Holidays again??!!??

Editorial note: I forgot to write about what I am doing tomorrow...wait for it, wait for it...I am going to be a chaperone on a high school field trip tomorrow!! My girl Julie didn't get enough parents to help, so I am going with her and 30 of her art students up to Stanford to visit their art museum. I am not sure what I have gotten myself into, and hopefully you won't see me in the news tomorrow. Full report to come if I get home alive!!!

I can't believe that Christmas and 2010 is right around the corner! Why is it that when you are a child it takes FOREVER for Christmas to get here, but as adults it seems that one Xmas is on top of the other? Just another perk of getting older, I guess. Joy.

Well, I will be heading to Media to be with Felicia for the holiday, and Ak will be heading to FL to be with his mom. I am a little pissed that he will be in the warm sunshine, but I get to meet Scarlett Begonia for the first time, and see the Greek Meatball godson. Cold weather can't come close to dampening my excitement for those 2 things, and it never feels like Christmas out here.

So it's been a while since the last post. One of the reasons is that I actually have to have surgery AGAIN. This time on my right knee. Apparantly, all the walking that I had been doing for my back bit me in the ass, and I tore some cartilidge. The tear is causing joint fluid to leak, and I have a lovely cyst sticking out of my knee. Fortunately, the proceedure is the most minimal and least invasive, and I'll only be on crutches 3-4 days (compared to the 6 weeks back in college). I am really beginning to think that my destiny is to be in the Guiness Book of World Records for the most surgeries in a lifetime - not something that I aspired to, I assure you.

So I've been in a bit of a funk as of late. I considered not telling Axel and the moms and to try and have the surgery done secretly - I've put them through the ringer the last 6 years with my problems, and really didn't think I could face telling them the latest thing that was wrong with me. Of course I told them, and Ak's mom's first response was - "I am 73 and am in better shape than you". Gee, thanks, Barb, just what I needed to hear! Anyway, I will probably be having the porceedure sometime in January or early February.

Enough of that crap, and on to the next subject!

My new favorite show is Dexter - LOVE IT!! I read the books years ago, and Showtime has done a brillant job of converting it to TV. Ak says that this show appeals to my Stephen King side - definately dark. Speaking of the master, I of course had his new book "Dome" on my doorstep the day it went on sale, and as always, King doesn't disappoint. Fantastic read!

Last night we caught Gone With The Wind on TCM. Wow - I forgot how powerful that movie was! Ak had never seen it, so it was fun watching with him. They just don't make them like that anymore. We watched the "Cloudy w/Meatballs" the other day, and it is adorable. I wish I were a cartoon! Both of us came up with the food we would want it to rain. Ak's are: filet, lobster, carpaccio, fresh bread with Danish butter and creme brulee. My tastes are more simple: Twizzlers, chicken fingers and pretzels :)

The Beebe-baby should be making an appearance any day now. In an email he said if the munchin is not out by tomorrow that they may induce labor on/around the 25th. If that isn't the best Christmas present, I don't know what is! Wishing Chuck and especially Meg a nice easy labor. The baby will definately have more hair that Chuck :)

Ok, that's all the news from here. Heading back into my Rita Room to work on more crafts. My new title is "Stay At Home Professional Craft Maker".

Happy Holidays - see some of you soon!

I was going through a ton of pics on Tuesday, and dug out this treat from our Las Vegas trip in May 2004. I love this picture!

SCARLETT SCHMIDT

11-10-09

11-6-09

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, DOLL!
CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

Hannah & Scarlett Halloween

Hanging by the couch, a dazed Hannah












The Bunny & Cinderella

















Hannah's got Scarlett in the hug/strangle hold

Julie and Gabriel brought the girls by on Saturday night before they went out Trick-or-Treating. They were very excited!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!

Scarlett Schmidt was born at 9:41 pm on Friday, October 23rd.

The baby is doing fine, and Chrissy and Eric are recovering from their HUGE day

becoming PARENTS!

We are just thrilled, and have already hounded mom and dad for

Scarlett's stats and pictures!

