Kari's Facebook Posts
2009
May 21, 2009 1:29:51 pm
Gardens 21May2009: Chloe and allium
May 25, 2009 11:30:56 am
Emerald Lake, Canada 2007: Mike in a canoe on Emerald Lake
Jun 06, 2009 10:57:39 am
Things in the world of our little cat are shaping up - Mike is home, the living room ceiling is almost done (means furniture will start migrating back to semi-normal places -
I am still working on 2 of the walls). The sad part will be Mike's favorite chair returning to its normal position. It's almost as fun as the cat condo....here she is
in the hallway yesterday morning.
Sep 13, 2009 10:08:05 am
Jason and Micki Fish's Wedding: 12Sep2009: closer view of Jason waiting for Micki to enter
Oct 31, 2009 8:43:47 pm
Halloween 2009: Maddie spoke with Chloe - she told her "We have to leave now but we'll be back. maybe tomorrow"
We weren't convinced that Chloe was all that concerned about when the girls come back....
Nov 29, 2009 12:30:14 pm
I changed Chloe's blanket while cleaning up the guest room. The new thicker blanket for winter has been accepted....
Timeline photos
It's a beautiful night here in Golden. Roughly 50 degrees and the air is cool and crisp from all the rain we had this afternoon.
Absolutely perfect weather. I'm went outside to shake off the duster (tired of plucking cat hair out of wet paint, need to clean up a little)
and our neighbor was having a fire...maybe pinion pine. made me think of being in the Canadian Rockies....
May 24, 2009 9:19:02 pm
Timeline photos
Here's a pic my from bday dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. We went with Mike's parents, his sister and her family. The waitress asked if I would be taking the cake home...until I pointed out that "omg give me chocolate" on my 3-yr old niece's face. Her sister was better - not only can the li'l 1-yr old feed herself cake, but she used her spoon to drag her dad's dish closer for a 2nd helping. We were all impressed.
Here's a pic my from bday dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. We went with Mike's parents, his sister and her family. The waitress asked if I would be taking the cake home...until I pointed out that "omg give me chocolate" on my 3-yr old niece's face. Her sister was better - not only can the li'l 1-yr old feed herself cake, but she used her spoon to drag her dad's dish closer for a 2nd helping. We were all impressed.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
Things in the world of our little cat are shaping up - Mike is home, the living room ceiling is almost done (means furniture will start migrating back to semi-normal places - I am still working on 2 of the walls). The sad part will be Mike's favorite chair returning to its normal position. It's almost as fun as the cat condo....here she is in the hallway yesterday morning.
Things in the world of our little cat are shaping up - Mike is home, the living room ceiling is almost done (means furniture will start migrating back to semi-normal places - I am still working on 2 of the walls). The sad part will be Mike's favorite chair returning to its normal position. It's almost as fun as the cat condo....here she is in the hallway yesterday morning.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
I am absolutely exhausted....more work to do this weekend. But the good news is that Super Toad lives! (yes, his name really is Super Toad, it was written on his butt when I got him - unless that's too Back to the Future for you. *grin*) With all of our stormy weather, I had been worried about him blowing away, so Mike constructed a Super Toad anchoring system. And here he is!
I am absolutely exhausted....more work to do this weekend. But the good news is that Super Toad lives! (yes, his name really is Super Toad, it was written on his butt when I got him - unless that's too Back to the Future for you. *grin*) With all of our stormy weather, I had been worried about him blowing away, so Mike constructed a Super Toad anchoring system. And here he is!
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
yesterday I told you about the flowers....and here they are! All the birds might be open by tomorrow. I had been wondering how FTD would ship them...good thing I had them arrive a few days early. Wisely, they shipped this fragile flower while it was still tucked safely in its shell and they've been opening one by one since yesterday.
yesterday I told you about the flowers....and here they are! All the birds might be open by tomorrow. I had been wondering how FTD would ship them...good thing I had them arrive a few days early. Wisely, they shipped this fragile flower while it was still tucked safely in its shell and they've been opening one by one since yesterday.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
one more picture
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
Mike has arrived safely in Toronto. He was on the same flight as one of the guys from school. When I spoke with him at 3, he was on his way to the hotel. Tomorrow, he has a workshop to go to from 8-5. Monday, he is presenting his poster in the evening....Grover Coors, his customer, will be there and has already started directing international colleagues to the booth, so Mike will be busy. and the rose bush bloomed!
Mike has arrived safely in Toronto. He was on the same flight as one of the guys from school. When I spoke with him at 3, he was on his way to the hotel. Tomorrow, he has a workshop to go to from 8-5. Monday, he is presenting his poster in the evening....Grover Coors, his customer, will be there and has already started directing international colleagues to the booth, so Mike will be busy. and the rose bush bloomed!
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
Chloe says, "It's hot today"
Chloe says, "It's hot today"
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
squinty hot cat.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
I love when the roses bloom for a second time in the summer.
