Ladies And Gentlemen

I am reduced to posting camera pictures again. Hopefully these will come through till I can post some better pictures. Last night was the opening night of the 137th Unit in NY. Of the 20 minutes of the show I was able to see, it was amazing. Wait till you see the dog act, so frickin cute. Cannot wait to see the full show in Philly. After the show we partied like rock stars with the employees, cast and guests. For those that expect me to get all giddy meeting the circus stars, I didn't disappoint. Hopefully I will get the pics from Andrea to post of us with Bello, Ty and Taba. Also as usual when I am with my Feld family I somehow end up hung over and late 4 the airport.

This is what happens when you trust Christy to take a picture - out of focus and upside down! But it was the only shot I could get with one of the hottie high wire Aguilar's. His chick never left his side. I wouldn't either if I was her, he is yummy.

This Martha Stewart clip is of the amazing Olates their dynamite dogs. Just wait till you see these pups do flips! There is also some footage of the animal walk. I will post about that once I get the pictures from JP. It was the best animal walk I have ever been a part of - absolutely amazing to walk down the street with the elephants and horses. (I checked - I am not show in the clip - I was on the right by the last elephant and the first horse).

This is a clip from The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch - it's a little long but it has a great interview with Bello and has some behind the scenes footage.

The EMPire Strikes Back

Just like Mo - I am all about the birthdays. Even the fact that I am turning 36 and officially on the other side of the hill, I still look forward to all the fun that birthdays bring. This year I got a birthday treat early. My family chipped to help me buy my very own snowboard. Those suckers are not cheap, so I really appreciate the help. Thanks so much everyone (mostly Daddy dear). The difference between riding on a rented board vs. your own is night and day so I am super siced. The board will pay for itself after a few seasons not having to rent one and hopefully, the consistency of being on the same board will also help improve my riding. Although, according to Greg, I am turning 36, and in his words “just how many years do think you can still do this?” Ouch. But more important than the savings and the ability to improve my game, look how cute it is. I will have to look for a matching jacket now.

!$&#$#!@ My frickin’ EMP is at it again – the stupid flash drive is not reading – UGH – I will have to show you my pretty board on a later post. If you could see the picture you would also see my totally awesome t-shirt. Greg got me the cutest E.T. shirt a while back but I haven’t worn it yet cause it was just a bit tight. I was hoping to drop a few pounds to fit it better, but since that has not happened, I asked Greg to put it on to stretch it out. He looked so funny, but he wouldn’t let me take a picture of it for the blog. Just think of Ross in the Friends episode where he wears the Frankie Goes to Hollywood Relax t-shirt and you will get a good idea of what he looked like. Thanks, Babe.

After we got back from getting the board we rushed back home cause I have tons to do before my trip to NY tomorrow for work. Of course because I am so stressed, I start to get a bit of a sore throat that keeps getting worse throughout the day, sucks, but hopefully will go away once I relax a bit. Then Greg decides to turn the water back on to the outside faucet for the first time since shutting it down for the winter and, you guessed it, a pipe busted – so much water was pouring out of the light fixture in the laundry room and into the bathroom – luckily the carpet was spared this time. Let’s see how much this will cost us to repair. Ah, the joys of home ownership. It’s a good thing I bought the board before the leak (to Greg’s dismay) or that expense would have been nixed.

I will hopefully get some time in NY to post some pictures. I am going up there for the Grand Opening of the new Red Unit. I will be very busy but I LOVE going up to help out – I really am such a circus groupie. Not just for the show itself, but the people in the show and behind the scenes. I work with some awesome people. And one of the best perks of my job is to help out with the Animal Walk. There is nothing like seeing all the elephants and animals walk out of the Midtown Tunnel and I am truly lucky to be able to be so close to those beautiful elephants. Hopefully I will get some good pictures to post.

