Why does my baby look like Donald Trump?

That's what Kurt said when he saw our first baby.

Not content to wait it out for the next 1+ year till we reproduce, I used VW's Babymaker3000 to predict what our children will look like. The first time I followed all the rules, which was REALLY hard to find pictures of me and Kurt looking straight at the camera with our mouths closed. Our baby was made and this was the result:


At which point Kurt said, "Why does my baby look like Donald Trump?" Good question.

Next, I wondered what would happen if I used pictures with our mouths open. For some reason this time it didn't let me do the crosshairs on Kurt's picture, so between our mouths open (i.e. smiling) and not getting to point out the different features of Kurt's face, our second baby looks a little ... special.


He's got a hairlip!

I really hope that our children will not look like ugly grown men when they're only 1. But, Mandi and Ryan's "babies" have devil eyes and their real children are much cuter, so I'm holding onto hope. At least if our kids do look like this, they'll provide hours of laughter!

Classics Never Go Out of Style

Hi everyone,
so I'm in a reading slump, kind of on purpose (because when I read lately I get obsessed and that's all I do with my free time). I'm wanting to read more classics. So I'm doing a twist on the suggested reading post. What are classics that you suggest I read? Here are some I've read that are my favorites:
Age of Innocence
Count of Monte Cristo
The Stranger
A Tale of Two Cities
My Antonia
Grapes of Wrath (actually, I've read a very large portion of Steinbeck's novels... about 4 or 5)

So any suggestions? I'm open to anything considered a classic--Hugo, Cather, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickens, etc. Thanks!

No Lampshades on Heads

So, Kurt's Christmas party was cancelled to save money for the firm. :( But, he got an extra day off in January. :)

For my company's party, the attire was "festive casual" or something like that. I still wanted to look cute and without spending too much. So I rifled through my closet, found a sweater I've almost given away half a dozen times, bought a cute new scarf, and voila! Also, thanks to Stephanie, Caroline, and my dad who helped me decide on my outfit (and thanks to Skype and webcams for making that possible!)
So here's what I looked like:
Yay!

Marital Bliss? Maybe not...

I suspect Kurt is no longer happy in our marriage.

The evidence:

Engagement pictures: big smile
Wedding pictures: big smile
Christmas pictures taken right around 18 month anniversary: a grimace.
We'll just have to retake the Christmas pictures and Kurt will just have to accept it--he's stuck with me for good!! Good thing they were free--Kurt's mom took them for us one day while she was here. We just need to find a new vict--er, I mean, photographer. (Although I'm tempted to send this one out because I actually look decent!)


[By the way, this is a total joke. I have a sick sense of humor like that.]

In Other News

Kurt and I are currently stuck in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Our car conveniently stopped working at approximately 3 am last night, about 20 miles outside of Las Vegas. Luckily, we are safe and actually found a hotel room that had an available non-smoking room.
We actually had a really nice Thanksgiving break (though spent on the road) and I will fill y'all in on it when we eventually get back home. For now, just thought I'd let y'all know what's up.

My 24th birthday on the 24th

Cute, huh? I planned it.

I have to say, I had a pretty awesome birthday. The morning started as usual: I woke up and went to work. Kurt was slightly conscious when I left (he had this whole week off for CPA studying) and forgot to tell me happy birthday. So, when I was at work I casually hinted that he did.

Me: "Ummm.... You forgot to tell me happy birthday this morning."

Kurt: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Me: "Thanks.... but you're still in trouble."

I also casually let my boss know it was my birthday.

Joe: "So are y'all doing anything fun with your mother-in-law today?" (Kurt's mom was here from Sunday night to this morning.)

Me: "Well, it was her birthday yesterday and it's mine today, so we'll probably go out to eat somewhere fun tonight."

Joe: "It's your birthday? Happy Birthday! Hey, when you finish your work, why don't you take the day off? And also, there's a sweet sushi restaurant by DU y'all should go to."

So, I left around 11 and got home ... to an empty apartment. I figured Kurt was showing his mom around and decided to enjoy some time by myself. When he got home an hour later, he had flowers and a card in his hand.

Kurt: "Where were you? We went to your office to surprise you!"

Me: [thinking to myself] Hmmm, maybe I should've texted him to let him know I got early. Whoopsie.

