Spring is here...sort of

My tulips

So, the weather is sort of cooperating with the whole "Spring" idea, well...sort of. We have had a few just absolutely beautiful days, and then a few ass-freezing not-so-beautiful days. I think Mother Nature is a bit of a tease. Giving a few nice beautiful days, then dropping the temperature and freezing people's nuts and ovaries off! So not cool!

Roommate, a few other friends and I actually got out and played ultimate last Thursday and it was amazing. But then, it was pretty much cold and rainy for the weekend (and even a little snow sprinkle on Sunday). But now we're back to nice days that are running somewhere in the high 50's and low 60's. So, I think it's spring now, for the most part.

I can attest to the flowers coming out. It's absolutely beautiful. We had a few early bloomers in the flower bed, that even got covered with snow a time or two towards the end of March. But now all of the tulips are in full bloom in our yard, and my god, it is amazing to look at! We also have a couple of trees with little blossoming flowers that are stunning too...so enjoy!!!


Pink tree flowers in my yard

A fond farewell and a very, very happy hello!

I'm still a little in shock. I've been kinda-sorta-thinking-talking about wanting/needing a new car. My car, was a 2003 (actually bought in the summer of 2002) Toyota Corolla. And to be honest, it's been a great car. It's treated me very well over the past 7 years needing very little maintenance aside from gas fills, oil changes, tires, etc...

But, I could just feel it every time I got into that car...the end was getting near. So, after a couple discussions/advices sessions with Roommate, I decided to get a new car (well, new to me). So I did it. I found the car I liked online (this was actually my second choice though...the Mitsubishi Eclipse I wanted was sold the day I started looking). So I found me this great little Pontiac G5. So, here's to many happy years she and I will be spending together!

It's that time of year again!

Here we are...Mother Nature has FINALLY blessed the city on the Great Salt Lake with spring-like weather (which will probably develop into summer heat within a few weeks...but hey, at least it's not snowing...hopefully).

So, you know what that means, right? Ultimate Frisbee! Hell yes!!! Ultimate Frisbee. Now, I'm not the greatest, by any stretch of the imagination. I do pretty well at throwing, not too shabby at catching, but I'm not a runner for sure (we're working on it though). But dear god, how I love to play.

Last year, it pretty much sucked ass though, couldn't really get enough people to come out to play. This year, I am very optimistic though, very optimistic I tell you! So, if you read this, and ultimate frisbee sounds like your thing (which it should be everybody's thing if you ask me...along with yoga)...then come play.

Sundays @ 2:00 p.m. (until it gets too hot...then it'll move to 6:00 or so) and Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m. Liberty Park, roughly at 1100 South and 700 East (on the east side of the park, on the field just north of the pond) in Salt Lake City. If you want more information or to get weekly e-mail or text reminders, e-mail or text slc.ultimate.frisbee@gmail.com.

Pride and Prejudice...and Zombies?!?!?

I'll be the first to admit, I haven't read it. I haven't even read the original Pride and Prejudice, although I do have the book at home, sitting on my dresser, and I have seen the Kiera Knightley version of the film (which I LOVED!!!).

But when I came across a story about a new and updated version called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies...I thought to myself, "well, now that's just a swell idea". And I meant it! Yeah, I'm weird about zombies for some reason. I love 'em! I haven't seen every zombie movie out there, yet. But I do have a few favorites, such as "Shaun of the Dead", "Fido", "Boy Eats Girl", etc. And now, I can incorporate zombies into my love of reading. You can bet this one will be going on my request list at my local library!

And here's my favorite quote from Monica Hesse's article on MSNBC.com:

The news was announced in the recently released novel "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," which recounts the struggle of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters to simultaneously annihilate the undead invading their idyllic community and to marry well.

Were it just the zombies, the Bennet sisters would surely triumph, armed as they are with advanced weaponry knowledge and Shaolin martial arts training. Unfortunately, however, aliens, vampires, robots and dragons are also about to descend on the village.

I'm in love and we haven't even met yet!

If not but for the grace of the zombie surprise birthday gods!

WE (not I, but definitely a capital WE) pulled it off. And it was an amazing birthday party! Roommate DID decide to come home last night at 5:00 p.m. However, Roommate's Mom was waiting for him in the drive way....

ROOMATE'S MOM: The battery in my car is dead, and we're late, we need to go.

ROOMMATE: I'm tired, I just want to go in and sit down for a little bit.

ROOMMATE'S MOM: We're late, we NEED to go!

ROOMMATE: What's wrong with you?

ROOMMATE'S MOM: We need to go now.

ROOMMATE: I'm just going to go sit down, I'll be over in a little while.

At this point, Roommate's Mom grabs Roommate by the arm and more or less throws him back into his car...

ROOMMATE'S MOM: We're going now!

That gave Princess, Friend and I plenty of time to finish getting ready and to get dressed. And when the actual "Surprise" part of the night came...it went off without a hitch.

Roommate walked in the door carrying his ski boots. All of the lights were off, it was almost completely dark inside and out, and the fog machine was running as well. Then we all yelled "Surprise!"

Later all Roommate could say was that

there was smoke, bright flashing lights and a lot of noise...the house MUST be on fire

After that we rushed Roommate down into wardrobe and make up to complete the living dead look we were all there to celebrate!

No good deed goes unpunished!

Never a true aphorism hath been spoken. So, some months ago, I conceived an idea to throw Roommate a surprise party for a milestone birthday this year. I thought and pondered and finally came up with what I thought was a brilliant party idea...

