So long, farewell.

Tracey, over HERE, did an end of the year meme and forced me to do one too-

. . . . .

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Started my blog. duh.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did keep my resolution this year, surprisingly enough!  It was to STOP multi-tasking and instead to just do one thing at a time, and to do it well and attentively.  I think I will just keep working on that one.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
SOOOO many people had babies this year.  It was a baby extravaganza!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Cory lost a lot of friends this year.  So sad, so young.

5. What countries did you visit?
I was pathetic and lame this year and stayed in the country.  I am so not the jet setter.

But I did do a ton of traveling in the country.  Cleveland, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas...

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
This here baby that I am a carryin.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 5th- Cory made an honest woman outta me after all.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
School and the fact that I did not maim or kill myself or anyone in my home due to the stress of school and home.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Hmmm, I honestly don't know.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does this incredibly horrible "morning" (my ass!) sickness count? Cuz it should.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I think my MacBook.  Oy Vey. Consumerism at its best.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I am going to say everyone here at home.  We have all made a ton of huge adjustments, and we are all doing well and being great at just being Team Danger (Name is Corny, Jessica Corny).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I am going to have to say that the majority of the political right (NOT ALL OF THEM) and people that struggle with accepting gender, race, and class differences in general really showed an unflattering side this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
tuition and los boyos, therapy, Drake, basically Tomas.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The election, and Obama totally taking it.  And also, that I did remarkably well at school.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, as that is what we got married to.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier fo' sho'.
b) thinner or fatter?
Immense is not an option, but for me it should be.
c) richer or poorer?
way way way poorer. 

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending time with friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasting time on the Internet?  Did I just admit to that?!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my faves-

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes I did.  I fall in love with Cory all the time.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Pushing Daisies is it for me!  Oh, and Project Runway.  And The First 48, and Cold Case Files.  Maybe I should change my answer for 19.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope- still hate them.

24. What was the best book you read?
Hmmm, I read a lot this year.  This is tricky.  I really liked Nervous Conditions, I really liked the Dust Bowl book, there were so many of them, I honestly can't pick.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
All of the music we picked up down south.  I heart all of it.

26. What did you want and get?
To get knocked up again.

27. What did you want and not get?
oh man.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Milk.  But that could be because I just saw it.  I loved it.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Vegas!  Went to the Wynn with the hubby.  We saw LOVE, the Beatles show.  Man oh man.  I am now one more year closer to 30.  I'm close, we'll leave it at that.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Who knows?  I don't know.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
This meme is looooonggggg.

32. What kept you sane?
Keeping my eyes on the prize. Always.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't know.  They are just people too.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oh my word, this year?  Name something.

35. Who did you miss?
I miss my mom so much, everyday.  I miss living close to her.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Sharayah.  Then she moved. Of course.  

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Be pliable and adaptable.  And nothing is really as big as it seems at first.  Just take a moment and look around, and you're good.  You just gotta get out of that box for a minute, and it is not as scary.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I am cheating- it is not a song, it is a movie quote-

"All he needs is two Sundays worth of sermons in Orange Fucking County".  

Nailed it.

Happy New Years guys-

xoxo,

The Ever Expanding J.Danger

Dramatic? or Comedic?

The winner of the James Patterson Hanukkah giveaway is-

SERENA!

Congrats Serena!  I hope you enjoy it.  I see you have him on your blog today!  Email me your snail mail address so that I can get it out to you!

Thanks guys- that was a lot of fun.

Look at what the boys left me from their lunch today-

Those boys!

xoxo-

The ever expanding J.Danger

It's like riding a bike-

But what if it is your first time on a bike?

Here is a before-

And an after-

Ridiculous.

So what did YOU get YOUR parents?

Well, here is what we got our mothers for Hanukkah and Christmas-

Baby Danger Tres is on it's way!

So here is your run of the mill "I just peed on this stick" picture.  For proof and all...

Think pink people, think pink.

XoXo,

(The ever expanding) J.Danger

Double Dippin

Last night was the third night of Hanukkah.  The rain stopped for approximately 3.7 seconds, so we made hamburgers and turkey burgers for dinner.  The boys got more gifts, and so they are excited!  

Today is also Christmas Eve.  We are an interfaith family so we are lucky enough to get to celebrate most all of the holidays.  We have a tradition here at home that on Christmas Eve we make a big dinner and every year we each get a new ornament to add to the tree.  Originally, it started because we were B-R-O-K-E and thought it was a good idea to build up on decorations.

Tonight we are fortunate enough that not only is it Christmas Eve, but it is also Hanukkah so both sides of the family will be here to eat and hang out and swap gifts.

