A Trip South & What I Missed

A couple of weeks ago we took a fun little weekend trip to Southern California. The weather was absolutely beautiful! I didn't realize how sick I was of yucky gray NorCal until we went over the Grapevine and the sun burst out. It was nearly 80 degrees all weekend. So amazing! The purpose for the trip was work-related for me. I had to host a reception for alumni before a basketball game against Long Beach State. I brought the boys and we hooked up with Justin's brother and mom in Hollywood and had a fun day in Long Beach before I had to go to work.

Justin was excited that the Long Beach Aquarium allows you to touch real sharks.

This is me working:

The next day we took a little morning walk on the beach and then drove to Huntington Beach for the sole purpose of getting Hula Pie at Duke's. The most amazing dessert ever. Not even joking.

Jeff and I bought matching wayfarers. Except his are real and mine were the $16.99 version. :)

We enjoyed a little bit of time on the beach and soaked in the sunshine for awhile.

It was a great weekend. Until...Luke and I drove home so I could go back and start the work week while Justin stayed behind an extra day to take care of some business. That night as he and Jeff were cruising through the Hollywood & Highland shopping center, just steps away from Jeff's apartment, they saw a movie being filmed right there on Hollywood Blvd. Upon closer inspection they discovered that it was a scene from the new muppet movie. (Due to hit theaters in November 2011.) For any new readers out there (or those just not paying close attention), the muppets are like my favorite thing. Ever. I have known about this new movie for AGES. I have a Kermit light switch plate in my bathroom and 3 muppet lunch boxes, 2 Kermit puppets, 3 Kermit stuffed animals, a Kermit snowglobe, Kermit Christmas ornaments, Muppet coffee table books, and a sticker that says "I appreciate the muppets on a deeper level than you." I can quote many lines from various muppet movies and own at least one muppet movie soundtrack. (There I go giving away my total dork-status again while trying to drive home a point.) Anyway, the scene being shot wasn't just a silly little scene with one or two muppets. No. It was a full blown dance number with EVERY SINGLE muppet in attendance, as well as human stars Jason Segal and Amy Adams and a couple hundred human extras. Seriously? And I missed it.

Here's what they saw. Fast forward to about the 1:45 mark to see the dancing. The two tiny people in front are the two human leads and all of the muppets are in the back of the shot in front of the El Capitan theater. They're even swaying. There was muppet swaying and I missed it!!!


This probably would have trumped my visit to the Office set, which is really saying something. At least the boys were kind enough to take pictures and video so I could share in the experience. And say repeatedly, "I can't believe you're not here! I can't believe you're not here! This is the coolest thing ever!"

Saddest. Day. Ever.

Put a Ring On It

The Official Pacific Ring program has been the bane of my existance for three years. We finally "unveiled" the ring last week at a "flash mob-style" ceremony in the student center. I tend to shy away from event planning duties, preferring to sit behind the computer and do marketing related things that don't require me to seek help from other people. (Can you tell I was never a "group project" type of girl?) :)  Unfortunately, my job does require coordinating any and all alumni events related to students, and the "Official Class Ring" fell under that category.

I was nervous for everything to go well, but ultimately was really pleased with the result. I had a display case built by a local plastics store (the design inspired by an official University event planner), picked out some velvet lining and fun tiger print to drape a funky stand I bought at HomeGoods, busted out the glue gun, rallied the dance team, the pep band and a young alumnus emcee and we "unveiled" the ring at a surprise ceremony in the student center at lunch time.

We had a good time...and this video gives kind of an idea of the result. Yes, I am proud to take credit for asking the dancers to do a little number to "Single Ladies" AKA "Put a Ring On It."

My Favorite Things - Food

Here are a few of my favorite food-related things of the moment!

String Cheese and Wheat Thins
I use this combo as a healthy and filling mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Sometimes I also drink V8 with it, which Justin calls "the most disgusting drink ever."

Fat Free Cool Whip and sugar-free Jello
So sweet and creamy it feels like an indulgence, but it's only like 50 calories!

Spinach and Salad Pizzaz!
I feel so healthy when I eat spinach, like my insides are doing jumping jacks or something. Add some "Salad Pizzaz" and some Girard's champagne dressing and you have the perfect, healthy(ish) side dish

Animal Crackers
Not particularly healthy, but I love grabbing a quick handful of these yummy favorites when I come home from work or before going to bed. And Luke can eat them too!

What are your favorite snacks? Healthy or otherwise?

Songs I "Like"

Songs that make me want to hit "like" repeatedly on my Pandora station of choice:

Your Song - Elton John
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Love Song - Sara Bareilles
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Anything from the Rent soundtrack (the Broadway version - not the motion picture)

What are your favorites?

Mascot Fear

I love mascots. I may have mentioned this before. I loved being one at a couple of points in my life and I enjoy interacting with them at events to this day. I mean, how fun is it that you can make a fool of yourself in complete anonymity while dressed head to toe as a big crazy character?!