We went to Sushi Den up by DU which was most delicious. Or, as the Japanese would say, "Sushi wa totemo oishii desu yo!!" Then we went pots and pans shopping because that's what Shelley's getting us (or rather, got us) for Christmas. Have you ever been shopping with Kurt? Can I please say that is an experience? I mean, it's fun and he never makes an uninformed purchase, but goodness that boy has to know everything about his purchases! (Obviously, this is a very good trait that I'm thankful for. But sometimes it tires me.)

As we headed out of the mall, I insisted on getting my birthday ice cream from DQ. Then we went home, at which point Kurt announced that he was taking us to the Melting Pot for cheese and chocolate fondue. Now, I was really excited because I've been subtly hinting to Kurt since we got married that he needs to take me there (there's one in SLC, too).

Me every few months or so: "You should take me to the Melting Pot."
I am the master of subtlety.

Before we left for the ol' MP, as I like to call it, we Skyped with my family. I'd already received emails and phone calls from various members of the family but I had yet to hear my family sing the Happy Birthday song Cooper style. What's Cooper style? It's everyone picking their own key (or 2 or 3 keys) and singing it as ugly as possible. Kurt even joined in. And about 20 minutes later, Chris sang it for me again. I even got to tease Chou chou as I called out for her and she could hear me but she just couldn't see me! A successful Skype session. (And Shelley got the pleasure of seeing how crazy my family is.)

At the Melting Pot, the fondue was very delicious and our waiter a bumbling, good sport who gave us much fodder with which to tease him but was very good natured about it. Then, we went to the local redbox, where they finally had Wall-E and rented it and watched it and it was as good as everyone says. Then, on Tuesday morning--because I didn't get to on my birthday--Kurt let me sleep in till 8:45.

So, I got my birthday flowers, my birthday sushi, my birthday ice cream, my birthday Skype, my birthday fondue, and my birthday movie. Kurt was so wonderful in making sure my birthday was really special. Have I ever mentioned that I really love him?

My Life has Peaked

Ok, not really because that would be sad, but seriously... last night was the greatest concert I've ever been to.
I was seriously excited all day. Wait, no, like all week. The night before the concert I was jumping around our apartment chanting in a sing-song voice, "Coldplay! Coldplay!" and making up songs about how we were seeing them. Have I mentioned I've waited 8 years to see them? Because I have.
Then, all day Friday at work, every time I thought about it, I'd get a huge smile on my face. I've been listening to Coldplay pretty much constantly the whole week (with random bouts of Christmas music and Wicked when I needed a break). Last night I rushed home, changed, grabbed camera and tickets, and hopped on the Light Rail to meet Kurt at his office. We ate dinner at Chipotle and then dropped by his office to by off some things we didn't feel like hauling to the Pepsi Center.

The picture taking commenced. Oh yeah, and Kurt's growing his mustache for chartiy.
We got to the Pepsi Center and got down to our seats on the floor.

Pictures with tickets! And apparently matching jackets...

The first openers, Sleeper Car. I actually really like them. Cool sound.

My first Coldplay shirt. After the concert finished I exchanged it for a butterfly shirt... you'll see why later.

The second opening ... uh... act. Jon Hopkins. It was weird. No, disturbing. Some dude was mixing techno-y tunes which were pretty cool but it was accompanied by some seriously wacked out animations. The screen at this point showed an elephant walking backwards and forwards. I mean, really weird, kinda disturbing stuff.

Kurt's opinion of Jon Hopkins.

Coldplay should be on soon!

I was really excited. There's my big grin I had on all day. Have I ever mentioned how much I love concerts?
Finally, the lights dimmed, and we heard a familiar tune....
[video forthcoming]
Coldplay! An amazing show. They played over 20 songs (I've counted 22 so far...), which was over an hour and a half. They had all kinds of cool effects and the lights were really awesome. They have awesome energy on stage and work with the audience really well. I realized during the concert that Kurt and I have very different concert personalities: I am the sing along to every word, dance, yell, clap, dance a lot more, sing even the ooooo's and lalalala's, while Kurt listens and sings every now and then. We probably looked quite the opposite couple there. But we both had equally great times.
So now, a bunch of pics and even more videos because our camera takes better quality video in less-than-perfect lighting than pictures. So, enjoy! (You can usually hear me singing in the videos. I told you, I'm a crazy concert audience member.