I love when the roses bloom for a second time in the summer.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
I think what I needed most for day 1 of my mini-vacation was just to wear myself out a litte. I spent a 5 hours working on my trench and got all the way around to the part I have dubbed "Trenchtown rock!" ...it's half clay, half rocks. Impossible to get the shovel through from the surface, but I did have some luck coming in sideways from within the trench. Going to see District 9 tonight with Mike & Diana tongiht. :)
I think what I needed most for day 1 of my mini-vacation was just to wear myself out a litte. I spent a 5 hours working on my trench and got all the way around to the part I have dubbed "Trenchtown rock!" ...it's half clay, half rocks. Impossible to get the shovel through from the surface, but I did have some luck coming in sideways from within the trench. Going to see District 9 tonight with Mike & Diana tongiht. :)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
apparently what I needed more than anything was more sleep. Slept for 10 hours both of the past 2 nights. In other news, the neighborhood got a visitor today, who I got a few pictures of before he bolted off. lock up the roses! The deer are coming back. (http://mksanders.com/2006pics/deer.html)
apparently what I needed more than anything was more sleep. Slept for 10 hours both of the past 2 nights. In other news, the neighborhood got a visitor today, who I got a few pictures of before he bolted off. lock up the roses! The deer are coming back. (
http://mksanders.com/2006pics/deer.html)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
my favorite bug has returned! I was pretty sure I had seen praying mantis eggs in the mint patch earlier in the year, but then...no praying mantis. I was sad that something had gone horribly wrong with the eggs until today....
my favorite bug has returned! I was pretty sure I had seen praying mantis eggs in the mint patch earlier in the year, but then...no praying mantis. I was sad that something had gone horribly wrong with the eggs until today....
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
It's going to be a long winter. One single day with a little bit of snow and Chloe was besides herself...rampaging, and then just sad.
It's going to be a long winter. One single day with a little bit of snow and Chloe was besides herself...rampaging, and then just sad.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
was a great weekend. We enjoyed going out with Scott and Jessica on Saturday as well as seeing Zombieland with Jarl (very enjoyable movie!). Mike spent a lot of time on his thesis paper and I have spent a bit of time digging. 6 years of talk and this is the year the patio becomes real! Now that I have someone to give the dirt to, progress is coming along quite nicely. You can see the part of the patio area I dug out this weekend.
was a great weekend. We enjoyed going out with Scott and Jessica on Saturday as well as seeing Zombieland with Jarl (very enjoyable movie!). Mike spent a lot of time on his thesis paper and I have spent a bit of time digging. 6 years of talk and this is the year the patio becomes real! Now that I have someone to give the dirt to, progress is coming along quite nicely. You can see the part of the patio area I dug out this weekend.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
you wouldn't know it by blanket time, but today was a beautiful day. I took the day off from work and spent most of it working on the patio project. more than halfway done digging!
you wouldn't know it by blanket time, but today was a beautiful day. I took the day off from work and spent most of it working on the patio project. more than halfway done digging!
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
celery anyone? Mike laughed that I needed to clean the fridge - something is growing! I did 2 truckloads of dirt today - one to Annette and one to Judy. Judy gave me an entire celery plant in return. She noted my surprise and told me I could freeze some for stew. Guess I will be googling how to freeze celery tonight... :>)
celery anyone? Mike laughed that I needed to clean the fridge - something is growing! I did 2 truckloads of dirt today - one to Annette and one to Judy. Judy gave me an entire celery plant in return. She noted my surprise and told me I could freeze some for stew. Guess I will be googling how to freeze celery tonight... :>)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
These little leaf-bag ghosts look happy now, but little do they know my instructions are to stab them in the head with a twist tie and hang them from the trees. It's a brutal world.
These little leaf-bag ghosts look happy now, but little do they know my instructions are to stab them in the head with a twist tie and hang them from the trees. It's a brutal world.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
help me! I have snow on my head! :>)
help me! I have snow on my head! :>)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
patio status: The rough dig is done. I just need to finish a few things and then I will be ready for weedblock and gravel. I am hoping to get Friday off via flex time to finish the digging and put down weedblock (already have enough hours in to do that, hopefully it will be quiet enough to get away)
patio status: The rough dig is done. I just need to finish a few things and then I will be ready for weedblock and gravel. I am hoping to get Friday off via flex time to finish the digging and put down weedblock (already have enough hours in to do that, hopefully it will be quiet enough to get away)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
Here's my little project for the night...just to make things official
Here's my little project for the night...just to make things official
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
I woke up this morning to see my cat do what I call a poop scoot - something was stuck to her fuzz so she put her butt on the floor and scooted around the living room. Quite a sight.*sigh* So, now I am washing the rugs. which meant we had the audacity to move Castle Chloe, so now she is prepared to defend it against further attacks.
I woke up this morning to see my cat do what I call a poop scoot - something was stuck to her fuzz so she put her butt on the floor and scooted around the living room. Quite a sight.*sigh* So, now I am washing the rugs. which meant we had the audacity to move Castle Chloe, so now she is prepared to defend it against further attacks.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
Earlier this week, Chloe found my napping spot. We thought her little nest was cute.
Earlier this week, Chloe found my napping spot. We thought her little nest was cute.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
For those who didn't see Jarl's post - here's a picture he took at Mike's thesis defense on Wednesday.