Not so fun for Luke Perry.
The first time Luke met Power Cat he was indifferent. We took a (pretty bad) picture together. No big deal.

The second time didn't go over as well. Powercat was wearing a Santa costume. Luke's lower lip dropped, quivvered, and then his whole body literally shook with fear. After 20 minutes we were able to go in for a picture with Luke safely in daddy's arms.

Last night at a basketball game it became clear that mascot fear is in full effect as Luke let out one of the loudest wails I have ever heard come out of my son in a social setting. Even when Powercat was waaaaaay down on the court dancing around, Luke pointed and made the saddest, most frightened face I've ever seen. (I couldn't quite capture it at the pinnacle of fear.)

Way up at the top of the bleachers....Note the lower lip quiver and the finger ready to point at the offending "kitty."

Powercat waaaaaaay down on the court.

Mascot fear. I did not anticipate this. I hope it is just a phase.

What I did on my winter vacation - Part 5 of 5

What I Did on My Winter Vacation:

One of the great things about working for an institute of higher education is the fabulous week of "seasonal holidays" between Christmas and New Year's. I immensely enjoyed my week off. Here are a few of the things I did on my winter vacation.

#5

Hung out with my favorite guy

We went to the park, read lots of books, snuggled, hung out with both sets of grandparents and even went to the snow for the first time.

He wasn't too sure about it.

I also got Luke's new big boy carseat installed by the CHP. Seriously, I feel like you have to be a MENSA member to figure out those installation manuals.

We also went to a wedding...


(and I had my hair cut WAY shorter than intended...)

...and Luke rocked this black and red number (kind of dangerous color combo where we're from)

...and showed some serious attitude with this awesome knit hat.

What a great vacation!

What I did on my winter vacation - Part 4 of 5

What I Did on My Winter Vacation:

One of the great things about working for an institute of higher education is the fabulous week of "seasonal holidays" between Christmas and New Year's. I immensely enjoyed my week off. Here are a few of the things I did on my winter vacation.

#4

Did some organizing

I didn't get as much organizing done as I would have liked (too many naps), but I was able to clear the rest of the 6-9 month clothes out of Luke's closet and restore order to my t-shirt drawer - one that hadn't been able to close properly for years.  I have been holding on to some of my favorite shirts for ages. Most of them are from my late college, super athletic days and are a bit on the small side. I decided it was time to bite the bullet. To make myself feel better I took a photo of my faves and told myself it was okay to blog about them. This way a piece of them will live on forever (or at least until an apocalypse or massive server collapse takes out the Internets.) I actually never really wore the "Spartan Spirit" one, but it has been with me since high school and was just too awesome to part with.

Oh and, I can't forget this one, which I actually sported (under a suit jacket, of course) during the 2003 oscar edition of the local television show I hosted/produced back in the day.

Bottom Line:  The t-shirt drawer is now half-empty and shuts like a dream. Hooray!

Luke and the Tree

Dear Luke,

Tonight as you slept I took down your Christmas tree. It broke my heart to do it because that tree brought you so much joy. You and daddy picked the tree out together on one of his days off. At first it made daddy sad to buy such a small tree, but in the end I think he realized it was a good decision and made life a lot easier for all of us.

You were very proud of the tree.

Everytime we would turn on the lights you would point vigorously and make a funny sound that I think was your way of saying "oooo...ahhhhhhh." You would also say, "zibberyflibbet," which I'm gonna go ahead and claim as your attempt at "Christmas tree." It was like you thought I could do magic by making the lights go on. (You respond similarly when I turn on regular lights, so maybe it's not that impressive - but it still makes me feel like a super hero.)

When anyone would come into the house you would (again with the pointing) "show" off your tree with the sort of pride I didn't know a one-year-old was capable of showing.

You did these things EVERY DAY for four weeks. It may have been one of the cutest things I have ever seen you do. And trust me, there have been A LOT of cute things.

The tree was one of the first objects I really saw you identify by name. As we watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in the living room, every time they would reference the "tree," you would look out into the dining room and point at your tree. EVERY TIME.

Your love of this tree will forever be a hallmark of "Luke's Christmas at Age One." (At least for me.)

I'm sure that, in the grand tradition of one-year-old boy attention spans, you won't even remember the tree tomorrow.

But I will.

(And someday, when you're a bit older and you hear mommy cursing the dried pine needles all over the house, you'll appreciate why the tree has to go away in January.)



What I did on my winter vacation - Part 3 of 5

What I Did on My Winter Vacation:

One of the great things about working for an institute of higher education is the fabulous week of "seasonal holidays" between Christmas and New Year's. I have immensely enjoyed my week off. Here are a few of the things I did on my winter vacation.

