The Life of Joey's Girl

It's REALLY happening!

2009-07-24T15:57:00.001-04:00

It's REALLY happening!
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I am going to be...

2009-07-20T08:44:00.002-04:00

Penelope's GODMOTHER!!! I am so excited and honored to be my newest little cousin's godmother. I am seriously going to be the best godmother ever. I will kind of being like a fairy godmother!!! Penelope will be my little Cinderella...I, of course, will remember all the other important things like helping her be a good Catholic and be there when she needs me...even though I would have done all those things anyway...I now have a title...Penelope's (Fairy) Godmother!!!!

I should note that I have two beautiful godsons...my brother Josh and nephew Elijah...and now my adorable goddaughter...Penelope!

I knew being 30 was going to great. I will be a wife and fairy godmother all in the same year. :)

Makes Sense

2009-07-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

I am sick about hearing about Michael Jackson...but the latest gossip is that Janet will get his kids. This actually makes SENSE. The most sense of any of the Jackson craziness. Seriously...their almost 80 year-old grandparents who abused their father shouldn't raise them. That makes no sense. And the mom that gave them up for $$$. That makes no sense.

I love Janet Jackson. I have all her CDs and saw her in concert when I was little. :)

Enzo Update

2009-07-16T11:13:00.003-04:00

Joey had to take Enzo to the vet this morning. He has been biting his tail and licking himself like crazy. He has especially been after his ears. Well...thank goodness my baby is okay!

He has an infection on his tail and the vet thinks that his allergies have gotten worse. We knew he was allergic to something, but just haven't figured out exactly what.

He is on antibiotics and we need to buy benadryl at the store. We will see how that works and then see if we have to do anything else about the allergies.

We are going to take him back next Thursday before we send him to Camp K-9 while his mom and dad are busy getting married and honeymooning.

I know everyone was worried. :)

9 DAYS!

2009-07-16T10:15:00.004-04:00

I am continuing to procrastinate. So I thought I would give an update on my to-do list. Also, these will be some of my last posts on The Life of Joey's Girl. I always want to be Joey's Girl, but I have a new blog after the wedding. I am thinking about a theme or something...but I'll ponder that on the honeymoon. :)

I have noted what actually got done and added a few things. I also added and marked DONE a few things because it makes me feel good.

DONE - Meeting at Hilton
DONE - Print menus for rehearsal
DONE - Pens for guestbook
DONE - Pens for rehearsal frame thingy
DONE - Print engagement picture to display at wedding
DONE - Wrote out wedding dates of family for their pictures that are being displayed
Friday - Give final rehearsal count to Carmela's
Friday - Hair Trial (DONE - need to pick up hair pieces at mom's before trial)
Pickup next week - Print programs for ceremony
Bank
Send final music list to DJ
Still have a few last minute gifts to buy (DONE - Moms)
Do last round of table seating (the hard parts are done!)
Return menu to Carmela's
OMG! I put this on my list twice! - Hair trial

I seriously do not want to even think about our list for this weekend!!!!!

Wow! 10 Days!

2009-07-15T09:01:00.003-04:00

OMG! I can't believe our wedding is just 10 days away. My to-do list is super long. Everyone keeps asking to help...but I can't give up anything on the list. What is wrong with me? I actually gave my mom a bunch of stuff to do and of course she was all over it and done in 10 minutes. She has lots to help me with this weekend.

The list for the next three days is pretty lengthy.

Meeting at Hilton
Print programs for ceremony
Print menus for rehearsal
Give final rehearsal count to Carmela's
Send final music list to DJ
Hair Trial (need to pick up hair pieces at mom's before trial)
Bank
Pens for guestbook
Still have a few last minute gifts to buy
Print engagement picture to display at wedding
Do last round of table seating (the hard parts are done!)
Hair trial

WOW! Lots to do before I can even start my weekend to-do list. Typing this out makes me wonder why I am posting to my blog instead of working (yes, I have to work too) or doing anything on the list. I am procrastinating, which I am really good at. You would think with a year and 8 months to plan all this would be done.

Joe has a to-do list also, which I just have to trust will get done. However, it was a bit frustrating to go home yesterday and see that he decided 10 days before the wedding would be a GREAT time to powerwash our deck. Seriously? I actually told him it looks great and remembered that we are both procrastinators. I am actually glad it is raining today, so he won't powerwash and work on the list. :)

I have two big pieces of news...

1) Joe got us a photobooth for the wedding! I have wanted one since the beginning and it was just never a priority. Then a few months ago we called around and it was just too expensive. BUT then I found out that a local studio in town has one and I figured why not call...if they haven't booked it yet, we may get a deal...and we DID!!!! Yeah! Joe and I both think it will be super cool to have and we get copies of every picture taken!

2) I hired a wedding coordinator. Who hires a wedding planner 2 weeks before the wedding? ME! I just wanted a little piece of mind for the day-of and I am so glad. Since I met with Kathy on Saturday, my anxiety went from 200% to 150%. Much better.

Okay...I have to get moving with the gazillion things on my work to-do list.

My dog got out...

2009-07-12T02:46:00.001-04:00

My dog got out...
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

At my party.

Two Weeks!!!

2009-07-11T11:14:00.001-04:00

Two Weeks!!!
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Jackson James Reed

2009-06-15T19:40:00.001-04:00

Jackson James Reed
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Jackson is two days older than Penelope! They would make a cute couple.

I Have Cute Friends

2009-06-15T19:38:00.001-04:00

I Have Cute Friends
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Fwd: Penelope James

2009-06-14T23:48:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Penelope James
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

My new cousin!!!!!

Fwd: Chillin'

2009-06-13T09:29:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Chillin'
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

From Joey.

I love Babies!!!

2009-06-12T23:41:00.003-04:00

I don't have lots of time...but I love babies and it is definitely baby season. My gorgeous friend Heather just had Jackson James yesterday and I got to meet him today! I can tell already that he is going to be a silly, truck lovin' mama's boy. I actually am dying to go visit him again.

AND...as I was talking to my cousin Rosalyn tonight her water broke! We think. :) I had to google what happens when your water breaks and give her all the details...well, after I gave her the wikipedia definition, she went to get true medical advice and called her doctor and he sent her to hospital. So, now I am packing my stuff because if they admit her I get to watch Panagiotis until his parents and new brother/sister come home!!!! Yeahhh! The bad news is I may need to miss my pledge sister/most fun & genuine friend's Bachelorette Party tomorrow in Chicago. We were headed to a rooftop for the Cubs game and I was going to see all my ladies...:( Tori, I love you and can't believe how my world's are colliding right now...the better news is...at least Rosalyn's water didn't break your wedding weekend!!!!

PS Her water broke when she was laughing at our engagement pictures. If anyone knows Rosalyn and I, we both laugh like crazy and the "serious" pictures were just too much for her to handle. :) Check them out!

Why I love my dad!

2009-06-07T14:36:00.001-04:00

Why I love my dad!
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I am so glad my dad is a hippie and a certified Master Gardner. Joe and I got all this from his yard today!

Weekend Update

2009-06-05T08:42:00.002-04:00

My favorite part of SNL is the Weekend Update and I love it when they do the Really? skit. I thought I would start my Friday off with it.

Really? Really the state of Pennsylvania is going to investigate the Gosselins? Really? How many children probably really need the attention of the state of Pennsylvania, but no...they are spending time and money on children that probably have trusts in their name, college funds started, bank accounts and have food and extras on the table every day.

Really? My wedding is 1 month, 2 weeks, 6 days, and 4 hours away! REALLY!

Really? People are really worried about flying after a plane crashed in the ocean. Not sure if this fact is a bit of an exaggeration...but it will prove my point...there would have to be a 200 passenger airliner crashing every day for the whole year to kill as many people that we do on our roads every year, so yeah flying is safer as you are most likely to get killed on the way to the airport. Really.

Back to the Gosselins...REALLY? We really care? I know that they do the show, so it's their own fault and she is snappy and he seems unambitious...but why do we care so much???? Did everyone really expect that their lives would be more perfect than any of ours. It's life! It's crazy and not easy and every relationship is different. But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put Angelina back on the cover of all the gossip magazines. Angelina is hot. Really, really hot.