So proud of you, Chrissy!

We are still in a bit of shock that you are a MOMMY now!

Love you, sister!

!!!! BABY WATCH !!!!

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of _______ _______ Schmidt, AKA the baby that will not leave the womb.

Axel is convinced that Chrissy and Eric are having a boy. His reasoning is that girls are always ready to go, and would fly out of their mommies if they could; where as boys are a little slower and lazier, content to drift in fluid forever.

Chrissy has been at Riddle since Wednesday, on drips and drops to get the birth going. Original due date was Monday the 19th, but he/she is not ready to make their debut yet.

Chrissy is hilarious - I've been able to talk to her everyday, making normal conversation, like she's not about to push out a human being or anything :) That's my girl!

She is fine and the baby is fine.

We just have to wait, and patience is not my forte.

Stay tuned for news......

For My Godmother

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always use
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

My godmother, Athena, passed away on Friday, October 16th.
She had the best laugh that I think I've tried to duplicate my whole life!
My godparents were a constant presence in my life, and never forgot to send me $5 for Easter candles every year. I am blessed to have all of the memories.

May her memory be eternal, and may she rest in peace.
I love you Nouna, and will miss you terribly.

Shower Appearance!

One thing I could not miss was Chrissy's baby shower. Timing was perfect to attend, and since I was already in NC, the trip up to Media was short and sweet. I also got to spend a week with my mom, and help her with her kitchen remodel, too.

Obviously, I kept this secret from Chrissy, and only told the shower hosts & my two Kellys. Everyone in NC could see how excited I was to get to this shower....I was literally giddy and giggly from the time I left NC until I walked up the Heddy's back door to announce my arrival. I entered the shower saying "I heard someone was pregnant here", and then I was hugging Chrissy and her adorable belly. Tears were flowing....I was hoping the surprise would make her have the baby right then and there!

Chrissy looks amazing! Also, depending on your angle, she actually doesn't look pregnant! There is definately a glow around her and Eric. It was wonderful to see Boots and Bill at the shower, and they are so proud of Chrissy. I also got to meet Eric's mom, a sister-in-law, and Heddy's parents, as well seeing all of my girls. There were times during the day when I just looked around and couldn't believe how fortunate I was to be around so many of my gals! Why the hell do I live in CA??!!?? Anyway, I was at the shower from 1pm to 7pm.....lots of fun, chit-chatting, laughing, eating and of course, drinking. I admit I was hammered on the way home.


Eric, Kelly & Chrissy






















Kim, Kelly, Elan, Susan & Greta












Chris with the Jojo LAX blanket




















Greta, Missy, Kelly, me, Kelly, Chrissy & Kim

Kudos to Heddy, Kate and Kimmy Cupcakes for throwing the world's best baby shower!

I rode the shower high all week while with mom. We really worked hard on the kitchen, and ran around every day running errands. The weather in PA was perfect...I felt bad as Axel & Barb were just soaking in NC the whole time.

The Thursday night before I left, Chrissy, both Kelly's, and Missy met up in Media at Stephen's for a few drinks before I left the next day. Media was hopping! We sat outside, listened to the band playing.....the next thing you know, we were singing with the band, dancing with homeless people, and shaking it in the middle of State St. I love my girlfriends!

Special thanks for their special appearances: Chuck & Cheryl....so good to see you both!!!

Missy, Kelly & Cheryl with unkown Media man

Chrissy & Chuck

Missy & the homeless guy



















Jojo, Kelly & Chrissy















Missy, Media man & Cheryl

Sapphire, NC

We travelled to see Barbara in Sapphire in mid-September to celebrate her birthday with her. The weather was fine when we got there, but then the rain started and didn't stop! It was the same rains that messed up Atlanta so badly. We were ok as Sapphire is up pretty high, but some of the NC towns at the bottom of the mountain did get flooding.

Despite the wet weather, we kicked it up and celebrated in grand style! Barbara has really good buddies there, and one of the couples had a dinner party on her special day. It was a blast!