I am making Kosher Salt encrusted Prime Rib, mushroom garlic rice, Cranberry salad, Green salad, and then for dessert a Sweet Potato and Apple crumble casserole.  

And of course the kids are helping me make cookies for the fat man and his mini horned magical ponies.

I'm sorry- I tried.  I tried to refrain myself from this juvenile display...

BUT.....

I GET TO SEE MY MOM TOMORROW!  

I am soooooterribblyveryverymuch excited.

Look out Mom- here I come!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas Eve-

The Danger Family

P.s. BIG HUGE SUPER GIGANTIC news to come in the next few days.  Just you wait...

Night Two

Last night was the second night of Hanukkah.  We tried some take out from a new Italian restaurant (I am SOOOO sorry Peppinos but you are just too far away and not on ROTR).  It was so good.  I don't think that anyone realized how hungry they were because we all ate so much.  I babysat allllllll day yesterday.  There was a total of 5 children (4 BOYS) in my house, on a rainy day, ALLLLL DAY LONG.

So the second night of Hanukkah with my family was a welcome reprieve.

This is what they got for night two-

If you look close, their feet are way off the (dirty) floor.

They are called HOP! balls.  So stinkin fun!

This sums up the rest of the night on the Danger Ranch.

On another note, last weekend we made this fun little bit for breakfast.

I used cookie cutters to take out the middle of bread.

See- Christmas trees!

Then you place them in a hot pan with some butter.

Plop an egg in them and then you get Christmas tree toast and eggs!

Kids loved them.  It was fun.

Tomorrow I will be cooking all day.  Let me tell you, I am excited.  Stay tuned.

xoxo,

J.Danger

Happy Hanukkah!

Hey all!  I feel like I have been in a bubble all week.  I am afraid to even glance at my Google Reader.  I feel so out of the loop!  Fill me in guys!  Fill me in!

The fall semester is officially over for me!  I am 100% on break.  I was lucky enough to get to take this week off to just hang out with the kids and cook, and enjoy the holidays.  I am looking forward to it!  Pajamas here I come!

Yesterday was the first day of Hanukkah!  It was a lot of fun.  I worked Saturday night so Cory let me sleep in sooooooo late Sunday morning, and when I woke up it was to his special banana pancakes!  It made working the Cheetah Girls concert way worth it!

We went to my mother-in-laws in the afternoon.  At sundown we lit the candles and it was started!  Oh yes- 8 nights of gifts and food!  Oh yeah, and remembrance and all that stuff too.  Yeah Maccabeans!

I am totally lame and did not take any pictures, we video recorded it.  I don't know the first thing about any of that, so I got nothing for ya.

But everyone loved their gifts!  Cory got a bunch of new tools, and his mom got him a MacBook (I am slowly converting the whole family! mwahahahaha!).  Tommy got the Indiana Jones Lego PSP game, and The Beetle and the Bard- he's stoked.  Harry Potter and Indiana Jones?!  Does it get anymore super idol-ish for a ten year old?!  The baby got a huge Thomas the Train train set with landscape and everything.  That is all he did for the rest of the night, no food, no playing with his Emma baby, just the train.

My sister in law and I both got Kindles!  Let me tell you- I thought that I would boo the Kindle. But I was torn.  I love books, I am a literature major. But the Kindle seems so much better for the environment.  I think the Kindle wins.  Make no mistake, my books are not going anywhere (sorry honey!  Build me a second library with all those tools!) but I think I am in love with my Kindle.  I have not named it yet though...thinking...thinking...thinking.  

I also got a gorgeous sweater from my DH.  We were all very pleased.

I think the prize that took the cake is the one that Cory and I gave to his mom.  She cried, so I think we won.

She made a huge traditional dinner- latkes, blintzes, sour cream, applesauce, doughnuts, tuna fish and chicken salad, rye and challah bread, all the fixins. I am still full.

Fun was had by all.

So I have another giveaway!

I am giving away James Patterson's Step on a Crack.  

Here is a blurb from his website- 

"Detective Michael Bennett is about to face the greatest challenge of his career. After the death of a beloved former first lady, the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped within one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario.

Ten adopted kids.
Bennett–father of ten–is pulled into the fray but is then hit with devastating news: his wife is battling a terrible disease. As New York descends into chaos, he faces the prospect of losing the great love of his life and having to raise his children alone.

The crime of the century to solve.
Day after day, Bennett confronts the most ruthless man he has ever encountered, a man who kills without hesitation. As the entire world watches, Bennett has to find a way out–or face responsibility for the greatest debacle in history.

Welcome to Michael Bennett's world.
From the #1 bestselling author who introduced readers to Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club comes the beginning of a brand-new electrifying series. Step on a Crack is his most fiendishly terrifying thriller yet."

