Car Envy and Valentine's Day

It's been a fun couples weeks.

Two weekends ago was Cam's Amway holiday party (they like to do it later in the season when it's not so busy). That was a lot of fun; they rented out the whole Van Andel Public Museum downtown GR. There was a bunch of food and beverage stations set up throughout the building. We got to ride the carousel for free, got a professional picture taken, and watched a lazer light show.

My mom was gone visiting my grandparents in Florida so I called home to see what the boys were up to this weekend. We ended up going to the International Auto Show at DeVos place with them on Saturday. I've had my heart set on a Mazda 3 hatchback for a while. But I've officially been won over to a Mini Cooper extended Clubman in either red or metallic chocolate brown, ahhhh....



That Sunday we went to the Hurds to watch the Superbowl. I brought some delicious nachos that were heartily scarfed down.

Last week at work was exciting as I applied for and interviewed for a permanent content editor position with Booking. I'll find out by the end of the week if I got it or not - I'm so nervous! I would really love this job. I'm a temp now and I like what I do, but it's not very challenging and extremely repetitive. And the vacation and benefits would be a huge plus too.

This past weekend we laid low for the most part. I wasn't really feeling into going out to crazy busy restaurants for Valentine's Day. Friday night we went to my parents' house to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. We left when the guy reading poetry came on - seriously? poetry at the Olympics ceremonies?

Saturday night we celebrated Valentine's Day at home. Cam had to work all day, but he was able to come home and make a delicious Fucilli with Zuccini and Lemon. I made lava cakes with white chocolate and raspberry sauces. Combined with some Asti Tosti and the movie Love Happens, it was a very nice, relaxing weekend. I found it much more enjoyable than going out to a crazy busy restaurant. And I was pleasantly surprised by the meal Cam made.

The Christmas Post

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas weekend!

Christmas Eve we went to Cam's family for the traditional Belgium waffles evening. Before dinner Cam, his dad, and both brothers brought a playset that Bryon and Mary had bought for the girls over to Duncan's house to set it up. The only casualty? - Cam's jeans ended up with a huge tear in them. He assured me he was not doing anything unnecessary or showing off to cause this (I still have my doubts as to how necessary it was to jump over a wire fence, but that's just me). I seem to recall the last time Cam tore a pair of shorts it was climbing over the wire puppy pen, hmmm. But waffles were delicious as always. Present opening was crazy with 3 little girls - who found it hilarious to chase Cam around to steal and hide his socks (why anyone would want his socks is beyond me, but then again I have a sock aversion).















Later that evening Cam and I opened our presents to each other over a bottle of hard cider that was amazing (from an cider mill and winery in Spring Lake). Cam's new jeans came just in time. And he was completely surprised and impressed by the external hard drive with 1Terbite of storage. Cam got me the new John Mayer cd, some jewelry, and tickets to Broadway GR Cirque Dreams show. Cool seats too in these little side boxes. That's January 30, super excited.

Christmas morning we made it to my parents' house by about 10. The boys were eagerly awaiting our arrival so we could open presents; much longer they said and they would have started without us. We got Wii Fit and Guitar Hero, The Curragh Irish Pub gift card, movie gift card, cool picture frame, and Firehouse Guitar gift card. Caleb and Josh both got cell phones so they were super pleased. And then we ate; boy did we eat - all day in fact! Ham, meatballs, garlic mashed potatoes, and tons of desserts! Played pictionary, apples to apples, and Uno. It was a very fun and satisfying day.

The next morning we slept off all that food. Then we went into Grand Rapids for a late brunch at Wolfgang's in Eastown. Cam had this amazing skillet and I had pancakes with cream cheese and fruit topping. We stopped at the art museum downtown - I had some passes left from Amway that were expiring. We attempted a Best Buy exchange, but that proved fruitless, and then relaxed the rest of the evening and weekend.

Looking forward to New Year's Eve tonight with Duncan and Kristina. Hope you all have a fun and safe night!

For Christmas I Want Shiny New Things

1. A new car.
My car has been doing this thing for a few weeks, maybe once a day or so. Out of no where it will sound like the speakers will pop and then all the dashboard lights and the radio turn off for a few seconds and then slowly fade back in. Not a big deal, just a little annoying. But then earlier this week I was almost to work when my power steering goes out on me during a turn. When I drove home and since then it's been fine though. Duncan, my brother-in-law came over Wednesday night and threw a new battery in and some more power steering fluid. It's been fine since then, but we shall see.

2. A new cell phone and upgraded wireless plan.
I've hated my phone the day I got it. The phone I had for 2 years before had a longer battery life than this one started with. We have the most basic phone and wireless plan you can buy. But I want texting! People send me texts sometimes, and it's not a big deal if it's once in a while, but I would like to be able to respond back in a text.

3. My pretty red hairdryer has been making a racket lately and that will likely have to be replaced.

4. Canon Rebel Xti - mmmmmm, enough said.

So yes, I have expensive tastes, and I don't think I'm getting any of the above :(
But I'm flexible. It doesn't have to be shiny electronics. Sparkly jewelry will do just fine too.