Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Things and Stuff

Josh and I haven't been taking enough pictures of individual events for me to have enough blog material for a single subject posting, so today I'm going to cover several random things going on in our lives. That is why the title of my blog is "Things and Stuff". Very profound and grammatically correct ;)

1- Return of the Bicep: The newest addition to my exercise DVD library is Tae Bo Amped. The workout is like an advanced tae bo workout, but the workout is done with a weighted bar. I've only been doing this workout series for about 2 weeks, and already Josh is noticing my biceps popping out. Josh has begged me not to make my biceps huge again, as they were some years before he met me. But, this is just what happens with a weighted bar. Sorry, Josh.

I have really been enjoying the series of 6 DVDs that kick my butt. They've been a great stress relief for me. Josh and I are happy to be back to a regular workout schedule, compared to our two month worth of spotty workouts here and there during the move. I did an 8 mile run last night, so I'm hoping to be back at 11 mile runs before too long.

2- Ty's 2nd birthday- Our black lab, Ty, just turned two years old on Sunday. All of the dogs, and the cat were glad to down the strawberry cupcakes I made in celebration of Ty's special day. We took the dogs to the dog park, and to Petsmart for some dental chews and new bones. Very happy doggies!






We got some great video of Ben getting a cupcake stuck to the roof of his mouth. Josh will post that video on our website soon.


3- New attempt at bonding with my husband: This weekend, I decided to bond with my husband by learning how to play one of his favorite sports: Tiger Woods PGA Tour on the PS2. We stayed up late one night playing nerd golf....something I thought I'd never do. Here we are being nerds:


Below is a typical "Josh Face".

And this would be the metro-sexual looking goofy guy that Josh designed himself. I made the mistake of saying that this guy looked metro-sexual before I knew that Josh created him. Again, sorry Josh.

Well, that's all that is new with us for now. Actually, it isn't but the pics are taking too long to post on here so I'm stopping the post.
Time to go do Tae Bo ;)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Weekend Fun

Josh and I decided to make up for lost weekends all in one weekend. Saturday, we loaded up and made the drive to Venice beach. Along the way, we just had to stop at an aquarium to see Snooty, the manatee celebrating his 60th birthday. After saying happy birthday to Snooty, and getting my picture taken with a strange guy and a bird, we headed on to Venice Beach.Upon arrival, the weather was absolutely beautiful, without a single rain cloud in the sky. We quickly donned our snorkel gear and set out for some shark tooth hunting. During my snorkel, I came across what I swear was a baby black tip shark. Josh still doesn't believe me, but I've never seen a normal fish look like that. I followed it for a bit to get a closer look, then decided I'd rather not be anywhere near anything that might be a shark, so I headed back inland.

I hit the shark tooth jackpot at a narrow strip of shoreline, but had to fight off nibbling fish to get the teeth. When our backs were sufficiently red, Josh and I met on shore to compare our finds. I found the biggest tooth of the day!
Then our camera battery died, so I didn't get any pics of Josh. So, we headed home.

Sunday, we headed to the dog beach, and picked up our neighbor Shannon, and her two dogs, George and Gunner along the way. Ben, Ty and Joe were very happy to see that their dog friends were joining them on a trip to the beach.

Shannon was kind enough to bring along her Sunpass for the toll booths. Here is Josh, finally going through the Sunpass lane!
Fun Florida Fact: You get fined $1,000 if you go through a toll without paying.
After some good time in the sun and water, we headed back home. Shannon was stuck in the back with 5 very wet, salty, and exhausted dogs. George got the energy up to strike a cute pose for the camera.

We dropped Shannon off at her house, and then wound down for a relaxing end to our weekend. And then Monday came!!! Ahhhh!!!!







Monday, July 7, 2008

Fence Goes Up

Since buying a house, I've become quite impressed with my husband's constructive abilities. He successfully completed a rather complex ceiling fan installation, built a small fence, installed a dog door, and built the Taj Mahal of Guinea Pig cages, all in a 2-3 week period. On top of all this, he has gone to work, battled his way through 2 college classes, and much more. I think I married Super Man.

Our 4th of July weekend began with wonderful date night on Friday. When Saturday rolled around it was time for another project: Installing the 3rd section of privacy fence surrounding our backyard. Josh began the day by taking measurements, and then we headed to Lowe's.
Concrete in hand, Josh began the daunting task.

Holes were dug, and posts were put in place, fixed with quick set concrete, since it's rainy season here.
Here is Josh applying some finishing touches after a long day of work. Look at what a nice gate he made :)
Then it was time to stain and seal the wood. I felt more confident with a paintbrush in hand that I did with assisting Josh in the fence construction, so I was happy to begin a project so simple. Paintbrush in hand, I went to work.

During the course of applying the stain, I started to feel a little happy. Nice stain fumes.

Obviously, I had way too much fun with a simple task. This would be what happens when I want Josh to put the camera down.
The fun didn't stop upon completion of our project. Next came a rewarding dip in the pool, and then Josh grilled some meat for dinner. He was very happy to have some red meat, since that isn't something that's usually in his diet.


I attempted to make up for his red meat mortal sin by cooking a spaghetti squash so that he would have something healthy to eat for dinner the next day.
Our day ended with a nice dinner together. Josh made it a candle light, TV tray dinner. Very romantic, and very odd. I guess that's what attracted us to each other in the first place.


Anyway, we are both very happy that the fence installation project is over.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Captain Jack Sparrow

It has been quite a while since I updated my blog, because Josh and I have been really busy with life in general. Now that I find myself at the start of a 3 day weekend, I figured I better sit down and post something new.

In the last week, we have installed a dog door. The dogs are very happy about that, and so is a little kitten named Captain Jack Sparrow, an indoor cat with garage/outdoor potential.

We are providing shelter to this little kitten, until I rule out how my allergies do with him. If I get into too much trouble, he will have to stay on the other side of the dog door, or find a new home. In the meantime, I'm having a lot of fun playing with him. Below is a pic of the day he came into our house.
Since being separated from his litter, he adopted our dogs as his new litter. I think he really must think he's a puppy. He plays with the dogs, and will curl up to them when it's time for a cat nap.
He must have been a very hungry kitten from the start, because whenever I'm cooking, he picks up the scent a mile away, and rushes to join me in the kitchen. He eats everything, from bread to cheese. Oh, and cookies. I baked a big batch of cookies for the neighbors, which attracted the poor, starving kitten into the kitchen. Jack wouldn't stop meowing until he has been given his fair share.
After he has pillaged our kitchen, he licks his lips and his expression reads "Pirate". Instead of coming to commandeer a ship, he has come to commandeer our kitchen.

That's Jack Sparrow...I mean Captain Jack Sparrow.