between the rain and all that snow melting there was nowhere for all that water to go but into our house. Yep, you guessed the apartment has flooded, yet again. Ugh. This totally sucks. Not only did we wake up to water covering the floor of our apartment but DH has such a busy schedule today that he couldn't hang out and help with the clean up. He said he'd come back over lunch and help but I told him that was pretty stupid and pointless. Besides, he's supposed to give 2 presentations this afternoon and I know he was counting on a bit of time this morning/lunchtime to finish up a few details.
So, I've been mopping up the place for the last 3 and a half hours. The front hall and living room are now dry. We have sandbags in place to contain the flow of water in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it must still be pouring in because I've been diligently bailing out water from the kitchen and the level hasn't seemed to change too much. There's still a pond of about a half inch deep in on kitchen. At least it's contained that's all I can say.
Well, I need to go back to mopping and check on how my lunch is coming along.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
the old man
Here are just a few pictures of my darling husband (I have to say that he's a darling since today is his birthday). I gave DH the best gift ever and what made it so great was HOW I gave it to him. No, you pervert, I don't mean that! I actually did buy him a gift. Here are the photos to prove it.
Doesn't he look excited to have such a BIG gift? Well, he was but he was exhausted. Unfortunately, he got a TON of work thrown on him at work this weekend rather unexpectedly. He had to go into work for a shift on the pixel detectors (no I don't really know what that means either) so he spent most of his birthday - from about 9:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. at work. blah. What was in that box you might be asking yourself.....
...why, another smaller, wrapped box of course! Oh he was lovin' me. Naturally, that box was not only wrapped but duct taped as well. Look at that flash of mild annoyance on his face. I love it!!!
hee hee, hee. Am I evil or what?
Inside this box was...
...a sweater that he already owned, some firewood, and two wrapped presents.
the first wrapped gift? " Yay, firewood. Just what I always wanted!"
One last package. Check out that dubious look on his face. He always guesses what his gifts are before he even unwraps them, so this year I made sure he had NO idea what he was getting.
And, yes I did get him a real gift. One that he will enjoy. It's...
...an ipod shuffle!
yum tastes like apple.
Look at the very top. I even had it engraved with "C'est fromage" the hubbies favorite (and made up) French saying. Literally it means 'It is cheese'. There's a story behind it, but I'm not going to go into that right now.
So, in conclusion: Bon anniversaire, mon miel! Happy Birthday, my honey! (although I don't think that French people actually use miel -honey- as a term of endearment. They prefer such sweet nothings as mon petit chouchou - my little cabbage. Go figure)
Doesn't he look excited to have such a BIG gift? Well, he was but he was exhausted. Unfortunately, he got a TON of work thrown on him at work this weekend rather unexpectedly. He had to go into work for a shift on the pixel detectors (no I don't really know what that means either) so he spent most of his birthday - from about 9:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. at work. blah. What was in that box you might be asking yourself.....
...why, another smaller, wrapped box of course! Oh he was lovin' me. Naturally, that box was not only wrapped but duct taped as well. Look at that flash of mild annoyance on his face. I love it!!!
hee hee, hee. Am I evil or what?
Inside this box was...
...a sweater that he already owned, some firewood, and two wrapped presents.
the first wrapped gift? " Yay, firewood. Just what I always wanted!"
One last package. Check out that dubious look on his face. He always guesses what his gifts are before he even unwraps them, so this year I made sure he had NO idea what he was getting.And, yes I did get him a real gift. One that he will enjoy. It's...
...an ipod shuffle!
yum tastes like apple.
Look at the very top. I even had it engraved with "C'est fromage" the hubbies favorite (and made up) French saying. Literally it means 'It is cheese'. There's a story behind it, but I'm not going to go into that right now.So, in conclusion: Bon anniversaire, mon miel! Happy Birthday, my honey! (although I don't think that French people actually use miel -honey- as a term of endearment. They prefer such sweet nothings as mon petit chouchou - my little cabbage. Go figure)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
If I were a book...
I'd obviously be...
The best part? I love Watership Down. I have loved it since I was in Junior high and stole it from my oldest sisters bookshelf to read. It's a wonderful story. I never did see the animated movie...though it's a bit violent to be made into a type of genre geared toward kids, don't you think?
OK, so let me know what book you are. Maybe we can start a book club....just kidding.
You're Watership Down!
by Richard Adams
Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.
The best part? I love Watership Down. I have loved it since I was in Junior high and stole it from my oldest sisters bookshelf to read. It's a wonderful story. I never did see the animated movie...though it's a bit violent to be made into a type of genre geared toward kids, don't you think?
OK, so let me know what book you are. Maybe we can start a book club....just kidding.
Friday, March 28, 2008
who knew that March, or I should say the end of March, is such a popular time of year to pop out babies!?!? Perhaps it's because everybody is on vacation living it up in June! hee, hee, hee. Anyone else have a birthday this month who'd like to mention it? I don't think it would be possible. Let's see...the birthdays this month have been: mother-in-laws, future brother-in-laws, stepmother-in-laws, old roommates (Happy B-day Keoki if we don't get a hold of you tomorrow), Husbands, upstairs neighbors (the witty Austrian and the hubby were born on the same day..but not the same year), on top of that my darling husband keeps mentioning various highschool friends and ex-girlfriends whose birthdays have been in the last week or so.