Since Hanukkah is 8 days long, I am giving you 8 days (well 7, because I actually wanted to post this yesterday! oops!) so you have until the 29th.  Just leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite holiday moment has been thus far, or the one that you are looking forward to most.

Happy holidays guys!

xoxo,

J.danger

so-

I am almost done.  I have finished all of my written finals, and most of my papers.  I have one more paper due tomorrow, and then I am finished with this semester!  I do not have a T.A appointment this inter-term, but I was asked to speak for two classes over break, which I am so excited for!  Dickens and G.K. Chesterton- so awesome!  And, I will hopefully be able to finish up my two online classes!  I can practically smell my degree now!

When I return in January, I have a full full full load of classes, but I am looking forward to the break with the kids and my sister-in-law.  Cory and I are getting ready to celebrate our anniversary and we get to get the heck outta dodge for a red hot minute so we are both very excited!

I hope everyone is doing well, and gearing up for the holidays!  Hanukkah starts for us on Sunday, and this year Christmas and Hanukkah overlap again- so we are full of cheer, presents, and FOOD!

Happy Holidays!

Xoxo,

J.Danger

because free is STILL better than cheap-

my pal Trish is hosting a giveaway-

http://trishsdiary.wordpress.com/

Go check her out!

xoxo,

J.Danger

HOW?

I did five loads of laundry yesterday.

FIVE.

One more than four, one less than six.

How is it then, that when I went to bed last night, I saw THIS-

How is that even possible?!

Its like Gizmo after midnight!

xoxo,

J.Danger

No soup for you-

First off- it is Cory's fault that I do not have any pictures of the Holiday Party for you.  I know.  I know.  

It was a nice party.  I do not know if my cookie won or not, I left earlier in the night and Cory said that they still had not voted by the time he left with his friends.  But in my mind, my cookie won.  It was crowned even, with spotlights from behind, center stage, and an orchestra playing my cookie off right stage.  

But, alas, I have no picture of my cookie.  So you will just have to take my word for it.  Which is cool, cuz you know, most people do anyway. 

So friends, the Danger family got their tree today.

It was so freaking cold today.  I know it never really gets cold in southern California.  But good lord it was cold.

See-

And F.Y.I. that is MY Hello Kitty scarf that Oliver is wearing.  But he came totally unprepared.  Saved by mom.  AGAIN.

Tomas picked the winning tree.

Here are our stockings.  Please excuse the roller skates and pop up tent.  It is the kids playroom and all...

And here it is- the Danger Family Christmas tree 08.  Frankos came over for dinner and helped with the tree.  We always love having him.  Mostly because it is the only time we are all in the picture!  I kid, I kid.

I know- no pants.

xoxo-

J.Danger

Please excuse the shiny night cream...

Tonight Cory and I are going to a "Holiday sweater party". Yes, you ARE right.  It is actually called a "Christmas Sweater Party" but we over here like to double dip in the holidays. (Yay interfaith!)

So- we are going to a "Holiday Sweater Party" where we are required to wear horrible holiday sweaters. I figured, you know...anyone can go to the S.A or the Goodwill and get your generic holiday sweater with the puppies, and the kittens, and the hot cocoa mugs, and glittery puffy paint embellished Christmas trees.... but we wanted extra special holiday sweaters! So we made them....

The boys are staying home with Nanny, but we thought they would have fun making their own interfaith holiday shirts.  

We were right.  Cory later filled in Oliver's star of David with criminal amount of silver glitter.

Cory really got into the crafting mind set....

hence, the title of this post.

For the party we also have to bring a cookie recipe, and also a holiday drink.  I asked for help making an honest to god good Vegan cookie and you all replied and were so helpful (thanks Lisa!).  I wound up making these, but I made a few adjustments to make them my own.

We had a ton of fun crafting with the kids!  They had a blast making their shirts, and they can't wait to wear them for the family dinners!  So many of them.....

Today- my Christmas cards (all five gazillion and nine of them!) are officially in the mail.  Keep an eye out loved ones....a few of you are even getting PACKAGES!  I LOVE getting packages.

Also, Cory has a potluck at work today.  So I got to make these-  (thanks P-Dub). I LOVE them!  And so does everyone else.  They are slowly becoming the appetizer that everyone asks me to make. 

So- have fun this weekend dear readers!  Stay tuned for pictures of us all decked out in our holiday home-made finery!  

AND-   another giveaway is coming up....

xoxo-

J.Danger

Because free is always better than cheap!

My good friend Redhead is giving away a mystery book over at her place!   Isn't that exciting?!  She is so creative!  You only have till midnight tonight to add.  Midnight!  See- mysterious!