Did I really have a 23 year-old drunk boy tell me that I was "unclassy" last night? Yes!!! Just because a 30 year-old with her boobs and legs covered up is drinking a sprite at the bar instead of slutting around drunk in a mini skirt with her red bull and vodka does not make her "unclassy." He then told me that my husband must be an ass for not standing and kissing on me and "letting me out" alone. This is when I probably could have stopped and told him that my husband owns the bar, is about 10 feet away from me and he occasionally let's me out of my cage, but only if have been on my best behavior at home. I didn't and instead let him stomp off in disgust after talking with the most unclassy girl in the bar...never mind the spandex stir-up pants, the tramp stamps, Victoria Secret thongs showing and the girls licking each other on the dance floor. REALLY! They were really licking each other.

Really, why do I care about a 23 year-old?

Bridget

2009-06-04T08:16:00.003-04:00

Little Bridget McCaffery, who is the daughter of my friends Kim and Dave, was flown to Riley last night after her heart stopped. I don't mean to have everyone be all sad today...but we need prayers for Bridget and her family. She is now in stable condition, but is in need of lots of medical care.

Needless to say, we are devastated today at work. In the past six months, my co-workers have worked diligently to raise the money Bridget needs for a new kidney. The goal for the entire year is within dollars of being reached. Bridget is such a fun and silly little girl. You wouldn't even be able to tell how difficult her short life has been so far. She is full of spunk and love...you can tell by her giggle and her passion to blow kisses.

You can already tell that our day of work here will be consumed by our prayers and thoughts for Bridget.

To read more about Bridget...http://cotaforbridgetm.com/

Would anyone...

2009-05-15T21:43:00.002-04:00

be offended if we didn't have a receiving line at our 500-person reception? I just think it would be way too long to wait and I think most of our friends and family don't care. We would love to do it at the church, but they have a wedding immediately following ours, so we are getting kicked out.

This is the latest argument...but I keep reminding myself that I'M OVER IT.

I'd love any advice.

Wedding Update

2009-05-14T15:33:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it is almost here!!! What am I going to complain about when it is over?

Joey and I only have a few more details to work on...other than that everything is done. I am still writing thank you notes from my shower...but I seriously had about 100 to write and I feel like I have to write a book in every one.

Originally, we weren't going to open anything from the shower until after the wedding...but the clutter is driving me crazy...so I open something as I need it or we want it. For example, this week, we made Chinese for dinner and used our rice steamer, wok and these awesome rice bowls that we got.

This weekend I have my first Bachelorette Party in Chicago! Yippeee! I really don't consider them bachelorette parties, but I love ladies-only parties and my college friends, work friends and family are all having a girls-only party for me.

Before I leave for Chicago, I need to weed the front yard and clean our dining room. Sunday I plan on finishing up my bridal shower Thank You notes and next week the Invitations are going in the mail!!!!! I messed up on the RSVP return date...it is driving me crazy...but I really need to get over it. So what if it says they need to be returned 5 weeks ahead of time. Well, I keep trying to tell myself that no one cares...eventhough I do, but I completely miscounted the weeks when I was looking at my work calendar.

We have a couple other projects, but none that are freaking me and actually if none of them happened, I don't think I would care. Do I really need to waste a bunch of paper on a program or print out the menu? (OK...so I totally think I do...but just in case I don't get to it...please tell me you don't care and that I am the only person in the world that cares about stuff like this.)

Seriously...I can't believe that I am an OPEN book.

2009-05-12T22:15:00.002-04:00

What is wrong with me? Why do I insist on telling everyone EVERYTHING? But maybe it is because I learn stuff about me every time I do these silly things. :)

65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked...you know the rules. Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about people. Also, try to tag people who you've tagged in other notes, sometimes you learn things in new notes that you didn't know before about them.......

1. First thing you wash in the shower? this is a stupid question. i just get wet. i then usually wash my hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? grey or gray. i never know which way to spell it...but i LOVE grey hoodies on anyone.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? of course. i actually kiss many people on the lips...not in a slutty way...but i am a kisser. BUT...i love Joey and I love kissing him.

4. Do you plan outfits? are you kidding? i plan everything...including what i will wear.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? tired, but relaxed

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red? I have a recorded Oprah on and she is wearing red...she is interviewing Elizabeth Edwards. No comment. :)

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? Very rarely do I remember my dreams.

8. Did you meet anybody new today? Kind of. I learned a lot more about someone I know today. It was a good thing.

9. What are you craving right now? sleep. i need to go to sleep.

10. Do you floss? yes. i love it.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? soup and detox. Joe and I love to do the cabbage soup detox. sometimes we just need to clean ourselves out.

12. Are you emotional? YES!

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No. But when I can't sleep I count to 100.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Both. I do both. I love ice cream and usually bite at first and then realize it is almost gone...so I lick.

15. Do you like your hair? no. I wish it was longer and thicker and looked good with no work.

16. Do you like yourself? yes...but only because I was raised by great people and I hope I am a little of all of them. I sometimes disappoint myself...but that doesn't keep me from liking me.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes. I respect my elders and leaders.

18. What are you listening to right now? Oprah and Elizabeth Edwards.

19. Are your parents strict? No.

20. Would you go sky diving? yes.

21. Do you like cottage cheese? yes.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity? I don't really care about meeting any celebrity but Justin Timberlake...and I haven't met him. However...I have this inkling that some day I will. I can just feel it. :)

23. Do you rent movies often? Netflix via the XBox. It is the best way to get any woman to actually like the XBox.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? We have a really cool broken glass mirror.

25. How many countries have you visited? Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands...not enough

26. Have you made a prank phone call? yes.

27. Ever been on a train? yes.

28. Brown or white eggs? no pref. I do both.

29.Do you have a cell-phone? I am super crazy...I have an iphone and blackberry...because I love to text and email. Can't they create a phone that is great at both.

30. Do you use chap stick? yes.

31. Do you own a gun? I plead the fifth.

32. Can you use chop sticks? Yes

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Enzo. Joey is at work.

34. Are you too forgiving? No.

35. Ever been in love? Yes. I love LOVE.

36. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? I will assume...sleeping until 11, hanging out with Enzo, stopping by his parents, picking up my bike, stopping at the bar, playing softball, going to dinner.

37. Ever have cream puffs? yes. i have had the best cream puffs ever.

38. Last time you cried? Sam and Cathy's wedding last weekend.

39. What was the last question you asked? I have no idea.

40. Favorite time of the year? HOT SUMMERS!

41. Do you have any tattoos? Yes. And I don't regret it.

42. Are you sarcastic? Not really.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? no.

44. Ever walked into a wall? Yes, who hasn't?

45. Favorite color? Green.

46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes.

47. Is your hair curly? Yes.

48. What was the last CD you bought? NO IDEA! I think it might have been a band at the bar...Actually, yes...the Autumn.

49. Do looks matter? Depends what you are talking about.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Yes.

51. Is your phone bill sky high? Yes.

52. Do you like your life right now? Yes. I am very fortunate.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No. No TV in the bedroom.

54. Can you handle the truth? Yes.

55. Do you have good vision? NO!

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Yes.

57. How often do you talk on the phone? I love to talk! A LOT!

58. The last person you held hands with? Joe

59. What are you wearing? my workout clothes.

60.What is your favorite animal? Dogs and bears.

61. Where was your default picture taken at? Raj's wedding

62. Can you hula hoop? Yes, but I get bored.

63. Do you have a job? Yes. 7 years and still counting.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Groceries.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window? I don't know...65 questions is too long and I am really bored.

The Building...It's a Rock!!!

2009-05-02T12:19:00.001-04:00

The Building...It's a Rock!!!
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

A little hiccup in our Saturday yard work plans...

The Door

2009-05-02T12:16:00.001-04:00

The Door
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

The Car

2009-05-02T12:15:00.001-04:00

The Car
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Another Facebook game...

2009-05-01T21:34:00.003-04:00

A - Age: 30

B - Bed size: king

C - Chore you hate: laundry

D - Dog's name: Enzo

E - Essential start your day item(s): Coffee!!!! I realized about a week ago that I now drink it black and have no idea when I stopped using cream. Really.

F - Favorite color: Green

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5 feet 3 inches

I - Instruments you play(ed): I wish I played the piano.

J - Job title: Product Manager

K - Kid(s): I have two...Joe and Enzo.