I managed to get a gift I'm sure the hubby will enjoy. Unfortunately, he got scheduled to work a shift on Sunday, his day of birth. So I have decided to be nice to him on Saturday instead. Yeah, I'm only REALLY nice to people on their birthdays. We're going to go to Nendaz, Switzerland to go skiing with our neighbors. And I'm letting the hubbster call all the shots. He gets to decide how early he wants to get up, I'll drive if he wants me too, we'll quit skiing whenver he likes, and we'll probably eat pizza when we get home...since that is his all time favorite. So, those are our plans for the weekend. I know, I know I thought we had finished with skiing too. sigh. The sacrifices I make for my loved ones. hee, hee, hee. Actually, I think it'll be fun to hit the slopes with our neighbors. We always have good fun when we hang out with them.
Sorry, I gotta go help with dinner. Don't know when I'll post again. Hope anyone whose birthday has been or is coming up in the next few days has a great day and sorry if I forgot to mention you and your birthday!
I managed to get a gift I'm sure the hubby will enjoy. Unfortunately, he got scheduled to work a shift on Sunday, his day of birth. So I have decided to be nice to him on Saturday instead. Yeah, I'm only REALLY nice to people on their birthdays. We're going to go to Nendaz, Switzerland to go skiing with our neighbors. And I'm letting the hubbster call all the shots. He gets to decide how early he wants to get up, I'll drive if he wants me too, we'll quit skiing whenver he likes, and we'll probably eat pizza when we get home...since that is his all time favorite. So, those are our plans for the weekend. I know, I know I thought we had finished with skiing too. sigh. The sacrifices I make for my loved ones. hee, hee, hee. Actually, I think it'll be fun to hit the slopes with our neighbors. We always have good fun when we hang out with them.
Sorry, I gotta go help with dinner. Don't know when I'll post again. Hope anyone whose birthday has been or is coming up in the next few days has a great day and sorry if I forgot to mention you and your birthday!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I'm the worst
Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. It's 1:00 and I am still sitting around the living room in my pajamas! What it going on? I just feel so lazy and unmotivated today. First I didn't want to wake up, I forced myself to get up and plunked myself down on the couch and have been there most of the day. Unfortunately, I do have some housework to get done...but that can wait.
Before I say any more I'd like to say "Bon Anniversaire, Darlene!" I hope you have a chance to relax a bit and enjoy your birthday.
Now, onto me. I can't really share the spotlight - it is MY blog, you know. Ugh, the snow it melting making me dread our daily afternoon walk. The past few days have been fun because the snow was light and fluffy, Ally was so cute running through the snow. But today it's just going to be slogging through a bunch of slush coming back soaked through. Just plain ooky (yeah, so what if I just made up a word. It totally fits). Sadly this weather shifting is wreaking havoc with my sinuses.
OK, so I've taken quite a few breaks in writing this post..it is now almost 2 p.m. and Ally is starting to whine for her afternoon trek. But first, I just want to make my comments about Dancing with the Stars (yeah, yeah you don't have to read it if you're not interested.) I really like all the stars this year. It wasn't a huge surprise that Monica Seles and Penn Jillette were the first to go. They actually had the lowest scores so for once America and the judges agreed. I did feel rather bad for them both they seemed to really enjoy being on the show and tried very hard. Poor Penn and his monstrous feet, I don't know if he ever would have succeeded in getting those boats under control. And Monica Seles looks so uncomfortable on the dance floor. Surprisingly uncoordinated and ungraceful for an athlete (at least that's my opinion). Adam Corolla actually got some decent scores -Len gave him a 7! Just imagine if he actually practiced more than 2 hours a day he might become very good! Though, I'm not holding my breath that he'll put more effort into the dancing. I don't really have any strong favorites yet. I am totally surprised by Jason Taylor. He seems very light and graceful for a football player. It would be nice to see Edyta win, or at least come close. I believe she's the only pro who has been on every single season.
Steve Guttenberg is great but I can see him getting very annoying very quickly. It's not that he's bubbly it's that everything he says is so P.C. you know? Like, "this show helps to change the world." What?!?! How!?!?! Sure, maybe it encourages people to go out and take ballroom dance lessons, which is great and a very healthy trend...but...I don't know it just sounds so dumb when he says it. I don't want to say it's contrived, because it seems like he is sincerely a sweet person...but I don't know how much of it I can take. He needs back off the overly nice quotient just a tad. Marissa could also fall into this annoyingly bubbly, nice category for many people as well. She doesn't annoy me because I think she's funny, but I could see her getting on a lot of peoples nerves. Hmmm...what else can I spout off on to avoid walking the dog....Kristi Yamaguchi is doing an amazing job. I know a lot of people say she has an edge because of the figure skating and in some ways that's probably true. But, in the end I don't really care. I mean this is a contest among people who are already famous (maybe some of them are trying to resuscitate their careers) and the prize is a mirror ball trophy and bragging rights, that's it. It's not like some of these competitions where people are competing for a recording contract or whatever. So, who cares. Yeah, she probably has an advantage since she understands how to move to music and place her arms, but I'm sure that skating around to music is much different than performing all those dance steps. And think of it this way all the contestants have an edge over Marlee Matlin she can't even hear the music!!! She blows me away. Can you imagine being Fabien? Your first season on DWTS and you have a deaf partner. They are doing an outstanding job, I'm so impressed.
