I Google pretty much daily. Even on my days off. It's more than my go-to search engine; it's a confidante, GPS and mentor, all in one. And I've noticed, especially lately, how creative Google has been with its Google Doodle--you know, the catchy little "Google" spelled out via doodle above the search engine box.
Yesterday's doodle (in honor of Les Paul) caught my eye and I breifly thought about sharing it via blog, but didn't want to go into blog overload.
Imagine my surprise when I realized that the Le Paul doodle didn't change today, as it normally does. Of course I had to find out why. So what'd I do? Well, I googled google doodle, of course. :)
Enjoy the article.
And thanks, PC Magazing online.
P.S. As this particular Google Doodle is interactive, you'll need to go to Google.com to enjoy it for yourself.
Friday, June 10
Blog Neglect Pt. 2 (aka Shout out to the Fans)
Wow! I had no idea you all were so eager to have me catch my blog up.
A quick check of my stats tells me I had 30+ visits yesterday.
I knew my writing was amazing, but I never expected it to take me worldwide.
I'm sooo feeling like Kanye today.
[bounces head to beat while mimicking stank face]
A quick check of my stats tells me I had 30+ visits yesterday.
I knew my writing was amazing, but I never expected it to take me worldwide.
I'm sooo feeling like Kanye today.
[bounces head to beat while mimicking stank face]
Thursday, June 9
My Cup Runneth Over (aka Memphis in May BBQ Fest)
For anyone who has not experienced the beautifully glutinous world of the MIM World Championship Barbecue Contest, you have GOT to check out this annual event.
I was initially saddened that this, my rookie year, happened to coincide with a flooded Mississippi River. And though the location of the event was changed, the vibe clearly was not. In fact, every single commentary I’ve read since the fest has been in favor of a permanent stay at Tiger Lane. Evidently the loss of the riverfront also equates to a loss of the mud, an abundance of cheap parking and a more efficient system/location for the cooking teams. Okay, yes, you lose your view, but geez—it’s the Mississippi River—not that great a view to begin with.
I could go on and on about the fest—particularly how elaborate the themes are, but I’ll stick to the team that hosted us. Sow Luau had a tropical paradise theme going on in its oversized lot. Think: Margaritaville, complete with the twinkling lights, walk up bar and...wait for it...dance floor. We fully embraced the “eat, drink, be merry” mentality and completely enjoyed ourselves. Even the weather was agreeable, which is a hard thing to come by in May.
A big thanks to Rick and the rest of the Sow Luau Team for the hospitality.
I’ve got photos...somewhere...around...here.
Egh, maybe I’ll find and post ‘em soon.
Next year you can find me at the same fest in the same lot but sans the kiddo.
She said once was good for her. :)
I was initially saddened that this, my rookie year, happened to coincide with a flooded Mississippi River. And though the location of the event was changed, the vibe clearly was not. In fact, every single commentary I’ve read since the fest has been in favor of a permanent stay at Tiger Lane. Evidently the loss of the riverfront also equates to a loss of the mud, an abundance of cheap parking and a more efficient system/location for the cooking teams. Okay, yes, you lose your view, but geez—it’s the Mississippi River—not that great a view to begin with.
I could go on and on about the fest—particularly how elaborate the themes are, but I’ll stick to the team that hosted us. Sow Luau had a tropical paradise theme going on in its oversized lot. Think: Margaritaville, complete with the twinkling lights, walk up bar and...wait for it...dance floor. We fully embraced the “eat, drink, be merry” mentality and completely enjoyed ourselves. Even the weather was agreeable, which is a hard thing to come by in May.
A big thanks to Rick and the rest of the Sow Luau Team for the hospitality.
I’ve got photos...somewhere...around...here.
Egh, maybe I’ll find and post ‘em soon.
Next year you can find me at the same fest in the same lot but sans the kiddo.
She said once was good for her. :)
 |
| Just stole this from kiddo's FB page! :) |
Thursday's Note to Self
When carrying monstrously large Coach bag, do not throw more than one set of keys in the bottom at a time. And most certainly do not throw three sets of keys in the bottom. The likelihood of your retrieving necessary keys in a timely manner, sanity in check, is slim to nonexistent.
Thank you,
Your self.
Thank you,
Your self.
Favorites (Action Item 4 Semi-Completed)
Favorite t-shirt:
Give my piece a chance
[submitted by 2ME]
Favorite bumper sticker
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
[as posted on EmT's car--gotta love a hippie teacher]
Give my piece a chance
[submitted by 2ME]
Favorite bumper sticker
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
[as posted on EmT's car--gotta love a hippie teacher]
Wednesday, June 8
As Promised... (Action Item 1 Completed)
The hunt for our new home is moving...slooooowly.
As I said several weeks ago, we put a bid on a house Kiddo and I both love. And, well, since then, we've been waiting. And waiting.
I knew a short sale would work this way, so I had already put the I-want-things-my-way-when-I-want-them in check before we began the process, and that's really paid off in the form of patience. It also helps that I really want this house.
On the flip side of things, I have another constant voice in the back of my head reminding me that *if* I don't get the "dream" home, and I've waited too long for an answer, I might also lose the 2nd home on my list. I've got people throwing the whole "If it doesn't work out it isn't meant to be" cliche at me, but I'm a firm believer in making things happen (as opposed to thinking there is some greater force in the universe dictating what is/isn't meant to be), so I know it's simply a matter of timing. And of pricing. Since we put the offer on dream home, the asking price on the 2nd home has been lowered, which worries me a little more.