That would be Chris Martin as the band passes 20 feet away from us to go play in the back of the auditorium for a bit.

Playing in the back. The guys in the box behind them kept taking pictures. It was kinda funny.

Hundreds of paper butterflies falling from the ceiling as they played Lovers in Japan. That's why I switched the butterfly shirt. :D

Butterflies again. They did them about three times. They then played Death and All His Friends and left the stage ... not having played Yellow yet!!! I knew they'd come on for an encore but I was hoping and hoping they'd play Yellow because honestly, it's my favorite song! They came back out, talked about how Chris Martin's pants had ripped and now they'd taped them together. He then played a chord, then stopped and talked again, but I knew. I knew that was the very first chord in Yellow. And then they played it. My night was complete.

So our internet is being slow and not uploading any videos. They are forthcoming.

Pictures of my apartment (finally!)

So, I got tagged a while back and figured it'd be the perfect way to show y'all pics of our place. Just to let y'all know, it's 1 bed/1 bath and 672 sq. feet. It's pretty old but the carpet was cleaned and the walls painted when we moved in so it doesn't feel dingy. And it has a washer/dryer, all appliances, it's right across from the Light Rail, and we get a screamin' deal on the rent. And interesting neighbors are an added bonus! So we're happy here (until we buy a house and no longer :D )

I've been tagged! This is a tag that you have to do right NOW! No cleaning, or fixing anything, including your makeup or hair! Go around your house and take pics of the following as they appear RIGHT NOW and then post them! NO CHEATING!

LIVING ROOM:

Some days I regret the black leather couch and some days I don't.

YOUR KID(S) or ANIMAL(s):

Chou chou. She's still my puppy, chou poo magoo, in my heart (even though I gave her to Steph).

Future puppy. I totally want to get a boy and name him Captain Moroni. Because he was the man and we're mormon nerds.

YOUR KITCHEN:



A PICTURE OF YOU RIGHT NOW!:

(hey look! I didn't do an ugly face. How nice of me.)

FAVORITE ROOM: our bedroom. it's the best looking and most decorated.



FRIDGE:

Lots of leftovers. And things to drink (carrot juice, soy milk, almond milk, regular milk, lemonade, and water).

FAVORITE SHOES:

Favorite for how they look: left. Favorite for how they feel: right. (wow, they're getting really scruffy.)

CLOSET:


LAUNDRY ROOM:


I'll be honest ... I cheated. But seriously, I was waiting for actual furniture to show up and boxes to be unpacked before doing this. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been much to see beyond tons and tons of boxes!

They were all YELLOW

My favorite song by Coldplay.
My favorite song of all time. Period.
Love love love this song. It reminds me of warm, sunny spring break days in high school on James Island.
It reminds me of happy days at college with friends.
It reminds me unhappy days at college when I listened to it and instantly felt better.
It reminds me of Kurt.
I honestly couldn't put it words how this song makes me feel and how I feel about it. (Or how excited I am to hear it LIVE.)
Without further ado, "Yellow" by Coldplay.

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah, they were all yellow.
I came along,
I wrote a song for you,
And all the things you do,
And it was called Yellow.
So then I took my turn,
Oh what a thing to have done,
And it was all yellow
Your skin
Oh yeah, your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
You know, you know I love you so,
You know I love you so.
I swam across,
I jumped across for you,
Oh what a thing to do.
'Cause you were all yellow
I drew a line,
I drew a line for you,
Oh what a thing to do,
And it was all yellow
Your skin,
Oh yeah your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
And you know,
For you I'd bleed myself dry
For you I'd bleed myself dry.
It's true, look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine.
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And all the things that you do.

My First Santa

My mom collects all kinds of nice, cool Santa's. I've always loved all of her Santa's. Today, while shopping for Christmas decorations, I found a Santa that reminded me of my mom. Then I thought, I should start a Santa collection. That will be my thing. I bought him and was so excited when I got home and took him out of the bag. Jim Shore (the company/artisti/creator/whatever) does really cool Santa's.
So here he is: my first Santa.


Like mother like daughter. :)

I have an IP tracker and I'm not afraid to use it!