OK, OK enough of that. I better go do something useful. I need to take the laundry out of the washing machine, walk the dog, and do the dishes... the fun never ends here in Sergy!
Before I say any more I'd like to say "Bon Anniversaire, Darlene!" I hope you have a chance to relax a bit and enjoy your birthday.
Now, onto me. I can't really share the spotlight - it is MY blog, you know. Ugh, the snow it melting making me dread our daily afternoon walk. The past few days have been fun because the snow was light and fluffy, Ally was so cute running through the snow. But today it's just going to be slogging through a bunch of slush coming back soaked through. Just plain ooky (yeah, so what if I just made up a word. It totally fits). Sadly this weather shifting is wreaking havoc with my sinuses.
OK, so I've taken quite a few breaks in writing this post..it is now almost 2 p.m. and Ally is starting to whine for her afternoon trek. But first, I just want to make my comments about Dancing with the Stars (yeah, yeah you don't have to read it if you're not interested.) I really like all the stars this year. It wasn't a huge surprise that Monica Seles and Penn Jillette were the first to go. They actually had the lowest scores so for once America and the judges agreed. I did feel rather bad for them both they seemed to really enjoy being on the show and tried very hard. Poor Penn and his monstrous feet, I don't know if he ever would have succeeded in getting those boats under control. And Monica Seles looks so uncomfortable on the dance floor. Surprisingly uncoordinated and ungraceful for an athlete (at least that's my opinion). Adam Corolla actually got some decent scores -Len gave him a 7! Just imagine if he actually practiced more than 2 hours a day he might become very good! Though, I'm not holding my breath that he'll put more effort into the dancing. I don't really have any strong favorites yet. I am totally surprised by Jason Taylor. He seems very light and graceful for a football player. It would be nice to see Edyta win, or at least come close. I believe she's the only pro who has been on every single season.
Steve Guttenberg is great but I can see him getting very annoying very quickly. It's not that he's bubbly it's that everything he says is so P.C. you know? Like, "this show helps to change the world." What?!?! How!?!?! Sure, maybe it encourages people to go out and take ballroom dance lessons, which is great and a very healthy trend...but...I don't know it just sounds so dumb when he says it. I don't want to say it's contrived, because it seems like he is sincerely a sweet person...but I don't know how much of it I can take. He needs back off the overly nice quotient just a tad. Marissa could also fall into this annoyingly bubbly, nice category for many people as well. She doesn't annoy me because I think she's funny, but I could see her getting on a lot of peoples nerves. Hmmm...what else can I spout off on to avoid walking the dog....Kristi Yamaguchi is doing an amazing job. I know a lot of people say she has an edge because of the figure skating and in some ways that's probably true. But, in the end I don't really care. I mean this is a contest among people who are already famous (maybe some of them are trying to resuscitate their careers) and the prize is a mirror ball trophy and bragging rights, that's it. It's not like some of these competitions where people are competing for a recording contract or whatever. So, who cares. Yeah, she probably has an advantage since she understands how to move to music and place her arms, but I'm sure that skating around to music is much different than performing all those dance steps. And think of it this way all the contestants have an edge over Marlee Matlin she can't even hear the music!!! She blows me away. Can you imagine being Fabien? Your first season on DWTS and you have a deaf partner. They are doing an outstanding job, I'm so impressed.
OK, OK enough of that. I better go do something useful. I need to take the laundry out of the washing machine, walk the dog, and do the dishes... the fun never ends here in Sergy!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Joyeuses Paques!
Happy Easter all. And a very Happy Birthday to Dr's Mom!
I don't know about you, but we are enjoying a nice quiet day around the house. Nothing too different from our usual Sundays... It's been snowing again. We have a nice light powdery snow covering the crusty layer that froze last night. Beneath that nice crust is the wet and slushy snow of late afternoon. Not quite so pleasant when you break through and get your feet all wet. Oh well, Ally enjoys it and after lunch I think I can persuade the hubby to go for a walk with us.
Hope everyone got a visit from the Easter bunny and had a festive time searching for dyed eggs. We sadly realized we didn't have any eggs to dye. Well, we did but it was either dye eggs or make cookies...we opted for the cookies! Wouldn't you? I am pleased that I though we don't have Easter baskets my mom sent us some Cadbury cream eggs (my absolute favorite, which I haven't been able to find here) and some peeps. Perfect for an Easter indulgence.
Well my tummy is a rumbling. I better go devour my lunch.
Joyeuses Paques, mes amis.
I don't know about you, but we are enjoying a nice quiet day around the house. Nothing too different from our usual Sundays... It's been snowing again. We have a nice light powdery snow covering the crusty layer that froze last night. Beneath that nice crust is the wet and slushy snow of late afternoon. Not quite so pleasant when you break through and get your feet all wet. Oh well, Ally enjoys it and after lunch I think I can persuade the hubby to go for a walk with us.
Hope everyone got a visit from the Easter bunny and had a festive time searching for dyed eggs. We sadly realized we didn't have any eggs to dye. Well, we did but it was either dye eggs or make cookies...we opted for the cookies! Wouldn't you? I am pleased that I though we don't have Easter baskets my mom sent us some Cadbury cream eggs (my absolute favorite, which I haven't been able to find here) and some peeps. Perfect for an Easter indulgence.
