Halloween, (one of my fave holidays), being TOMORROW? I know tomorrow night is going to be GREAT, so hopefully it will change my mood.

In spirit of Halloween, I will share with you a summary of what happened last year. I know this may be a repeater for most of you, but hopefully it will make you laugh again. The neighborhood kids better not let me done this year. Although Lucas will be coming over as a pea pod, so if the kids aren't entertaining, at least I will have a cute photo to post!

So last year I put together a costume in 2 days inspired by a wig that my sister-in-law Molly let me borrow. I called myself a crazy housewife… not sure if the kiddies bought it or not. I drove home as fast as I could last night to get ready, because I was putting white make up on my face and had no idea what I was doing! It looked ok, but it was definitely amature night!

We started getting trick-or-treaters at 6pm and they lasted until 9pm. We had so many!! So many that I had to send John to the store 2 times to get more candy! We went through 17 bags!

I think I scared some of the little kids… or they were in shock… they would just stare. Or a lot of other reactions I would get was 'Whooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa." It was pretty funny. I think the costumes may have been better last year. I'm a fan of original ideas or pop culture costumes. There were a lot of princesses, doctors, ninjas, fairies, and kids in sports uniforms. There were a lot more adults this year dressed up too, which I always like to encourage.

Anyway… here are some of the highlights:

- One of my favorite costumes was buzz lightyear, (he was a little guy and super cute), and a tiny mariachi boy. The costume was great and he even had a drawn on mustache! There was a good Clifford the Big Red Dog, and a tiny Dorothy from the wizard of Oz w/ red sparkle shoes. So basically if you are little and cute you are one of my faves.

- One little tiger stood on the porch and roared at me… and kept doing it until another kid showed up. Maybe I scared him so he wanted to scare me back?

- I had also bought raisins for the kids that came by w/ no costume. I had about 5 kids do that last year. So this year if I wasn't sure what they were dressed up as I would ask. Most of them came up with lame things, but as long as they came up with something they would get the treat. However I did have one junior high kid tell me he was dressed up as himself, so I said sorry no candy for you, here are your raisins. Then he got really mad and kept trying to think of what he was dressed up as. I said 'sorry you had your chance.' Then they started being pushy and grabbing the bowl! Finally he gave me back the raisins when he realized I wasn't going to give him any candy. Then as they were walking away I heard him complaining! Ha ha ha! He was so rude he deserved it! However I won't be surprised if we get egged!

- There was this one little boy who I told to take one (I was kneeling) and then I was letting another kid get one and I didn't stand up yet. So the little kid's eyes got really big and then he grabbed the biggest handful he could and I told him 'no you can only have one.' However I didn't realized he didn't speak English, so when he didn't let go, I said 'release' (which didn't work), so I took his wrist and started to shake it until he dropped them all. My friend Steph who was over thought it was so hilarious. Later she said I should have said 'No mas.' However I am very fond of 'release' as I use that often with Sydney. Mom – I need to know how to stay release in Spanish for this year! Let me know!

Well I think that is about it for the highlight reel. I was totally exhausted after all the trick-or-treaters! I think that is a sign of ageing. Here is a photo of myself from last year. I totally forgot about my sweet arm gloves. Isn't the wig great as well?

Well I think I'm ready for Halloween 2007. Both costumes are ready (for work and home), the pumpkins are carved (one for work and one for home), and the cookies have been made (for work) as well. Now I just need some sleep!

Back in the USA

Well we made it back in one piece...and then proceeded to have a busy weekend, (wedding last night, and a 4 mile run/walk this morning. Ok John actually did a the run and I did the run/walk). What else is new? I'm sorry, but I'm too lazy tonight to give you a legit blog entry, so I've uploaded a few photos and movies to tide you over. By the way my new favorite beverage is known as the 'pantie rippa.'

Here John and I are on top of one of the ruins in Tikal. There are two other large ones in the background.

Here we are in front of one of the smaller ruins. I guess it doesn't look that small. We are what looks small!

Here we are in front of another large ruin.

Here is where John spent his time at our jungle bungalow.

Here we are on the coast of San Pedro.

Here is a video right before it started to rain in Placencia.


Here is a video of John sneaking up behind me while I was taking photos in the jungle.

Belize Bloggin' Babble

Greetings from Placiencia Belize! Obviously we made it here, and this was my third attempt to find an Internet connection. I have so much to write and am not sure where to start... for one the humidity is quite the killer. It wasn't so bad when we were in the jungle, but now I am sweating constantly... and most places do not have AC.

I really liked Guatemala as well.... we went to Tikal (google it) and saw all the ruins. They were great. Maggie gave us the name of a great guide. He was so passionate about the Mayan culture, it was really infectious. It''s also also been a LONG time since I've been in a third world country, and I wasn't really prepared. I was on total sensory overload. Mainly with the living conditions and how everyone just seems to be hanging out.

