To Live...

"To live would be an awfully big adventure."

- Robin Williams (as Peter Banning, Hook)

Like the rest of the world, the death of Robin Williams has really bothered and saddened me.  It's amazing to me to think that someone who brought so much joy and laughter to people could have so much darkness within himself.  I think the reason it bothers me so much is that, dramatic as it sounds, it feels like a part of my childhood and youth died, too.

A big part of my childhood was spending time with my Grama and in addition to daily trips to Dairy Queen, we watched a lot of movies.

Some of our favorites to watch (on VHS, of course) were Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Jack, and The Birdcage.

Source

Did you catch the one that wasn't quite like the others, The Birdcage?  In it, Robin Williams plays a gay cabaret owner.  He and his drag queen companion (played by Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false "straight" front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing parents.

 

Sounds like a totally age-appropriate movie for a pre-tween, yes?  Probably not, but it (along with Dustin Hoffman's Tootsie) was a staple in our rotation.  I like to think of it as being "cultured" at a young age.

 

I've always loved movies, and I feel like my Gram was instrumental in igniting that love.

She was an amazing part of my childhood and youth, and so was Robin Williams.

I'm pretty sure Ryan hasn't ever seen The Birdcage, so he's in for a real treat.

Take Luck,

LP

One Movie For-ev-er

The prompt for Day 14 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge is: If you were only allowed to watch one movie for the rest of your life, what movie would it be and why?

Oh, boy.  It would definitely be Tangled.  Yes, I'm 26 years old and would choose to watch a Disney movie for-ev-er.

Source

Why?

This movie is a-frigging-dorable and I love the music.

If you haven't seen it - you should.

Take Luck,

LP

My Favorite Things

The prompt from Day 13 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge was: What are your favorites?

Favorite Disney Movie: Tangled

Favorite Quote: "The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds."

Favorite Day of the Week: Thursday

Favorite Singer/Songwriter: John Mayer

Favorite Curse Word: Shit balls.

Favorite Baby Names: Max and Ella.

Take Luck,

LP

15 Fun Facts

Day 1 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge!

Hmmm.  Fifteen fun facts about myself.  This should be interesting.

[1] When I first read this prompt, I immediately thought of the movie "Eurotrip" and the part when Cooper says to Jamie, "Here's a fun fact.  You made out with your sister, man!"  I have a wild tendency to make these sort of connections.  

[2] I like looking up movie trivia on IMBD.

[3] My feet are very ticklish.  This makes pedicures super fun.

[4] I am extremely noise sensitive.  I hate the sound of fingernails being cut/clipped or filed on an Emory board, forks scraping on a plate, and gum chomping/snapping.  Not only that, but once I hear a noise that irritates me - I cannot block it out or get it out of my head.  It just gets louder and louder.  I've considered seeking hypno-therapy for this issue.

[5] I have kept a planner since the 7th grade.

[6] I prefer to sleep with one leg outside of the covers.

[7] My little sister and I love to sing Broadway show tunes.  Once, when we were on the ferry (and apparently in our own little world) we were deep into a number from Mamma Mia when an older gentleman interrupted us and asked if we were auditioning for the play.  Embarrassing.

[8] I spend one hour every Sunday preparing Brock's food for the week.

[9] While playing softball in college - I played every position in the infield at one point or another.

[10] My favorite snack is tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.

[11]  I share a birthday with my nephew, Liam.

[12] Only recently did I finally catch the joke in Dumb & Dumber when the cop tells Harry and Lloyd to "pull over" and Harry responds, "No, it's a cardigan - but thanks for asking!"

[13]Sometimes I talk to our dogs like they are people.

[14] Two of my favorite shows are Dexter and Weeds.  Is it wrong that I love two shows that happen to be about a serial killer and drug dealer?

[15] If I could quit my job and become a professional photographer - I totally would.

Did you learn anything new about me that you didn't already know?

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Writing Dear Monday letters for the week with Megan.

Dear Monday, My three-day weekend was jam packed.  I needed another Sunday before being shoved back into my 5am wake-up routine.