Tell her I said HI!

xoxo-

J.Danger

Drumroll please!

I was so excited to see so many new faces here on my site with this giveaway!  I hope all the newbies stick around!  Welcome little newbies!

The winner is of The Same Kind of Different as Me is- 

Bellini Valli!

Congrats!  Now keep posting all those glorious recipes on your blog!  Love them, and so does the DH.

Send me your snail mail address so that I can get it to you!

And stay tuned, I have another giveaway coming!

Thanks for all who tried to win the book!

xoxo,

J.Danger

In light of "holiday cheer"

Today, Emily did this on her blog. 

Not only does she make me hungry like, every freaking day, but she's pretty funny.  You should start reading her blog.  Then go ahead and make her recipes,  but just don't do it as well as I think I can.  That makes me feel remarkably inadequate.  Thanks!

I thought it looked like fun!  You all know I like to "acquire" ideas from others, so I thought....hmm... I can do that!  She said I can too, so here goes!

100 things that I love-

(in no particular order! So NO complaining!)

1.my husband 2. my children 3.my mom 4.my friends 5. books 6. school 7. cooking 8. cupcakes 9. yogurtland 10. Tall Mouse craft stores 11. cookbooks! 12. garage sales 13. clearance racks 14. Target 15. Nordstroms 16. coffee 17. cashmere socks 18. wearing no shoes 19. being in my pajamas for as long as possible 20. weekends 21. date nights 22. "practicing" 23. road trips! 24. diet coke 25. natural mothering 26. pecan pie 27. pumpkin pie 28. Charles Dickens 29. grocery shopping for new recipes 30. hosting parties 31. Pushing Daisies 32. Project Runway 33. Historical Fiction 34. William Stafford 35. Billy Collins 36. John Irving 37. libraries 38. rainy days 39. Paula Deen 40. Quilts 41. Crocheted blankets from my mom 42. old photos 43. Amelie 44. Gone with the Wind 45. cheeseburgers 46. BBQ 47. good heels 48. Amazon.com 49. Ebay 50. mentos 51. m&ms 52. presents from Cory 52. Blues 53. margherita pizza 54. my piano 55. NPR 56. samples at Costco 57. writing out cards 58. Charlotte Bronte 59. chile verde 60. holidays 61. new babies 62. pregnant women (the nice ones) 63. flats 64. real coffee shops 65. Etsy 66. the deli 67. going to my mother in laws for dinner 68. Danger Family FUNdays 69. G.K. Chesterton 70. Tattoos 71. Real cities 72. other people's gardens 73. getting my hair done 74. writing 75. bikes 76. Jane Austen 77. George MacDonald 78. plants in a house 79. sustainable thinking 80. Google 81. Italian food 82. good mexican food 83. Reading with the kids 84. teaching the boys at home 85. being an interfaith family 86. going to the movies 87. being in bed 88. real life crime shows/books 89. biographies 90. food network 91. hot rods with loud exhaust 92. twitter 93. having great neighbors 94. having a home. period. 95. baking 96. giving gifts 97. weddings 98. Rolling Stones 99. going for walks 100. history channel

She was right- that was way easy.  I guess it is good to have so much that I love!

You should try it.  What do you love?

p.s. I better be on that list....or else....

p.s. squared- don't forget about the giveaway! 

xoxo-

J.danger

I am almost afraid to say it....

The Danger family is done with our holiday shopping!

WHAT?!  I know, right?

It feel pretty sweet, I must say.  We are making most of our gifts, which are just about done.  Today we finished off what needed to be bought.  Well, at least as gifts.  We still need wrapping paper, and stocking stuffers, damn it!  I knew I shouldn't have said it!

The other day I was emailing someone about what I love least about the holidays.  My naive response was "Whats NOT to love?!  I just love the holidays and babies and old people.  And puppies and kittens!"  

Today, I wish to rephrase that answer.

What I hate most about this season is-

1.  The temps at the grocery store.  Now, I know.  I get it.  They are working, and it is only a temporary job, and I am sure that they are doing their best and hope to get kept on.  But really, when I hand you the broken lemonade and you look at me like I broke it, and then play with it for 5,934 minutes, trying to fix it, this makes me frustrated.  And, even if you did fix it- that would not replace the missing lemonade!  And p.s.- I wanted to buy TWO of them, but you didn't even ask if I wanted a new one! 

2.  The woman at Wal-Mart that raced my ten year old son to a book that he was reaching for.  Ok lady, really?!  You're charging down a ten year old...for a book...at Wal-Mart.  Need I say more?

But you know what I love MOST about the holidays?  Well, most everything (except all that junk above!)  Now that the gifting is almost done, now comes the baking!  I have hundreds of reasons now to bake and bake and bake!  And I intend to use them!