# 3

Took LOTS of naps

Aren't naps amazing? It had been AGES since I'd gotten a nap and last week I think I took one almost every day - usually during Luke's morning nap time. One day he even let me snuggle him during a nap. That was the best ever. :)

A Very Perry Christmas

I wasn't going to post any pictures from Christmas, but then I went through my camera and found these gems that needed to be shared.

Christmas 2010

He wasn't sure what to think about the mechanical Santa.

How are babies and dogs alike?

They both get excited for treats.

The Linus shirt had to make an appearance for a photo opp with last year's Christmas present - the "Linus blanket" from Urban Outfitters.

Testing out the new bowling set with Grandad.

Look at that form!

Yup, Luke got a pony for Christmas.

Trying to eat a bottle of body wash and rockin the snow boots and ski hat.

The things we are allowed to do to our children when they are young.

We almost lost him in the Christmas melee!

I realize these are all of Luke, but if there were any cute ones of Justin or me, trust, I would have posted them. Hopefully we'll be cuter in 2011. Until then Luke will have to carry the Perry family mantle of cuteness on his own.

What I did on my winter vacation: Part 2 of 5

What I Did on My Winter Vacation:

One of the great things about working for an institute of higher education is the fabulous week of "seasonal holidays" between Christmas and New Year's. I have immensely enjoyed my week off. Here are a few of the things I did on my winter vacation.

#2

Watched a bunch of movies

Tron:  Legacy
A fun popcorn flick that had a surprisingly good story behind it. The CG was amazing! Seeing Jeff Bridges look like his 30 year-old self shows you just how far technology has come. Watch the original Tron trailer from 1982 and you'll see what I mean.

The King's Speech
My favorite movie of the season so far. A "period piece" that did not feel period-y. It was funny and had a lot of heart. Colin Firth (who I love) deserves an Oscar. Go see it!
The Story:  Prince Albert (father of today's Queen Elizabeth) struggles with a speech impediment. This complicates things when he becomes King of England after his father dies and his brother renounces the throne. The story is about how he and his wife cope with the problem and the relationship he builds with his speech therapist (played by Geoffrey Rush - also superb!)

The Book of Eli
This is kind of old, but we watched it for the first time on Christmas Eve. Dark and barren (both in cinematograpy and storyline), the movie follows Denzel Washington's character as he carries a special "book" across post-apocolyptic Ameria. (I don't think I'm giving anything away if I tell you that it's a Bible - the only one that survived a mass book burning after "the war.") There's some pretty gruesome parts (rape, murder, allusions to cannibalism), which are not my thing, but the ending made it worth it for me.

Going the Distance
I didn't expect much from this romantic comedy featuring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as they meet cute and try to survive a long distance relationship. If you don't mind some raunchy sex talk, liberal use of the F-word, and a mediocre rom-com storyline that drags a little, I suppose it's worth $1 and 2 hours of your time. (How's that for a recommendation?) :)

The Kids Are All Right
Everyone has talked about how amazing this movie is. I wasn't feeling it. However, I agree that the acting was superb and that Annette Bening and Julianne Moore deserve all the kudos they are getting.

Bonus:  Burlesque
I saw this a couple of weeks before Christmas. It has gotten horribly panned by critics, even to the point of people questioning its Golden Globe nomination. Personally, I loved it. Did I go expecting to see incredible acting by Cristina Aguilera or a really deep plot about the struggle of breaking into the entertainment industry? No. I came for a fun, campy, musical romp showcasing Aguilera's amazing voice. That's what I got. If you like musicals, it's definitely worth a rental when it hits video.

There you have it. My taste probably doesn't mean a whole lot since I disliked one of the more critically lauded movies of the year and loved one of the most hated. I would like to see Black Swan but, truth be told, I'm kind of scared.

What I did on my winter vacation: Part 1 of 5

What I Did on My Winter Vacation:

One of the great things about working for an institute of higher education is the fabulous week of "seasonal holidays" between Christmas and New Year's. I have immensely enjoyed my week off. Here are a few of the things I did on my winter vacation.

#1:
Read a book for fun

No Limits:  The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps


Justin got this book for Christmas and I got to it first. Not the best edited book I've ever read, but an interesting look at the winningest Olympian of all-time. The man works incredibly hard to be the best at what he does. I mean, ridiculously hard. For example, he won a gold medal by "feeling" his way from one end of the pool to the other after his goggles filled with water. His coach had prepared him for this scenario by breaking his goggles before practice and forcing him to swim in the dark during power outages. (Insanity!) It was a fun look behind the scenes at the sport of swimming. There was a lot of talk about split times and crazy one-hundredth of a second (that's .01) wins, which didn't mean a whole heck of a lot to me before, that I now find pretty impressive after reading about them in this context. It was a quick, inspiring read. Especially in this season of resolution making and talk of "getting healthy" in the new year.

Even though I can only do a fraction of the distance that Phelps does during a workout, (I'm lucky if I can eke out even one mile, compared to his 5 or 10), I am still inspired to squeeze into my new speedo (not a pretty sight) and do some laps.