Wednesday, July 25, 2007

4 days

Definitely not a record, but I finished #7 in 4 days. I loved it. It worked. It was fitting. It wasn't dumbed down - a regurgitation of everything that happened in the previous 6. Brava, Ms. Rowling. I hope you continue writing and continue sharing your talents. I for one am glad I hoped on this particular band-wagon. I can't wait to begin sharing Harry with Maddy. I know she'll love him too.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Without Prejudice?

Are you WITHOUT PREJUDICE?

Watch what happens on this new Game Show Network interesting series. You'll be surprised. I was.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

HP#7


When Tracy called to tell me my copy of book 7 arrived, I did the happy dance! I pictured myself at a Potterhead self-help session, " Hello, my name is Karen and I'm a Potterhead.".

Oh well, I'm in good company.

Yes, I prepared sufficiently for the release date by re-reading each book yet again. I've done that before - so I've actually read #1 6 times, #2 5 times, etc... At least I don't have different publication versions like some people I know. Don't you think that would be excessive?

hah!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

It's done!

Phew.....I finished it! I needed to just DO IT. I feel MUCH better now that I got it done with. I was making myself and my husband nuts. Ok, I am already nuts, I know that, but I was mucho cranky with him the past few days. :(

But at least this part is over. Now the WAITING. And we all know how patient Karen can be! NOT!

Oh, I'm sorry....You can't read my mind, I suppose. You haven't a clue as to what I'm talking, about do you?

Well, there are a few open library positions in the area. One in particular is the one I am hoping for. It's funny - I've been living here now for, what, 6 years? Since December 2001 anyway. I had that poor experience at one library in town, and ever since, there really hasn't been a position that was for me. And now, at least 2 professional positions are open, plus 3 other non-professional! Crazy, isn't it? When it rains, it pours!

I'll let you know what happens. Cross your fingers for me! :D

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

nerves

Why should I be so nervous? It'd be a great thing! I know I can do it. I know it can be done. So why are the butterflies just bumping in to each other in my belly? Maybe it's because I haven't done this in so long. Maybe it's because of the unknown factor. Maybe it's because I may be the teeniest bit afraid of success. I know - weird, huh?

Everything will be ok. I know I can do this. And everything will work out. :)

Monday, July 16, 2007

The wedding of the summer

WOW.

Maddy, Joe and I hopped in the car early Saturday morning for Schaumburg, Illinois. The car ride was actually quite ok. Maddy and I sat in the backseat, watched movies on the laptop, colored, read books, and generally kept ourselves entertained.

Bear, with glasses

The reason for the trip was to witness our very good friend Larry get married.
Carolyn and Larry

I hadn't a clue that he was serious about anyone until a little while back. It's not every day, nor everyone, who can go to their friends' wedding when that friend used to be an former boyfriend! Larry and I met 16 years ago during the Oregon Straw Hat Players show "South Pacific". We dated for a year, and have always remained friends. The funniest part of the story happened after I started dating Joe, 11 years ago. I was on the phone, telling Larry about my new boyfriend and described what he had done at the University. Larry paused and asked what Joe's last name was. I told him and asked why. Larry laughed and immediately asked to speak with Joe. Soon, the two of them were on the phone, giggling like school girls. Finally, after they hung up, Joe told me that he and Larry knew each other in college and had hung out. The craziest thing was: This was before I knew Larry!

So we hiked down to Chicago and were treated to one heck of a party! The reception was at the Chicago Marriott in Schaumburg. Very nice. There was close to 49 tables - 9 people per table plus the head table, so about 500 people. The table we were at was already full when we arrived. It was wonderful of Larry and Carolyn to think of the details. Here was our companions for the night:

The Daniels family: I remember Jeff. Here are he, his wife Vicki, and their two children, Lukas & Holly.
The Daniels family

Maddy and Holly had a fun time together coloring.
Coloring


The other two at our table were Jace & Pat. I knew he would be there, but it took me a "hi, my name is..." for either of us to recognize each other. He went to school with my sister Amy - his sister was in my grade. Pat has been a part of the Oregon Straw Hat Players for many years. Larry, Pat, Jace and I were all a part of the South Pacific show.
Jace & Pat

So, it was a nice reunion of sorts! Then came the FOOD. Oh. My. Stars. As Pat said, one usually goes away hungry from a wedding. Not so for this wedding. First of all, the menu.
Menu

Yes, folks, you saw correctly. There were 4 courses. That's not including the cake. (note, that's a little blue-lit waterfall)
Wow, what a cake


In fact, we never got a piece of the cake. We were too full! The meal was delicious. We didn't need to stop anywhere for any food. We were delightfully satiated. It was so good, we took pictures of all the food. Enjoy. (Make sure you clean up your drool ;) )

Appetizer:
Tri-Color Ravioli, served with a Basil Tomato Concasse / Saffron Cream Sauce.

Pasta

Salad:
Tossed Romaine Garden Salad topped with Shredded Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Roasted Croutons and Tossed Tableside with our homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing.
Salad


Entree:
Filet Mignon topped with a Peppercorn Cognac Sauce coupled with Breast of Chicken Florentine, Dauphonoise Potato and Steamed Bundle of Asparagus.
Entree


Dessert:
Vanilla Mousse topped with mango chunk and shredded coconut and coffee.
Vanilla Mousse
The coffee

The presentation of the food was so good, we took pictures of the bread and the butter too!
The bread
Even the butter was pretty


The children at the table were all served a different kid-friendly food!

Appetizer:
Chicken Noodle soup

Salad:
Fresh Fruit
The Kid's soup & fruit

Entree:
Chicken Fingers & Fries
The Kid's entree

Dessert:
Vanilla Ice Cream with topping of strawberries.

Yes, that's one big scoop!

So, all in all, we danced, we laughed, and we had a fantastic time.

Holly and Maddy

Twirling the princess

Dancing queen

The Eckbergs

Mr & Mrs Serna

Maddy & Daddy

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

newsflash

I am not a patient person....

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Poetry

My coworker Pam has reminded me that I am a GEEK. She was bemoaning her dislike of "Ode to Grecian Urn" and actually said she disliked poetry! The GEEK I am, I found myself on the mission of changing her mind about poetry and found the following three poems (by the wonderful Billy Collins). Enjoy.

I can just imagine my grandmother telling my grandfather this.
I truly can see that one female angel, eyes closed, entranced in the music.
Why I love springtime in Wisconsin.

Alive and well

Joe is back today, after being off of work for nearly 2 weeks. He's starting a new job at the same place as a manager. He will do well. :) The surgery went well, and his recuperation went smoothly. It helped having so many women telling him to STOP LIFTING: his mother, his grandmother, his daughter and his wife.

Maddy had the week off too, and the two of them spent 4 days up at the cottage. I had to work the 2nd & 3rd but went up in the evenings to say "howdy". They were ready to come home on the 4th. Maddy LOVED being able to stay up late for the fireworks one night, a concert in the park another, and a bonfire over the weekend. It's been a challenge getting her back on schedule but it's working out ok. Oy- is she ever cranky when she doesn't get good sleep!