Dear Rachy's Graduation Party, I cannot speak for everyone, but Ryan and I had a great time.  Perhaps the greatest entertainment was me continually circling the food table sans plate and noshing on everything in sight, the "baby tigers" that were crawling through the living room, and the "monster" that was tormenting the baby tigers.  I can't say enough about how proud we are of our Rachy.

Riley the Monster

Ara, Baby Tiger #1

Kennedy, Baby Tiger #2

Dear Tiff, I'm thinking that whenever I make my trip to Ohio (in the near future), we should have a Star Wars marathon.  Just a thought.

Dear Kennedy, On Friday, you were completely obsessed with my little tummy and the baby growing inside - touching, pressing your ear to listen, talking to him/her, and lifting my shirt to get a better look (not at all awkward).  If anyone else had continually told me, "You're getting fatter..." I may have cried a little.  But because it was you, I'll let it slide.  Especially since you offered to give the baby your blanky.  You reminded me that you do have two!  I love you, kiddo.

Dear 15 Weeks, Where on earth did you come from?  My belly is slowly expanding and I'm totally OK with that.  The baby went from the size of a lemon last week, to a naval orange this week.  No wonder Kennedy tells me I'm getting fatter.

Dear Sadness and Grief, You are serving as a constant reminder to me to be happy, grateful, and make sure the people in my life know that I love them.  Life is far too short and fragile to get caught up in the weather, the monotony of work, and other unimportant things.

Dear Ryan, Our conversation topics are obviously evolving.  I think it's quite hysterical that we talk about baby stuff while watching American Ninja Warrior.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan for Dear Monday

Dear Monday, Not only did I come to work late today, but I left early.  It was glorious.  I do, however, wish that I hadn't passed our department head on my way in and out.  Either that or I should have shouted a disclaimer, "I swear I have approved leave!"

Dear New Samsung Washer and Dryer, Uhm hello!  I love you already.  You are sleek and fabulous, and make the cutest little chiming noise when you finish washing and drying our clothes.  The best part is that this noise is very intriguing to the Brocky Boy and he tilts his head at the sound of it.

Dear Brock, Speaking of you.  Stop tormenting Sonny.  The last two mornings you have caused her to hide underneath the bed and refuse to come out.  This is a game I am growing very tired of.

Dear Webb Family, I ordered some of Liam's six-month (what the what?!) photos from snapfish.  They arrived today and I quickly ripped open the envelope to see my new treasures.  I did not, repeat, did not foresee the tears/waterworks that came from holding those precious photos in my hand.

 

Dear Keilani Ricketts, I think all of us (watching the Women's Softball College World Series) would appreciate it if you stopped chomping your gum like a grazing cow.  Mmkay?  You are a total rock star, but you should mind yo manners on national television.

Dear Hubby, The other night when choosing a movie, you chose Tangled because you knew I would enjoy it.  You singing along was just icing on the cake.  Thank you for being adorable, and for being you.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Filling in some blanks with Lauren

[1] The best surprise ever would be Ryan planning an elaborate trip for us.  It wouldn't even have to be elaborate - even just a day trip would be fabulous.  This would never happen.

[2] Walking down the aisle to Ryan at our wedding is my most favorite memory.  So far.

[3] The hardest but most worthwhile thing I have ever done was moving 2,500 miles away from home/Washington to go to college at Southern Illinois and not knowing a soul.

[4] The best part of my day is right when I get home from work and I get to decide what's on the TV for a few short moments.

[5] Something I like that most people don't is Pauly Shore movies.

[6] Something I am willing to fight for is my marriage and my family.

[7] Something you might not know about me is I have never seen Star Wars.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Monday, Monday.  Time to write some letters for the week with Megan!

Dear Monday, All in all - you weren't so bad.  Although, maybe tomorrow I will sleep until the alarm goes off... And not be awake for the 45 minutes before.  That would be peachy.

Dear Friends Episode - "The One Where Phoebe Runs," You are by far one of my all-time favorite episodes.