Well my tummy is a rumbling. I better go devour my lunch.
Joyeuses Paques, mes amis.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Snow Report
It is 4:16 p.m. and it appears to have stopped snowing! I can't tell if it is now raining or if it is just the snow falling from the trees and roofs. There are huge hunks of wet snow falling off the trees, that I am sure of. Poor hubby. Hope it lasts till tomorrow so he can enjoy it. Although, our romp in the early morning snow was probably the best it's been all day. I went out this afternoon with Ally and it is just so heavy and wet. You pick up a handful to make a snowball and your gloves are soaked through! Yuck
Alright, enough about snow. I have been working on my knitting today. I have been struggling through my first sweater and I'll post some pictures tomorrow...or even later today.
That's all from weathergirl Mel.
Alright, enough about snow. I have been working on my knitting today. I have been struggling through my first sweater and I'll post some pictures tomorrow...or even later today.
That's all from weathergirl Mel.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let is Snow...
I just have to tell you it is now 11:45 am and it is STILL snowing out. It has not stopped snowing since before 7 am this morning! The tracks from our morning romp through the snow are nearly obliterated (OK, OK that could be a small exaggeration...but there's LOT'S of snow).
I'll let you know if it ever stops snowing.
I'll let you know if it ever stops snowing.
March Madness!!!
NO, I'm not talking about college basketball, I'm talking about the fact that the first day of Spring finally arrives and we get 8 inches of snow and it's still coming down!!!
What the *bleep* is going on!?!?! I wanted snow all winter (DH wanted it more) and now when I'm ready for the warm weather to be here, ready to put up the skis and get out the gardening gloves the snow starts falling and doesn't stop.
As you can tell by the above picture I had no clue that it was going to start snowing last night.
Not until Ally woke me up at 5 am anxious to go outside did I realize that something looked different outside. Everything seemed to have this strange yellow glow from the street lights. Then I realized everything was covered in snow! How bizarre. We had snow in November (autumn) and now in March (spring) but no snow ALL WINTER long! When I finally took Ally for her walk around 6:45 am it had started snowing again and it's nearly 9 am and it's still going strong. Ally, like my wonderful husband, adores the snow. She gets so excited. All she wants to do is run around frolicking through the thick, white powder. Actually, this snow is less powder and more wet. Perfect packing snow really. You might have to click the picture to the right to actually see Ally running like mad
through the snow. I don't know why these pictures are so dark...well, OK I do. It was just getting light out so, duh, of course the pictures will be dark. Sometimes I wonder how I make it through the day - I can be such an idiot. So, anyways. Poor hubby, had to go into work this morning. He was planning on taking the day off but he was asked last night if he could go in this morning and help lay or plug in some opto cables....or something to that effect. He'll chastise me when he reads this saying i don't listen to him but I did listen, I just can't quite remember. What I do know is it was something physically (or at least semi-physically) active. Not sitting in front of the computer screen so I know it's something he'd like to do. He was very disappointed that he was going to miss out on a morning of playing in the snow. But I'm sure it will be here this afternoon and tomorrow. Besides we did manage to get some play time in - I helped in unbury the car and we ran around with Ally for a while (which almost made him late - ooops!)
As we were cleaning off the car Marion poked her head out the window to say hello and stared a snow ball fight!! Cheater, she was inside. hee, hee. it was fun. I thought the snowball fight was all over and returned to brushing snow off the car when; THUNK , a huge mound of snow was swept off the roof of the car right into my face and consequently down the front of my shirt! You just gotta laugh. My hubby grinned and said, "I just couldn't resist. It was too perfect." How can you get angry with that? It's so true. I would have done the exact same thing in his place. hee, hee
Despite the fact that I have been yearning for springtime. warm afternoons, colorful flowers, sipping drinks on the patio in early evening before it gets cold....it's still fun to have a snow day. I just hope it doesn't last too long!
What the *bleep* is going on!?!?! I wanted snow all winter (DH wanted it more) and now when I'm ready for the warm weather to be here, ready to put up the skis and get out the gardening gloves the snow starts falling and doesn't stop.
As you can tell by the above picture I had no clue that it was going to start snowing last night.
Not until Ally woke me up at 5 am anxious to go outside did I realize that something looked different outside. Everything seemed to have this strange yellow glow from the street lights. Then I realized everything was covered in snow! How bizarre. We had snow in November (autumn) and now in March (spring) but no snow ALL WINTER long! When I finally took Ally for her walk around 6:45 am it had started snowing again and it's nearly 9 am and it's still going strong. Ally, like my wonderful husband, adores the snow. She gets so excited. All she wants to do is run around frolicking through the thick, white powder. Actually, this snow is less powder and more wet. Perfect packing snow really. You might have to click the picture to the right to actually see Ally running like mad
through the snow. I don't know why these pictures are so dark...well, OK I do. It was just getting light out so, duh, of course the pictures will be dark. Sometimes I wonder how I make it through the day - I can be such an idiot. So, anyways. Poor hubby, had to go into work this morning. He was planning on taking the day off but he was asked last night if he could go in this morning and help lay or plug in some opto cables....or something to that effect. He'll chastise me when he reads this saying i don't listen to him but I did listen, I just can't quite remember. What I do know is it was something physically (or at least semi-physically) active. Not sitting in front of the computer screen so I know it's something he'd like to do. He was very disappointed that he was going to miss out on a morning of playing in the snow. But I'm sure it will be here this afternoon and tomorrow. Besides we did manage to get some play time in - I helped in unbury the car and we ran around with Ally for a while (which almost made him late - ooops!)
