2.5 weeks ago I finally said goodbye to The Coop after 7 faithful years of service. She was a beauty still and ran like a champ, but I had to let her go. It was time. Time to get a car with more than 4 inches of clearance in a major floodplain, time to get a car with more than 2 doors so my guests don't need to heave themselves out of the back seat like clowns, time to get a car without bucket seats in the back!
So I bid her a teary (yes, I said teary) adieu and sold her to a freshman in college (or rather her parents). They claim to want to put eyelashes on the headlights to make her more girly (le sigh)...I couldn't really bear to think about it, so I kept my mouth shut, let them pay me and waved farewell.
Happily, that very same day, our new car was available for pick up. The whole car pickup experience was drah-muh filled, but in the end we got the car we ordered from the factory at the price we ordered it for (jerks). Whew! What did we get you ask? A brand-spanking new 2011 Subaru Outback in dark blue: 2.5i Limited with puddle lights, all-weather package (for those Christmas jaunts to chilly MN), trailer hitch, moonroof, and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) accountrements. PLUS I can pair my phone with my car and talk via my steering wheel. Never thought I'd use it, but it's one of my favorite things!
I.
Love.
It.
I love the company values (as far as I can tell, let's not get too political or nit-picky) and the fact that the Outback is built in the Indiana plant (U.S. jobs, yay) which is also an eco-friendly plant. The car is basically 50% Japanese parts, 50% US parts, which for me is a bonus. Yay team!
Anyway, I will post pictures eventually. Probably post-Africa adventure coming up here soon. That's the latest!
ps: Now we have 3 dark blue (almost matching) vehicles in our home: the VW Golf, the Buell and the Outback "Il Duce". Variety is the spice of life!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I Ain't Lion!
It's already been over a month since our last post (and by "our" I mean MY). What's been going on in the lives of the Marshiks? Well let's see...
We had a super fun night out with our friends after renting a limo for an adult Saturday evening - woohoo! Needless to say some of us (ahem) got a little queasy before nights end and had to spend the 4th of July recovering. Erin has the pictures, check her blog for more details.
Charlie and I have spent most of this time working on building the media console I designed; Charlie is great at the handiwork! Eventually I'll post pictures of the build process and then the final product, so stay tuned. We hope to have it completed prior to heading out on our ...vacation!!
We are treating ourselves to a 5-year anniversary vacation of a lifetime! Destination: Zambia! Safaris left and right, hopefully a good view of Victoria Falls (even though it's late in the season)!! We'll be gone for about 2 weeks and I am hoping to bring enough camera batteries and flash cards to sustain my photographic needs. Right now we're working on getting all vaccinated up, though nothing is officially required for travel to Zambia at this moment, just some recommendations. In a later blog entry (yes, prior to us leaving at least) I'll give you all the details of our trip plan. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Until then, tonight is a massage pour moi, which will hopefully quell a raging headache I have from being dehydrated from workout (and missing my daily chai break with my Besties)!
I've also spent some time as of late taking photos of gracious friends who will let me practice my (lack of) skills in this area, in an effort to improve. Some outside family shots, some inside baby and kid shots. Hmmmm, gotta learn how to better use my camera before the safari! I appreciate them allowing me to practice my hobby :)
Let's see, what else may I bore you with in the details of my life...
Tomorrow is the weekly installment of So You Think You Can Dance and I am madly in love with the dance shown here from a few weeks ago - SHABOOYAH!! I'm STILL pumping my fists and clapping and smiling as I watch this for the zillionth time! My friend Kathie (recent hot Mom again and overall super sweet gal) and I (and of course Todd and Chewie) watch SYTYCD every week, drooling over hot bods (girls only for Todd) we love and wish we had and awesome dance moves. Listen people, Get Outta Ur Miiiind! I wish Nappy Tabs would choreograph a dance just for me, where I look less like a shoulderless monkey and more like a freaking dance machine when I bust a move. Ahhh yes. P'rhaps someday...up in this piece.
What else what else? Enh, that's good enough for now.
....ps: watched Alex & Twitch again, still clapping....and smiling!
We had a super fun night out with our friends after renting a limo for an adult Saturday evening - woohoo! Needless to say some of us (ahem) got a little queasy before nights end and had to spend the 4th of July recovering. Erin has the pictures, check her blog for more details.
Charlie and I have spent most of this time working on building the media console I designed; Charlie is great at the handiwork! Eventually I'll post pictures of the build process and then the final product, so stay tuned. We hope to have it completed prior to heading out on our ...vacation!!