We spent some time today with Johnny Law and his two boys. Thought it would be a hoot to check out the Super Pet Expo at Dulles Expo Center. Not a whole lot of cat stuff it was mostly dog stuff and TONS of Dogs everywhere. You know I petted all that could - my favorites were the Greyhounds - mini and full size, some cute pugs and one we have never seen before – the Klee Kai – which just might be cute enough to warrant the $1200 price tag. There were a few things there we were not expecting. Like the Sugar Glider, not sure why it is illegal to own one in Fairfax County – unless they just don’t like rat bats. There were tigers (for photo ops, which I am not a fan of), a 17 pound bunny, cobras, chameleons, lots of reptiles and even scorpions – without a lid for some reason.

But the true animals were John’s kids, well J.P. and I say this with the greatest love for that kid. He had me wrapped around his soon to be 5 year old finger and I did what I rarely do. I let him get away with murder. He rarely walked – mostly climbed on me, made me drag him along the floor, or I just held him. What ever he asked for, I was more than happy to get him. Why you ask? While I am sure John thinks he has a way with the ladies, J.P. is the true player in that house. He would hold my face to whisper in my ear, play with my hair and has a smile to melt your heart. Good luck with that one John – he is going to quite the handful. Not like John will have it any easier with Dale. Dale is the shy one who steals the show, 'cause you just want him to warm up to you and once he does get comfortable with you and he flashes those dimples. Game over. After 4 hours with these boys, I was ready for a nap - and an extra BCP.

3 handsome men

me and my new boyfriend J.P.

See what I mean, Dale will get you with that smile.

J.P. hijinx

playing with my hair

The Klee Kai or mini husky

Mo - Greg took a bunch of pics of the chameleon for you - this one is my favorite shot.

Remote Control

Gregory and I saw Snow Patrol and OK Go at Bender Arena on Friday night - we were late getting there and missed Silversun Pickups which bites since they are pretty good. But Snow Patrol and OK Go were great. I was worried about how Greg would be since he has been on concert probation from when we saw Depeche Mode (yes, I know that was 8 years ago but you don't mess with me and my band). But as it turns out, Greg had a good time, although it was tough to tell during the show as he was his usual stoic self.

OK Go sounded great live and they did an excellent version of ELO's Don't Bring Me Down - which half the kids at the show didn't recognize. Greg thought they had a bit of a Weezer vibe. The show was general admission and we saw OK Go in an OK spot, but I was able to snag some super sweet seats front row to the side of the stage for Snow Patrol - who were excellent. If it's possible, they sounded even better live. Plus, the lead singer has a beautiful Scottish accent and talked a bit to the crowd about the swim team 'costumes'. I am a little bitter about Grey's Anatomy using the SP song Chasing Cars cause that is actually not one of their better songs and I prefer the masses say away from my groups. It was also disturbing to see so many men at the show enjoying it a bit too much. I was mesmerized by this 6 foot athletic man with his girlfriend closing his eyes and singing with such conviction and with hand motions! He prollie watches Grey's Anatomy too. Maybe it was better Greg remained stoic. These pics were taken with my cell phone so the quality isn't that great. Next time I am bringing the camera.

Remote Control is how my girl Sammy Fox says Snow Patrol - how cute is it that Ransom's niece likes SP - and she is all of 4 years old.

Juneville's Bday = Awesome

this is not the greatest collage in the world, it's a tribute....to the 31 year old bday girl! I love the one of the two-tone windbreaker and hair streamers. You can already see the attitude too. Which one do you like PeeWee?

here's Mo the year she won the fake sumo championship for the Edison Eagles, Light Heavyweight division, performing one of her patented sit-n-spin moves.......boo ya

Extreme Closeup! T-Rex arms...

Vote for the Worst

After the last couple elections, I have lost my desire to vote. Finally, my belief in the democratic process can be restored.

If Howard and Vote for the Worst don't get your fingers dialing, then this looney chick should be enough to get you to vote for the DB Sanjaya.