Dear 7:30 PST, I cannot wait for you to be here.  That will officially bring the end to my semester.  I bet that our neighbors will hear my excessive chanting of hallelujahs.

Dear Baby Alexander, Thank you for letting me hold and snuggle your tiny sleeping body on Saturday night.  I needed that.

Dear Chimpanzee, I really want to watch you... And am probably going to need to bring a package of Kleenex.  I can't get through the trailer/preview without getting weepy.

Dear Hubby, Why, oh why must you have a game tonight at 9:30?  Don't these people know we get up early?!!!  Don't worry - I'll be home waiting for you... And keeping the bed warm.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday's are my favorite day of the week.  Linking up with Sar for Thursday Thoughts!

[1] I looked forward to the end of today all week.  It was a long one.

[2] I have a laundry list of cleaning that needs to happen tomorrow.  It is taunting me with big, scary, monster eyes.

[3] I stopped at the store today after work for three things.  A 6-pack of Bud Light, a box of baseball cards, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo DVD.  Can you guess which items were for which residents of this household?  I bet you can.

[4] I was in a meeting today where the room smelt of old, dirty feet.  It was completely disgusting.

[5] I get to take a break from excessive cleaning tomorrow afternoon and hang with two of my favorite kiddos, Riley and Kennedy.  I am trying to come up with a fun craft or project we can all do together, but not coming up with much.  Is it wrong to enlist them in cleaning my house?

[6] Yesterday was apparently "I'm going to eat oodles off cookies" day.  I had four Girl Scout Thin Mints, two Albertson's chocolate chip and M&M, and one small scrumptious vanilla something-er-other.

Take Luck,

LP

Warren Pierce

Apparently I have an alias: Warren Pierce.

I was returning a call from the doctor's office this morning and when the receptionist asked my name, I said it.  

Lauren Peters.

I expected her to say, "Hold on," or "One moment please," but something different happened entirely.  Either I had a momentary identity crisis and said Warren Pierce, or she heard Warren Pierce because her response was, "Warren Pierce?"

Uh. No?

I cleared my throat and clearly stated "Lor-ren Pee-terrs."

Thankfully, she got it right that time.  How embarrassing.

This isn't the first time I've (apparently) mumbled my name, either.  Every once in awhile (usually if I'm in a hurry and on the phone) I do not enunciate properly and it comes out sounding less than clear - and more like Warren than Lauren.

There was this one time when I said my name face-to-face with a customer service man at a Southern Illinois Mediacom.  Apparently that day I not only sounded like a Warren... But I looked like one too.  The dude was looking at me and still thought I said Warren.

And now, I can't even say Peters correctly?  I don't know what's wrong with me.  It's not like either of these names is phonetically challenging.  Right?  Right.

After this happens and I wonder why, I cannot help but go back to two stories from my childhood as a possible reason for the mumbling mess.

The first is when my parents (or any adult) would ask me my name and our conversation would go something like this:

Adult: What's your name?

Me: Woowen

Adult: Woowen?

Me: Nooo, not Woowen. Wooowen!

The second is that my favorite movie was An American Tale.  The villain in the movie is Warren T. Rat.  My favorite Uncle Dave started calling me Warren T. Rat for reasons that are unknown to me*.

*I've been told I was a tad precocious and slightly obnoxious but I like to think Warren T. Rat was a term of endearment.  But probably not.

Source

So considering all this information... Maybe I'm destined to be stuck with a Warren Pierce alias?

Geesh, I hope not.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

I've been home sick this whole week, so it came as quite a shock when I realized today is Thursday.  Here are some Thursday Thoughts, hosted by my real life friend, Sar.

[1] Apparently my wish on Monday to have a spring break from work, came true.  I guess I should have been a bit more specific and included a disclosure that said it wouldn't be due to sickness or illness.  Today, my voice has finally returned but my cough is worse than ever.

[2] I tried to go to work yesterday.  As in, I went in.  But they sent my patooty home real quick.  I did not complain, and didn't need to be told twice.