As we were cleaning off the car Marion poked her head out the window to say hello and stared a snow ball fight!! Cheater, she was inside. hee, hee. it was fun. I thought the snowball fight was all over and returned to brushing snow off the car when; THUNK , a huge mound of snow was swept off the roof of the car right into my face and consequently down the front of my shirt! You just gotta laugh. My hubby grinned and said, "I just couldn't resist. It was too perfect." How can you get angry with that? It's so true. I would have done the exact same thing in his place. hee, hee
Despite the fact that I have been yearning for springtime. warm afternoons, colorful flowers, sipping drinks on the patio in early evening before it gets cold....it's still fun to have a snow day. I just hope it doesn't last too long!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
a few thoughts
First off, A LAMB!!! How could you think it was a lamb. It is most definitely a dog. And now all I will hear from my DH is that more people agree with him than me. Thanks people - I was counting on you. Oh well, you are entitled to you opinion (I'll have the truth...hee, hee).
Second, I watched the Men's night of Dancing with the Stars and I think it'll be a fun season. There are some very good male dancers and some not so good. cough, Adam Carolla, cough, cough. But, then again did anyone really expect him to be graceful? I didn't think he did too bad considering. And Penn didn't do so bad either. No one was really horrendous in my opinion. It should be interesting to see the women. Can I just say, what is up with Priscilla Presley? Is she really considered a celebrity? For what? Marrying and divorcing Elvis? I think that boat has sailed. and I hate to be disparaging of anyone but her face looks a bit plastic doesn't it? She does not seem to enjoy being in front of the camera. In fact, they mentioned what a private person she is and I wondered why on earth she decided to do this show? I wish her the best, but she seems a bit odd to me.
I've only really watched for 2 seasons so it will be nice to see someone other than Julianne Hugh win. she's a great dancer and teacher but it'll be fun to see some of the other pros in the spotlight. OK, I really need to get back to learning more theatre games. Jenna, from the Theatre gave me a stack of books to look through but she needs them back next week so I better get cracking.
Second, I watched the Men's night of Dancing with the Stars and I think it'll be a fun season. There are some very good male dancers and some not so good. cough, Adam Carolla, cough, cough. But, then again did anyone really expect him to be graceful? I didn't think he did too bad considering. And Penn didn't do so bad either. No one was really horrendous in my opinion. It should be interesting to see the women. Can I just say, what is up with Priscilla Presley? Is she really considered a celebrity? For what? Marrying and divorcing Elvis? I think that boat has sailed. and I hate to be disparaging of anyone but her face looks a bit plastic doesn't it? She does not seem to enjoy being in front of the camera. In fact, they mentioned what a private person she is and I wondered why on earth she decided to do this show? I wish her the best, but she seems a bit odd to me.
I've only really watched for 2 seasons so it will be nice to see someone other than Julianne Hugh win. she's a great dancer and teacher but it'll be fun to see some of the other pros in the spotlight. OK, I really need to get back to learning more theatre games. Jenna, from the Theatre gave me a stack of books to look through but she needs them back next week so I better get cracking.
It's back!!!
What's back? Dancing with the Stars, silly. Yep, that's right. The first episode was last night. Don't tell me about it, I haven't watched it yet. I love DWTS. I don't know why, I just do! Maybe I secretly wish I could get all glamed up in sequence and monstrous eyeshadow. hee, hee, hee...that would be funny.
Well that's all I have to say for now. I've got to actually get myself up and motivated today. I have a stack of books with Theatre games for kids I need to start plowing through!
Well that's all I have to say for now. I've got to actually get myself up and motivated today. I have a stack of books with Theatre games for kids I need to start plowing through!
Monday, March 17, 2008
some photos
Espace Diamant
(before we got high up into the mountains)
(before we got high up into the mountains)
I don't have too much to say. We went skiing again this past Saturday - probably our last ski trip for the year. And it was finally a nice day and I had my camera so I took some nice pictures of the Alps. It really was a gorgeous day to be skiing and despite the fact that I now have a bright red face I had a great time (I even wore sunblock too!).
So, hope you like the pictures and for those of you getting bored hearing about skiing have faith, the winter can't last forever! I'm about all done in with skiing myself. It takes up your entire Saturday and then we're so exhausted Sunday we don't get anything accomplished. We went to a resort called Espace Diamant. It was the first time the CERN skiing club had been there so even our guide/instructor didn't know exactly where to go. It was fun exploring with a group.
A nice view from the top of the mountain
Our group relaxing and enjoying lunch. That's Mont Blanc in the background!It was such a beautiful day we were able to eat outside.