For those who didn't see Jarl's post - here's a picture he took at Mike's thesis defense on Wednesday.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
I got an early Christmas present and it comes with labor. but Mike wanted me to acknowledge that this snowblower was more my idea than his and that I had numerous occassions to decide not to do it and he even tried to talk me out of it...but in the end, we got it for $350 off b/c the one we originally went in for was out of stock.
I got an early Christmas present and it comes with labor. but Mike wanted me to acknowledge that this snowblower was more my idea than his and that I had numerous occassions to decide not to do it and he even tried to talk me out of it...but in the end, we got it for $350 off b/c the one we originally went in for was out of stock.
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
working on party invitations for a smaller party after Mike's graduation, and I think I have come across two of the best graduation fuzzies I have ever drawn. I haven't been able to decide which one is better, so I scanned both :>)
working on party invitations for a smaller party after Mike's graduation, and I think I have come across two of the best graduation fuzzies I have ever drawn. I haven't been able to decide which one is better, so I scanned both :>)
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
here's one of two pictures from today - my bro and his girlfriend, Kim, with a cat they befriended on a walk through Golden
here's one of two pictures from today - my bro and his girlfriend, Kim, with a cat they befriended on a walk through Golden
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
here's the second of two pictures from today - Mike and Kim along Clear Creek
here's the second of two pictures from today - Mike and Kim along Clear Creek
Kari S Sanders added a new photo.
Timeline photos
We had a great day yesterday - morning with the Lyons, dinner with the Sanders, evening with the Anderson-Tidd family.
And then I got wrapped up in doing this puzzle until 2:30 am
We had a great day yesterday - morning with the Lyons, dinner with the Sanders, evening with the Anderson-Tidd family. And then I got wrapped up in doing this puzzle until 2:30 am
Dec 26, 2009 10:21:27 am
3 more days of vacation. It's ben great to have some time off!
Dec 30, 2009 9:27:28 am
So, I still have a present under the tree and she won't leave. Once upon a time I saw a cartooon about a cat family and their year-round Christmas tree. Mike and I were joking that I'll put on red and pink lights fro Valentine's Day, green lights for St. Patrick's Day, pastel lights for Easter..... ;>) Chloe and I will have to chat in a week or so.
What have I said about staying home? It's expensive! ;>) Seriously, Mike and I were looking at the year ahead and trying to figure out what we could change to make things easier for me with my work schedule. One of the things would be for him to cook more - but our current kitchen doesn't work for him. For whatever reason, most of the top cabinets were removed before we moved in.
quiet day - Mike and I are both a little under the weather. Nothing terrible, just a slight fever and that "I don't want to do much" feeling. Ok, "much" varies by person. I went food shopping and made meatloaf and spaghetti sauce, am freezing some of it for dinners in January (looks like a very very busy month at work)
Mike is playing Madden football and I'm going to do something I am sure Dennis will say "I'll believe it when I see it" to - yes, I am going to work on the web site that is over 2 years behind. wish me luck!
for anyone who has been following our VOIP madness - was finally able to determine that the dropouts during calls is toomuch jitter on the line. Neither Vonage nor Comcast feels they are at fault for this; however, I was finally able to convince Vonage to send me an updated VOIP box for free. That should be here in a couple of days and we'll see how it does.
My great Aunt Mary L. (who broke her hip a while back) is home from the hospital/nursing home now. We just spoke with her and she is in very high spirits.
perfect timing! Since we're planning to be home today, I posted computer equip from 1996 - 2004 on Freecycle. Gone! less than 12 hours. turns out someone had broken into an office and stolen all their stuff. So, the guy came by and took everything, even the SCSI scanner. He thinks their insurance claim will go through next year. This will help get the office up and going again for now.
survived public speaking downtown on the beltway hearing. I was #68 on the speaker list...just got home. That was a long 3 hours. but at least I think I reached a few people by explaining that any plan for 2035 that doesn't actually include mass transit is falling a bit short. included stories of people on 93 who obviously can't see to drive at night. etc. The board votes Jan 20th.
there are few things I find more relaxing than listening to NIN - or in this case, watching a live video while filling out Christmas cards. all ready for my last 4 working days of 2009!
*whew* What a busy weekend. But the Christmas shopping is done, presents (except for the 3 still in shipping) are wrapped, and the second batch of sauce for ziti is on the stove. The ziti is in part for a work party on Thursday and in part for Mike's graduation party on Friday. Now to finish grocery shopping and decorating the tree....
finally got the lawn decorations up. Turns out I was running so far behind schedule this year that the neighbors were starting to worry about me...I ran into our next door neighbor in the mall today, and he said he felt much better when the Christmas Zebra showed up on the front lawn. I told not to worry - just working too much. Everything's fine. :>)
7 working days until my 2-week break. not that I'm keeping track or anything..... :>)
I might be one of a select few, very talented individuals who can get hurt doing Christmas cards. I didn't notice the papercut on my tongue until it was too late....apologies to Gwen and Jim! :>) (Mike said you could use the DNA to make a Kari-cow, I told him a putterbug like me would make a very very misbehaved cow)
I hope it doesn't make me a total geek that I have a spreadsheet that tells me I am 68% done with Christmas shopping and what percent of my budget I have spent. *grin*
well, I was going to work today...have tons that is due early in the week. However, I am way way behind on laundry and food shopping, so the total lack of cat food won. (that was Chloe's vote, too. I got the "what do you mean we're almost out of cat food?!?" look)
just finished some Christmas shopping *with Mike*. It was a lot of fun to have him along.
