Take me home, country roads...

well it wasn't our best driving time ever, but we made it to Pittsburgh for a day and a half of visiting with our family and it was quite relaxing. I still love it when we finally make it off the highway and get to roll down the windows and take in the fresher air and quietness. No beeping of horns, competing for greenlights and watching for bikers and boarders and joggers at every turn.  Just the rattle of the car, the wind blowing back my hair and the promise of a hug from mom in the very near future.

causing a few stares - strategy

Of course, we played things a little differently this time. First stop was the golf course where Yahtzee and my brother played a few holes with friends. Yahtz wore his lederhosen for good fun though i am sure that a few of those guys are under the impression all germans are running around like this 24/7.   Then I was off to the beauty salon - thanks to dad for the gift certificate at christmas.  I met my little sister there and together we got our locks done. I love it when they straighten my hair, but how come i have such a hard tie getting it so straight and smooth and shiny myself???  I have all the same tools and potions and lotions at home but no joy. My sister got a new look going on too with some highlights which i think look great.  She is still getting used to them 2 days on but i have a hunch she will go lighter still next time - and be a natural "dark blond" like me.

Once at the compound, the kids were already suited up and in the pool. i am not sure how they do it because the water is quite cold still, but they are certainly braver than me. I did not even manage to dangle my feet in the shallow end.

We somehow got quite a bit accomplished in the short time we were there, mainly because everyone was in one place for a change.  We talked through the invites for my brother's wedding and shower. My older sister is making the invites and i was reminded of how creative she has been since a little girl when my mom pulled out some of her earlier school projects later in the evening.  Her writing and artwork were well advanced from the get-go.  Lets see, i also got some interior decorating advice on what color to paint our cabinets that are currently being built.  I used to take a crack at Mom when she would have 30 carpet samples spread out and having a tough time making a decision, but this is exactly what i have been going through with my paint samples the past three weeks. We landed on After the Rain and was then rewarded with a tasty steak dinner.  I  also got to drive a "nice car" for a change and drove my sister's NEW Mazda over to my brother's NEW house.  didn't get to see the inside yet but I know he and his wife-to-be will quickly call it a home. Oh, and i sooo want a new car!

Mostly, we took special time today to remember those who fought for our freedoms and have sacrificed their lives in the process. There have been countless brave men and women who should be commemorated, and my Uncle Donny is among them.  We paid a silent tribute to our heroes.

Thanks again mom and dad, for making our trip so nice.  Wish we could stay longer and already looking forward to more homemade Jelly, warmer pool water, a bbq at bro's new place, morning talks over coffee and more shopping on the next trip!

And hopefully a record-time drive in with our own NEW car.    

I hope you all had a wonderful long holiday weekend.

                

Brace face.

Braces. The one thing every kid had to have but was NEVER cool. I still remember those awkward moments of smiling at a boy and feeling like he was staring directly back at my silver lined mouth… On second though, judging from this photo, it could have been my too permed hair…of course this picture leaves much to comment on including Mom's old kitchen and the "shadowy wall" - almost looks like a little afro-action)

First of many Jean Jackets and bad hair-dos

Oh and that awful retainer that literally hurt your whole jaw as you lie on your back in bed dreaming of a white toothed smile.  That day did finally come for me in 9th grade, and lasted quite a few years too. In my 30's, however, those darned bullyish teeth decided to go again this way and another - landing me right back to those dreaded days of seeing an orthodontist.

Only this time, I AM a cool kid.

the retainers are in, you will have to squint

I got my new Invisalign retainers 2 weeks ago and today was my first checkup. This is a pretty cool system, firstly the retainers are clear AND come out.

I will have to swap out the retainer about 10 times over 20 weeks as my teeth shift. The orthodontist was pleased with my progress after first checkup and I am on track for a new smile due September 15. There is little drawback to these guys if you can escape the 2-week lisp that occurs when learning to talk with the retainers (i overcame this in about 10 minutes, some say i talk too much..).

Best of all they prevent you from snacking outside your dedicated meals since you have to remove them to eat.

Not to mention I am in good company with my modern day braces of which are also sported by a few other lovely ladies around the office.  Yeah, we are trend-setters alright.


Anyway, be on the lookout for my new winning smile this fall.

getting dolled up for Daniel

I was in for quite a nice night.

Husband invited me to Daniel restaurant and it was an absolute treat.
We had the best table in the restaurant, service was bar none and the food was honestly so beautifully presented, it was like a piece of art on a plate.  Not so beautiful that i had any problems eating, mind.

Best part of dinner, the company!

Afterward, we caught a little glimpse of Central Park, and I got to show off my new dress and shoes a little. It was fun to get snazzed up and go out. Thanks for a lovely Saturday night, Yahtzee.

 

Meep Meep

When we met i called him Photon because he was always back and forth between US and Europe, always a step ahead of me in just about everything, not to mention running circles around me where grad classes were concerned.

Well, he has slowed down a little since then but this past Sunday, for one hour and 53 minutes and 45 seconds, he was the Photon once again. Yes, Yahtzee beat his previous year's record at the Pittsburgh Half by about 4 minutes, which is everything in running time.  I think the turbo boost is part due to my words of encouragement before the race and with the texts I sent throughout.  No matter, he is quite pleased with himself - running around the house saying Meep Meep as if he is the roadrunner for past week.
He did not run this race alone. My brother has been running the race for several years now without fail (whereas me and Yahtz have been more sporadic) and also training more religiously. Bro is an old pro, and this year, even amidst his wedding planning, new homeownership and new job (yes, all three of the 'biggies' in 6 month time span) - he managed to keep on schedule and run a good race - coming in at 2:01:57

I am very proud of you both - Meep Meep. I may just get back on track next year myself, very inspired by this Hawaii 5-0 duo xxx

After the race…

Gatorade addict

digging the headband

Later that night, my niece drew a sweet picture for Yahtzee and even wrote his name out perfectly backward, it the the sweetest thing.

Running any race for any length of time is very admirable

Congratulations to both Bro and Yahtzee