Leaving, On a Jet Plane...

*I would just like to point out that this post is made possible by In-Flight WiFi.

After a sporadic burst of frequent business travel, I've become quite the "Up in the Air" -esque snob. I'm hitting "Silver status" on Delta on Monday and my extremely optimistic goal is to reach "Gold" by Christmas. Although, at the rate I'm going, maybe that isn't too unrealistic. Then MAYBE I won't be in the back row middle seat anymore (that's what you get for booking day-of flights, I guess. Who knew Detroit was such a popular place?!!)

I'm miffed when the in-flight Wifi isn't working. I complain when the power outlet under my seat doesn't work properly. A year ago, I was content if I got a TV, let alone internet and an outlet to charge my laptop.

If my room at the Westin isn't big enough, or on the "Preferred Guest" floor, I'm irked. Excuse me, where's the bath robe??

All my conversations with co-workers at the hotel bar are about "elite status" or the best hotel rooms. And I'm getting a little addicted to Diet Coke (Why does it taste so much better than water on an airplane?).

What's happening to me? I love my jet-setting ways, but I'm starting to understand why "Road Warriors" get so burnt out.

See you Monday, Detroit. Here's hoping I'm on the 23rd floor. And that I don't forget my underwear again.

STUHRESSED

How much OJ do you need for breakfast for 75 people?

How many eggs and milk do you need for french toast for 75 people?

How many freaking sausage links do you need for 75 people?

The Church camp-out is tomorrow, and I might just be freaking out a little bit.

Let's just say, I'm real excited for this weekend to be over.

over and out.

Best Birthday Yet!

I may be a bit biased, since I'm the one who planned everything, but I think this was Mr. Larsen's best birthday to date.

We started out with breakfast at Dottie's. Although the food wasn't quite up to the hype, it was fun going out to eat so early in the morning and heading into the office already in a sugar coma.
Our busy days at the office (yes, same office, if you've been living under a rock) were interrupted by an ice cream cake. Patrick was late to his own party, but are you surprised? That boy has absolutely no sense of time - and refuses to put his cell phone/text message ringer on. Not that it matters to me that he NEVER answers my calls or texts.

After work, we shopped around a bit until our superlate reso at Wayfare Tavern. O. M. G. such a good meal!! We feasted on Bone Marrow, Uni and Creamed Corn, Fried Chicken and an incredible burger. Not to mention the best mac and cheese I think I've ever had. Birthday boy was so full of cheeseburger, he even passed up dessert.

I fooled someone into thinking that was the end of the celebrations, but Saturday morning I surprised him with a trip out to the Concord Airport. Our good friend, Brynn, and her father were kind enough to take us on a private tour of the bay area from their 4-seater plane. They even let Patrick fly on his own for a bit.
Highlight of the tour? When Patrick took the yoke and said "You know, it's ok I don't really want to fly. No, seriously, I'm really nervous, I'd rather not". Brynn's dad thought he was joking, but I could hear the true fear in his voice. HA!

Unfortunately, our dear fogged-in city was a bit hard to see, but it was still so fun.

All-in-all, what a great birthday. I sure love birthdays, but I especially love the birthday of the love of my life!!!

Just sayin'...

...It's really hard to judge if a photographer is talented or not if all their subjects are ugly.

That said, anyone know a good "family portrait" photographer on Kauai?
Unfortunately, it seems the person who shot this image is fully booked ;)

lover boy

turns 29 tomorrow.

And just in case he decides to actually check this blog, I won't spill the beans on all the exciting plans I have in store for him.

Lets just say, it's gonna be a good one. As long as everything goes as planned...

xoxo Mr Larsen. I really couldn't ask for a sweeter husband.

I should probably follow up with...

I just signed into my blogger account for the first time in WAY too long and saw the frustrated wallpaper post from JUNE.

Well, friends, soon after posting that rant, I stumbled upon some crafty person's post on how to create your own temporary wallpaper out of regular paper (masking tape covered in double sided tape). Which I latched onto and forced my AAM to help me slowly complete over a two week period.

We're getting mostly positive feedback (minus the fact that it makes some people dizzy) and still need to hang up some pictures to help "cut the pattern", but I am just so dang proud of myself for following through on something even remotely crafty! (Even if it took me several months).

Cue applause. Ta da!

ARRGHHHHH

Are all my posts going to be complaints now? Such a hard life, I know.

But I seriously can't help it. When we moved into our office, Sam (my officemate) and I decided it would be fun to wallpaper our huge empty wall and we were sold on Sherwin William's EasyChange paper. It sounded exactly like what we wanted! Easy up, easy down. Temporary wallpaper for your temporary needs (or some crap slogan like that).

Until it came.

We measured, we cut, we prepped, and then when we went to put it up (because the lady on the phone told me all I had to do was get it wet) it didn't stick. Alas, when I called back, another lady explained that you still have to "prep" the walls and by prep, they mean paste them. WHA??

No thanks.

Then yesterday, I stumble upon Tempaper. THIS IS WHAT I WANTED ALL ALONG. You don't want to know what words flew through my head.

Now the big debate. Spend more money to buy the wallpaper I need (patrick, please don't kill me) or just move on. I fear it's going to have to be the latter. Esp after our trip to NYC.