Shopping in Highlands, NC.
















View from the Country Club dining room.




Pete & yours truly.











Barbara & Dave





















Bobbie, Ulla & AK

Fantasy Draft Results

Last night our league did its draft online for our teams via Yahoo. I prepared all day, and thought that I had gone overboard, but at draft time I was glad for my anal rententiveness! I had a fantasy magazine to study strategy from "experts", as last year I ended in last place by picking my QB first.....and that sealed my fate, as we all know what happened to Tom Brady last year. My strategy this year was to draft 2 RB's and 2 WR's first, and left the QB pick for the 5th round. I am happy with my results, and felt confident each time it was my turn.
Yahoo randomly set the picking order, and I was 7th. Each time it was your turn to pick, a 2 minute clock started in the corner. I felt like I was on a game show! Due to my preparation, I was the fastest picker, and only scrambled the last 2 rounds as the player selections were slim. We finished in a little over one hour - amazing how we flew through it without the distractions of alcohol and chit chat! There was a box for instant messaging, so we harassed each other using that. I felt a tiny bit sorry for the guy who picked first. He didn't know how it worked, and ended up with someone he didn't want. He was already asking me for a trade before the first round was over!! Anyway, here is what I ended up with, and I am pleased.

QB Matt Ryan/ATL
WR Roddy White/ATL
WR Wes Welker/NE
WR DeSean Jackson /PHI*
RB Matt Forte/CHI
RB Steve Slaton /HOU
TE Dallas Clark/IND
K Mason Crosby/GB
DEF Indianapolis
B QB Ben Roethlisberger/PIT
B RB Willie Parker/PIT
B RB Sammy Morris/NE
B WR Laveranues Coles/CIN
B WR Deion Branch/SEA
B WR Ted Ginn Jr./MIA
*had to represent EastSide :)

In other news, another project that I worked on this week was organizing my books. A daunting task, but it had to be done. Books were all over - in boxes, under the bed...basically in every room of the house. I dove in, and just started piling things together by author or genre, and eventually had things spread over 3 rooms. I was unsure if I would be able to reign it all in, but everything fell into place. I ended up with 30 boxes (5 for my boy Stepehn King). I use Banker's boxes because they are easy to handle....if you pack books in larger boxes you cannot pick them up due to the weight. Each box is numbered, and a coordinating list tells me exactly what is in each, so it makes looking for a specific book so easy now! I am just glad it's done!
Hot here - been running the A/C that past 3 days. School has started again, so the days are peaceful once more. That's it, peeps! Thanks for tuning in!

Happy Birthday, DOLL!

Wishing our girl Chrissy a Fabulous Fortieth Birthday!
What an amazing year you have in store!
We love you!
Always, AKJN

Vick is a Bird

Okay, I just read that the Eagles have agreed to terms with quarterback/wide receiver/football player Michael Vick on a two-year contract - didn't see that coming at all.

I am unsure of how I feel about this, but I am not surprised. Philly likes the thugs. Hopefully, he's as great an athelete as he was before all the dog shit.

Can you smell it?

..... the 2009 NFL season is almost here!!!!!

My fantasy draft is set for 8/22, but trying to coordinate everyone is a hassle. One of the dudes is flying up from LA this year because he's done so poorly the last 2 years trying to make his picks over the phone. I am ready to go whenever ...I need to come back strong from a poor finish last year.
I purchased my Complete Guide to Fantasy Football 2009 late last week, and perused it over the weekend. I have no idea who some of these rookies are. I am coming up with my draft strategy, too. I got lucky the first year, sucked last year, so I am putting some effort into it this year. Also, Axel will be attending the draft for the first time, so the team will be represented.

I was very sad to hear the news about the passing of Jim Johnson, Eagles Defensive Coordinator. What a bummer. First we lose Harry Kalas, and now this. Definately a tough blow for the Birds. I hope they can rise above it and be inspired to kick some ass and get the the Superbowl this year, damn it!