Pamdamonium Krazynake

Recently Greg got an email about his upcoming 20 year reunion for Hayfield High School class of 1987. Greg says he is not interested in going to the reunion, I think its cause he is afraid I will get all drunk and embarrass him. John Law said I can go as his date, but I think he should show off his 28 year old hottie girlfriend, er, lady who is a friend. It's hard to believe high school was so long ago. Partly cause it still haunts me, and also, cause I am still close with so many high school friends. Just this weekend John Boy came over to celebrate St. Pats with us. We had a great time catching up with John. Greg wanted to go to The Cheesecake Factory so he could get his favorite - turkey burger. Just his luck - after the two hour wait - they were sold out. Wha whaa. I am sure they will be getting a irate email about that. Luckily for me they were not out Jim Beam. If Saturday night is any indication, maybe Greg is right not to take me to the reunion. Best buds - Greg & John

To further the Hayfield weekend, today Jocelyn (class of '90) and I went over to Pam Kraynake's (Pam Huntley class of '88) for a Pampered Chef party. I love any excuse to go to Pam & John's place. The house is always a tornado of chaos and fun. Hence, her nickname Pamdamonium Krazynake. Pam's hubby John joins in on the fun too. He mixes a mean fruit punch gets all us yentas drunk and sits back and enjoys the show. Mark your calendars for June 22 - Pam is having a Slumber Party with Joc. Now that will be one party not to miss. Gonna jump in the hot tub, look out!
The Kraynakes - John & Pam

I LOVE their dog Grumbles. His tooth hanging out of his mouth cracks me up.

Grumbles hamming it up for the camera.

Where else but the Kraynakes is there a Chinchilla as a pet.

... and mutant size hermit crabs. I should have put something next to them for comparison to show you just how crazy big these suckers are.

I'll Be Your Girl For All Seasons

I love living in VA 'cause the seasons are beautiful. But having all 4 seasons in one week is wack. My poor flowers don't know what to do.

Benny Boy's Birthday

Today is our precious Benny's birthday - he is 10 - again. I have stopped counting his age in the hopes that he will live forever. Benny is so loved, Greg didn't even complain when I picked up some toys for him. We went to Petsmart to get some special b-day food and toys and we found out that there was a recall on the cat food we have been using. Apparently some food has been found to cause kidney problems. The stupid store didn't even have anything posted. I had to track someone down to find out what happened to all the cat food. We rushed home to throw away all the contaminated food and gave the kitties an extra big hug.

Luckily, our kitties are all nice and healthy and will live forever.

Here is the birthday boy patiently waiting for his treat.
Fire, fire - Benny was either mesmerized by the flame, or thinking how retarded his owners are for lighting a candle for a cat.

Family photo - its not easy getting those three boogers to come together for a picture.

Me and my Ben

Enjoying the toys. Greg was not impressed with the laser pointer - but Benny and Kittie Loved it. Chewie could have cared less.

Kittie and Chew sharing the birthday goodies.

Benny is the cat toy master.

Handsome devil.

Happy St. Pat's everyone!

Well Done My Young Padiwan

Our ever impressive nephew Michael was one of 156 students accepted to the IT program at Forest Park High School.

http://forestpark.groupfusion.net/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=8497&sessionid=4ef80eaf38ae2ca5c6529a4ac6fb9b89

The program is about 6 years old and will be a great opportunity for Mike. I am sure Mike is pretty excited at going to a new school although deep, deep, deep down he will miss going to school with his brother. Shell and Wade must be pretty psyched too - Mike will be able to get that computer of theirs up to the 21st century.

Greg was going to build a computer for Shell - now it looks like he will be able to get some help.

Congratulations Michael!

Em's Field Day?

I guess Em is having field day at school this morn. Looks like she's having a power slurpee before jumping around in these shots from mom's phone

Meow, See

The only thing that will get my butt up after settling in for the evening is to get the camera to take a photo of my cats looking so sweet.

they totally luv each other

What?! Dang!?

Cousin Jack sent some pictures of his boy Tyler before the Bonner Frosh Hop. First off, will all you dang kids quit growing up so fast!

You go Tyler - of course, a cutie like Tyler is bound to get the lovely ladies - and he is in a band too. Look out.