[3] I lounged on the couch yesterday (after being sent home) and watched My Week With Marilyn.  I loved it and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a movie to watch.

[4] Ryan came home from the gas station today with a Caramello in hand.  I hadn't had one since college, and it was incredibly delicious.

[5] I love Pauly Shore.  Not so much BioDome, but I could definitely watch Encino Man, Son In Law, and In the Army Now anytime.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

It is appropriate that today is Thursday.  And since I have some thoughts to share - I only seems more appropriate to link up with Sar for Thursday Thoughts!

[1] I need to mentally prepare myself for the next seven months.  Baseball season is officially here.  How do I know that?  Because not only is audio coverage of Cardinal Spring Training blasting from Ryan's laptop, but MLB Baseball is constantly on TV.  Muted.  Don't want to miss any action, now!  Lord, help me.

[2] We recently watched True Grit (Cohen brothers) for the third or fourth time and it is easily becoming one of my favorites.  It wasn't until this latest time that we realized the cast does not speak using any contractions in their grammar during the entire film.  During the film, Mattie Ross falls down a hole where there are rattle snakes (and yes,when I first typed this - I wrote snacks).  When the Marshal calls down asking if she can climb out, she replies, "I cannot!  There are snakes!"  

So now, if Ryan asks me to do something, I put on my wise-ass hat and say, "I cannot!  There are snakes!"  Thanks for the ammo, Cohen brothers.

[3] I work in a male-dominated environment, and its something I've gotten used to over the last three years.  However, I have never been more grateful than I was today to work with some seriously ball-busting-hard-ass-no-nonsense-women. 

[4] My sweet niece, Kennedy will be four years old tomorrow.  Four going on 27.  Some days I wish she was still unable to say Lauren correctly.  I liked when she could only say Nonen.

This past weekend she found a video of Brock on my phone.  It was a video of him crying/whining for no reason.  Our conversation went like this:

Kennedy: Why is Rocky crying?

Me: Because is a big, silly baby.

Kennedy: You need to love him.

She said it so straight-faced and matter-of-factly, I didn't have the heart to say anything more.

[5] I hate how I feel so very motivated to work out/exercise while I'm at work - but when I get home... All motivation has gone out the door.  What up with that?

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Hooray for Friday!

Time to fill in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] If money wasn't an issue, the first thing I would cross off my list is redoing our kitchen, bathrooms, and roof.  Oh, the joy of being a homeowner.

[2] Picking apart my Subway sandwiches and eating everything individually is something I like that other people think is weird.

[3] If my life were a movie right now, the title would be "The Busy Lady Diaries."

[4] Three things I am looking forward to this month are Valentine's Day, an extra day off of work (President's Day), and getting closer to the end of this semester.

[5] My favorite song to sing in the shower is "Forever" by the Beach Boys.

[6] If I found out that the production of Sobe Fuji Apple Pear Lifewater was ending this month, I would go out and buy as much as I could tomorrow.

[7] One thing I'll never grow tired of is enjoying the little things with Ryan.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!!

Take Luck,

LP

Oh, to be Three

I got to spend some time with my favorite three-year old yesterday, my niece, Kennedy.

Not only is she the cutest bug in the world, but she is hysterical.

She came in our house and plopped down on the couch and asked me, "Do you have a baby?"

Our conversation went something like this:

Kennedy: Do you have a baby?

Me: Uh, what? (Thinking to myself, she's never asked me anything like this before...)

Kennedy: Do you have a baby?

Me: Have you ever seen Uncle Ryan and me with a baby?

Kennedy: No.  Do you have one?

Me: No, babe.  We don't have a baby.

Kennedy: Is your baby sleeeeping?

Good grief.

When driving to pick up her favorite person, Uncle Ryan from work - she knew all the songs on  KISS 106.1.

She also told me, "Burt gets mad at me."

I asked why Burt gets mad at her.

Kenny said, "'Cuz he's got a crack in his butt."

And she immediately followed-up with, "I can run really fast."

And then, "I can jump really high."