had a good time at the Nuggets game with Mike despite them losing to a team they should have beat by 20 points. got a good dose of Metallica in the car on the way home - that made everything better. Mike and I were discussing that I find Ride the Lightning a little under-produced, Justice for All a little over-produced but Master of Puppets is just right. I need to listen to that album more. "Back to the front!" :>)
getting motivated to work from home today....lots and lots of paperwork that has to get done. I'm almost there. We're going to the Nuggets game tonight, to check out what "UCLA night" is like.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has an enjoyable day. My parents, bro and his girlfriend are here visiting until Saturday.
still cleaning house today. Mike has been working as "handyman" for all the stuff he hasn't gotten to over the past 2 years. He was looking for his circular saw and jokingly called up the stairs "I wish you'd clean up down here. I can't find anything." I told him "The workshop is not my domain - else you'd be saying 'I wish you hadn't "cleaned up" down here. I can't find anything.' " He laughed. *grin*
quiet Saturday in our house...Mike is working on building some more shelves for the study and I am trying to get things cleaned up before my parents, bro & his girlfriend get here. It is so nice to finally have 2 days to get caught up on stuff.
sending warm healing thoughts to Long Island this evening - my great aunt had surgery to put pins in her broken hip today. I heard it went well but it is oing to take a long long time for her to recover.
I got an early Christmas present and it comes with labor. but Mike wanted me to acknowledge that this snowblower was more my idea than his and that I had numerous occassions to decide not to do it and he even tried to talk me out of it...but in the end, we got it for $350 off b/c the one we originally went in for was out of stock. picture once he finishes uncrating it. :>)
Mike's thesis defense went very well yesterday. We had a house full of people at the party! A great time was had by all. :>) He will graduate with his master's on Friday, December 17th.
looking forward to Mike's thesis defense on Wed!
Lunch is ~12:30. (someone else has the room from 12 - 12:30) Lunch and the defense are all in the same conference room. We'll be in Hill Hall. There should have been a map in the packet I sent you. unless the map went to someone on LI by accident, entirely possible. ;>)
468 square feet. 8 tons of roadbase gravel. or such is the estimate for the patio and walkway. Mike and I measured it last night. I am working part ofthe day from home today while I wait for the sprinkler people (Mike has a mtg all day) and then I am going to finish the digging of the patio pit, put down some weedblock, and order the gravel.
good news! Mike submitted his thesis paper to his committee for review today. They'll look it over between now and next Wednesday. Speaking of next wed, lunch is now at 12:30 b/c someone needed the conference room from 12-12:30. And how did Mike celebrate this milestone? being chore-matic. He fixed a leak by the garbage disposal and patched the holes in our kitchen ceiling (they were there when we moved in 6 yrs ago)
went food shopping at Target this morning....um, Meery Christmas? no, wait - Happy Halloween!!
For those who have trouble believing the Colorado weather pattens - 16 inches of snow on Wednesday and today's weather is cloudless skies, 47 degrees, and only 6 or so inches of snow left in the sunny spots. We are, after all, a high plains desert. Water doesn't tend to stick around for long here. (weather pattern description does not apply to the mountainous areas) still hoping to get back to the patio project soon!
I am home today - finished my hours for the pay period early yesterday, still have a few more hours of work to do today. annual review write-ups for everyone on the planet, or so it seems. but first...I am hollowing out our pumpkins so I can put the guts out with the trash this morning. That'll keep them from stinking up the garage. Luckily, our trashmen don't tend to show up until noon-ish.
latest forecast for Golden: another 5-10 inches of snow tonight, 1-4 inches of snow tomorrow. It'd very powdery snow, at least that's good for the skiers...assuming they can get into the mountains. ;>) and to think I said I was driving into the office tomorrow. Well, we can hear the plow outside our house tonight, so I will be able to get to the highway without any trouble in the morning.
weather prediction is for up to 2 feet of snow by the end of Thursday. I went to Safeway tonight to pick up some household items and ingredients for chili (since we got all those tortillas from Rannae...). I was surprised to find no one there. Saw the manager while getting my bags together and told him "I had expected to meet half of Golden here tonight". He said "oh, they were here. Looks like everyone is home now."
really loving listening to the "Team America" soundtrack right now
in non-Pogues news, Mike sent Chapters 1 & 2 out to his full thesis committee for review. The experiemental work he needs to finish chapter 3 is still in progress, but he got some good results yesterday. He picked up his gown for graduation yesterday as well as invites, which I assume I will be sending out. The party is at our house on Nov 11th! Thesis defense is at 1 pm - everyone is invited. party to follow.