Me in front of the parapente (parachute) sign, oh yeah, and the AlpsFor those who don't know you can ski with a parachute. It looks totally crazy. I would think it would be pretty difficult to control the parachute and keep your balance on you skis and all that. We didn't see anyone doing this on Saturday but I'd seen many people doing it at different resorts during out lessons. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of it. Also, sadly, I have no picture of the hot air balloons that were gliding around on Saturday. It was very pretty - the sky filled with colorful balloons flying through the Alps - now that has got to be an awesome ride!
That's all I got for today. I'm reading a great WWI series by Anne Perry and I have a feeling I'm going to get sucked right in and not get much done this week! I'll try to put the book down and do something useful or at least interesting every now and again...but I can't make any promises.
That's all I got for today. I'm reading a great WWI series by Anne Perry and I have a feeling I'm going to get sucked right in and not get much done this week! I'll try to put the book down and do something useful or at least interesting every now and again...but I can't make any promises.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
chez coiffeuse
chez coiffeuse = the hairdressers or hair salon. And, yes, I finally dragged myself to the salon to get a haircut. As you can see in the photos I was in desperate need of some les cheveux help (hair). I popped into the salon in Saint-Genis on Tuesday to faire une rendez-vous (make an appointment) I find it's much easier for me to do things in person when I'm trying to speak French rather than over the phone. It's so difficult to understand people on the phone when their speaking French. Facial expressions and gestures are key to my French speaking abilities. So, after answering "Non" to the question of
when would I like to make the appointment -for some reason I thought she was asking if I had been there before. Oops. I don't know why I have such difficulties with questions, but they are a pitfall in my French understanding. Once it was established that she was asking WHEN, I managed to make the appointment for Wednesday morning. I had been talking for weeks, months even about getting my haircut but it just seemed so expensive and such a hassle. But, really...look at those photos! I hadn't had my hair cut in almost a year. I know, it's embarrassing to think I let it get so scraggly...but when it's longer and you pull it up most of the time you don't really notice. But I've been wanting a change. Nothing too dramatic but something different than this ragged mass of hair I've been sporting for months. Besides, we're going back to the U.S. in May for my sisters wedding and I thought that was good motivation to get spiffed up. They say you should never change your hairstyle before a major event so I wanted to get it done now so I could get used to it or get it fixed if I totally hated it. 
Cut my hair...or else.
when would I like to make the appointment -for some reason I thought she was asking if I had been there before. Oops. I don't know why I have such difficulties with questions, but they are a pitfall in my French understanding. Once it was established that she was asking WHEN, I managed to make the appointment for Wednesday morning. I had been talking for weeks, months even about getting my haircut but it just seemed so expensive and such a hassle. But, really...look at those photos! I hadn't had my hair cut in almost a year. I know, it's embarrassing to think I let it get so scraggly...but when it's longer and you pull it up most of the time you don't really notice. But I've been wanting a change. Nothing too dramatic but something different than this ragged mass of hair I've been sporting for months. Besides, we're going back to the U.S. in May for my sisters wedding and I thought that was good motivation to get spiffed up. They say you should never change your hairstyle before a major event so I wanted to get it done now so I could get used to it or get it fixed if I totally hated it. 
Cut my hair...or else. With only minor trepidation I had my DH drop me at chez coiffeuse (or maybe it's supposed to coiffeur I used the feminine form since I had a female stylist, but I have no idea if this is correct French or not). Why should I have any trepidation at all? Well, if you've read any of my posts you know I'm a freak and nearly pee my pants with fear every time I venture out and have to use French. I was prepared though. I had looked up key phrase in hair cutting. Thank you Rick Steves! We have a great little phrase book with French, Italian, & German and it is hugely helpful. I recommend it to anyone traveling. Heck, anyone moving to another country and need assistance with the language. It doesn't have everything you will ever need but does include some extremely helpful phrases and a menu decoder (this has even helped me at the grocery store on occasion). So, enough of that. I was armed with phrases such as: Je voudrais une coupe (or j'aimerais) = I would like a haircut. Coupez ca a peu pres. = Cut about this much off. and La frange = bangs. With these key phrases and the requisite hand gestures and facial expression (if you know me you know I'm never at a loss for a good facial expression!) I felt sure I could accomplish this monumental task of getting my hair cut.
Lo and behold, for once, I was right. I succeeded quite well. OK, at first there was a bit of confusion because I had no idea what the stylist, Vanessa, wanted from me as she tried to put that smock on me. You know how they cover you all up so you don't get masses of cut hair all over you? Well, every place I've ever been to in the U.S. they just place it over you and velcro or snap it shut behind your neck. But at this salon you actually had to put your arms through - there were sleeves. It took a few perplexing minutes for me to see these. Poor Vanessa must have been thinking "Quelle connard." What a jerk. OK, she probably wasn't thinking that, but she was getting a little irritated with me as she kept repeating her instructions and I just sat there staring at the smock like an idiot. Oh well, I eventually figured it out and we carried on. I explained in my lovely broken French that I wanted my hair cut a mes epaules (to my shoulders). She said Ok and we proceeded to the washing and then on to the cutting. I just love having someone wash my hair. Don't you? It's so luxurious. You just lean back and let someone else do all the work and it feels so good, like a scalp massage!