P.s.- lest you think that I am a cold hearted holiday hater in poor spirits- see the post below.  Would cold hearted holiday haters in poor spirits give things away?!  I think not!

xoxo-

J.Danger

Ok

So the other night when we got home, I was gearing up for the holidays! In full force holiday mode, my dear husband surprised me by trying to sneak up some Christmas/Hanukkah lights!

Oliver was such a help for Daddy!

Yep, total help.

Tomas on the other hand, bee lined it for a friend's house- ANY friend- as soon as we got home from Florida.  He was D-O-N-E with family time.

Alas, the Danger family has officially started decorating!  The holidays are here!

On that note- I bought this book at the airport in Houston during our 5 1/2 hour layover (!).  I tried to post a picture but Blogger will not let me.  It is called "The Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.  It is the story of a homeless man and an art dealer and their unexpected relationship with one other.

Here is a blurb from their website-

"It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana... and an East Texas honky-tonk... and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a
Hollywood hacienda... an upscale New York Gallery... a downtown
dumpster... a Texas ranch.
Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, it also shines with an
unexpected, life-changing love."

It was a great book.  Once I started, I could not put it down.  It was more preachy than I had expected, but the story line of the book made up for it.

So- in fitting with the holiday season, I am giving the book away.  Just leave me a comment telling me what kind of a good deed you are planning to do this season (mine's covered!).

I will choose in about a week, then ship in on out to you- the winner!

Good luck- and Happy Holidays!

xoxo-

J.Danger

Cue the suspense!

Well, by suspense I really mean "I came to school today totally unprepared so I can't post until this afternoon".  But for you- I can make it suspense!  Let's just keep it between us two...

Check back later this afternoon for a giveaway!

xoxo,

J.Danger

A photo finish

First off- I am soooooo sorry.  The sheer amount of photos on this post is so absurd it is unbelievable.  But my family reads this blog (even though they never COMMENT! ahem) so at the risk of having to repeat the narrative on numerous occasions, to slightly (hmmm) buzzed barbecuing second and third aunts that are all named Sister Mary Margaret something or other- here you go.  (I love you all Mary something or others!)

This is what we looked like on Thanksgiving day.  Well except me.  Much to my dismay I was NOT able to maintain my super glam face that you can see here. Darn it!

Oliver had on a new sweater.  The commercial said it would make him behave for the night.  Snatched that right up!

My brother and his wife Vaulta drove up (or was it down?) to hang out with us for a few hours.  We had breakfast with all the Nick characters, then took James to the water park for the lagoon slides- at which point a freak accidental sliming occurred.

We also went to Animal Kingdom.  This is the conservation station there. Designed by none other than our fabulous Aunt Susie!

They rested for a minute in the bird atrium.  Tom can't wait for retirement. He's a perfect fit.

Breakfast with Patrick (right before he got fresh with me!  Patrick!)

Squidward was humiliated for both of us.  Good man that one, good man.

Oliver was picked to dance in a line up (finally NOT A MUG SHOT in a line up! Phew!)

Tomas and I got to be on a game show called "Who Knows Best".  We nailed every question, but then lost with the last one because lame not so hip mom did not know Kung Fu Panda.

Oh yes.

You know it.  I mean come on now folks, they still belong to us!

Tomas was a contestant on yet a second game show.  Here he is doing his best impression of Swiper as he swipes his little masked face off.

Super wild dance off

Good thing Tom went with the BLUE Camo!

Rockin air guitar

Heaven.

So fun was had by all.  Unfortunately all of the pool shots were lost.  Which is just a shame because you know I was absolutely the hottest one there.  You should have seen it, all the men were swooning and all the women were glaring.  I got a lot of pictures of it, they just you know, got lost.

xoxo,

J.Danger

Well.

The Danger family is home.  I have all kinds of stories and pictures to share but first, my ass hurts.  But not as bad as my back which is KILL-ING me.  But we are home and everyone is well, no one was lost or gone missing, and the house is still standing (including the fridge which was LEFT OPEN thank you very much kids!) 

So as much as I would love to sit and chat I am so dang tired of sitting-  laundry and butt massages await.

Till then-

J.Danger

Going to Miami....Miami...Miami....

Happy (day after) Thanksgiving!  Yesterday was a great one for the Danger Fam!  We are still here in Miami with the husband's family.  We spent the day by the pool (in NOVEMBER!) and then got all dressed up for Thanksgiving Dinner.  We ate at Chef Allen's, because that is where Aunt Lil wants to eat her Thanksgiving dinner, and since she is 101 she gets whatever she wants!  Oh to be 101....The baby was very well behaved and Tomas was an absolute gem!  So all in all it was a success!  They looked so cute in their holiday outfits! I can't wait to show everyone.  

