Costa Rico our view from our room

Lots of more pics taken will upload them later

Katy

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Holiday season is here

Wow it feels like we just had Xmas. We started to put up the tree as you can see. I bought a bunch of german chocolate ornaments from the Worldmarket. Growing up we always had edible ornaments its fun plus less to clean up ;). The rest of the decorating we'll try to get done tomorrow and I am sure my mom will finish it for us.
This week was busier than I hoped for, mom got here Sunday and her little dog does not like our puppy so they have to be kept separated. Wednesday I took my truck to be inspected and what should have been a $16 expense ended up costing over $600 which was still only half the cost than what the inspection place was gonna charge me. Thankfully mom covered it for now so I just need to pay her back.
Dinner today was fun even with me starting a fire in the little oven burning the marshmallows on the sweet potato casserole in the process. But don't fear fire was put out no damage (well except for the marshmallows) and I was able to safe the casserole. Food was yummy and there are left overs in the fridge. Tomorrow is busy trying to get everything done, pack and get ready for our trip to Costa Rica. I can't wait to chill by/in the pool.

I think I left my Brain at the hotel ..

So if you a linked to me on Facebook this is the status update you just saw




I seem to be scatterbrained today. First the stupid car keys then the computer.

So i am not getting home till after 1am tongight which totally sucks as i have so much crap to do with my mom coming Sunday, us leaving next Saturday. Nevermind the part were work is trying to test my limit as if I am not busy enough my boss "volunteered" me to help someone which in this case entails in me doing a site visit in St Louis for them - where a site all of a sudden enrolled a ton of patients. I need to be there at least 4 days just to do a basic review. ARRGGGGG. Here goes my hope that next year will be a little calmer.

I am so looking forward to our vacation next week. All inclusive resort (including BOOZEEEEE) I am so not leaving the bar that's built in the middle of the adult only pool for the week we are there. Bought sun protective clothing so i wont burn :)


Alright lets see what else i can forget till I get home

Cin city

No I am not in Vegas which is known as Sin city. Apparently Cincinnati likes to be shortened to Cin city. I am back at the Hilton Netherlands Plaza in Downtown. Got a letter from Saks Fifth Ave offering their services (including having outfits delivered to my room to try on) and a 15% discount. Mhhhh doubtful I'd find something I could afford it.

Heading back home tomorrow but just for a few heading to Buffalo on Sunday. And then its almost time for Thanksgiving and our trip to Costa Rica. Can't wait all inclusive Pool bar here I come

Katy

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Dallas TX

Here for our national meeting :) guess I better get ready for the 70's night party they are insisting. Our BIG boss came as Austin Powers during the last session making sure we'd all bring our dancing shoes.

Katy

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Sleepy

To bad there is no audio to hear the purring

Howl-o-scream

Grumpys brother had some extra tickets for Busch Garden so here we are haunted houses, paths and roller coasters.

Katy

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Bye bye Florida

Since I got done relatively early the coordinator and I decided to have lunch at the Schnitzelhaus in Tampa. We tried the potato soup and potato pancakes for appetizers. She had the Jaegerschnitzel and I had the little combo -1 brat and 2nurenberger sausages - with Spaetzle and Sauerkraut. The food was pretty good but the guy (I think it was the owner) was so rude. I am pretty sure he's German but he bitched when I asked for a Diesel (beer+coke) that I need to speak english so he can understand me. He was unwilling to make me a Diesel despite the fact that they offer Radler (beer+sprite). I goI have definitely had worse german food but I don't think I had worse service not in terms of screwing up orders but just how one was treated. Now its home here I come. Can't wait to see the babies. I'll be home for 4 days :)

Pretty Sunset over Tampa Bay

Pulled over on my way to have dinner with Ms Jin and JDC to take this. It was just to pretty not to. We had an amazing dinner at Bowled in St Peterburg.
Will be heading back to Virginia tomorrow can't wait to see the babies.

Florida

Florida
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Made it to Florida and just got back from meeting up with Ms Jin at a French Bakery by the beach. The little rat likes the hotel too. Will head out to get groceries in a few with my mom since this hotel has a kitchen so no need to eat out.

Katy

Starbucks addict

Starbucks addict
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

To bad the weekend is almost over as is my time at home. Heading to Tampa tomorrow till Thursday but on the plus side I will get to hang with Miss Jin. Weekend was pretty good stayed in bed till lunch with hubby both days. Went to see RED funny movie btw. Worked at the German place last night got crazy busy and made double what I had hoped for plus got free dinner and the cook had saved me my favorite potato soup which I'll be heating up a mug for in a minute.
We picked out our tours for Costa Rico and now are just chilling watching his Steelers.

