pickles came to town

When I walked through the door on Thursday night, E broke out a red backpack and announced that Pickles had arrived. Pickles is the pet stuffed monkey of Mrs. S (her K teacher), who has been spending one night with each student. The students then write about what they did with him in a notebook and return it the next day. No pressure though. Thank GOD this didn't happen in the last few weeks when things were super crazy.

Since they were going through the classroom alphabetically by last name, and Slacker is at the end of the alphabet (oh how I miss my middle-of-the-alphabet maiden name!), the book was almost full. And, just like Valentines, these parents went all out. Luckily, we held our own. I forgot to take pictures of the journal, but here's what Pickles did on his visit Chez Slacker.

The funniest thing was how A was constantly trying to insert herself into this whole process. She watched over me like a hawk as I transcribed what E wanted me to write, occasionally telling me "I don't see my name in dere. You write my name in dat book!" Also, when I told E that I would take a picture of her going to sleep with Pickles, A asked me, "How you gonna take a picture of ME going to sleep with Pickles?"

Alas, just like a flash, he was gone.

iLove it

For an Anniversary/Mother's Day gift, I got an iPhone. I had long wanted one, but was unsure if I would use it. My old phone was your basic free phone (albeit in a cheery pink color), and I coudn't seem to remember to charge it. Nonetheless, I finally took the plunge and it's been true love ever since.

I like not having to log into my computer to check my e-mail. I got the armband so I can use it when I run (although it is kind of bulky) and ordered the Nike+ sensor so I can track my running mileage (you know, since I'm a big time runner after finishing my race). But thus far, my favorite app has been Hipstamatic.

I'd seen a bunch of other bloggers mention how cool it is, so it was the first app I bought. I haven't had much time to play with it...but so far, I think it's awesome. In fact, one of the pictures I took the other day is my current favorite picture ever.

I think the lighting on this looks pretty cool. And I love that, at first glance at least, it looks like the girls are running through a forest or something. When, in reality, they are running from giant, gaping hole in our side yard to the front of the house to go play on the building supplies. Maybe it's the sleep deprivation talking...I don't know.

So, what about you, fellow iPhone users? What's your favorite app? What do I need to get up on my phone, and pronto?

a land down under

As if we didn't have enough going on with work and the end of the school year fast approaching...we decided that this would be the perfect time to finally finish the basement. We've been talking about this since we moved in almost five years ago...and now it's finally happening.

Like, super duper fast.

I came home from work yesterday expecting to see a pile of lumber in my driveway. But there was also a bulldozer (backhoe? I have girls, I don't know the difference) in my yard. And a big hole by my house where the egress window will be installed.

 

The girls were fascinated by this. And the bulldozer/backhoe trailer. And the lumber pile.

 

But the fun ante was totally upped today when the inside stuff begins. By tonight we should have the aforementioned window installed, and the basement rooms framed out. The girls were delighted to watch the hubbub this morning.

 

So, I'll keep you posted as things progress. Hopefully, by the beginning of July, we'll have pictures of the finished project!

light at the end of the tunnel

Unless you are my husband, children, or parents...there's a good chance you might believe that I've fallen off the face of the planet. And, even the aforementioned people haven't seen me so much. The last few weeks at work have sucked. Big time. The good news is that they actually sucked less than last year. I mean, I was still working until 1AM, but I was able to tuck the girls in and do the late shift from the comfort of my own home instead of the office. Except for the night morning I got home at 3AM. That really sucked.

Anyway, the stars aligned this weekend and I had no work that *had* to be done. I mean, I could have done a 1,001 things...but nothing was pressing. I was even able to kick back, put my feet up, and relax with the fam.

And, when I got in this morning, I got some *great* news that brings us one step closer to finishing up this project. Yay! I'll just overlook that I've got two more coming up on this one's heels for now.

So,hopefully, you'll see me around a bit more from here on out.