I was laughing really hard, trying to stay focused on the road, and she was in her seat - totally straight faced.

We came home and watched 'Spicable Me (Despicable Me) and The Little Mermaid.

She thought Ariel was so beautiful, and that Ursula the Sea Witch had big boobies.

Oh, to be three-years old again.

I love her.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

Linking up with my real life friend, Sar for Thursday Thoughts.

[1] I have been feeling funky with a headache, sore throat, and aching ears since last Thursday.  I would have thought by now that it would all go away on its own with Tylenol, rest, and being drowned by orange juice and tea.  But no.  I'm now debating on whether or not to go to the Urgent Care clinic or not.  Stay, or go?  Stay, or go?  I just don't know.

[2] While watching TV last night, Ryan and I happened to see a commercial for a financial company that advertised unsecured lending amount of $5,000.  Of course it declared hassle-free help and other things to lure customers.  I happened to look at the fine print, which read 116.78% APR.  We aren't in any need of an unsecured loan, mind you.  But good grief!  We were both speechless.

[3] I am really hoping that the weather man doesn't let me down this weekend and next week.  They are calling for snow in the lowlands and at sea level.  This lady is keeping her fingers and toes crossed, and making her husband cross his too.

[4] Last night I watched the movie As Good as it Gets.  I couldn't stop staring at Jack Nicholson's eyebrows. 

[5] I'm itching for a craft-tastic project.

[6] This week I've been taking my dearest into work at 5 am.  That's early.  I don't get to my desk and start working until 5:30.  I'm finding that my brain doesn't function so great at that hour and it takes me longer to get things done.  I'm really happy that tomorrow is Friday.

[7] Did I mention that I'm really happy tomorrow is Friday?

Take Luck,

LP

Homeward Bound

You may (or may not) recall that I watched some emotion-charged movies that made me weepy.  The difference between that and this experience I am about to share, is that then - I knew what I was getting myself into.

Yesterday, an oldie but goodie Netflix came in the mail.

Source

Yep, Homeward Bound.

I watched this movie countless times when I was younger.  Who doesn't love talking animals?  I asked Ryan if he was interested in watching it with me - and shockingly enough, he wasn't.  I went in the bedroom to curl up with my puppies and relive some childhood memories.

I soon realized that Chance (voiced by Michael J. Fox) is a boxer.  I guess I had never really paid much attention to the breed of dog he was before, and now that we own a boxer - I was surprised and even more excited to watch the movie!

Source

It didn't take long for me to be laughing out loud at the behavior/personality of Chance, but especially the voice-over and the things that Chance/Michael J. Fox was saying.  I was laughing because I could totally see Brock acting, speaking (if he could speak, ha!) or thinking like Chance.

Well.  The laughing out loud quickly turned into a huge lump in my throat, and every time Chance would do/say something that reminded me of Brock - my chin would quiver, the lump would rise, and tears would well up in my eyes.

At the rate I was going - I knew that I needed to totally fast forward through the (almost) end when Shadow falls into the muddy hole.

I made it to the end.  When all are reunited.

Commence ugly crying, lip and chin quivering, and both Brock and Sonny looking at me like I was a blubbering lunatic.

Wait...?

At that point I was really happy that I was watching this sans Hubby - because I would have never lived this moment down.

After I regained some composure, I came out into the living room all sniffle-y with tear soaked cheeks, said, "I'm never watching this movie again," and made a mental note to add Homeward Bound to my list of tear jerkers.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Since I didn't work a single day this week, I had to be reminded by my Hubby that today is Friday.

Time to fill in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] The best way to spread Christmas cheer is "... by singing loud for all to hear!"  Duh.  Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color??  I could go on and on. 

[2] The thing I love most about Christmas is Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and giving gifts.

 [3] The holiday season is time for love, family, sharing, celebrating, and thinking of others. 

[4] My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is Grammy's salad and puppy chow. 

[5] I will be spending Christmas with my Hubby and family.  Christmas Eve will be at my aunt and uncle's, then Ryan, Brock, Sonny and I will be having a slumber party at my parents' so we are ready for stockings and gifts on Christmas morning! 