Second, There must be something in the Philly water - these babes are lookers! Seriously, these girls look like they can be in The Hills.

Just for shits and giggles - here is my freshman homecoming picture with Jay Danielsky. Those girls are like totally jealous they cannot rock the 80's hair.

Believe it or not, beneath those glasses - Jay was a bit of a looker.

Today our little boy is a man

It's Christopher's 13th birthday! Happy Birthday Handsome!

It should not be so hard for me to believe my youngest nephew is already a teenager - he and his brother, Michael, are both almost 6 feet tall! Michael might even have more facial hair than his Uncle T - but that's not saying much. I think I have more facial hair that T-Spot. Just kiddin' bro.

We went to Shell & Wade's and spent some time with the family to celebrate the grand occasion before the place was inundated with his friends. Nothing clears out a house faster than a bunch of boys running around the place. One of their quieter moments. My what lovely hair.

Chris was enjoying the day - he takes to the center of attention well - and he was also enjoying all the generous gifts from the family. (Chris - don't forget you still owe me an eye mask since you turned mine into a grenade on the last ski trip ;P )

Greg and I are not used to so much commotion since its just us and the cats lounging around most days in the Fissell home, I am more comfortable in chaos but we both have our coping mechanism. Greg retreats to the computer – which is fabulous for Shell since the only time it runs smooth is for a few days after Greg works on cleaning out all the bugs. I spend some quiet time with my Godkittie Chloe – don’t know why I love that cat so much – she is such a brat. Just look at this bad kitty drinking the water from the fountain.

And she is so fat her butt hangs out the back end of the cat tree.

So hard to believe that my sister is old enough to have two teenagers! And three grandchildren – hee hee - I love saying that for some reason. Although if there is a way to skip straight to Grandchildren, that is the way to go. Here's a great shot the grandbabies - Anthony, Jennifer & Alex. See Jamie - they do love each other.

The ever elusive Wade has been documented for all of bloggerland posterity! The best way to get Wade to smile for a camera is to have him pose with his lovely daughter, Jamie. (Doesn't Jennifer look just like her Mommy?!)

Cousin Ashley posing with T & the Tot (who was a little grumpy without a nap). Dang someone better lock Ashley up she is just too cute. It seems like just last week she was Jadyn's age.

Does everyone have bigger boobies then me?! Unfair.

Rollin' in my Six-Oh...

Dad turned 60 today. Happy Bday Daddio. We went to Rustico in Alexandria for lunch al fresco. It's a fairly new place at the north end of Old Town. Good Food, but a bit pricey for the portions. Incredible beer on tap and bottle selection, so both my Pops were cised. The weather was real nice today too, after weeks of freezing cold. anyway, we ate - Mac and Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie, Halibut, Cheeseburger, steak for HRH - and drank a bunch of diff. beers, one had a chocolate milk aftertaste, then headed home. I couldn't convince anyone to go to the Dairy Godmother for ice cream (and we never get down that way!). That's a rarity considering the company.
KIQ and I watched some movies too, in between 'cleaning house' and going to see Chris for his 13th Bday at the Sk8trBoi hairstyle convention - The Queen - very good. Oscar well deserved. Alpha Dog - good flick. unpleasant, true story line. Little Children - good flick, somewhat disturbing. The Host -Korean monster movie. Very good, karen jumped several times. Subtitled. Step Up - Every second chance begins with a first step. PoPo Zao. We almost made it 5 for 5.

Don't forget to mail something this summer, or is it a hoax?

Puffy eyes and Bday boy. I slept in too. Karen will testify!



Giant man drinks tiny beer in two sips...

Are you kidding me?

Sanjaya?!?!

Really?!?!

I think A.I. might have just jumped the shark.

Dawesome

found it on flickr while looking for a new desktop pic. forgot to save the details about it though.

I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too.

Many of you check the rest of the family blogs so you may have already met the newest member of the family. Greg's mom Bobbie got the cutest puppy - KiKi. She is a Mini Pincher & Boston Terrier mix with a brindle coat - such an odd mixture to turn out so adorable.