Moooommmm get up and feed me!!!!

Moooommmm get up and feed me!!!!
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Misty feels that being in bed when its almost 11 is not appropriate and insist on us getting up to be her servants.

Katy

Testing testing

Let's see if I can not just blog/post via email but also include pictures.

Pretty full moon over West Virginia

Pretty full moon over West Virginia
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Phos pointed out that many of us have neglected our blogs in favor of facebook and I have to admit I am guilty of the same. So here is my plan to be better it will probably be mainly pictures since lately I don't have time for posts hence facebook. So here you go picture #1

Katy

Wow - why doesn't it tell me

So I have been busy and not posting. Done a lot more facebook stuff since its quick and easy but no blogging.

Today I was looking at a friends blog I just found out about, when switching over to mine I see I had comments to moderate. Why doesn't google send an email when there are comments that need moderating???? This really showed how I neglected my blog some of them were from April. Shame on me ...

So much is new and so much still the same. Work is still nuts.

As for home -

The new puppy adjusted well and

is causing all sorts of puppy mayhem making us laugh

My best friend from Germany is visiting right now and its been a crazy few days as I have deadlines for work. So she got to see Washington, hang in New York city

check out the Top of the Rock

see a film at the NY film festival

and walk on the Beach with the Pups


SO now its off to do more shopping.

Hopefully things will calm down and I can go back to doing more blogging.

It's been awhile

It’s been a long few months, haven't had much time to read blogs never mind writing. Things have been super hectic at the day job too. Plus I got new management on the au pair job who are super hands on with monthly calls, touch bases and so forth. Which is a good thing to have people return emails and calls but on the flip side they also expect wonders in sales which is just not gonna happen unless there is a miracle.

The last couple of weeks were tough at home with Sassy sick and then leaving us. She got worse over night and we ended up having to put her to sleep. I have never put an animal to sleep and didn't know what to expect. We knew it was time she had trouble breathing, threw up everything she ate and couldn't get comfortable in the bed with me that last night. When we got to the vet he explained that she would get two injections; the first was to put her to sleep and the next to keep her there permanently. However that is not how it went. She didn't go to sleep, I don't know if it was because of all the fluid or why she was fighting it. They ended up having to give her another injection with ended up with her in convulsions. It was horrible we cried, felt guilty and just plain miserable. Then came the final needle and she went in a matter of 2 minutes. We said bye and left feeling empty like part of us was missing. Going back home was bad, Mac kept looking for her and got so sad she barely moved, even the cats went looking. We washed her things to get them ready for storage and I cried myself to sleep. I couldn't get that picture of her on the table with her tongue sticking out out of my mind and woke up still crying the next morning.

Grumpy was off the next day and we faced another sad day. Independently from one another we started to check the websites of our local SPCAs. After lunch we decided we'd look at dogs the coming weekend but would just do a quick visit to the one that's right around from our house (where we had Sassy from).
We looked around at all the barking puppies when i saw this sweet little lab puppy that just smiled and wagged her tail. Walking up to her cage to let her smell my hand she started licking it. She was too cute. I crouched down and when the guy opened her cage she literally jumped right in my lap. Grumpy just shook his head but as she cuddled up to him he too saw there was not way we were gonna leave her there. Her name is Boogie - but I refuse to call her that so we shortened it to Boo. She is a 6 month old stray that had been at the pound for over a month when we came. She is a sweet as can be - when she wants too - I jokingly call her my demon child when her wild side kicks in. She is all puppy and keeps us on our toes. Mac likes her (as much as an old lady likes a puppy and her antics) and is a lot more active because of Boo’s playfulness and never ending energy. She also makes sure to keep me occupied so i don't get to sad. I still miss Sassy terribly and still cry (even as I type this) but the little one has brought life back to our house which is so good for all involved.

We took a few days to go camping and to put Sassy's ashes to rest in her new eternal playground.Grumpy went up to Chimney Rock to find a nice place with her.Boo went along. Sadly the campground here considers Great Danes a aggressive breed and the waiver I had to sign stated she'd not be left alone so I stayed behind with Mac. Grumpy's niece is along too so Boo has a playmate. The two are to fun to watch together as Boo assumes she is just another Puppy for her to play with and refuses to consider her anything but a playmate.Tomorrow its back to the real world. Luckily I didn't have many trips this month so Boo and I got to hang out a lot. Even next week I just have one night where I am gone.