Here's the synopsis so far....

- Found out Tikal was used for a scene in Star Wars
- Went to a jungle cabana in the middle of the jungle with NO ELECTRICITY.... we were told when we arrived 'I hope you like snakes and bugs and stuff.' Our alarm clock was howler monkeys at 5:30am.
- Went tubing with bats, and zip lining with Texans.
- Probably have dengue fever due to the 15+ mosquito bites I got...all within a small time frame. (I have been using off).
- Have had four plane rides, one with 10 seats, one with 8 seats, and one with 4 seats... yes I was co-pilot.
- Swam with barracuda and friendlier fish.
- Have sweated 20 lbs.
- Currently living and sleeping 10 yards from the water, photos to follow.
- Had a cockroach roommate until he showed himself.

I plan to post my daily journal when I get back. Not so much for your pleasure, but for the fact that I'm too lazy (sweaty) to write it out while I'm here.

I'm not sure if I will have computer access again. WE are headed to San Pedro tomorrow, which will be the last leg of our trip.

I hope you all are doing well. We miss you and I want to tell you everything as I don't think my stories will really give you the same impression as being here.

We'll be back...

Hey all! We are just about to head out the door to LA, and then catch out flight to Belize! I really can't Belize it!! I was hoping to have something significant to write, but I'm drawing a total blank. I will be looking for Internet cafes on the way and hopefully I will be able to give you an update!! Have a great week!

P.S.
Did you hear that Oprah has an under active thyroid??? You know it actually doesn't surprise me how many things we have in common...now if I can just get our incomes to be more in common...

Times a Tickin'

Can you tell what time it is? (There was supposed to be a photo of all my travel sized toiletries, at the top of this entry, but was too lazy to take the photo).

The days are getting closer and closer until we are in Belize! I really can’t Belize it. I think I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to let it really soak in. I’ve started to pack but the kitchen sink really won’t fit in my bag. I don’t know what the deal is! Why is it so hard for me to pack light? I can’t help it if I need to look cute at ALL TIMES. Ok, so I don’t really need to look cute all the time. I plan on roughing it, and am even considering leaving my make up at home! The horror, the horror!!! As long as none of you out there are planning on being in Central America next week then I really don’t think I have anything to worry about. I mean I’ve been makeup-less in our Christmas cards the last two years, so why would I want to break that awesome tradition?

I also finished my co-workers website last week. Here is the link if you want to check it out: www.debjeffrey.com. She is a watercolor artist and is really talented. For my payment she has agreed to swap services and paint a portrait of John and I! How exciting is that? I really have no idea what photo I would like her to recreate...but I don’t really think this one would be appropriate. (Those are pirate faces by the way).

We were thinking of taking a classic painting and having her paint our faces on the bodies of the people in the artwork….such as American Gothic.

Now that I look at the image, I'm not too sure... her clothes are pretty prudish...hmmm...that’s not really my taste…maybe I could also have her paint a sequined halter on her or something... plus a boa. We could have her swap out that house with a photo of our house, that might be neat.

Anyway… I need YOUR help. Please give me any good ideas of what we could do for our portrait. I’m hoping we will get a good photo of us next week, but you never know. All suggestions welcomed!

Note: My friend Molly just started her own blog! Check it out and make sure to leave her a comment!

Continuation

I was in quite the rush last Thursday night when I posted the baby photos of Lucas, as I had both Survivor AND The Office to watch before I went to bed. I realized today that I forgot a few funny tid bits that I could have added to the entry. So here they are:

Hans told us that the hospital had him sign a form saying that he would not touch any of the medical equipment during their stay. Isn't that interesting? All I have to say is that it's a good thing John didn't have to sign one of those for my hospital stay. After my surgery I had to wear these calf covers that would fill up with air (and then deflate) to prevent blood clots. Since I had to go to the bathroom like every 20 mins John would unhook me from the machine and then hook me back. There is no way I could have had an attentive nurse help like that. Steph also told me that she had to wear those too. She said they didn't bug her too much, but they totally kept me a awake. Or maybe Steph is just tougher than I am.

At one point when we were taking photos I totally felt like a celeb who gets hounded by the paparazzi! When I was posing w/ Steph, Hans, John and Steph's mom were all taking photos! It's a good thing I brushed my teeth before we went to visit them.

Also, one of the first things Hans said to his new son was "Luke…I am your father." Let me just say that I am so thankful that Hans thought about that before John did!

Note: The Drexlers decided on spelling the name Lucas! It was interesting to hear what you all thought! Thanks for leaving the comments!

Lucas or Lukas?

Meet Lucas/Lukas Heinz Drexler!!! Born on 10-10-07 weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 18 inches long.