L - Living arrangements: Joey and Enzo

M - Mom's name: Beth Ann

N - Nicknames: Reesie (My cousins), Reese (My uncle Andy), Carissi-mo (My dad and Grandpa Hank), Mo (My dad). Joe's nieces and nephews call me Super Carisse. My niece and nephew call me Careesie, which I think is just the cutest.

O - say can you see my eyes? Gray/Green...really.

P - Pet Peeve: It depends...today I hate compulsive liars.

Q - Quote from a movie: "Would ya just watch the hair. Ya know, I work on my hair a long time and you hit it. He hits my hair." - Saturday Night Fever

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: two brothers and two sisters

T - Time you wake up: 6:15

U- Underwear: YES! About once I year I almost walk out of the house and forget them...but then I remember.

V - Vegetable you dislike: Cooked carrots...but I still eat them. I don't think there is a single thing I wouldn't try once. Including dog treats and bugs. When I was little I would try bugs...and sometimes I try Enzo's dog treats. If I wouldn't try them...I shouldn't give them to him either. BUT yes...they taste awful. One time, I got my niece and nephew to try them and then my sisters got mad at me. It was hilarious.

W - Ways you run late: Joey. Always.

X - X-rays you've had: My foot when a sewing needle went through it when I was younger.

Y - Yummy food you make: I love to cook, but Joey loves my stuffed peppers and italian rice salad.

Z - Zoo favorite: penguins and monkeys

I was kidding about the underwear...maybe. ;) Not the dog treats.

I'm OVER it!

2009-05-01T14:22:00.003-04:00

I never wanted a big wedding. Really. People think that I am just lying or being dramatic when I say that, but my most favorite weddings in the gazillion of weddings I have been to, are the small ones. There was one moment when Joe and I first started dating and we went to a wedding with almost 350 people and he said…”this is a perfect size.” At that point in time, I already knew I wanted to be with him forever and I think we had basically decided that we were “together” for the long haul, but I basically said to myself that I never had to be “married.” Not because I didn’t want to be Joe’s wife; I just did not want a huge wedding. And never once in all the time that Joe and I were dating did I pressure him to be married. Not once.

Then there was the huge Brangelina thing. (Yes, Joe and I were together before Brangelina!) They were together with a family doing their thing. I just wanted to be like Brangelina. Why not?

Well, this is why not. We are from huge Catholic families and even though we have been living in sin…we have to get married…in a church…and then have a family…immediately. Why? Well, because that is what we do and that is what I want to do, I JUST DON’T WANT A HUGE WEDDING!!!

With the wedding less than three months away…I have decided to GET OVER IT. I will have a huge wedding. I will wear a white (it’s ivory) dress. I will wear a veil. Actually, two veils. I have one for the ceremony and one for the reception. (That is me being dramatic…I had to buy two veils!) We will waste money even though we are in a recession. Really? Really, I can’t believe it.

It may not be the wedding I have always dreamed of…the fearless and intimate wedding that is more about Joe and me, but it will be special, crazy, and very powerful…and the pictures will be great. :) I know that everyone will have a great time...and then I get to leave for Jamaica for 9 days! It won’t necessarily represent our marriage…which I hope to be similar to our 6 and half year relationship so far… fearless, intimate, real and private. Also, from this point forward…I will not complain or cry…I am over it.

Can you tell I am talking myself into this? Or is this cold feet? I don’t know!! :)

Totally Digging Some of These Quotes

2009-04-17T08:10:00.002-04:00

Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) was a writer and critic for such magazines as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker. She also wrote a number of screenplays, poetry, and short fiction. A founder of the Algonquin Round Table, Dorothy Parker was known for her pointed verbal wit and satire, often focused on the life of middle class young women, newly "liberated" from Victorian restrictions. (from About.com)

I'm never going to be famous. I don't do anything, not one single thing. I used to bite my nails, but I don't even do that any more.
I don't care what is written about me so long as it isn't true.
Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.
Women and elephants never forget.
I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound -- if I can remember any of the damn things.
A girl's best friend is her mutter.
Take care of luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves.
Money cannot buy health, but I'd settle for a diamond-studded wheelchair.
If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant -- and let the air out of the tires.
That woman speaks eighteen languages, and can't say No in any of them.
I like to have a martini,Two at the very most.After three I'm under the table,after four I'm under my host.
Ducking for apples -- change one letter and it's the story of my life.

WOW!

2009-04-08T10:52:00.003-04:00

WOW! WOW! WOW! I am stressed.

With work, the wedding, getting our house painted, Easter, all our family in town, driving back and forth between families, my niece and nephew sleeping over on Friday...I seriously think I might go crazy. But as most of you know...I live for crazy, I work harder when I am crazy and I actually do a better job when I am crazy. HOWEVER...

I have decided to take care of myself and try to prevent too much crazy by spending a few days away from the office. I still plan on working...but just from home and as needed. I think waking up and getting on the computer in my PJs is just what I need. I will also be able to get the house prepped for the painter, make a few wedding vendor phone calls, but again...work in my PJs with my good espresso and not the crappy Maxwell House.

We have the worse coffee EVER at work. I will forever complain and probably be forever reminded by others that it is FREE. But I would rather pay for coffee than drink it...so I usually stop at McDonald's EVERY morning for a large coffee with three creams. It is a daily habit costing me $1.49. You may wonder why I don't just make coffee at home...well, our coffeepot is shot and I am waiting for our wedding shower to get a new one. Someone already bought it, so i am super excited.

I also have added another major destresser to my life...I hired a cleaning lady!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Joey was not too thrilled, but I think he is over it now. I realize that it is a luxury and something we should probably be able to handle ourselves, but it is now one less thing to worry about and she will mop all our wood floors and dust every room every two weeks...which I know we were not doing. With Enzo and our pool and the wedding, having someone help us is awesome! I have even noticed that Joey and I are keeping the house cleaner too. It's weird how that works.

I'm at a Wedding

2009-04-04T18:04:00.001-04:00

I'm at a Wedding
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Good Morning, Enzo

2009-03-31T08:32:00.001-04:00

Good Morning, Enzo
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Fwd: Chompers

2009-03-16T14:38:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Chompers
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

My dog is crazy!!!!!! Look what he got today!

My Loves

2009-03-15T01:33:00.001-04:00

My Loves
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Honeymoon

2009-03-10T19:50:00.002-04:00

We planned our honeymoon! Thank goodness...I needed something to look forward too. I seriously have been going crazy and knowing that I don't have a single scheduled day off until the wedding is driving me crazy...and even if I do take a day off...it would be to do stuff for the wedding. BUT I am not complaining...I gave up complaining about the wedding for Lent.

Here is my excitement this week...

I am going to LaSalle Grill for lunch on Friday...I had to miss last week's trip!
Tracey is back at PG! Yippee!
I'm getting my hair cut at 4 on Friday.
This weekend is the Tent Party down town and Friday will be one of my favorite people watching nights at the bar...people come in and act super ridiculous which is one of the reasons I am not a drinker.

Random thought...I think it is really weird during Lent when people eat fish on Friday and go out to dinner...doesn't that defeat the purpose of sacrifice. Now, Joe and I eat lots of Fish regularly...but we still eat fish on Friday...but we don't go out for a nice meal! I even feel guilty going to eat at his mom's who makes the most awesome bacala EVER.

Another random thought...I saw the documentary Religulous and wish I didn't. It really made me question my faith...but I am over it. I just can't believe that our bodies work so perfectly and I was blessed with such great things out of randomness. I also don't have time to flush my year of Catholic school down the drain...BUT it is funny and interesting.

My Last Day

2009-02-25T16:02:00.002-05:00

Wow...I was doing so great with the posts and then took some time off. However, I had to do a post today...it is an important day. It is the very LAST day of my 20s.

It really was an awesome time for me. I can't believe how short a life I have lived, but I do feel I lived it well. I thought I would highlight some of the great parts of my 20s and to tell you the truth I can barely remember anything truly bad.

I turned 21! Wow! Was that fun? It was probably fun because I never really enjoyed drinking that much because I was breaking the law. I am the oldest of five, so you know that I was running around making sure everyone was following the rules. I am sometimes surprised that I am not a teacher and sometimes consider going back to school and being one. Anyway, once I was legal, it was much more relaxing for me to actually order a drink.