It was exciting to watch the Hall of Fame pre-season game on Sunday night, but was again heartbroken as Al Micheals announced that John Madden had retired. Did I miss something? However, I am down with his replacement, Cris Collinsworth. I have always liked him, but am aware that most people don't. So all things are coming together for what should be an interesting season, and I can't wait!

Well, akjn is finally street legal again, after riding under the radar for 3 months with expired everything. That entailed spending an entire day at the DMV, which is the world's largest freak festival, with a little Ellis Island thrown in (immigrants coming in from the other side, though). Today's teens are scary, too....dirty looking and lazy. But we were patient, and thankfully had our phones, so I played Trivial Pursuit, Yahtzee and Solitaire in between reviewing our study guides. I texted CNN and chatted with her for a bit, too. We had to take written tests that we actually studied really hard for. We took 8 pratice tests each the night before :) Ak got a 100%, and I got 1 wrong - just glad that we passed! I am totally jealous of his license picture, though, as he looks totally awesome in it with a great smile, all handsome, while I am all crooked and smirking, sunglasses stuck in my nest. I am seriously tilted to one side, and you can't see my teeth. I have to carry around this shitty picture until 2014. Oh well, it's good to be legal again.

That's pretty much all from here. We are in our 3rd heat wave of the summer, with temps from 95-100. It's like being in a pizza oven. They last about a week, so we are halfway through this one. We ran errands earlier, and literally had to carry each other in the house when we got back. Our plants need watering twice a day, as opposed to every 3-4 days.

Heading downstairs...much cooler because of the tile floors.
Later, peeps :)

Thursday -Girl's Day Out!

This past Thursday, my friend Julie took me out for a lovely lunch at our fave crepe place, Sweet Peas in Los Gatos. She was sans kids, so it was especailly nice to have a long lunch with lots of yummy coffee. Julie had the afternoon free, so we made a detour on our way home, and stopped at the SAVANNAH-CHANELLE Winery in Saratoga. The best thing is that it is only 5 minutes from our house! The views are spectacular, and it was so wonderfully quiet. The city of Saratoga will not give them zoning to allow weddings or any parties due to their entrance driveway ... it's only one lane going straight up, so there is a large potential for wino accidents. No matter - you can bring a picnic there, buy some wine and their homemade mustard, and set yourself up in several beautiful locations for a panoramic afternoon.

Here are some pictures from Thursday:


Savannah Chanelle Winery

Zinny Vines - you are allowed to walk through the rows














Chardy Vines















Silicon Valley is tucked right in the middle of this shot










Gorgeous view




Pretty flowers




Fountain




Julie in line with the Adirondacks

Tasting Room and Shop

Rest In Peace

To our dear friend Jeff & his family ...

Our hearts are filled with sympathy for the passing of your mom.

She was a strong woman to raise the Peyton boys, and you brought her joy with your accomplishments & your son, Brandon.

Your mom is in a better place, healthy & happy. Now she can watch over her large Peyton flock as a guardian angel.

She will be missed just as she was loved.

We are so sorry for your loss.

Movie & TV Reviews; B-Day Shout Out

My sinus infection has lingered into it's 2nd week. I hate summer colds!
At least today I ceased blowing day-glow yellow snot out of my nose.

It has given me the opportunity to catch up on movies and TV, though.
Our TIVO, DVR and computers are full of visual entertainment, so it was good to watch some new stuff, as I have been stuck in a Transformers/Speed Racer rut. Not that I don't love those 2 movies, but I literally watch them every day.
Ok, back to the recent homefront viewing.

First up is Grand Torino, starring our local boy, Clint Eastwood. It's a hard movie, dealing with growing older, racism, crappy kids, and of course, the car. It reminded me a great deal of my dad, the original Archie Bunker. Clint's character had a garage full of tools, was a retired mechanic/Ford line-man, and could fix anything in the house. At times it was difficult to watch, but it was worth a little pain. Everyone should watch this movie, if just to get perspective on how out of control the race issue still is in our country- it is shameful. Clint always delivers, and does not disappoint here. Again, like my father, his character just needed someone to introduce him to different things and people.