John and I were lucky enough to get to pay the Drexler family a visit tonight, and let me say that Lucas/Lukas is SO cute!! I'm sure it helped that he did not take a trip down the birth canal, ya know what I'm sayin'?

Hans and Steph informed us that they have yet to decide on the spelling of the name. I was first spelling it with a 'k' and it wasn't until tonight when they said something about the spelling that I realized why I kept thinking I had mis-spelt it! I guess all the baby's paper work still has a blank for his name...but they are supposed to decide tonight how to spell it.

It was so great to see how happy and proud the new parents are. Steph seems to be doing SO great considering she just had surgery. I was really impressed. Especially since after my surgery I could barely move for a week AND was on vicodin for a week. (She took vicodin for a day.)

It was so exciting to finally meet Lucas and see him in person. He seriously melted my heart. Steph is my first close friend, that lives in the same area, to have a baby. I feel so lucky, and also sad for her friends and family who do not live in the area.

I did learn a few things for all those future mother's to be. They are as follows:

1. Make sure there is someone at the hospital with you, with a cell phone that people know they can call for updates. It was killing me all day not knowing what was going on, and I didn't want to call Steph or Hans in fear that I would be bugging them. (I should have gotten her mom's cell phone number).

2. Steph and Hans decided to wait and tell peeps the name of the baby. At first I was not happy about this, but now I'm glad they did. Since we already knew the sex of the baby this allowed for there still to be surprise after he was born.

3. If you (the preggers woman), can personally call your family/friends with the news that you are either going to the hospital or that the baby was born, I HIGHLY suggest it. Steph called me for both things and it was much more special hearing it from her.

I guess I should stop rambling eh? I'm sure you just want to see more of the cutie!

The happy family!

Game on!

I've finally had some time to upload some of the Wii videos we took two weekends ago when The Pousts came to visit. I hope you enjoy them! (Yes that is Jay-Z in the background).

Here is John and Poust boxing:


Here is John and Sumiko playing tennis:


Here is Sumiko and myself playing tennis:


Here we are again where I was unaware that I had served the ball. Actually Sumiko was more unaware!


Here is a sweet rally we had. Near the end I decided to mix it up and have my net player hit the ball. As you can tell from Sumiko's expression she wasn't ready for it! Don't worry though, she did beat me!


We took quite a few bowling videos, but this one was the most interesting to me. NOT because it IS OF ME either. (Yes I changed my shirt...I totally worked up a sweat!)

The Time has Come!

Steph is in labor as I type this!! How exciting! She went into the hospital this morning and the doctor broke her water around 6pm. I guess after she had her first contraction, (after the water being broken), Hans said 'It's a whole different ball game.' That quote better make it into the baby book!

I guess her mom, aunt and sister all made it down from the bay area as well. It was killing me all day not knowing what was going on. I thought about calling one of their cell phones, but I didn't want to bug them. So I called another friend of Steph's instead. She was was actually thinking the same thing about calling them, but she finally did at 6pm and then I got my update.

I'm praying that everything goes smoothly with the delivery and hopefully I'll get to meet him tomorrow night. My batteries are charged!

Martha Stewart in Training

This weekend I had my third official sewing class. Ok...it wasn't official, but it was my third class! Ok...it wasn't really a class either! Quit breakin' my balls!

Basically my friend Sam dedicates her entire day to teaching/helping Jen and I to sew. My grandma gave me a sewing machine for my 8th grade graduation, and I had NEVER used it. I know it's a shame. I've always anted to make my own clothes two, but was never motivated enough to actually do it. The machine is really great thought...just kind of stinks for my mom since she had been using it and is now machineless!

Our first project was to make a pair of pajama pants. They were SO easy and made Jen and I feel like total pros. I still can't believe I actually made myself a piece of clothing.

Here is an action shot of the student and teacher.

Here is the finished product! Let me tell you that a few days later I ripped out the crotch seam, but there were no worries since I knew how to fix it!

The second project was to make aprons. That should be REALLY easy right? Wrongo bongo. We unintentionally wound up picking our really hard patterns. We can't help it if we they were the cutest! At least I now know what a dart is.

This project was so challenging that we really did spend all day on it. I think from noon to 9pm. I know totally crazy. But at least I've got a super cute apron out of it, with non functional pockets. (Don't ask). Davette joined us for sewing project two, and here she and Jen are hard at work.

Here is the finished product:

So this time Jen and I were determined to pick an EASY project after the sweat shop apron marathon. Since Christmas is right around the corner we thought, what about stockings?? How easy could that be right? Wongo bongo AGAIN!

Well they were definitely easier than the aprons, but not as easy as sticking two pieces of fabric together, (like we thought it was going to be). We didn't really factor in adding in batting, (which means padding - don't I sound like I know what I'm talking about?). We each made one stocking and finished around 6:30pm. Not too bad right? Jen and I are so lucky to have such a great and patient teacher. It is much easier for me to learn something by seeing someone do the action vs. reading the instructions in the pattern book. So lucky for me Sam decided to make herself a stocking as well, and was able to show us all the steps.