Mike and I were talking about his paper - there's a ratio he has been calculating from his data...a blending ratio perhaps, since his advisor has been describing the process as blending. I suggested "Sanders Ratio". He said "I don't know if you are allowed to name things after yourself in your master's thesis" *grin*
Mike is planning to defend his thesis on Nov 10th or 11th. We're planning a party for after his defense - more details to come after we get a confirmed date/time
was busy trying to discover my inner lazy person - had work I planned to do tonight but went for a walk and then watched the Broncos with Mike instead. Go Broncos! and Mike is quietly confident about his paper. I asked if he and his advisor had gotten everything figured out for Chapter 3 and got this "of course - what planet have you been on" look. that's a good sign :>)
Can I have one more day of this great weekend? Almost done digging the patio area...by the time I finished it was too dark for pictures. With cleanup near the fence/gate, along the line for the north side of the patio and along the retaining wall, probably 1.5 truckloads left. and then the digging will be done. We had a fun dinner last night with the Loyes for drawing Nuggets season tix, pics coming soon from today.
Status on Mike's thesis: There were 3 chapters, now there are 4. Part of Chpt 1 became Chpt 2. Chpt 1 is done (9300 words!), Chpt 2 is ready for advisor review. What was chpt 2 before became the 1st half of Chpt 3. He needs to write up the results from very recent labwork to complete Chpt 3. Chpt 4 will be conclusion & future work. He hasn't started that yet. I think he can finish this week, he thinks I'm crazy.
Mike is doing the dry run presentation for his master's defense on Monday. *fingers crossed* He's been working on the slides all day.
Well, we had planned to go out to the alumni dinner at Mines this evening, but Mike got sick. quick makeshift dinner was hot dogs and chicken noodle soup. I am also trying on of the recipes I got this summer with the peaches (the ones Mike's mom froze for me). hmmmm. this recipe is going to need some work. am trying to salvage it right now.
70 pages and counting. Mike's work on his master's thesis is coming along well. I reminded him that he currently has ~2 average master theses already written and it's about time to start looking at scope control. ;>) There will be more time to write up the rest of the results after graduation....
A nice quiet week for me at work - I am even planning to take Friday off. *grin* Mike is stressing over his paper. He's got 3 weeks left to get it done. Sounds like he's done writing the first section, but he's still working on getting it all looking right in LaTex before he moves on to the next section.
Who knew there was such a need for dirt? I thought my plans for finishing the patio pit (need to dig out dirt so I can replace it qwith gravel and sand) had all but bit the dust for the season. Posted "free dirt" on craigslist and got 6 responses tonight! so hard to choose. but I have plenty of dirt for a few people.
listening to Lou Reed and drinking wine. perfect way to "end" a week (I'm into donated time territory, but I'm good with it this week). As we were listening to "Dirty Blvd", Mike said "Honey, do you ever have rage in your heart?". I said "yeah, and I think of this song every time" Hope everyone has a good weekend! We're looking at seeing Zombieland and I found a taker for another batch of dirt from the patio area.
A beautiful night - cloudless starry sky, almost a full moon, 48 degrees, no wind. perfect night for a walk - which I *greatly* enjoyed. but what I was surprised about is my little cat disagreed. She wanted to go outside when I got home, but she only stayed out a minute or so before she went scampering back to the door. creature of comfort, I suppose.
one more figure - the caption is currently dubbed "uber figure" - and the draft for the first ~30 pages of Mike's thesis will be done. That's Chapter 1 of 3. Earlier I asked "Honey, do you need anything from Safeway?" and he said "chapters 2 and 3 of a thesis would be helpful" *grin* Chapter 2 should go much faster. It's the presentation of results, many of which he has already written for various conference papers.
*whew* just finished my elliptical workout plus a pilates abs workout. um, yeah, I need to do more of those. day 3 of getting back to a routine exercise schedule complete. I had gone through a whole lot of effort to lose 30 pounds in 2007 and was able to maintain it until last year. I think sanity is being restored to my work schedule, so I am getting ready to try to repeat the feat.
Mike and I took a break to spend some time together this afternoon - went to Best Buy and picked up the new Popes album with Shane. highly recommend it! We used some of Mike's Best Buy points to buy the CD and offset the cost of a new remote. We always joke about that being my program -
Last night, we went to the last show of the reason at Red Rocks. Great show! We saw Fitz and the Tantrums, Hepcat, and Flogging Molly. It was a beautful 75-degree night. I think we enjoyed Hepcat the most. Flogging Molly was energetic and entertaining as usual, with the same terrible mix as the last time we saw them (turns out it wasn't just the acoustics at the Mines Field House). But well worth the trip!
had a really wonderfull quesadilla this evening at Jose O'Sheas - hatch chilis, jack cheese and grilled chicken. The chilis were so spicy my lips went numb. so perfect! My name is Kari, and I'm addicted to peppers. :>)
Mike's thesis writing is going well. A few pages of his results section were approved by his advisor today, and they have a plan for the rest of the paper. He has been working on it steadily tonight - needs to have a draft in the next couple of weeksso he can defend it by the first week of Nov. He was laughing that things must be going well - he just switched his backup software to run much more frequently.
The change in the weather has also put Mike in a mood to cook...he found the steaks I bought tonight and is busy creating his own homemade rub for them, getting the charcoal grill and his smoking wood chips ready.... what Broncos? There's steak...