Today on the other hand was ridiculous!  Cory and I took Tomas to breakfast alone so he can have some one on one time with us and he was super excited about that.  The best part was- wait for it...... the four person bike!  Oh man it was fabulous!  There was a seat up front with a belt for the baby, and then we all had seats for one another.  We ALLLLL had to pedal together to get it to work.  It was ridiculous!  I am sure that we looked like absolute fools, but it was so much fun.  Tomas even got to drive once no one was looking which was remarkably safe you know....  Uncle Dan rented Rollerblades and held on to the back the whole time!  That was as far into the dark side that he was willing to go.  Thank God!  

Well we are off to another fancy smancy dinner at 4 in the afternoon.  Because- again- when you are 101 you get whatever you want whenever you want!  Woo-hoo old age!

To be home soon-

XoXo,

J.Danger

Sooooo....

We made it.  We are in Florida.  So far we are having a ton of fun.  Everyone is jet lagged, but we have already done sooooooo much it's ridiculous.  I have so many pictures to post when we get home.  Tomorrow my brother and his beautiful wife are driving to meet up with us for the day so we can't be more thrilled!  Tomas and I were on a game show, we spent the day at the Animal Kingdom, we meet Spongebob, Dora, Patrick, Squidward, you name it....But tomorrow, we are GETTING SLIMED!

Happy Thanksgiving!

XoXo,

J.Danger

Happy holidays???

Things here at the Danger ranch have been a little hectic lately. Oliver had the flu, then Cory had a raging sinus infection last week, then Tomas had a week long asthma flare up that almost got the best of him on several occasions. Oliver is now sick again, and wants the whole house to know.

Uncle Daniel's birthday was Saturday, so we all got together and had a little birthday party for him at the MIL's (we heart Uncle Dan). That same night was the birthday party for a co-worker of Cory. He decided to have a James Bond themed party, so we all got to get dressed up all top secret spy like- it was tons of fun. Well, for us. Not so much for the rest of the group. Since we arrived late because of Dan's dinner party, Cory and I missed the limo. The limo that caught on fire, with everyone in it, then got pulled over and ticketed. Ouch. But when you are a double agent with a stocked wet bar, who really cares right?

Yesterday Cory's amazing tattoo artist line over at DiNG! was revealed, and it is totally awesome! He has been working so hard on it, and the kids and I are really proud of him. It came out great, and I am looking forward to getting my husband back once it all calms down a little bit.

Saturday we leave for sunny (and effing HOT!) Florida. We are all terribly excited! First stop is Orlando, where the kids get four days at the Nickelodeon Hotel. Then we are driving to Miami to spend Thanksgiving with Cory's 101 year old Great Aunt Lil who is freaking amazing. Plus, we get to visit my brother while we are there, which will rock because I will get to humiliate him in person, as opposed to online or over the phone. I mean, come on, he's the baby. Cory and I both have to bring a TON of work with us for the trip, but at least we get to go in the first place. And as long as the kids don't know, then I think we're good.

Oh- and I cut like a gazillion inches off of my hair. Pictures soon dearies, pictures soon.

How are all of you dear readers?

xoxo-
J.danger

A list of 7's.

You all know that I love lists! Sometimes I will put things that I have already finished onto a list, just for the pleasure of getting to cross them off! I know, I know.

I totally stole this from Tara over at Books and Cooks-

You should be reading her ANYWAY because she's got an awesome blog over there that I love reading.

So here is my stolen (and not won or given!  oops...) list of sevens-

7 things I did before (before what? kids?! HA!  I can't even remember.)
1. read just for fun
2. stayed up very very late
3. went out on the weekends
4. wore very short skirts
5. work full time and then some
6. listen to very loud obnoxious music
7. went to lots of concerts and hot rod shows

7 things I do now
1. read
2. commute
3. cook
4. try to remember to call my family
5. cannot imagine life without the Internet
6. laundry / clean
7. keep my eyes on the prize

7 things I want to do
1. Hang up my ph.D and get used to the title "Dr. Danger"
2. Publish a book
3. Just hang out with my husband
4. Live to see my child as happy healthy and productive members of society
5. Read all the books in my library (ha!)
6. travel a LOT
7. Host holidays at my house


7 things that attract me to the opposite sex
1. Cory's artistic talent
2. Cory's awesome sense of humor
3. Cory's stability
4. Cory's patience
5. Cory's imagination
6. Cory's parenting ability
7. Cory's ability to put up with me

7 Favorite Foods
1. big salads with oil and vinegar, chicken, almonds, s&p&garlic, a little cheese (totally hungry now)
2. Lasagna
3. Margherita Pizza
4. Ice Cream
5. Coffee and Diet Coke
6. My mom's enchiladas
7. Steak (who would have ever thought!)