Here are the finished products. Aren't they great?

The following day we met up with Steph and Hans for breakfast. It was great to see them and talk about their son that is due on Tuesday! I guess Hans has been purposely trying to hit bumps in the road hoping to jiggle the baby loose. So far it's Hans = 0 and baby Drexler = 4. Steph also told me that her mom has her bag packed and in the car. She has also been checking the weather daily and adjusting her clothing as necessary.

I had to take a few more shots of the belly as that could have been the last time I saw her with it!

Soon it will be three!

I had to get a profile shot as well!

Is that a Drill I hear?

So yesterday I went to the dentist to get one of my ‘pits’ filled in (that I mentioned in my previous entry). I also stated in the entry that I was not worried because I have the best dentist, and I thought they would just fill the hole w/ some clear goo, smooth it down and I’d be off. WHO WAS I KIDDING?

One of my co-workers told me that they would still have to drill, but I didn’t think she knew what she was talking about… BUT SHE DID!

I have never had a cavity in my life and take great pride in that. Because of this, I never EVER thought I would have to be drilled on AND receive multiple numbing shots!

When I showed up the receptionist told me ‘oh you’ll do fine…it won’t hurt a bit.’

I thought, ‘oh I know...’ But why did she tell me that?

So I then ask the assistant if this was going to hurt at all. Then she proceeds to tell me about the ‘injections’ I’ll have to have and the drilling! I seriously almost ran out the front door! I really started to panic, and I don’t think I heard much after she mentioned ‘injections.’ All I could think about was when I was a kid and had to have a shot and it hurt SO bad that I cried.

I asked her again how many shots I’d have to have, and she said ‘oh you mean injections.’ I said ‘no crazy lady I mean SHOTS!’ I still don’t even know what she told me as I was getting more and more petrified.

Soon the time came and the doctor went over a few more details and told me that I need to tell her if I’m uncomfortable or in pain, because they wanted to do everything they could to make it as painless as possible. She also told me that she’s had a lot of dental work done before from dentists who weren’t concerned with how much pain she was in.

I must say that I have never had a dentist like her. Every time I meet with her I’m impressed with her demeanor and knowledge. Granted this is the first time she’s ever ‘worked’ on me, (besides check ups), but we met quite a few times going over John’s new teeth. I really can’t say enough good things about her.

So back to the trembling dental patient who has no tolerance for pain… she gave me the injections and they really weren’t that bad. She described the pain as being similar to getting your blood drawn, which I agree to. (They also giving me some numbing gel before the shots too which was good).

Then they setup that rubber thing over my mouth and put that metal bracket around my tooth. Now that was awful as well because I started having ALL these flashbacks of getting those metal brackets put on my teeth when I got braces. Then I realized that most of my dental fear is from the orthodontist!! I would be in so much pain going there and bleeding all over, and never once did they ask me if I was ok, or if the could have given me something for the pain. Granted who knows if they had anything, but it was so awful… all that hammering and that metal taste.

Anyway she tells me to let her know if I feel anything cold when she starts the drill. I felt a little something on my lip, but I didn’t think that was it, and what do you know?? I’m not numb enough and she hits my nerve! I totally jumped in the chair because it was such a shock! So then they had to remove everything and give me more ‘injections.’ They really weren’t that bad since I was already semi numb. My dentist did tell me that since I’d never been numb before that I had no idea if I had enough numbing meds…but now I know!

So then they had to put that metal thing on my tooth AGAIN and then drill. I knew the chances of me feeling the drill again was slim, but just the fear/anxiety itself was so awful. I could not relax. She was explaining everything in the beginning, which was great, but then I think she got in the zone and stopped. I really hated not knowing what was happening and what they were doing.

This brings me to something that I have learned about myself this year… when it comes to medical procedures I really want to know EVERYTHING. Had I known what was going to happen to me yesterday I would have had time to prepare and probably cut down on my anxiety by 25%. But same goes for when I had my thyroid surgery… the doctor should have told me I’d have a breathing tube that would scratch up my throat… or that I’d have mysterious sticky patches on my body from the heart monitors….or that the vicodin will most likely cause me to be constipated…or that I’d have to do a bowel ‘clean out’ for my body scan! I mean these are important things! I do not want ANY surprises and I've had way too many this year.

Overall I know the procedure could have been WAY worse, and there was really hardly any pain. Remember…I have a non-existent pain tolerance and what seems to be a pretty serious anxiety issue. It was just unpleasant, invasive and reminded me of my biopsy. Well the biopsy was more painful. How did I ever survive the thyroid surgery, which was way worse? Maybe I should get put under when they have to fill my other side. You think they will go for it?