Today, I finished with the last of the dirt pile (patio still not dug yet, but woo hoo! 4 truckloads of dirt down). The weather is changing. Urge to bake becoming overpowering....I think I will start with muffins and brownies before I experiment with the peaches. (Yes, Tim, some will be going to school on Monday)
Yesterday was a nice day - we went to a BBQ in the afternoon to celebrate Kathie and Alan's 2nd anniversary. Then we stopped by Rannae and Rob's with some stuff for the kids. Most liked seemed to be the Statue of Liberty chocolates from my Labor Day trip to NY and the bubles from Jason Fish's wedding. Really enjoyed cruising around in Mike's convertible.
Great day today..well, for me. Chloe went to the groomer. She is now very clean and soft but that is no consolation for having to be around other cats and get a bath/brushing. I went to lunch with Mike and Jarl and spent a few hours working in the yard *with Mike*. *grin* I brought another truckload of dirt to the people I met through
Freecycle.org. They gave me 2 little wild yucca plants! I planted them on the wall.
Today, I feel that I have finally been heard and understood. Mike noted that I seemed much more relaxed and happy coming home from work today. I told hime it's my wandering ghost syndrome....sometimes I just need to know I successfully delivered the message to the right person.
go Broncos? Well, Mike expects them to lose their firsty regular season game to Cleveland, but we'er still hoping for a present surprise.
just got back from a wedding - had a good time! and am now pretty tired. My plan is to try to catch up on some stuff this afternoon, then take Tuesday and Friday afternoon off....just to be home and get some fresh air.
had a great time at "Brew at the Zoo" last night! We went to the Denver Zoo with friends for an event where they have lots of local restaurants (the Cherry Cricket was the best, but the Golden Toad BQ was a close second) and breweries. I'm not much for beer, but it was fun!
long day at work with not much worth reporting on - the good things were that my hubby and I had lunch together (he was out in Aurora for an appt) and I came home to find some very tasty salss from Mike's Grandma. It's just about gone now - I called her to thank her and she said she would make another batch. :>)
Well, everyone have a very Happy Labor Day weekend! Talk at ya Tuesday!
all dressed up and nowhere to go...well, for another 20 minutes. We're going to the reception at Coors for Mike's Dad's "lifetime achievement" award - offically called a "MillerCoors Brewery Legends Award". pictures posted later! (packing a carry-on doesn't actually take that much time... and that includes nice outfits. Kristin knows that's a sign of too much past business travel *grin*)
came home early and am getting ready for my trip to LI tomorrow. I am leaving Saturday AM and returning late Monday night. The little girl down the street was very disappointed to hear Mike wasn't coming with me (she likes to catsit for us).
Yesterday we confirmed that the little apples that grow on the tree in our yard are edible. A little tart, but I could probably find something to do with them. Maybe freeze them with some sugar. Ok, I have no idea what to do with little tart apples. ? I had thought they were crabapples...until our neighbor Buck pointed out to me that they are regular little apples!
One of the neighborhood hummingbirds is overly agressive. Our cat is overly agressive. So, he hovers and chirps angrily at her and she crouches down and stares intently at him. Yesterday evening was no exception - except this time she jumped and got a paw on him! That made him really mad. As he whirled around to chirp at her some more, I said "ok you two, break it up." He begrudgingly left. to be continued...
stand by on the latest photo album...Facebook is refusing to upload the photos
left work at 1 pm today (only 45 hrs this week!) so I could finally get some daylight hours to run errands. After that, Mike and his dad built a ramp for me, so I loaded his dad's truck with dirt from my patio project. Now, we just need a place to put it. I feel refreshingly exhuasted (calms the mind a bit)and am going to settle in for the evening and get some sleep! zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
good news! Mike's department found funding for him in the TA budget so he is covered for the coming school year. :>) that doesn't provide money for buying stuff he needs for his project, but I joked with him that he's used to that....the life of a grad student.... at least they are covering tuition and his salary. That's great for us!
so tired and it's only Tuesday....
Today is shaping up to be a busy day. I have some work to do from home before Monday AM, and I also am still tying up loose ends re getting new appliances in and giving the old ones away. I love
freecycle.org! I was able to find homes for the fridge and range within 24 hours of posting the offer to the freecycle site. (which I have found to be typical for everything I have posted there)
We had a very nice visit with Jarl and Christy last night, including seeing ultrasound pictures of their son (due mid-Dec). We hear we has the same night-owl tendencies as his dad, which is bad news for his mom who..I suppose will temporarily share that sleeping pattern?
this evening, we listened to Heavyweight Dub Champion and Lee Perry over a glass of rum ... Lee Perry will be at Reggae on the Rocks on the 29th, and we're ready! *grin* It should be an awesome show.