[6] Tis better to (give or receive?) Give.  I love trying to find special gifts for our family (sometimes too much), and I usually have a hard time keeping my secrets... Secrets. 

[7] I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.  Not likely. 

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas, or whatever holiday you may celebrate.  

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Monday, already?  It's time for a Dear Monday with Megan!

Dear Monday, It's amazing how fast you flew by today.  I like it.

Dear Christmas Tree, Your smell is filling the house.  I love it.

Dear Harry Potter Marathon on ABC Family, It doesn't matter how many times I've seen you.  I just can't take my eyes away.  And I'm still captivated.

Dear Weeds Season 7, Hubby and I watched you in your entirety this weekend.  It was lovely to be able to lounge on the couch and watch you without feeling the need to do something else.

Dear Kohls, After Christmas I am going to raid your clearanced-Holiday-decor.  Be ready for me.

Dear Friends Who Let me Oogle Their Babies, Thank you.  You are feeding a baby-feverish lady.

Dear Work, I lost count of the number of times my eyes glazed over at the thought of you today.  You irritate me.  A lot.

Dear Work Trip, You will be my seventh of the year, and the last of 2011.  Hallelujah.  At least you are allowing me to see a friend... And experience 80+ degree weather.

Dear Hubby, This weekend was filled with laziness and lounging.  It was magical.

Wishing everyone a fantastic week!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Time for another Dear Monday link-up with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, It was incredibly easier rolling (literally) out of bed this morning knowing that you were the first of only three working days this week.  Hallelujah.

Dear Sonny, We (along with our checking account) thank you sincerely for the fact that your body decided to shape up and fix the issues that were going inside.  We missed your spunk last week.

Dear Fall Semester, Please let the remaining 5 or so weeks fly by.  My brain and I would really appreciate it.

Dear Bon Iver, I kept seeing rave reviews about you over at Today's Letters, but until today had not experienced you for myself.  I like you. 

Dear Away We Go, I watched you on Saturday night.  I laughed and I cried while thoroughly enjoying your soundtrack.

Dear Hubby, Thank you for watching Elf with me yesterday.  There is nothing like couch-snuggles and belly laughs when watching a Christmas movie… In November.  You are simply wonderful.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Slumber Party

Friday night, we had a slumber party with our newly-11-year-old niece, Jaiden.

Along with chicken quesadillas for dinner, Puss in Boots was also on the agenda.

I don't know that I've ever seen a kid this excited to see a movie.  She insisted that we get to the theater early so we could get a bag of popcorn and a good seat.

When we left the movie, she told me over and over again that, "That was the best movie I have seen in my entire life!!"

We came home and started making (and baking) Monkey Bread to have on Saturday morning for breakfast.

While the treat was baking, Jaiden asked to call her Mom (my sister) to say goodnight.

One of the first things that Jaiden told Katie was that we were baking Monkey Bread and that, "It smells so good - I bet you can smell it through the phone.  Can't you Mom?"  And it was quickly followed up with, "Don't worry, Mom.  No monkeys were harmed in the making of this Monkey Bread."

Where does she come up with this stuff?

She also made a new, forever BFF with Sonny.  My parents' little wieny, Teddy isn't the biggest fan of Jaiden, so I know it made her super happy that Sonny wanted to lay and cuddle with her.

It was soon time for bed and we got JB all set up in the guest bedroom.  She made sure that she would have a lamp on, and that we would keep her door and our door open during the night - just in case!

As soon as she laid down - she found herself a snoozing-buddy in Brock.  She thought it was the coolest thing that the big guy wanted to lay with her.

The morning came and she finally got to sink her teeth into the Monkey Bread that she was just dying to eat.

Before we knew it - it was time to get Miss J to her soccer game.

It was chilly, but beautiful outside and the Tigers crushed.

We had a great time having Jaiden over, and hope we get to do it again soon!!

We love you, JB!

Take Luck,

LP