I graduated from college. I was thinking about this the other day because it really was special. I remember my entire family coming to Bloomington and especially my Grandpa Hank. He was still alive at this time and it was awesome to be his first grandchild to graduate from college. I also graduated from one of the best business schools and had an awesome major that I actually took advantage of!

I went to Europe TWICE! Joe and I took two great trips to Europe. The first to Italy and the second to France, Amsterdam, and Italy. I had told Joe that before we started our own family, I wanted to travel to Paris and Amsterdam...and we went and he proposed. So soon enough we will be married and starting our own family! He is so clever.

I met Joe! Wow. He is the best. I won't say much because he told me that I should cancel Facebook and stop blogging...doesn't he know that for a software product manager that is basically career suicide? Okay, maybe I am being a little drastic, but seriously, I am not buying it. I love Facebook and I love blogs and where I know I have to be careful about what I share and when I share. I will forever be ONLINE!!!

I seriously have been to at least 10 of the most amazing weddings. I think every bride looks beautiful. Joe makes fun of me because guaranteed, I always say "Isn't she beautiful?" I have never seen an ugly bride. Those two words don't go together...at least when it comes to my friends.

I have the most amazing niece and nephew and when I met Joe I gained even more. I know officially have 9 nieces and nephews and they are the best!

We fell in love with Enzo. It is so weird how a pet can be so loved. He is so cool.

I have a great job. I would never be doing what I am doing today with any other company. I have 7 years of great experience.

I have a house. Yes, I have a house with a yard, a pool and dog. Wow. Living above the bar was awesome. It was a super fun time of my life, but now I love Saturday mornings at my house with my dog. It is super peaceful.

I have a Honda. This may not be a big deal to anyone except to those that never had a car in high school or college. I have a Honda that starts in the morning.

I went to the Hummer Academy. This was one night of my life, but Joe and I still talk about it. Thanks, Jill and Pete!

I lived through a Tropical Storm. Okay...so I am being dramatic, but to an Indiana girl, it was crazy.

I'm sure I'll think of more...

PS. I didn't use a single bullet point in this post!

The Facebook Bucket List

2009-02-17T23:18:00.003-05:00

I have a lot left to do on the bucket list. Another Facebook thing. My blog readers are again so lucky because I refuse to post to Facebook. I highlighted in red the ones planned for this year. I figured dancing in the rain should be easy...I'll just run around the backyard. :)

Things you have done during your lifetime:

(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
(x) Watched someone die
(x) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Japan or China
(x) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
(x) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a helicopter
(x) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Surfed or body surfed in the ocean
(x) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Stolen money from your mom's purse
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
(x) Made prank phone calls
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain-naked
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Exchanged the same piece of gum with someone
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating
(x) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States (more or less)
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
()Have met a movie star
(x) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
(x) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(x) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(x) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
(x) Traveled by train
(x) Traveled by motorcycle
(x) Been horse back riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
( ) Been to Disneyland
(x) Been to Disney World
(x) Played a sport in high school
(x) Truly believe in the power of prayer
( ) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Have touched a live monkey
( ) Swam with dolphins
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Played semi or professional sports
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(x) Been water-skiing
( ) Been snow-skiing
( ) Been to Westminster Abbey
(x) Been to the Louvre
( ) Swam in the Mediterranean
(x) Been to a Major League Baseball game
( ) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Installed a toilet
(x) Been the first to say "I love you"

Tonight

2009-02-17T16:55:00.004-05:00

I don't have time to post, but I have been on a roll and don't want to miss a day. I have tennis tonight. I don't look like this :), but I will pretend I can play like her.

Happy Birthday, Enzo!

2009-02-16T09:32:00.004-05:00

I have some pictures from our little birthday party yesterday, but haven't had time to upload them yet. Here is a picture Joey just sent from his phone of how Enzo plans on spending his birthday. He's got a rough life.

Pasta e Fagioli with Sausage

2009-02-15T16:03:00.002-05:00

Joey and I made a great soup together today. The new kitchen has made us both want to cook and cook together. Here is the recipe on Rachel Ray's website. With soup I don't usually follow a recipe or measure, but this one was so simple and I stayed pretty close to it.

I did use sweet sausage because I wanted to add the hotness from one of my habaneros. We grew them in our garden last summer and we freezed a bunch for the winter. They are SO hot and we love it! We put half the pepper in the soup and it was kickin'.

I thought that a pound and a half of sausage was way too much, but ended up using just a little under the pound and a half and it was perfect. However, if you had more or less meat it probably would taste just as good.

This made a perfect amount for the two of us. We have just enough left over for lunch or dinner tomorrow, however I think both of us are planning to have a bowl later tonight. :) But if you have a big fam or want extra, you should double the recipe or just add more broth or water.

I never get my recipes to look like the picture, but this soup really does end up looking like the picture.

I Don't Know What I was Thinking

2009-02-14T17:01:00.002-05:00

So, Joey and I went out to the Prada Martin's today. We decided to make a few stops and I was super unimpressed with the service. In a time where business is slow for almost everyone...you think people would try a little harder.

First of all, the Uptown Kitchen and Canine Crazy are great! We loved them. Uptown Kitchen had great food, super nice people and awesome coffee. We did have a bunch of unbussed tables around us, but that isn't a biggie. But...even if the waiters are busy...the owner could have done it. :) That was what I was thinking in my head, but he was super nice and him being there all the time will keep that place open. And of course, the good food.

Canine Crazy was fun. We bought Enzo a little birthday gift, but you'll have to wait to see it until his birthday and we take pictures.

On to the bad stuff...no place in the Midwest should have a shop named after or claiming to sell gelato. EVER. For some reason, Joey and I love to torture ourselves, knowing that no place here can make gelato. First, cookies n' cream and malt are NOT gelato flavors. EVER. I tried the pistachio and Joe got the spumoni. It was the heaviest, thickest and worst "gelato" ever. We both got a small cup and it cost $7 total. We also asked for an espresso, just to continue the torture...but their machine didn't work. Maybe that was a blessing. How can you have a store with the name Caffe and Gelato in the title and not have espresso or decent gelato?

Next horrible stop...a store dedicated to selling olive oil. This really should be my dream store. There was awesome olive oil and vinegars, but the girl working just SAT there. Actually, she wasn't even in there when we first got there, but then she came back and said hi and sat down. That's it. Not a "Hello, have you been here before? Can I help you? Happy Valentine's Day. Are you looking for something special?" NOTHING. How many people in Northern Indiana can go to a store dedicated to selling olive oil and actually know what they are looking for? I probably would have spent $100 in the store if she would have gotten off her a$$ and helped. I tasted two balsamic vinegars and decided to buy them online at home. I also was thinking this would make a great silent auction item for the Samantha Hickey Vegas Night...but I'll give something else. This place annoyed me the most because if you are going to open a shop in northern Indiana that only sells olive oil it better be top notch, but you also better have people that work for you that give a damn. Plus, how many employees could that place actually have? If Joe and I owned it, we would be the only two people that worked there and we would work our butts off to sell OLIVE OIL. Of course, I know nothing about olive oil, but I was ready to learn today and NO ONE wanted to help me.

happy valentine's day

2009-02-14T10:40:00.002-05:00

Joey, Just so you know...I love you more than espresso, Jon &Kate plus 8, and Justin Timberlake. So that really is a lot.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!!

friday the 13th

2009-02-13T21:46:00.003-05:00

not in the mood to post. i can barely keep my eyes open, but thought i would honor the holiday.

Animal

2009-02-13T08:26:00.001-05:00

Animal
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I don't know what this is, but Enzo has been outside staring at it for 3 hours. He is such a wimp because he won't go near it BUT thank God!!!

I totally forgot he was outside and then I started freaking out when I remembered. I knew something was out there, otherwise he would have NEVER stayed out that long unless it was snowing. (When it snows, he seriously goes crazy and won't come inside. It's like sugar is coming out of the sky for him. )

A couple a months ago I hit a possum and a deer within a week in Joey's truck.

I told Joey that I hit the weirdest looking raccoon with an all white face and a pointy nose. He just laughed and reminded me that I am a ditz. It was a possum. Whatever. They are all nasty.