The patient (Sassy) & her nurse (Misty)

The patient (Sassy) & her nurse (Misty)
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Hubby and I are pretty worried about Sassy our lab. She's lost over 20lbs in a short period. The vet aspirated her enlarged lymphnodes and we are waiting for the results. In the mean time I am more or less handfeeding her boild chicken and rice. Since she wond eat the rice I purred it today and made little balls out of it. She's eaten some of it and I'll keep feeding her. Misty our resident nurse kitty is keeping a close eye on the patient even going as far as testing the food to make sure its adequate for the patient.

My view

My view
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Back in NYC for the week. Love the view I got. I checked in 7am and they only had a room on the 22nd floor but hey the view is still great.

Early morning over europe

Early morning over europe
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Beautiful sunrise over europe. We should land in a little over an hour so i
am guessing we are over france.

Us airways steeler fan?

Us airways steeler fan?
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Saw this while waiting for my flight in charlotte. Since hubby is a steelers fan i had to snap a picture for him

DC

DC
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Stuck in DC traffic trying to get home.

NYC

Grumpy and I had a good time in NYC it was nice not to travel alone and he enjoyed playing tourist. I uploaded the pictures he took and a few i had take with my cell to flickr here are a few of the best shots

Lady Liberty

Brooklyn Bridge - Grumpy walked all the way across while I sat at a starbucks working

Timessquare

Empire state building

Law and Order fans - recognize this building?? Yes that is the courthouse you see in the show.

We had an awesome anniversary dinner at Uncle Nicks - one of the hells kitchen restaurant on 9th Ave. IF you like greek food you need to try it plus the Sangria was sooooo yummy.

Sunrise from above

Sunrise from above
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

On yet another early flight but this thime i got to take hubby. We are headed to NYC to celebrate our anniversary. It will be his first time in the city should be fun

OSU

OSU
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

My view from the OSU research floor that i am on today. Looking out over some of the campus. Getting ready to head home for the night then its NYC tomorrow and thursday.

Sunday creation

Sunday creation
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

Did some backing first in a while. Ended up making a raspberry/pinnaple cumb cake and this raspberry/pinnapple torte. I'll let you know if they were edible. Taking the torte to a friends house for a BBQ.

Philadelphia

Just some random pics I snapped on the way to Thomas Jefferson University - where my site is located.

What have you done meme

The idea is to look at this list of 99 things you could have done, and bold the ones that you actually have done!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to DisneyWorld

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bunjee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own veggies

19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillowfight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not sick

24. Made a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Ran a marathon

27. Went skinny dipping

28. Rode in a gondola in Venice

29. Witnessed total eclipse

30. Seen a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace/ home of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish country

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Taken a ride in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower

50. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

51. Kissed in the rain

52. Played in the mud

53. Gone to a drive-in theater

54. Been in a movie

55. Visited the Great Wall of China

56. Started a business

57. Taken a martial arts class

58. Visited Russia

59. Worked at a soup kitchen

60. Sold Girl Scout cookies

61. Gone whale watching

62. Gotten flowers for no reason

63. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma

64. Gone sky diving

65. Visited Nazi concentration camp

66. Bounced a check

67. Flown in a helicopter

68. Saved a childhood toy

69. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

70. Eaten caviar

71. Pieced a quilt

72. Stood in Times Square

73. Toured the Everglades

74. Been fired from a job

75. Seen the changing of the guards in London

76. Broken a bone

77. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

78. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

79. Published a book

80. Visited the Vatican

81. Bought a brand new car

82. Visited Jerusalem

83. Had your picture in the paper

84. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

85. Visited the White House

86. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

87. Had chickenpox

88. Saved someone’s life

89. Sat on a jury

90. Met someone famous

91. Joined a book club

92. Got a tattoo

93. Had a baby

94. Seen the Alamo in person

95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

96. Been involved in a law suit

97. Owned a cell phone

98. Been stung by a bee

99. Swam in the Black Sea

Seems I still got a few things left to do

Airport in the fields

Airport in the fields
Originally uploaded by dino0477.

This was the smallest airport i have flown into to date. It was literally within fields. Seems Sayre PA is pretty small too can't even find a place for dinner besides fast food and pizza. Off to hit the grocery store in hopes to find something semi healthy then its off to the gym.