Night of the Living Dead
Surprise Birthday Funeral for Roommate

Brilliant, I know, right? I wanted a theme party with zombies and shit, so I sent out invites like a month or so before the party so that people would have time to find costumes. Since it's not Halloween and costumes are not readily available.



I even enlisted Roommate's brother and sister-in-law in helping keeping him out of the house during the day of the party and getting him home when I wanted him to be there. Roommate's mom called me a few weeks ago and said she'd be in town as well...Perfect I thought...more conspirators to control Roommate's movements on party day.

I even went out to a local second hand store and bought a suit to tear up and make into Roommate's costume. I thought ahead and ordered my Beetlejuice (the host with the most) wig and makeup. I did even think ahead to get a little extra makeup to help out those who wanted to dress up but were unable to find anything.



So, here it is, the week of the party. I took two days off of work to start getting stuff ready...there was a cake to make, decorations to get (thank you Friend and Princess for all your help in arranging, setting up and everything!).

I spent pretty much all day Thursday making and decorating Roommate's birthday cake. This is only my second fondant cake...and while there were a few hick-ups along the way, I'm pretty damned pleased with how it turned out. And for those of you who are wondering...the cakes (the middle and top tiers) were made from a box mix, the bottom tier is made out of rice crispy treats, the frosting (fondant and butter cream) are both homemade complete with almost two bottles of Wilton Black Icing Coloring. I also did the flowers myself. And I purposely used dead and dying flowers to complete the effect of this Funeral/Death themed birthday cake.



Now, I'm sitting here a few hours before Princess and I start decorating for the party. And yes, I know this will be out there before the party, and there would be a chance Roommate could come across this posting before the party. Except for two things tell me that's not going to happen...first...he only reads this blog when I tell him I posted something and second...HE WENT SKIING!!! Yes, the @#$*! went skiing. All of my best laid plans of him working then going to dinner with his mom, brother and sister-in-law...he blew them plain out of the water by his last minute decision to go skiing with co-workers. Of all the mother f'ing days do go skiing, why did he have to pick today? Oh, and now, instead of him going from work to dinner and then home when I want him here...he will now be home around 5:00 p.m. So, I'm to the "So What!" point. I'm just going to decorate and put it all together how I was planning. And when he walks in the door at 5:00 p.m. to see a house full of Halloween props, I'll simply yell "Surprise! Now go away!"

Even if you do end up ruining your surprise party, Roommate, know this...I still love and cherish you. You are the best friend that anyone could ever ask for. We have our different thoughts and opinions on a shit load of topics, but I wouldn't change you for a god-damned thing in this universe or the next! Happy 40th Birthday Roommate!!!

XOXO
~Flamingo

Ode to the Avocado

Went to my local Subway this morning for a sandwich, I'm a big, big fan of their breakfast sandwiches. And I always go to this one certain Subway even though there are like two other ones that are probably just as close and perhaps a bit more convenient. But I go to this particular Subway because they have avocado. I do love avocado on my sandwich. Whether I get the ham and egg breakfast sandwich or the turkey breast sandwich (both of which are on the honey oat bread of course).

So, standing in line waiting for my ham and egg breakfast sandwich to be toasted, I happen to glance up at their menu board. And, under the extras or add-on (whatever they call it) section, the avocado portion of the menu is ominously whited out. Then comes the what do you want on your sandwich portion of the ordeal:

SUBWAY-WORKER-GIRL: What would you like on your sandwich?

ME: Tomatoes. Green peppers. Avocado...

SUBWAY-WORKER-GIRL: We stopped carrying avocados about two weeks ago. They kept going bad.

ME: Well, that's disappointing.

SUBWAY-WORKER-GIRL: However, you do have enough points on your subway card for a free six-inch sandwich on your next visit.

ME: That's nice. Can I bring my own avocado? Or is that considered "outside food or drink"?

I think she's probably still standing there with a blank look on here face some few hours later.

Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands

I know, I know...I'm more than just a little behind the times...Yeah, I am, in so, so many ways. But it's kind of a shitty snowy, dark and dismal day, so after coming across this on yet another blog, I decided I'd give in and give it a whack...

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag whoever you want including me
5. Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) [More English Extended Mix] - Pitbull

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Because of You - Kelly Clarkson

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Horrible Credits - Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog (reflecting on recent events...nothing has ever been so true)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Caring Hands - Felicia Day/Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog (yes, I made sure it really is on random...)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (Don't even want to comment)

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Beverly Hills - Weezer (is this a motto or aspiration?)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
If I Can't Have You - Kelly Clarkson

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Gimmie More - Britney Spears (that's a kick to the throat...lol)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Loves Me Not - t.A.T.u.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR FIRST KISS?
This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race - Fall Out Boy (haha...I think that's an apt description)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND(s)?
Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (is this what I think about them, or they think about me?)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Bad Influence - P!nk (not sure what to say to that one...)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Las de la Intuicion - Shakira

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5 (is this a bad omen?)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
A Man's Gotta Do - Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion & Felicia Day/Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Laisse Tomber Les Filles (Chick Habit) - April March

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Amigo Vulnerable (Tired of Being Sorry) - Enrique Igelsias

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
When I Grow Up - The Pussy Cat Dolls

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Ladies' Choice - Zac Efron/Hairspray (Really now?)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood (hmmmm....)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands - Lee Greenwood (Don't ask...)