If you love me, I wouldn't mind a few rolls of Damsel. Or Etta or Gio. Heck, I'd take any of them.

Gonna go wallow some more now...

:(

Our TOM's are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Just in time to NOT come with us to NYC :( Fingers crossed that somehow they get delivered tomorrow instead.
Not that I need wedges on vacation, I guess, but still...

hallelujah.

When you haven't been able to wash your hair since MONDAY because of the perma-straightening chemicals and the day you're finally allowed to wash it, your special shampoo is two days late on arriving,

this is a blessed, blessed sight.Thank you UPS. I am so excited to wash my hair tonight, you have no idea. So if any of you were planning to call and ask me on a date, I can't go because I'll be washing my hair. Sorry. However, the whole reason I was sold on this "keratin" treatment was because I won't have to touch my flat iron for 6 months. So in that case, I'll be ready to go much quicker than usual :)

Family Pics

While in Hawaii, we decided to start a tradition of taking family portraits. So sad Amanda wasn't there, but I think this upcoming year we'll all finally be together! I honestly was not thrilled about everyone wearing white/denim because I think it's kind of cliche, but in the end I think everyone looks great. So I guess I should shut up :)

Here's a sampling of my personal favorites...
*Sorry for the water marks, we didn't get digital files which is totally obnoxious.

Hawaii

Hard life, going to Hawaii for New Year's Every year but someone's gotta do it.

We had a blast. Did a little diving (just might have flown all the way to the Big Island to go manta ray diving and the dumb rays might have decided not to show up. ARGH), a little eating, some family picture (next post), and a LOT of laying by the pool.NYE was spent at Lahaina Grill. I had a great time, but am definitely an old lady because I was falling asleep in my plate by the end of the night.Patrick, on the other hand, was full of energy--right up until the last minute.He's just too funny sometimes.

Precious

How could I not post this one?? Patrick wins for World's Best Uncle.

Holiday Party take 3

This year's Holiday party was the best ever. You know why? Because Patrick finally got to come!! Our parties are employee-only so poor Mr. Larsen's been left out the past two years. Not anymore though!

This was also the day I finally got news of my long-awaited promotion. So I had an especially good time.The three newest managers. Well, hello there :)

We stayed just long enough for my feet to totally swell up. Also, for my sequined leggings to completely come un-sequined. Oops.

That's not a costume...

Doesn't Patrick the thug look good? I hope you get an especially good look at his neck tattoo. I'll have you know that two Chinese speakers were able to decipher that was "death" on his neck from across the room. Thankyouverymuch.

Most people didn't think I was dressed up. Not sure how I should take that.Happy belated Halloween!

Australia: Part 2

So if you think about it, our trip was kind of bizarre. Cairns and Sydney are totally not close to each other. It's kind of like going on a trip to the US and wanting to fit in California and Chicago in a week. But then again, the tickets were such a steal--and there was no way I wasn't hitting both cities, so that's the way it goes.

We didn't plan too many things to do while in Sydney--we wanted to just take time to wander the city and take it all in. Looking back, it might have been good to plan a little bit better because I think my dad got a little frustrated with my "free spirited" excursions. I think I learn a little more about how to plan a successful trip each time we go somewhere.

On our first day there, Daddy and I took a bus tour around the city to get an idea of what was what. We had a great time, especially when we got off by these gorgeous cliffs. The water was spectacular. Pictures do not do it justice. (At least crappy point and shoot pics don't).


We also stopped by the famed Sydney Fish Market. Holy cow, that place is incredible!! (Don't worry, we took Patrick back a second time).

Look at the size of that Pelican! I've never seen a bird that big in my life.

Also, Patrick better be glad he locked this gal down, because I found the love of my life while we were there. An Asian Australian selling lobsters. Swoon.
We had quite the fish feast. Including, but not limited to, jelly fish salad,
Ultimate fish platter,
and some fancy crab that everyone was so excited was at the market. I don't remember the name, but I do remember that it wasn't worth the effort. But crab often isn't (for me).
We also saw shark fins for sale, which I've never seen before. So sad.

The main attraction during our stay was the infamous bridge climb.
with these awesome jumpsuits.
Unfortunately, you can't bring your own camera up (if you were to drop even a bobby pin, it could prove catastrophic to the cars below) and the pics they sell you at the end were HORRIBLE (I was so ugly it was ridiculous) but to give you an idea, if you look really closely you can see some people at the top of the bridge in this pic.
We went at sunset, and I've got to say it was pretty incredible. Really a cool experience and I am so glad we were able to do it!

Another highlight of the trip was a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House. Where I got to sit at a VERY famous piano.
But alas, once again, camera shots were restricted and the few I was allowed were only so-so. Good thing I took pictures in my mind! (weird.)

We also took the ferry to Manly beach, which was a fun way to spend a few hours.
Except there were tons of jelly fish on the shore! (And it was super windy so I didn't really get to tan. Boo.)

I think Patrick's favorite part of the trip (and the sole reason I have any chance of convincing him to move to Sydney) was going to Max Brennar's Chocolate Cafe. We went several times while in NYC and he is OBSESSED. So excited that there was one in Sydney. This time the obsession was the belgian waffle.

My dad and I prefer to eat more locally. For example, kangaroo.
All in all. A spectacular trip. Thank you Daddy!!! I love you!