I was very pleased with the end result and I even tried to make a little conversation with Vanessa. Asking if she thought I should have bangs? La franges!? She looked at me aghast. Even if I couldn't understand everything she said she definitely was against my having bangs - that much was apparent by the look of utter disgust plastered all over her face. Well, I'll just have to trust the stylist that my face is not destined for bangs any time soon. So, in closing. I will post some pictures of my haircut. All in all it was a good experience and I'll probably go back to
Vanessa when I need a trim. I was a little disappointed that my 50 Euro haircut didn't seem to include much styling. She just blew it dry. Perhaps that's because when she asked me if I wanted it nature I said "oui". I wasn't exactly sure why she was asking me
what I assumed to me, "Do you want your hair natural?" What other way is there? Also, I thought she was talking about cutting it, not styling. Oh well, better luck next time.
Lo and behold, for once, I was right. I succeeded quite well. OK, at first there was a bit of confusion because I had no idea what the stylist, Vanessa, wanted from me as she tried to put that smock on me. You know how they cover you all up so you don't get masses of cut hair all over you? Well, every place I've ever been to in the U.S. they just place it over you and velcro or snap it shut behind your neck. But at this salon you actually had to put your arms through - there were sleeves. It took a few perplexing minutes for me to see these. Poor Vanessa must have been thinking "Quelle connard." What a jerk. OK, she probably wasn't thinking that, but she was getting a little irritated with me as she kept repeating her instructions and I just sat there staring at the smock like an idiot. Oh well, I eventually figured it out and we carried on. I explained in my lovely broken French that I wanted my hair cut a mes epaules (to my shoulders). She said Ok and we proceeded to the washing and then on to the cutting. I just love having someone wash my hair. Don't you? It's so luxurious. You just lean back and let someone else do all the work and it feels so good, like a scalp massage!
I was very pleased with the end result and I even tried to make a little conversation with Vanessa. Asking if she thought I should have bangs? La franges!? She looked at me aghast. Even if I couldn't understand everything she said she definitely was against my having bangs - that much was apparent by the look of utter disgust plastered all over her face. Well, I'll just have to trust the stylist that my face is not destined for bangs any time soon. So, in closing. I will post some pictures of my haircut. All in all it was a good experience and I'll probably go back to
Vanessa when I need a trim. I was a little disappointed that my 50 Euro haircut didn't seem to include much styling. She just blew it dry. Perhaps that's because when she asked me if I wanted it nature I said "oui". I wasn't exactly sure why she was asking me
what I assumed to me, "Do you want your hair natural?" What other way is there? Also, I thought she was talking about cutting it, not styling. Oh well, better luck next time.Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The great lamb/dog controversy
Oh my gosh, I'm ridiculous about our dog! I just think she is adorable. C'mon admit it, you do too. You wish she was yours....er....well...I wouldn't go that far. Ally snores all the time when she's sleeping and it makes me laugh EVERY time I hear it. I can't help it, it is just so funny coming from her. These grunts and groans and snores. Do other dogs snore as much as ours does? Maybe she just wears herself out more than other dogs by stealing goodies from the counter and gorging herself (you all know her alter-ego Ally Babba the thief).
Now, enough about our snoring doggy. The raging debate currently going on within our household is what sort of animal Ally's latest stuffed toy or peluche is. I have taken photos so that all might form an opinion and give victory to one of us. To be fair I will not tell you who believes what...as that might influence your judgement. I mean, let's face it how often am I wrong? That was a rhetorical question no need to answer. So here it is it this a lamb or a dog? or in French Est-ce que c'est par un agneau ou un chien? Or something like that. I will say no more, but let the pictures speak for themselves.
Front view of lamb/dog.perhaps it is a genetically engineered hybrid!
Side view of lamb/dog
What are Ally's thoughts on this compelling and perplexing problem? You might query. She doesn't give a shit. As long as she can rip the poor beasts guts out she doesn't give a damn. Huh, that's a dog for ya! You can tell how much she really cares about this important question of identity in the following photos. An action shot of Ally and the lamb/dog.
No post would be complete without an innocent looking Ally lying amongst the carnage and destruction she had just wrought. In closing I will leave you with a family photo. You see, despite our vehement disagreements about stuffed animals at the end of the day we are just one big happy family!
Ally's face quite clearly says, "Get me the hell out of here! And give me back my lamb/dog, you bastards."
*** p.s. please feel free to take part in the poll in the upper right. I feel vindication coming on***
*** p.s. please feel free to take part in the poll in the upper right. I feel vindication coming on***
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Skiing in Crozet
Yesterday, Saturday we finally made it to Crozet, the ski station about 10 minutes down the road from us. When we first got our apartment here we thought, "Oh this is great we can get a season pass and go skiing all the time!" Obviously that didn't happen. I know, I know we thought we would have gone many times by now but the Jura Mountains don't get as much snow as we thought they would. At our house it snowed once - in November. In case you didn't know the Jura's are not like the Alps...they are more like the Appalachains. The highest peak in the Jura's is about 1,720 meters (5,643 feet) as compared to the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc, about 4,808 meters (the highest peak in all of Europe I believe). So, you can see why the CERN skiing club has been driving to the Alps each week for skiing.
Here is the view when you reach the parking lot and you think...hmmm there doesn't seem to be any snow anywhere! As you ride up in the telecabine you start to see a little snow here and there. Thank goodness they make snow there or there would be nothing to ski on. Regardless, we enjoyed our half day at Crozet-that was another great thing we bought the half day ticket. We felt no obligation to spend the entire day there since home was just 10 minutes away. We didn't have to get up at the ass-crack of dawn, it was a quick drive, we were on the slopes by 9:30 am and it was pretty empty for the first couple of hours. It was great. OK, well the snow wasn't too great. But it was nice to have a nice relaxed morning.