Just when I start wavering in my decision and think about withdrawing my offer, I remember all the things I love about the "dream" home and I am reminded to stand firm.
I'm just going to continue that...just plant my heels and wait for an answer from the banker (I feel like I should be standing beside Howie Mandel) and see what may come.
If I lose the 2nd home, there will be another...and another...and another.
Just have to exhale and remain calm. :)
[Keep your fingers crossed]
(++)
As I said several weeks ago, we put a bid on a house Kiddo and I both love. And, well, since then, we've been waiting. And waiting.
I knew a short sale would work this way, so I had already put the I-want-things-my-way-when-I-want-them in check before we began the process, and that's really paid off in the form of patience. It also helps that I really want this house.
On the flip side of things, I have another constant voice in the back of my head reminding me that *if* I don't get the "dream" home, and I've waited too long for an answer, I might also lose the 2nd home on my list. I've got people throwing the whole "If it doesn't work out it isn't meant to be" cliche at me, but I'm a firm believer in making things happen (as opposed to thinking there is some greater force in the universe dictating what is/isn't meant to be), so I know it's simply a matter of timing. And of pricing. Since we put the offer on dream home, the asking price on the 2nd home has been lowered, which worries me a little more.
Just when I start wavering in my decision and think about withdrawing my offer, I remember all the things I love about the "dream" home and I am reminded to stand firm.
I'm just going to continue that...just plant my heels and wait for an answer from the banker (I feel like I should be standing beside Howie Mandel) and see what may come.
If I lose the 2nd home, there will be another...and another...and another.
Just have to exhale and remain calm. :)
[Keep your fingers crossed]
(++)
As promised... (Action Item 2 Completed)
Chicago...
Ahhh, where to begin?
It’d take far too long to go over all the details of our trip, so I’m going to cap myself at ten minutes and see how far that gets us. And, since a picture’s worth a thousand words, I’ll supplement via pics.
The trip:
I was a little apprehensive regarding the Amtrak by the time we made it to the station thanks to a multitude of horror stories from my co-workers about the passengers, the delays, the ride, the stench (yes, I said stench), the air conditioning (or lack thereof) etc. Initially, my fear felt founded as I stared at my fellow-passengers, but all went well and the train was a much more comfortable ride than I’ve ever had by plane. It was not ideal for sleeping though (as I was hoping). We arrived on time to and from Chicago and didn’t experience a single problem (nor stench).
The hotel:
One word: Amazing! It’s located right in the heart of the loop of downtown Chicago, which meant we were able to take the El everywhere. The service was impeccable (they even let us check in five hours early), amenities were bountiful and the entire hotel was beautiful—not to mention full of history.
And, since it’s taking forever to compose this amidst the interruptions, I’ll finish out via photos
The sights:
The Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, 103 stories high above Chicago
These plexiglass ledges made my stomach go crazy, and I'm not even remotely scared of heights.
Well, that about sums it up. Obviously there are a million other pics (all on Kiera's FB if you're interested), but these are the highlights.
The trip was a blast and we had loads of fun (thanks to all who have inquired).
(++)
B.
Ahhh, where to begin?
It’d take far too long to go over all the details of our trip, so I’m going to cap myself at ten minutes and see how far that gets us. And, since a picture’s worth a thousand words, I’ll supplement via pics.
The trip:
I was a little apprehensive regarding the Amtrak by the time we made it to the station thanks to a multitude of horror stories from my co-workers about the passengers, the delays, the ride, the stench (yes, I said stench), the air conditioning (or lack thereof) etc. Initially, my fear felt founded as I stared at my fellow-passengers, but all went well and the train was a much more comfortable ride than I’ve ever had by plane. It was not ideal for sleeping though (as I was hoping). We arrived on time to and from Chicago and didn’t experience a single problem (nor stench).
The hotel:
One word: Amazing! It’s located right in the heart of the loop of downtown Chicago, which meant we were able to take the El everywhere. The service was impeccable (they even let us check in five hours early), amenities were bountiful and the entire hotel was beautiful—not to mention full of history.
And, since it’s taking forever to compose this amidst the interruptions, I’ll finish out via photos
The sights:
The Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, 103 stories high above Chicago
These plexiglass ledges made my stomach go crazy, and I'm not even remotely scared of heights.
Picnic Lunch at Millennium Park with DJ Ron Trent
This was one of the best pieces of art I've seen (and is housed in Millennium Park)
Aragon Ballroom & The Script in concert
We were right beside the stage.
Check out my YouTube or FB for some awesome videos before YouTube flags and removes 'em.
Sailing on Lake Michigan
Kiera even helped lift a sail!
Funhouse Maze on Navy Pier
(With the most wicked optical illusion I've EVER experienced)
Rainforest Cafe
Cheesy, but it was kiddo's picked and she totally bought into/loved it!
Shopping at Magnificent Mile
This was the (ten story tall) Macy's where we indulged in a little summer dress shopping
7-11
(Yes, I know, but don't underestimate the value of a 7-11 (and Slurpee) to two girls who lost access upon their move back from California. It was right across from the hotel and we were there constantly!)
Well, that about sums it up. Obviously there are a million other pics (all on Kiera's FB if you're interested), but these are the highlights.
The trip was a blast and we had loads of fun (thanks to all who have inquired).
(++)
B.
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