7 things I Say Most Often
1. Yes he does look JUST like his dad....I know...
2. Oy Vey!
3. Let's go, Boyos
4. Don't pick your nose
5. Don't poke your brother
6. Hands to yourself.
7. Is that poop?

That was fun!  Thanks Tara!

XoX0
J.Danger

No lady- excuse YOU!

Tomas and I had to go to the grocery store this afternoon. Whats that you say- I thought that you went yesterday?  Oh yes, I did go yesterday and yet somehow I still had to go again today. The shopping center that houses our grocery store has been under (pain in my ass) construction for(EVER) quite some time now.  Needless to say, you have to be careful with the wee ones.

Tomas and I are waiting to cross the parking lot, into the grocery store.  There is also a group of firemen waiting on the other side.  I wait for two cars to finish driving through, and then the coast is clear.  Tomas and I take three- tops- steps into the street when this lady -with two kids in the car I might add thank you very much! - totally zooms in front of us.  I yank on Tom's arm, practically pull him to the ground and glare at her while she pretends to not even notice us.  As if!

So whatever, we make it.  We go to get a cart, and I realize that I have left my list ( I just love me some lists!) in the car.  I leave Tom there with the cart, as I can see him the whole time, and I got back to my car for the list.  When I get back to the sidewalk, guess who I see.  That's right.  So I walk up to Tomas, I grab that cart, and I get right in front of her and her two children.

And I stop.  Dead in my tracks.  And I make her wait.  And she has the nerve to say to me "Well, excuuuuuuse you."

Now, recently I have been working on NOT being a total hermit, so I go out of the house when my dear husband makes me.  I have also been working on NOT being a crabby ole' hag at the ripe old age of 28.  So I did what my husband tells me to do when I feel my good ole' redhead temperament rearing its angry head- which was say nothing.

So I said nothing.  But I also did not budge one god damn inch.  NOT ONE.  I blocked that entire door frame.  She eventually gave up getting in through this door, and after I glared at her for at least a full minute, she turned to walk away.  

Now, I wouldn't want her to think that I was rude or anything, so I very loudly said to the fire men who are now laughing (handsomely) on the sidewalk -"Oh my.  I must have cut her and her children off.  How terribly irresponsible of me".

She got the point, and I didn't have to raise my voice or anything. 

What do you think of THAT Mr. Danger?

xoxo-

J.Danger

Not to steal Tom's thunder or anything..

But Cory and I went to a wedding this Saturday. We never get to get dressed up anymore, or go out with adults, so here is proof-



Look how cute we are!

And look what I got on Friday. Just because.

Pretty sweet folks, pretty sweet.

xoxo,
J.Danger

His JuJu is way Mojo.

Tomas has been practicing diligently so that he can be promoted to yellow belt, from white belt. This was his first belt promotion, so he was terribly excited!



Can you see the excitement?



He couldn't stop beaming at us and giving us thumbs up, and making the "oh my gawwwwwwd" face. It was a lot of fun.

Next, if he stays on track, he is up for Orange in 8 weeks.

Go Tommy!

xoxo,
J.Danger

Viva la fashion Revolution!

Cory and I have some amazing and talented friends.

Meet Grant and Judy.

I will leave it to you to figure out which one is which.

Grant and Judy believe that you are your own art.

So they tag teamed it up, and started their own clothing as art line, Please Dress Up!

Here are some of their pieces, all of which I love and adore and would tackle a girl for.

These two are from their Pleats + Ruffles collection.

 I heart pleats and/or ruffles!

And these two are from their La Vie Parisienne collection-


So fantastic.

You can check them and all their amazing coolness out over at Please Dress Up! 

or on their MySpace.

They were also featured here and here.

So you can easily see why they have become as successful as they have been.  And plus, how freaking adorable is Judy?! They are a total hit up in San Francisco, where they live now.  But my friends, they are leaving us for further fashion fame.  Alas, they are moving to Paris.

How effing cool is that?!

Cory and I love them, and wish them all the best.

And we can't WAIT to visit!

xoxo-

J.Danger

Another Obama post.

I know that people are probably already tired of hearing about it, but I am still on cloud nine. Although I am extremely disappointed in California and the decision regarding Gay Marriage and also the prison system, I cannot describe how amazing it is to finally see a President in office that I feel good about supporting.  This is the first time in many years that I am proud of our Nation's leader.  This is a time that will surely go down in history; with both a female candidate and a black candidate, this is an amazing epoch in history.