Best in Show

2009-02-12T17:15:00.002-05:00

Enzo is our true winner, even though I am not sure he could ever be in the Westminster because he has a pink nose instead of black. Apparently, that make him "not good enough" which I think is BS. Instead I think it gives him true character and sets him apart from all those "good" dogs.

Anyway, Stump, the Sussex Spaniel, was the winner the other night. He is the oldest dog ever to win Best in Show. I think it is great and I think he is a good-looking dog, however Joey thinks he is an old hag and should have never won.

What many don't know is that these Dog Shows are a racquet...basically, many of these owners spend tons of money to campaign for their dogs, so that judges and dog lovers know who they are. Otherwise, how else would people know Lincoln the Brussels Griffon? There owners promote them in magazines and on tv and travel to dog shows and whatnot.

But Stump was different...no one knew who he was and he still won! Here are some quotes from the judge, Sari Tietjen, who gave Stump Best in Show. The judge didn't recognize him or even know how old he was!!!

"To bring a dog into the Garden who hasn't been showing was a little insane."

"He's just everything that you'd want in the breed, and I couldn't say no to him."

So for all you haters (Joey), get over it. Stump deserves to be the winner.

Interesting Article...

2009-02-11T22:38:00.002-05:00

Here is an interesting article about my "25 Things" obsession. I never posted my list to Facebook actually. That really annoyed my friend Michele who said I was lazy. I wasn't lazy...I just prefer to not have my facebook stalkers read it and instead the strangers that read my blog. Duh. As I am typing this I am thinking about giving in and just posting it, but may continue to just be stubborn.

3 Updates

2009-02-11T22:23:00.003-05:00

Good news! No pink eye, but I did irritate my eye a little. It probably happened during the big kitchen renovation, but it's all good.
I have seriously changed the dishes on my wedding registry 3 times! I originally picked out a really modern blue china, then I decided on the same pattern, but white...THEN I totally switched it up and went with the one that all the moms loved at the store and is super formal. I just removed my third set of everyday dishes because I don't like them. Joey picked them out and I asked him tonight, if he would mind if I took them off the list, which of course he doesn't. I am usually pretty decisive, but I am trying to make sure Joey likes everything too and it makes it way more difficult. :)
We took Enzo to the vet yesterday and had to put him on antibiotics. He was limping on his hind leg this weekend and we wanted to get it checked out because it didn't seem to go away. Another 7 days of rest for him. We also talked about the constant throwing up. We are switching foods...AGAIN and also giving him a "snack" in the evening. If this doesn't work...which I don't think it will...we are going to get him allergy tested. Apparently, some dogs are allergic to people. Really! That is what the vet said.

Pink Eye

2009-02-10T12:04:00.003-05:00

I think I have pink eye. My boss just told me that I was infecting everyone and that I looked like I had been punched. So, I think I am getting sent home. I am going to stop at the urgent care, get some medicine, and then work from home. If I do have pink eye, it is highly contagious.

What a bummer. My WHOLE face itches.

Westminster Dog Show

2009-02-09T20:26:00.003-05:00

It's my favorite time of year again. Time for the Westminster Dog Show. I am recording it so that I can watch it with Joey. He has always made fun of me that I love to watch it, but I am anxious to see if he will this year now that we have Enzo. I forgot to include the Westminster Dog Show in my favorite February things.

(Oh, my! My secret crush Chuck Todd just asked a question to Obama during his press conference. I'm so proud of Chuck.)

Ok...so my love of the Westminster Dog Show was definitely inherited from my parents. They use to watch it when I was younger. If my mom wasn't on a flight to Florida to see my beautiful Italian grandmother, she would probably be watching it right now too.

All the dogs have crazy names and go by call names...so in honor of Westminster Dog Show week...Enzo has a new name.

Official Name: Multi BIS/Ch. Italian Stallion of Love aka "Enzo the Baker"
Call Name: Enzo

Here is what it means...

Multi BIS - Multi Best in Show
Ch. - Champion
Italian Stallion of Love - Code for "I have two crazy Italians that live with me and a Boxer girlfriend named Isabella that lives across the street."
Enzo the Baker - Read here.
Enzo - Just Enzo...

Have you ever seen the movie Best in Show? It is hilarious. I totally forgot about it until just now and it makes me laugh. Here is a link to a trailer below.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi234029849/

New Kitchen

2009-02-08T12:46:00.004-05:00

We still have a little bit of touch up and paint, but it is looking pretty good!

Before

After

????Engagement Pictures Question????

2009-02-07T10:04:00.002-05:00

So, we are having our engagement pictures taken in Indy in June. No special reason for Indy besides that is where our photographer lives.

So here is the question for my Indy friends...where would have the pictures taken? We have no "special" places in Indy, we don't need it to necessarily look like Indy, we just want a nice outdoorsy place. We are also willing to go outside the box since this really is just "practice" for the wedding.

Our photographer suggested the canal. I'm totally up for anything, but wanted to get your thoughts.

Don't Make Me Blog You

2009-02-06T08:03:00.003-05:00

Couple of things...this t-shirt is in honor of my post yesterday. I think I should buy it...or better yet...my birthday is coming up...hint, hint.

This website is awesome. I found it on Geeksugar and if we were still planning a trip out west for the honeymoon, it would be perfect site to help us find a rental.

I really wish Apple would come out with a netbook. BUT in the mean time, I would die to have this pretty Vivienne Tam HP Mini Netbook to carry around the office. I would have to get cute little red earbuds too. Okay, so maybe I wouldn't die...but if it was an Apple Mini Netbook...I would die then.

I LOVE AMERICA!

2009-02-05T18:28:00.003-05:00

Seriously, this country is great. We really don't even need TV anymore because the blog world is a soap opera. I have quite a few favorite blogs and I thought I would share.

But first I want to share what stirred my excitement and love of America and its blogs.

I have an obsession with photography blogs. I am amazed at their talent and steady hand. I think I have a good eye and following so many photographer's blogs gives me inspiration, but I could never be a great photographer without a steady hand. Anyway...there is a feud in the photography world and it is as exciting as The Bold and the Beautiful. It started with DJ speaking his mind about Pictage and SmugMug and then Gary Fong speaking his mind about DJ speaking his mind and WOW! It's some good stuff. Where I do have an opinion, I will keep it too myself since I don't know either, I don't have any experience with Pictage or SmugMug and I am not a photographer. If anything, I really just want everyone to get along and I bet most people feel the same way. I know that sounds so cliche because of course everyone doesn't have to agree...okay, I have said too much. But really...I know for sure after reading both their blogs for YEARS that they are both good people and where it may take awhile, they will get "back together" just like Brooke and Ridge always do on The Bold and the Beautiful. (In Italy they LOVE this show...they call it Beautiful.)

Here are my just some of my favorites...and I really have lots of favorites, so this is like 2% of my favorites.

Photography blogs...

Jessica Strickland...our wedding photographer!

Blue Candy...my long lost high school friend who is the BEST!

Friends...

Kristen Leep...our bestest friend in the entire world!

Horseradish...my comedy mentor!

Work Stuff...

The Cranky Product Manager...story of my life and it isn't even my life!

Life as a Healthcare CIO...it's my career, healthcare (my passion) and personal all in one! I die!

Celebrity Gossip...

Perez...there are no others that are worth it!

Wedding Stuff...I can't believe I am just picking 2!

Style Me Pretty

Snippet and Ink

Anyway, I do dream of someday have a more "purposeful" blog about something interesting and useful...but in the meantime, this is my journal to share what's on my mind. :)

The Life of Joey's Girl is really random...

2009-02-04T10:02:00.003-05:00

I keep thinking of more and more random things that I can share with my friends. It's funny because so many of you already know these things about me and are enjoying the reminders. I have seriously been addicted to everyone's random 25 on Facebook. I don't know why, but I love it. It just really seems so honest. I think it is crazy how open people are...this coming from someone who has a blog posted to the world. Do you know that I have someone in Germany that follows my blog? Hello, Germany! I brought up the "random 25" to Joey and he looked at me like I was crazy because he had no idea what I was talking about. After I explained it, I think he then started to understand what all his Facebook notifications have been the past couple weeks. He's such a beginner.

Anyway...here are more.