Second movie up is The Wrester. This isn't a feel-good movie either, but it was mesmerizing, and now both ak and I have a level of respect for the "fake" wrestling that was not present before. Mickey Rourke is hard to look at, but is amazing in his role. It is a down and dirty movie, the kind that makes you feel like showering after watching. We were speechless as the credits were rolling - we were that affected by what we had just seen. We will definately be watching it again, but need to wait a few months.

The next movies aren't new in the past 12 months, but are in my top 10 favorites.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Black and white flick, shot in 1962, starring Gregory Peck. This is my all time favorite novel, and the movie is extremely well done and loyal to the book. This is another movie that deals with racism, but during the depression. They don't make them like this anymore!

The Virgin Suicides - this was Sofia Coppola's directorial debut, and is based on the book written by Jeffrey Eugenides, a fellow Greek. The book was stellar, and Sofia translated it beautifully to film. It is a strange tale, not very uplifting, but the kind of movie that you watch over and over, hoping that the ending will change.

Pride and Prejudice - 2005 with Keira Knightley, based on the Jane Austen novel. It is set In Georgian England, around the 1800's. It's definately a chick flick, but a good one. I am totally into the dude that plays Mr. Darcy, Matthew Macfadyen. I don't know what it is about him in this flick - the hair, clothes, or the way he talks, but it works for me. I have seen this countless times, but I still get goosebumps and teary-eyed at certain parts. I watched earlier today, and wasn't disappointed.

Sin City - Visually, this movie is a classic. The first conversion of a Frank Miller graphic novel to a movie, and WOW! It assaults you visually, is very very sexy, a film noir set in a comic environment. Not for the faint of heart - there are some extreme violent scenes. Clive Owen is a total hunk in this, and Mickey Rouke is actually in it, too. After you watch it, you want to kick some ass.

Moving on to TV....

Rescue Me - Love this show and love Denis Leary - he could be from Media and the Middletown Firehouse, sort of, but not really. This show is off the wall, and is in your face with how crazy firefighters really are. I spent the latter years of high school hanging with firehouse dudes, and my cousin's husband had been fighting fires in the Delco area since I was 12, so I have an affection for these kind of guys. The characters are nuts, and it's the kind of show where I can't wait for the week to pass for the next episode.

Family Guy - For years, Ak and I refused to watch this for some reason. We would watch 5 minutes of an episode, and be like "this sucks". Well, something changed in the last 6 months, and now we can't get enough of it. It is so wonderfully raw and just wrong - really wrong. The baby, Stewie, is my favorite, and he is the dirtiest one on the show. It is our kind of humor, too, the kind that takes it one step too far, and makes you imagine the grossest things possible. It's like being back in college, and I am pissed we didn't think of it first!! Ak and I giggle like schoolgirls when we watch.

Ok, these last two shows are my guily pleasure, and so bad. Really bad, but I am completely addicited to both.

Bridezillas - I have no idea how the women on this show have men that want to marry them. They are insane! I want to call them after each show and just yell at them for being so spoiled & rotten, and tell them how lucky they are that they actually have someone, and families that love them. Just watch 1 episode, if you can get through it. The behavior is atrocious, and explains why all children and teenagers act the way they do, having these women as examples. But it is like a car wreck - you can't turn away! Just seeing the wardrobe choices for the entire bridal parties is worth it for a laugh.

Dog the Bounty Hunter - Ok, this may be the worst of the worst. Along with Bridezillas, these are the 2 shows Ak absolutely refuses to watch. I have no idea why I like this show so much, as I despise the reality cop-type shows, but this one has captured my fancy. There is a lot of hair going on - they all need major conditioner, and I think about sending them a case of PM Awapuhi every week. Beth's boobs, outfits and nails are a sight to see, and she could be from South Philly or Jersey. Dog's wrinkly tan leather bag skin hanging out of his open shirts should make me vomit, but it doesn't. Again, the reason I watch this escapes me, but I am all fired up for next Wednesday night on A&E for part 3 of an ongoing chase.