The look on my son's face when we told him that Obama had won, and the fact that we no longer need to move to Canada, made it all worthwhile.

It has been hard for me here at school to be vocal in my support for Obama, but I was and I am.  And now, I get to walk around and gloat.

Going to gloat-

J.Danger

Go vote.

Vote it up!

Know Your Rights!

For those of you who remember the 2000 presidential election and the fiasco that happened in Florida, then you understand the importance of knowing your voter rights! We can't afford to pay for the Republicans' mistakes for another four years. Get yourself educated about your voting rights and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are informed as well. We must make sure that every registered Democrat votes and that EVERY VOTE IS COUNTED! For your information, we've provided your Voter Bill of Rights below.

Absentee Voter Information

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Tuesday October 31.

When voting by mail using an absentee ballot, we recommend that you allow enough time for your ballot to reach your County Registrar's office. Be sure and use the correct amount of postage. Some ballots may require more than 39 cents.

Postmark date does NOT apply to absentee ballots. They MUST be received at your County Elections Office on or before Election Day.

If you do not mail your absentee ballot in time, you can either:

Hand carry your completed absentee ballot to any polling place in your county; or
Relinquish your uncompleted absentee ballot at your designated polling place, and vote the regular way.
If you have lost your absentee ballot, go to your designated polling place and ask to vote using a provisional ballot.

Voter Bill of Rights

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. A valid registered voter means a United States citizen who is a resident in this state, who is at least 18 years of age and not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and who is registered to vote at his or her current residence address.

You have the right to cast a ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to the close of the polls.

You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from intimidation.

You have the right to receive a new ballot, if prior to casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake. If at any time before you finally cast your ballot, you feel you have made a mistake, you have the right to exchange the spoiled ballot for a new ballot. Absentee voters may also request and receive a new ballot if they return their spoiled ballot to an elections official prior to the closing of the polls on the Election Day.

You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot, if you are unable to vote without assistance.

You have the right to return a completed absentee ballot to any precinct in your county.

You have the right to election materials in another language, if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production.

You have the right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the elections process. You have the right to ask questions of the precinct board and election officials regarding election procedures and to receive an answer or be directed to the appropriate official for an answer. However, if persistent questioning disrupts the execution of their duties, the board of election officials may discontinue responding to questions.

You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to a local elections official or to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Date night

It is rare that Cory and I get to go out. Alone. As adults. You know, still a couple- not just mom and dad. We did that last night.

I got all dolled up- which means I put on clean clothes and combed my hair. Just kidding, I really did- and it was fun, and we felt grown up. For a few hours.

We went to go see W. It was a great movie, and we really liked it.

Then we went to dinner. It was not a great dinner, and I did not really like it.

We splurged, and ordered an appetizer. It was greasy, and left a funny film in my mouth.

Then, because I am watching my weight (of course!) I decided to try to be good, and ordered a seared Ahi salad. Booooo salad. The salad was mushy, and there was like a pound of ginger in the middle, so it looked like a big salad but it was not. I can deal with this, no big deal. But then I got to the Ahi- also mushy. Blah.

The waiter was totally cool though, and took it off. (So long gigantic unaffordable bill!)

At this point, we are tiiiiiiiiiiiiired from the time change, it has been so long since my face has seen makeup that it is now sliding off, and I am starving- so we go.

Then we decided that it was probably time to get los boyos from my dear mother in laws house. Totally missed the whole dinner, bedtime, story routine which is pretty sweet.

Until we get outside.

And Oliver starts hacking....and hacking.....and really hacking....

and throws up all over me.

We are talking projectile vomiting here folks.

I saw cookies, I smelled sprite, I met his hot dog dinner. Part of it is still in my adorable new(ish) flats.

When we got home, Oliver wrapped in my beautiful Ivory car coat, I asked him if he wanted some cough syrup.

His response- "No I want waffle syrup"

And our date night was over, projectile vomiting and all.

XoXo,

J.Danger

Halloween was (three days ago!) fun!

So, now that I have kept you in suspense all weekend (thank YOU very much computer!)
here are all of our Halloween pictures-

We were- literally- one out of only two groups trick or treating that night. It was dead, eerily dead.



Oliver would not let Phoenix out of his sight, or his hand.



Zombie pumpkin fun was had by all at the carving soiree.




Dark knight, a good witch, and the Hulk (the muscles in his shirt actually protruded so much that they pushed his mask off!)





Tired "tricky treaters" as Oliver said.






I just love it.

Hope your halloween was safe and fun!

Now go do your motherly duties by raiding all their candy bags and telling them you are doing them a favor by saving them from tooth decay!

XoXo,
J.Danger