29. I write my emails in lists and bullet points. I just think that they are easier to read. Sometimes I get these super long emails at work and I think to myself...could they have just highlighted the point? I definitely don't expect people to email in lists and bullet points...not necessary, but if it takes a novel to write an email...then let's talk. I actually have two times designated during my work day to walk around and talk to people. I can get more decisions made and stay more in tune with my projects in those times than just sitting at my desk talking to people through email. I probably eliminate a lot of emails by walking around visiting people.

30. I keep a hand rosary at my desk. It seriously comes in handy when you have anxiety like me. I do count and have some breathing things that I do, but seriously...the most relaxing thing for me is to pray. And as I think about it...I don't even pray for the anxiety to go away...I just start thinking about all the things I am grateful for and before you know it...I'm good. I'm pretty open to all faiths and find that as a faithful Catholic, I don't necessarily migrate to Catholics...but to those that are faithful. For example, some of my best friends from college are Jewish, but even though we believe in different things, we gravitate towards each other. We relate when it comes to tradition and family. My Italian Grandma's best friend is Jewish. Best Friend Jeanette and Grandma Angie always saw that Italian-Catholics and Jewish people make the best of friends...I think that is just because they are. :)

More random things...

2009-02-03T15:58:00.004-05:00

Ever since I did my 25 random things, I keep thinking of more...

26. Like how I am deathly afraid of karoake. I seriously cannot even step foot into a bar or restaurant where karaoke is taking place. I get so nervous for the idiots up on stage that I want to throw up. In college, I was in a sorority and we had to sing songs during rush and seriously wanted to quit just so I didn't have to sing. I can hear them saying to all of us that we have to harmonize or something...WHAT THE HELL DOES HARMONIZE MEAN? Seriously, I am starting to get pissed just thinking about it because not only did I have to sing, I had to where white in the winter. Seriously...that was so stupid. I now have anxiety. Damn it.

27. When I am upset, I for some reason sit in my laundry basket. I have done this since high school and then my friend Gina use to make fun of me because I did it in college and then awhile back I accidently ran Joey's truck into my Honda and I was so upset that I went and cried in our laundry basket. He was mad at me, but didn't know what to say because he was so freaked out by the crying and the sitting in the laundry basket that he just let it go. There is no rhyme or reason to this except that I am super strange.

28. I wish I was funny. Like super funny. Like John Stewart or Colbert funny. I have a friend Horseradish and he is THAT funny. I know for a fact that some day he will be famous because he is so frickin' funny. When he makes it big, he said I could be his personal assistant. So at least if I am not the funny guy, I am at least "Special Assistant to the Funny Guy." That will be my title too. I'll try to be more funny on the blog, but it is impossible because what I think is funny no one else does, AND I can never get a joke right. However, Horseradish and I do a great interpretive dance and it really is funny. That is how I think we will start his show every night. So even though I am not funny enough to be on the show...I can at least do my dance which would be a requirement as "Special Assistant to the Funny Guy. " Horseradish calls me Medusa because of my hair. NOT FUNNY!

No Surprise Here

2009-02-02T13:31:00.003-05:00

As much as I love February and all the made up Holidays in it, I do think that Groundhog's Day is absolutely ridiculous. Seriously? All the morning news shows have to announce and discuss how some rodent saw his shadow. Look at that crowd! Of course he saw his shadow...the damn groundhog has cameras flashing everywhere. And of course we have six more weeks of winter! It's only the first week in February! Then they have a fireworks show. Are we really a nation in crisis if we waste time and money on a groundhog?

Also, why isn't the groundhog ever a woman? Probably because she is smart enough to know not to get out of bed yet because there are too many people out there and it is way too cold.

Here's a little groundhog joke for you...

Over breakfast one morning, a woman said to her husband, "I’ll bet you don't know what day this is.""Of course I do," he answered as if he was offended, and left for the office.At 10:00 a.m., the doorbell rang and when the woman opened the door, she was handed a box of a dozen long stemmed red roses. At 1:00 p.m., a foil-wrapped, two-pound box of her favorite chocolates was delivered. Later, a boutique delivered a designer dress.The woman couldn't wait for her husband to come home."First the flowers, then the chocolates and then the dress!" she exclaimed. "I've never had a more wonderful Groundhog Day in my life!

Happy February

2009-02-01T15:15:00.002-05:00

February is my favorite month of the year. Here are all the reasons why:

My birthday

Enzo's birthday

Joe's dad's birthday

My cousin Jacqueline's birthday

My cousin Rosalyn's birthday

My cousin Aaron's birthday

My cousin Tom's birthday

My friend Leep's birthday

My friend Horseradish's birthday

Groundhog's day

Lincoln's birthday

George Washington's birthday

President's day

Valentine's day

Every 4 year's it is so special it gets an extra day

It is the shortest month of the year and the only month with less than 30 days

Everyone thinks red in February

It's Black History Month

I love purple and I love amethysts

So there you have it. HAPPY FEBRUARY!

Potato Creek

2009-02-01T15:07:00.003-05:00

Last August, Joe took his nephews to Potato Creek for a few days. It was a boys' trip and I think it will be an annual event. They rented a boat, fished, swam, rode bikes, grilled out, played soccer, threw the frisbee and whatever else boys do when they go on these trips. Here is a picture that I took when we came to visit. Little Rudy was the only one to catch a fish, but I don't think any of them really cared. My biggest beef with Potato Creek is that you can take your dog anywhere there...except for the cabins. So poor little Enzo wasn't allowed to have fun with the boys. What's a boys' trip without Enzo? Seriously.

25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-31T02:02:00.002-05:00

I wasn't in the mood to post this to Facebook, so I am sharing with my few blog readers. :)

1.I seriously want 5 kids. Seriously.

2. Speaking of lots of kids, I was obsessed with Angelina way before she was Brangelina.

3. My favorite movie line is from Saturday Night Fever…"Would ya watch the hair! Ya know, I spend a long time on my hair and he hit it; he hit my hair."

4. I really want to move and work in Washington D.C. even though I have never been there.

5. I carry around two spiral-bound graph-paper notebooks at work. I draw little check boxes for all my to-do lists. The blue one is for anything the developers ask for and the green one is for everything else.

6. I write things on my to-do list that I have already done, just so I can cross it off.

7. Fresh flowers in the house are a must, even if they are just going to die.

8. I go to the Farmer’s Market once a week in the summer. Fig season is my favorite.

9. I forget to eat. I seriously go to bed at night and have to think when I ate last.

10. Sometimes I eat all day non-stop and don’t remember a moment when I wasn’t eating.

11. I can never find my keys.

12. I wish I could decorate. I think my house looks boring.

13. I’m a really good secret keeper. I have my own and keep many others.

14. I sleep in my clothes at least twice a week. It drives Joe crazy.

15. Right now I carry three purses all at the same time. One big tote and two purses inside.

16. I make warm milk and espresso on the stove every Saturday and Sunday for Joe. He makes me a fried egg sandwich.

17. I love to be alone. (Do I really want five kids?)

18. It drives me crazy that every one of these starts with “I” so I am spending time trying to reword the sentences. PATHETIC!

19. When I walk into the Nordstrom shoe department, something I can’t explain just happens to me. It is euphoric.

20. I love to travel for fun, not for work.

21. I am a horrible driver.

22. I miss my college friends a lot. They are the best and I need them.

23. I want a MacBook Air and diamond earrings. Really bad.

24. I have always wanted to go on a safari.

25. I feel really lucky to have 9 healthy nieces and nephews.

Weekend Update

2009-01-30T08:39:00.002-05:00

I have been checking things off the wedding to-do list like mad! This week we scheduled the rehearsal, finalized our musicians for the ceremony (except our vocalist), and organized our to-do list. I realize that organizing our to-do list shouldn't be a task item, but when you have has many to-dos as we do, it has to be done periodically. Also, today we get the estimate from the florist. That one should be a doozy. Is that how you spell doozy? I have no idea.

Next week, we are ordering the invitations, finalizing the vocalist, and taking my dress to get altered. I also need to schedule a meeting at the church. Seriously, we have had at least 5 church meetings! How many more do we need to have? My goodness!