So, I'm a narcissist. In case it isn't obvious. And about 6 months ago I signed up for free ip tracker. You can see its little insignia at the bottom of my page. This tracker is actually quite fun and gives me all kinds of interesting tidbits. For instance:

-People visit my blog from parents' house at least 5 times a day.

-I've had visitors from Canada, Italy, Australia, and England. I only know people in England.

-Today I have two new visitors: someone from San Francisco and someone from Mt. Pleasant, SC. I don't think I know anyone in San Francisco and I know tons of people in Mt. P.

-Someone from Anderson, SC visits my blog quite regularly and I have no idea who they are! If it's you, fess up!

-Most people only read the first page of the blog, but every day a few people people read a couple of pages back.

-In the last 30 days: the average actions per visit (links clicked on my blog): 1.5; average time spent on my blog: 2.5 minutes; total time spent on my blog: 17 hours 44 minutes.

Doesn't technology gives us all kinds of cool, useless information?

For Mandi

I hope these cheer you up while Ryan is gone. I tried to find a video of him singing Good King Wenceslas but to no avail.
(PS I realize I posted these last year, but this time of year always gets me in the mood for Love, Actually. I can't wait until we get a ClearPlay dvd player...)

Green Eyes

"Green Eyes" by Coldplay

Honey you are a rock
Upon which I stand
And I come here to talk
I hope you understand
That Green Eyes
Yeah, the spotlight shines upon you
And how could anybody deny you?
I came here with a load
And it feels so much lighter now I met you
And honey you should know
That I could never go on without you
Green Eyes
Honey you are the sea
Upon which I flow
And I came here to talk
I think you should know
That Green Eyes,
You're the one that I wanted to find
And anyone who tries to deny you
Must be out of their mind
Because I came here with a load
And it feels so much lighter since I met you
And honey you should know
That I could never go on without you
Green Eyes, Green Eyes...
Honey you are a rock
Upon which I stand

(This is me and Kurt's song. In case you were wondering.)

Intolerance

Yesterday, at my (free) yearly check-up (Our insurance may have a high deductible, but I get to go to the dr's, dentist's, and optometrist's once a year for free.) I heard something horrifying:

Me: "So, I have a lot of abdominal pain, tenderness, trapped gas, etc. (I won't gross you out with the details)."

Dr. Dude: "Hmmm.... I think you have mild IBS."

Me: "Phew! Is that all? No big deal."

Dr. Dude: [reading my medical history] "Oh wait. I think you're lactose intolerant, too. Lay off the dairy, ok?"

Me: "WHAT?!?!"

This is bad news for me. I love cheese. I mean, seriously, you don't understand the strength of my feelings for cheese. My favorite foods are: cheese, cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, cheeseburger, and cheese grits. Let's just put it this way: I have toyed with different cheese types as children's names (brie, gouda, limberger, velveeta). So, upon leaving the doctor's office, I did the natural thing: I proceeded to consume as much cheese as possible for the rest of the day. For lunch, I stopped at Noodles 'n' Company for a heaping bowl of macaroni cheese. Then for dinner, I dragged Kurt with me to Sam's Club for a steaming slice of cheese pizza. My digestive system made its displeasure known the entire day, but it was worth it.
While at Sam's Club, I stocked up on Metamucil (which apparently will help with the IBS) and Lactaid pills (in case I ever want to eat cheese or ice cream again). I got my pizza as soon as we arrived. By the time we left (approximately 5 hours later) I was starting to feel my stomach's first protests from dinner. I moaned quietly and subtly doubled completely over. Kurt picked up the box of lactaid pills. "Ummm... why not take one of these?" he asked. "No!" I said groaned, "I have to experience the pain. It will help me remember not to indulge again. And it will make me appreciate cheese all the more."

It made sense in my brain, I promise.

Lovers in Japan

"Lovers in Japan" by Coldplay

Lovers, keep on the road you're on
Runners, until the race is run
Soldiers, you've got to soldier on
Sometimes even the right is wrong

They are turning my head out
To see what I'm all about
Keeping my head down
To see what it feels like now
But I have no doubt
One day, we are gonna get out

Tonight maybe we're gonna run
Dreaming of the Osaka sun
Ohh ohh...
Dreaming of when the morning comes

They are turning my head out
To see what I'm all about
Keeping my head down
To see what it feels like now
But I have no doubt
One day the sun will come out