First you take the telecabine up, then you jump on a ski lift - at least there was some snow at this point.
Since the slopes were a bit icy and the man made snow is never as good as fresh snow we were glad that we had opted for the half day pass. By one o'clock we were ready to call it quits. And a
good thing we did since we had to hit up the grocery store and it's closed on Sundays. We
discovered that this is one major reason the ski resorts are busier on Sundays than Saturdays. So, a few more pictures for you and I'll be done.
Here is the view when you reach the parking lot and you think...hmmm there doesn't seem to be any snow anywhere! As you ride up in the telecabine you start to see a little snow here and there. Thank goodness they make snow there or there would be nothing to ski on. Regardless, we enjoyed our half day at Crozet-that was another great thing we bought the half day ticket. We felt no obligation to spend the entire day there since home was just 10 minutes away. We didn't have to get up at the ass-crack of dawn, it was a quick drive, we were on the slopes by 9:30 am and it was pretty empty for the first couple of hours. It was great. OK, well the snow wasn't too great. But it was nice to have a nice relaxed morning.
First you take the telecabine up, then you jump on a ski lift - at least there was some snow at this point.
Smile pretty for the camera.
Let's see. We couldn't find a map of all the pistes (slopes) so we decided to wing it. Not all the pistes were open so we just jumped on a lift and went wherever it took us. First thing in the morning there were very few people about so "following the crowd" our normal strategy didn't work. We just had to look for signs pointing out open pistes and what color (didn't colors for different levels just like in the States) and go for it. The snow sucked, but we had a good time. Most of the slopes were empty so we could take our time and practice without feeling like we were going to get run over. There were also some great views from the top. I can't wait to go back in the spring/summer and hike around the mountains. On a clear day it's got to be amazing. Hell, it was amazing yesterday. At times we could see the Alps and Mont Blanc, Lac Leman (lake Geneva) and the Jet d'eau (jet of water). 
It's not a great picture but here's one of DH skiing. He got some better pictures of me, although I had illusions of looking much cooler as a skier...the photos prove otherwise. But, at least I have fun. 
I have a great little video of DH doing his little trick (he practiced it all day). I'm ashamed to say that I could not master this trick - a 360 degree turn while skiing down the hill.
I hope that the video works. It's just fun. I loved that the slopes were empty enough that we could do this without getting in anyones way. We would just wait for a group to go by and then we had the slopes all to ourselves.
Let's see. We couldn't find a map of all the pistes (slopes) so we decided to wing it. Not all the pistes were open so we just jumped on a lift and went wherever it took us. First thing in the morning there were very few people about so "following the crowd" our normal strategy didn't work. We just had to look for signs pointing out open pistes and what color (didn't colors for different levels just like in the States) and go for it. The snow sucked, but we had a good time. Most of the slopes were empty so we could take our time and practice without feeling like we were going to get run over. There were also some great views from the top. I can't wait to go back in the spring/summer and hike around the mountains. On a clear day it's got to be amazing. Hell, it was amazing yesterday. At times we could see the Alps and Mont Blanc, Lac Leman (lake Geneva) and the Jet d'eau (jet of water). 
It's not a great picture but here's one of DH skiing. He got some better pictures of me, although I had illusions of looking much cooler as a skier...the photos prove otherwise. But, at least I have fun. 
I have a great little video of DH doing his little trick (he practiced it all day). I'm ashamed to say that I could not master this trick - a 360 degree turn while skiing down the hill.
Since the slopes were a bit icy and the man made snow is never as good as fresh snow we were glad that we had opted for the half day pass. By one o'clock we were ready to call it quits. And a
good thing we did since we had to hit up the grocery store and it's closed on Sundays. We
discovered that this is one major reason the ski resorts are busier on Sundays than Saturdays. So, a few more pictures for you and I'll be done.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Porte du Soleil photos
These are not the best photos, but then again, we didn't really have the best day skiing did we?
AAHHH, what a relief to get your feet out of thos ski boots!
Thumbs up from the drowned rat.
Finally, by the end of the day things had cleared up a bit and you could actually see some of the mountains. A little late, don't you think?
The telecabine up to the top of the mountains. Once you've taken the telecabine you are finally at the ski lifts and ski slopes!
The camera was so fogged up when we ate lunch. But imagine your vision being blurry like this all day! Now imagine skiing down a mountain with fogged up vision - then you have an idea what our day was like. Then again, the fog is better than the icy rain, which feels like needles are being driven into your face as you ski. Obviously, that was not my favorite part of the day.
The camera was so fogged up when we ate lunch. But imagine your vision being blurry like this all day! Now imagine skiing down a mountain with fogged up vision - then you have an idea what our day was like. Then again, the fog is better than the icy rain, which feels like needles are being driven into your face as you ski. Obviously, that was not my favorite part of the day.
AAHHH, what a relief to get your feet out of thos ski boots!
Thumbs up from the drowned rat.
Finally, by the end of the day things had cleared up a bit and you could actually see some of the mountains. A little late, don't you think?
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