There are no secrets in cube town! (my response to my hubby saying I preferred a cube to a hardwalled office because I like to eavesdrop) and thanks to people missing in cubetown today, the ratio of people to cake for Ken's birthday was just fine.
more hail last night. such bizarre summer weather this year! Mike and I weren't hear for the El Nino summer in '97, but we don't remember stories indicating so much hail so late in the summer. Poor little cat was completely freaked, it took 3 tries to get her to calm down and sit on the couch with us. The good news is that for all the racket, no real damage - not even to the plants in the yard.
another day off, another shopping trip. Seriously, having time off tends to be expensive. ;>) (last day off I had, we bought the couch) Today's trip is over a dishwasher. The old one has been leaving rust spots on my white dishes and stopped cleaning the top rack. Mike took the day off from school stuff so we could go out to lunch, wander and ponder. He was laughing that I found dishwasher shopping "underwhelming"
5 day weekend! I haven't had a break liek this in quite some time. not sure what I'm going to do...that is, if the weather isn't suitable for digging in the yard. (and that only means nearby lightning or hail, everything else is pretty much fair game)
had a very nice lunch with my hubby (who had aptly suggested if I am going to continue working long weeks that I at least take advantage of being able to work from home and meet up with him for lunch). We had sandiwches down by Clear Creek in Golden. The new bridge has tbles on it so you can get a view of the creek from right above it. back to work shortly...
I am looking forward to a quiet productive day working from home and tacos at Rannae and Rob's house this evening. My mgmt also brought back an employee we had rolled off the team for a week and a half starting next week, so I'll be able to take the 14, 17, and 18 off to work on the walkway and patio. (We rescheduled our SoCal road trip for October)
Today, I marveled at the phrase "employees released from the campus population". That was a new one! but seriously, my thoughts are with some of the people I know from work who were laid off today....even though the memo sounded like we tagged them and released them into the wild to run free.
I think I had big plans on all the stuff I was going to get done this afternoon, but I am feeling so burnt out...I think I will try to catch up on some cleaning. too hot to dig in the yard right now. Today marks 1 week without soda - I probably should hav
Mike made dinner tonight, so I was able to get in half an hour of ditch digging before the storm came. Great minds think alike...just as I was scrambling to unload some sod chunks and get the wheelbarrow into the shed, I looked up to see a cat bolting acr
Mike got good news today - the questions remaining about his thesis project results are driving his advisor as crazy as they are driving him. What is still unclear is whether or not oxagen is diffusing through his ceramic or if its presence is causing som
Today was a good day. Mike and his dad installed the attic fan and took the TV off the wall...the same wall I finished painting tonight! Yes, it is done. (came home at lunch time) Ya know, the living room project I was going to finish in a week or so back
Mike had a hard day yesterday - the funding for his project ran out, profs at school are working to keep him covered, but this may mean he has to start working part time on another project. ...and somebody broke the equipment he spent so many weeks calib
When all else fails...putter. The patio project is approved - but first, I should probably finish the living room project. So, I sanded the last door tonight and will work on getting some primer on that and the trim. The last wall left is the one with the
am fighting the urge to start another patio project....No, I will not go out in the yard and start digging. I promised myself I was going to clean up the basement this summer.....even though making a new pation sounds like more fun. *grin*
Did I say we were leaving the new speakers in their boxes until Mike finished his thesis draft? *lol* I am actually surprised he made it just over 24 hours. Now, to be specific, he's mounting one - wait no, both of the new side speakers just to check aes
mmm....tacos for lunch on Saturday. one of my favorite habits. I added a little too much cayenne pepper this time, but Mike seems to have survived (there was never any question about my survival. long live the New Mexico chili rellenos that have tried to
thesis paper update: Writing is going ok. He already has a lot of material from his conferences...and he said he promised himself to complete a draft of his paper before he puts up the new surround sound speakers. So, I do expect to see a completed draft
I only worked 44 hours this week. see? been a long road since Feb, but I'll cut back on all that unpaid overtime eventually. I think. Chloe couldn't be more upset with me - I thwarted yet another attempt at a reptile houseguest. I'll never understand wh
Just got home from Rannae's bday dinner. I'm way behind one my work after only working 50 hours each over the past 2 weeks...and I am convincing myself that I don't care. Nope, not gonna sign in and work from home. a nice walk is in order! (I have missed
in unreleated news, the microchip from Mike's MP3 player survived the um....washer/dryer test. I found the little guy in the lint trap. :>o He tested it to make sure it was ok.
just finished watching "Stark Raving Dad" - Simpsons from 1991 with Michael Jackson. Mike read that MJ did all the speaking parts, singing and wrote the song for Lisa's bday - but he didn't sing the song at the end for Lisa's bday. used an impersonator in
Today is our 11th anniversary! The plan is to go to John and Lauren's wedding (John is a friend of Mike's from Mines).
made it through today's deadline ok, am exhausted and pretty burnt out. definitely going to work on getting a few days off this week since I finished my 80 hours for the 2-week time card Monday eve (long week last week plus weekend hours). I don't have an
one more day...I think I might make it. Well, and the overlapping deadline is Thursday. but will be so happy to be down to one deadline!
Mike got home without any trouble and I surprised him with a fresh pot of chili, all nice and warm on the stove with some of his fave tortillas nearby. Now just having a quiet evening. Spoke with my parents and am booking travel to LI for labor day weeken
Mike just called to say good night. He spent a few hours in the NHL Hall of Fame and went to the conference banquet dinner. and for me, I'm starting to dread hearing Chloe come in the cat door. Yesterday, she brought a large garter snake, who I found in a
...but enough about work. The good news is Mike lands tomorrow at 3. and we have already agreed that we are just taking the night off and chilling. watch a movie, order a pizza, flop on the couch kind of evening.