This weekend we have a few other things to take care of, but the most important project is packing up our kitchen. All of our cabinets are in and our appliances are being delivered on Tuesday. We didn't order a new fridge yet, but we did get the microwave, dishwasher, and stove. Typing this has reminded me that we need to purchase a garbage disposal. Typing this has also got me thinking that Enzo will be absolutely crazy when these men are working on our house and we better take him to Doggie Daycare for a few of those days.

2009-01-29T20:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I cannot believe I am posting how pathetic Joe and I are, but my friends have loved making fun of me and I wouldn't want to spoil all their fun.

This video is super long, but proves that Joe and I need a life.

Isn't it weird when you hear your voice? My voice doesn't sound anything like that...to me.

And why the heck did I keep saying ghetto? We are not ghetto at all. We are pathetic.

I want to go back to PARIS...

2009-01-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

WE HAVE A PREZ THAT CAN DANCE!

2009-01-20T22:06:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a day? I sprinted out of bed today because I was thrilled that we were finally getting a new president. I laid in bed wanting to sleep another 10 minutes and I couldn't...I kept thinking what an awesome country I live in! I woke up and went to work before 7...giving my all is one of my pledges. :)

I had a full day of meetings, but made time in my schedule to watch Obama at noon. I wasn't going to miss the moment for anything. While I was watching it though, I got a call on my Blackberry from my CEO. He wanted me on the news for an interview that afternoon! So I went from super excited to super nervous. I was sweating. My boss told me not to worry about it..."It is Television not Smellivision." He is crazy.

Anyway, I had a decent interview, great meetings even though I didn't hear all the things I wanted to, but more importantly we have a new president with a really hard job. It will be hard work FOR ALL OF US. I did get out of work later than planned and had to miss tennis, but that gave me more time with Joey before he had to go to work.

Joey has a new pledge as well. He has baby Bridget on his mind and wants to do all he can to help her get that kidney. We feel so blessed to have so many healthy nieces and nephews that giving Bridget all the same experiences they have is important to us.

And yes, we have a president that has some nice moves. How refreshing?

PLEDGE

2009-01-19T18:56:00.003-05:00

What do you pledge?

I pledge to read to Tatiyana every Friday.
I pledge to help little Bridget get that kidney before she is old enough to remember!
I pledge to really really really try not to forgot my awesome grocery bags when I go to the store.
I pledge to give all that I can at work because I am so blessed to be a woman with a college education, a house, a car, a career, health insurance, clean water to drink, a job that pays me and enough extras that I get to redo my kitchen and have a wedding.
I pledge to be kind and loving to Joey, who is so kind and loving to me.

Greek Wedding

2009-01-18T13:00:00.003-05:00

We are just about to leave for our friends' Bill and Cindy's wedding in Merrillville. We are excited, except Joe is a little upset about missing football today. Okay, so he is really upset, but also really enjoys hanging out with our Greek friends. This is our first Greek wedding and everything we do with the Greeks is AWESOME!

Here are some pictures from a Baptism we went to last year. They dance crazy. This is Bill and his dad...we have better pictures, but Joe is yelling at me to get in the car. :)

For my work friends...I will be taking a personal day tomorrow. I will probably sneak in during the afternoon...:)

Enzo Update

2009-01-14T18:42:00.003-05:00

Well, I got an email from my friend Libby today about the blog...which gave me hope...someone does read it...so maybe I should work harder to post. I also know that I have about 5 other crazy friends that actually like to pay attention to my boring life like I pay attention to their fun lives!!!

Anyway, I thought I would post a picture of Enzo that I found before the snow. I can't believe how big he has gotten. Joey and I just love him dearly and his 1st birthday is February 16th. There WILL be a party and a big post because he is my baby. (Seriously...I need babies, but this held me off until after the wedding. :) ) We are addicted to ALL dog shows. Of course, Cesar is our favorite and we believe everything he says...but we love Dogtown, It's Me or the Dog and Dogs 101.

Joey and I talk about this all the time, but we would have never "picked" out Enzo. He is a siberian husky, he sheds, he is super high-energy and I don't think we will ever have him trained to be off the leash in open places...BUT we needed him. He is so frickin' awesome. Because of him we have learned about dogs and puppy training, bought a super cool vacuum, bought bikes to take him for long runs, go snow-mobiling with him, and LOVE date nights at home with him.

Saturday mornings are by far my favorite day of the week. I wake up about 3 hours before Joey (he works late, you know), make coffee, pick up the house and chill with Enzo. Of course, it is way more fun in the summer, when we can go outside and do stuff together. In the winter, I wait until Joey gets up to take him for a run. And when he is super stir crazy...we take him to Grandma's to play with Lily or across the street to play with Izzy.

Even in this weather, Joey takes him for runs. They are ghetto runs because he holds the leash out of the window of the car. Enzo runs about 20 miles per hour! Of course, as a mom, I am super worried we will run him over, but he is careful, the neighbors think we are super weird, and Joey has instructed me to NEVER EVER try it myself. :) I definitely need to make a video and post it.

I'm Alive

2009-01-13T14:59:00.003-05:00

As if I didn't have enough going on with a huge project at work and a wedding to plan...we have decided to redo our kitchen. I'm super excited and anxious.

I joined Twitter. I have no idea why. I used my soon-to-be last name if anyone trys to look me up.

Is it wrong that I already use Joey's last name for stuff? I mean, I don't go out and tell people that is my name, but I don't want to set up any new accounts to things that I know I will want to change later. For example...Twitter and the Racquet Club. Joey lied there. He just put me under his account as the Mrs. :) I love that.

I have been sick for about 2 weeks. I can't stop the coughing!

I still haven't sent our Save-the-Dates. They are just sitting in my car.

We are getting so much snow here today! I don't mind the snow...it is the temp that is freaking me out.

Family Guy

2008-11-29T21:37:00.002-05:00

2008-11-25T22:50:00.001-05:00

I got this from my friend Jeff and it is awesome! It is 9 minutes but totally makes you smile. Drew Carey is great!

One Year Ago Today

2008-11-24T22:50:00.004-05:00

One year ago today we were torturing these poor children and once again got a classic christmas picture with Santa. I love little Sophia in the front scrunching her nose. That look is way better than the screaming 5 minutes before that.

I can't wait to see all my nieces and nephews on Thursday. It can't come soon enough.

NKOTB

2008-11-23T20:16:00.002-05:00

What? I can't believe that The New Kids On The Block are on TV right now. They don't sound as good as I thought they were when I was 13. My Aunt Joy took me to their concert with my friends when I was younger. It was right after Donnie set the hotel room on fire. Is it weird that I actually want to buy their new album? I loved Donnie when I was younger. I have no idea why.

Snowmobile

2008-11-23T14:53:00.004-05:00

We got a new snowmobile a few weeks ago. So now I want snow all the time...please snow more! Anyway...there is a picture of Joey on the snowmobile. Don't believe me? Well, you shouldn't. That is what our snowmobile looks like, but that isn't Joey. :)

Seriously...

2008-11-22T18:13:00.002-05:00

Notre Dame Football is pathetic.

Wine Glass Christmas Tree

2008-11-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Wine Glass Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Isn't this neat?

Neat picture from my Dallas hotel room

2008-11-16T15:02:00.001-05:00

Neat picture from my Dallas hotel room
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Florida Flight Pic

2008-11-12T22:03:00.001-05:00

Florida Flight Pic
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I like this one...

Enzo Chillin'

2008-11-12T22:01:00.002-05:00

Enzo Chillin'
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Joey's Fire

2008-11-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Joey's Fire
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Christmas

2008-11-09T20:29:00.003-05:00

I seriously have no desire to decorate for Christmas or buy Christmas presents or decide whose house to be at on Christmas day or eat too much or decide what to do with Enzo when we go to all these parties...I think Joey and I should go back to Paris.

Obama Wins

2008-11-04T23:23:00.001-05:00

Obama Wins
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Today's The Day

2008-11-04T07:57:00.002-05:00

Election Night is my favorite night of the year. But this year, it is even more exciting for obvious reasons. It's actually one of the first years that I am not working or doing something on Election Day. I love working the polls or volunteering for individuals that run for office. This year I had to choose work over passion...but work has been pretty exciting too. :)

I woke up early and voted and have been in the office for about an hour. Did you know that if you get to your polling place a little before 6am, they are required to come out and yell three times "Here ye! Here ye! Your polling place is now open." Joey and I tried to wake up for it this morning...but we slept in. I love that we get to vote! I have never missed a vote...even in the primaries...even when I was down at college. I LOVE TODAY. I have a full day of meetings and then will head home where Joey will be waiting to watch lots of news with me. Too bad he has to work at the bar tonight but it is the busiest night of the week. I told him he should have a special for Jager-Bamas (Jagerbombs)and Mc-Jitos (Mojitos).