Well, this is just a slice of the huge amount of visual stimulation I get from the magic box on a daily basis, and wanted to share with you. I hope you have enjoyed it!

Finally, a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT to Dean!

Happy Birthday,sweet thing, from your Big Ole Donkey Girl Scout,

in Danish: Tillykke med fodselsdagen!

German: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

and Greek: Chronia Pola!

Love You!

Armand & Katie's Wedding, Part I

Rehearsal & Dinner

We all converged on the tiny town of Savannah, from parts North, South, East and West, to celebrate the wedding of Armand & Katie. With it's lush greenery and blooming flowers in all colors, weeping willows and magnolias, it was the perfect place to have their wedding - it was very romantic, and of course, so Southern.

Akjn arrived on Thursday night, and the festivities began Friday with the wedding rehearsal in Madison Square, followed by the dinner at The Olde Pink House - again, both picturesque, and you had the feeling you were just stepping into or out of a novel.

Seeing old friends was fabulous, and making new ones just as grand. I finally met Armand's parents, after 20 years of friendship. I am loving Mr. Lange and his brother, as they were born and raised in Upper Darby, where yours truly began her existence, too. We had some good Eagles/Phillies/cheesesteaks chit-chat :) Armand's mama (aka Dr. Ruth) is FAB, and Katie's family was welcoming and interested in how we all fit together. Also, Mark and Ashley get an A+, too! It was nice to finally meet after hearing these names for so many years. Katie's sisters were precious, and they gave the nicest toast to Armand at dinner, welcoming him into their family and making their sister so happy. I also finally met Helga, Armand's sister, who I wish was my sister, if I had one :)



Madison Square.-us in background










Katie & MaryAnn, Donnie & Mel's daughter; Katie carrying the traditional bow bouquet from her shower gifts











The Old Pink House, gorgeous old mansion, fabulous food











3 generations , Katie w/her mom and gramma
















Dudes - Mark, Armand & Ak

...and the wedding weekend has begun!!!!!

Armand & Katie's Wedding, Part II

The Wedding!

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us, and Madison Square was flooded. The decision was made to have the ceremony at Vic's on the River, where the reception was already going to be. It turned out to be a beautiful setting - A & K's wedding planner, Melissa, was amazing, and made everything happen smoothly. Vic's was fantastic!

Ak & Sarah - my honey is so handsome!
Sarah was hilarious, and is Katie's BFF.















Waiting for his bride
(Pastor Bob, Armand, Mr. Lange, Mark, Axel & Donny)








Katie & her dad











Exchange of rings

Proud parents :)

Congratulating the groom -Katie looks like she is going to knock me out for hugging her man!!!

College pals 4ever -me & honeyman, Jeffe, Donny & Mel








The brides cake - gorgeous! The groom's cake was decadent triple chocolate :)








View from a balcony; me in the corner smoking :)

Pastor Bob conducted one of the most meaningful wedding ceremonies I have ever been witness to. He personalized it, as Armand has attended his church for many years, which made it very emotional. My tears started as soon as Katie came up the stairs, because she was already crying, and continued throughout the service. There were also times when we were all laughing, like when Katie said "I will" before Pastor Bob asked her, and when she was so focused on putting Armand's ring on that she forgot her line and said "what?" really loud :) It was great! I feel so honored to have been there. The thing that hit me the most was P.Bob talking about how all of us were there for them in love and support of their union. Tears and hilarity are the best combination at a wedding, and we had plenty of both!

The food was so delicious, from the appetizers to our entrees - YUMMY! My favorites were the pulled-pork egg rolls, and fried green tomatoes ... too good to be true. The music they choose was perfect, and every song had meaning. The toasts from Katie's dad, Armand's dad & sister Helga were tear jerkers. We had a private toast with Katie, and I welcomed her into our crazy ODU clan as a full fledged member. As happenes at every wedding, the time flew, and before we knew it, Donna Summer was singing "Last Dance", and we were on our way out the door and on to Hang Fire for the after-party.