July 7th minus 5 days. oh yes, today still counts. We have 2 very major program milestones next week - I told everyone that once I finish those and go to the going-away party for someone on my team, I'm goin' home and staying there til the following Monda
Mike's poster presentation went well and he is out having a drink with friends in Toronto. and me? I'm in the study with a cat who is keeping watch out the front window in case those blasted hummingbirds come back), about to sign in to do more...yeah, you
My hubby is almost ready to head to Toronto. The poster is completed and printed thanks to Kinkos (things did not go well with the print test at the school's graphics shop), he has some last minute new clothes, packing is underway . His flight leaves ~10
working from home Friday (ok, I finished my 40 hours Wed afternoon so it's not a big deal to my boss). I am looking forward to spending some time with Mike before he goes to Toronto on Saturday morning. He's got one more dry run of the presentation and hi
been reading about the protests in Iran. I wish them success with all my heart but fear for their lives. *fingers crossed*
It was a long week and I have a lot of work ahead of me, but at least we have some pretty flowers. Since Mike will be in Toronto next weekend for another conference, we're doing bday/father's day party (for his dad, Rob and Jarl - don't get any funny idea
came home early....tornado watch somewhere on the other side of town. The nice thing about being able to work from home is that I don't have to sit and wonder whether or not my car is about to get hailed on. or what the traffic on I-70 would look like if
Tonight, I got the second coat of paint on the wall with the big windows in the living room. Mike and I are sooo looking forward to getting the blinds up tomorrow. No living in a fishbowl, no blinding afternoon sun...
My car is sleeping in the driveway tonight. This is operation door-to-the-garage, a plan Mike and I came up with before he left. But, um, the door to the garage is much heavier than the others. When I first went to take it off the hinges, I thought "oh lo
Mike got to Vancouver without any problems and has a nice room with a view of the water in the same hotel as the ceramics conference. He said "Who would have thought I would be going to Vancouver to get away from the rain?" ...the weather here should beco
hallway update: I finished painting the hallway on Friday and Mike put all the extras back on Saturday. At first, I thought it was wonderful. An amazing transformation! and every time I walk down the hall my opinion of it gets more positive. I am totally
Mike is just about set to head to Vancouver for his conference tomorrow, he'll be back Friday. He's pretty upbest b/c things worked out pretty well in the end with the first half of his thesis project. After a lot of struggles, things worked out just peac
Tonight I get an early bday present - we are going to see NIN and Jane's Addiction at Fiddler's Green. The only downside is we are probably going to get cold and wet, but hey....you gotta make sure all those NIN fans haven't gone soft somehow.
Whenever I paint primer on a ceiling, I somehow seem to end up the most painted of all...... Mike and I can't wait to see the new color scheme in the hallway!
ate way too much food at our niece's bday part - pics posted. I am happy to report that the 6 doors in the hallway are painted and Mike is just about done with the spackling and texturing. So, I will be painting the hallway soon. maybe tomorrow. Changing
hooray for tiny victories! I have a bedroom door again. what with Miss Meows-a-lot thinking a 5am wake-up call is always appropriate, these few days without a door while it was being painted were tough. and extra bonus - I put it back up myself while Mike
came home early today - a rare day of not feeling well. figured I might as well try to catch up on some pictures. I'll post some new ones here and then move on to the web site, which is very out of date.
and for me: It turned out the requirements database was more broken than originally thought...cont'd working with IT on it until it was finally and officially fixed at noon today. Also made progress painting doors in the hallway (part of the on-going "how
*whew* Well, Mike has been steadily working on his lab work for the paper he is presenting in Vancounver the first week of June. Not much time to get things sorted out! His thesis project is in two parts, and *used to be* the part that was always reliable
a very happy hubby now ponders which of the NBA Western Conference Finals games he wants to attend (we have season tix, so we get tix to the playoff games). I was a bit more unsure as the Nuggets won tonight, but he resonated with the Pepsi Center chants
Well, I crashed our requirements database at work (dont worry, it will fix itself via the overnight scripts) so I came home a little early. Spent a few hours planting newplatns in the garden. 2 more little Vinca to get in the ground. am now trying to figu
Mike and I can't help but think summer must have been a long time ago...just can't believe how early it gets light and how late it stays light. Was this winter really that long? So glad spring is here.
While working on the closets, I was reminded of something our friend Seth had said - that cats just love prepositions. Chloe was "helping" - over, under, on, over, through, and so forth.
Last night, a very happy Mike came home from the Nuggets game barely able to talk. Go Nuggets! Tonight is a bit more quiet - finished painting the closets and am looking forward to getting all the stuff that belongs in them back into them.
no closet painting tonight....lots of work to do. ugh. serves me right though - I knew I was letting it all back up over the weekend when I blew off logging in from home....working from home or painting closets? It's actually a difficult choice. but thin
Part 2: and he paused and looked at me. and I looked at him. After a few moments, I conceded "Well, that does beg the question...." So, we picked out paint and today I am getting started on the 2 closets. also have 7 doors to sand and paint. which is pl
Part 1: today's project is painting 2 closets. When the foreclosure crisis was in flull swing, Mike and I were sharing some thoughts on backup plans, etc. At one point during the conversation, I said that overall I thought our house was in pretty good sha