I'm super anxious to see how everything goes. Of course, I have a preference, but I feel that both candidates are better than what we got. Sorry to the 15% of Americans that are offended by that.

Is it weird that I am nervous for the election to be over and to have a new president? Not sure if I am nervous because I love the campaign or because who ever our president is will truly have his work cut out for him.

Election Night Party

2008-11-01T17:58:00.001-04:00

Election Night Party
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I'm having an Election Night party. Here are a few of items for Tuesday. I have special surprise in the bag...but don't want to spoil it for our guests.

I found some red, white & blue chips and picked up some jelly belly's. We also have some promotions from our vendors at the bar.

Enzo's Halloween Costume

2008-10-21T14:28:00.002-04:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Annoyed

2008-10-03T09:28:00.002-04:00

I'm so annoyed.

I'm annoyed that I haven't posted anything for weeks now. Why even have a blog?

I'm annoyed with how Sarah Palin says "don't cha" and then winks at the camera.

I'm annoyed that I'm having issues posting pictures from my phone to the blog. (I have some great pictures)

I'm annoyed that I have to work at the bar tonight. Whatever. Only a few games left.

However, I am going to run to the market this morning and buy some apples, so I can bake with apples this weekend. Yippee!

I also have my cousin Marcia's wedding shower and bachelorette party this weekend. Yippee!

I get to sleep in tomorrow. Yippee!

It's not raining. Yippee!

Random Thoughts

2008-08-28T09:06:00.002-04:00

I'm heading to the Farmer's Market today. I'll take a picture and post.

I'm back at work and I still feel refreshed on a Thursday. That is good news. For all my friends that I haven't talked to or seen, I basically shut down during July and early August. That is why Joey took me to Tropical Storm Fay...to relax and refresh.

I got Invisalign. I cried the first night, but now I am really really happy that I am doing it. I am still slobbering on people during work meetings

I have a million friends and family with birthdays this week. HHHhhhhmmmm, what do parents do at the end of December/early January?

Enzo and I are hanging out all weekend while Joey is at the 105th Anniversary of Harley Davidson in Milwaukee.

Yeah! I get to see Jenny Saturday at her baby shower.

I've changed the colors for the wedding...AGAIN. It's still white, white and more white, but instead of a little bit of red, I've moved on to lavendar. Don't worry if you don't like purple. I will for sure change my mind again.

News from WJOE

2008-08-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

WJOE Storm Team from Carisse Keultjes on Vimeo.

Vote for Sam

2008-08-20T11:31:00.001-04:00

Vote for my friend Sam! He works with me and is trying out to sing at Wrigley! Yippee!

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/fan_forum/guest_conductor_form_vote.jsp

Fay

2008-08-20T10:36:00.002-04:00

Joe and I left for Florida on Monday. We were debating due to Tropical Storm Fay...and we should have stayed home!!! It is absolutely insane here. Monday was gorgeous. I walked the beach, played in the ocean, slept in the sand, jumped in the pool, hung out with old men in the hot tub and then Joe and I went to get sushi. It was a great day. Then the storm came. Yesterday, it didn't rain but was overcast. We did some shopping and driving around. It was pretty relaxing. Well, now the storm is here and isn't suppose to leave for another few days. It is "hovering" over us. Just frickin' great. It is lingering and just won't leave.

So this morning I called the airline, rebooked our flights for a hefty some of money and we are coming home tomorrow! Yippee. We could have came home today, but there was only 30 minutes between the flights and with our luck this trip I wasn't going to risk it. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck in Orlando over night.

While all this is happening, I also have a horrible cold. I have the coughing, sneezing and head cold. My legs are also going numb, but I think that might be from sitting in the condo. If anyone knows Joe and I, neither of us can sit still. I am always either working, checking email, cleaning, working out, doing SOMETHING. So being stuck here is crazy for me. Joe is doing better but that is because he is sleeping. He loves to sleep and that is what he does when he is bored.

It is official though. No Caribbean honeymoon for us. It will be hurricane season plus I think it might be too dull for us. I want Hawaii and Joe wants Colorado. Either way...as long as there is some mountains to hike, a spa and a swimming pool, I will be happy. Of course, if there are no "squalls." (They keep talking about the squalls down here...BLAHHHH to squalls!)

We haven't told our parents we are coming home. We are surprising them all.

Enzo...Mommy and Daddy are coming home!!!!!

Oh, my gosh!!!

2008-08-12T23:44:00.002-04:00

I'm alive! I also belong to Facebook now. Gina made me cave in.

Anyway, things have been so crazy and I have felt like I have had no chance to breath. Work is insane, the bar has been busy, and Joe's and my pool has become party central.

Did I mention that I also have the cutest, craziest puppy ever? We have spent so much time with him and tonight...he actually layed down when I told him to! He figured out come, sit, playing catch, leash walking, potty training...everything...really fast and early, but Lay Down has been hard. Tonight it was like winning a Gold Medal. :)

Next week I am on vacation, so maybe I will be a bit better with the blogging.

Happy birthday, Gina

2008-07-27T00:29:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday, Gina
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Happy birthday, Gina

2008-07-27T00:18:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday, Gina
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Happy birthday, Gina

2008-07-27T00:17:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday, Gina
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I love the arcade!

2008-07-23T22:11:00.001-04:00

I love the arcade!
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Popcorn Trick

2008-07-23T22:09:00.001-04:00

Popcorn Trick
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

I don't remember who taught me this trick, but you put the straw on the butter spout to get it down in the bottom of the huge popcorn. Genious!!!

Enzo is 40 Pounds!!!

2008-07-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

Enzo has gained 17 pounds in exactly 6 weeks!!! He has gotten so big...I'll post an updated picture soon, but had to get the word out.

The Alamo & Mariachi Band

2008-07-09T08:29:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture of Joe and I at the Alamo on the 4th of July. We spent the day walking around San Antonio. We went to the El Mercado (the Mexican market) and then the Riverwalk. Joe and Annie had the best gordita I have ever had in my life at the market. The Riverwalk was actually just full of shops and restaurants, but it was fun to walk and see everything. It was really neat until we got rained on!!! We were lucky because this was at the end of our day. However, Annie really wanted to run in the rain,but it was that super hard rain that hurts.

We had a blast at the wedding. Here is a picture of me with the mariachi band. Do you think we can fly them to South Bend for our wedding? :)

I Miss Enzo

2008-07-05T18:16:00.001-04:00

I Miss Enzo
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

My New Hat

2008-07-05T15:55:00.001-04:00

My New Hat
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

San Antonio is great!!!!

San Antonio

2008-07-03T10:03:00.002-04:00

I'm heading to Texas today! I am super excited because I have never been there and we're going with all of Joe's family. It will be lots of fun...but hot, hot, hot! See you when I get back!

Siberian Husky Brothers Playing

2008-06-20T20:40:00.001-04:00

Not our puppies...but Joey and I are now in love with Enzo that we would be tempted. :)

What I Came Home to at Lunch

2008-06-04T13:55:00.001-04:00

What I Came Home to at Lunch
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Tania's Shoes

2008-05-30T16:01:00.001-04:00

Tania's Shoes
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

Ok. Tania was jealous and wanted me to post her shoes...4.5 inch heels for WORK!!! She's an animal.

Heather wanted a new post...

2008-05-30T15:59:00.001-04:00

Heather wanted a new post...
Originally uploaded by carisse kristen

So I am posting a picture of her!!!!

ESPN European Championships 2008 Commercial -- Italy

2008-05-25T22:54:00.001-04:00

Wow! I can't stop watching this commercial. It totally reminds me of Joey. When Luca Toni is doing the classic Italian hand gesture for 'What the hell are you talking about?" I just about die. Just so all of you know, that is EXACTLY what it looks like when Joey is trying to prove his point to me. So, Yes, he does it to me at least every other day. It is the thing that Italians do with their hands that looks like they are pinching salt into their face.