We are treating ourselves to a 5-year anniversary vacation of a lifetime! Destination: Zambia! Safaris left and right, hopefully a good view of Victoria Falls (even though it's late in the season)!! We'll be gone for about 2 weeks and I am hoping to bring enough camera batteries and flash cards to sustain my photographic needs. Right now we're working on getting all vaccinated up, though nothing is officially required for travel to Zambia at this moment, just some recommendations. In a later blog entry (yes, prior to us leaving at least) I'll give you all the details of our trip plan. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Until then, tonight is a massage pour moi, which will hopefully quell a raging headache I have from being dehydrated from workout (and missing my daily chai break with my Besties)!
I've also spent some time as of late taking photos of gracious friends who will let me practice my (lack of) skills in this area, in an effort to improve. Some outside family shots, some inside baby and kid shots. Hmmmm, gotta learn how to better use my camera before the safari! I appreciate them allowing me to practice my hobby :)
Let's see, what else may I bore you with in the details of my life...
Tomorrow is the weekly installment of So You Think You Can Dance and I am madly in love with the dance shown here from a few weeks ago - SHABOOYAH!! I'm STILL pumping my fists and clapping and smiling as I watch this for the zillionth time! My friend Kathie (recent hot Mom again and overall super sweet gal) and I (and of course Todd and Chewie) watch SYTYCD every week, drooling over hot bods (girls only for Todd) we love and wish we had and awesome dance moves. Listen people, Get Outta Ur Miiiind! I wish Nappy Tabs would choreograph a dance just for me, where I look less like a shoulderless monkey and more like a freaking dance machine when I bust a move. Ahhh yes. P'rhaps someday...up in this piece.
What else what else? Enh, that's good enough for now.
....ps: watched Alex & Twitch again, still clapping....and smiling!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Family Visit!
Mom and Faith visited the first weekend in June for some girl's weekend action and boy, did we have fun! We ate, drank (hehehe), shopped and spent some much needed quality time together. One day we went to the Annual AIA Sandcastle competition on Galveston's East Beach, laid in the hot HOT sun, had juice box wine, and got burnt to a crisp! Faith and I rocked out to some serious throw back jams on her iPod (flashing stank face all up in that piece!) and sweat it out under our makeshift shade of personal umbrellas. Ahhhhhh the beach. That evening we attended a fabulous Sex & The City 2 party at my dear friend Beth's house, ate some amazing dip by Alicia (mmmmmmmmmm, diiiiiiiip) and looked stunning doing it! The Strandmark Ladies were in full effect! The movie was good, but the whole evening was great!
The long weekend consisted of concerts in the park (where we got rained on), live music, the winery, beach and the required Canyon Cafe stop for their amazing soup! PLUS, Faith got some fabu wedges at DSW that I hope she wears all summer!
All in all, it was great to spend time with my family and made me very happy :) I hope to make this a yearly thing!
The long weekend consisted of concerts in the park (where we got rained on), live music, the winery, beach and the required Canyon Cafe stop for their amazing soup! PLUS, Faith got some fabu wedges at DSW that I hope she wears all summer!
All in all, it was great to spend time with my family and made me very happy :) I hope to make this a yearly thing!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Mission Complete!
The crew of STS-132 landed safely yesterday to close out Atlantis' final voyage from space. With that, I have served my final mission as Lead FAO and my final day on console as a Shuttle Flight Control Room operator. Two more missions to go, but none of them will be served by me in the "front room". I will be supporting them from a behind-the-scenes place. It is a bittersweet ending to my small piece of the space shuttle program.
Thank you Atlantis, you've served us well.
Thank you Atlantis, you've served us well.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Mission Commence!
STS-132/ISS-ULF4 launched successfully on her first try yesterday from Florida. 13 days in space, 3 spacewalks, a slew of robotic activity and undoubtedly some antics from the crew will happen before they all return safely to earth around May 26th.
This is my final Lead Flight Activities Officer (FAO) assignment before the end of the shuttle program and it is also the last time I will get to sit in the Shuttle Flight Control Room ("front room", people you see on NASA TV...) in my career.
It is certainly bittersweet. The road to getting this mission off the ground has been a long one, so on one hand it is exciting to get the ball rolling and have an end in sight. On the other hand, since it is the final mission of this vehicle, Atlantis, my final mission as FAO, and nearing the end of the space shuttle program, I can't help but feel a small sense of loss. I will be focusing on enjoying the last moments of my time as a shuttle flight controller and reflecting on how much this program has meant to me and should mean to the American public.
Go get 'em Atlantis!
This is my final Lead Flight Activities Officer (FAO) assignment before the end of the shuttle program and it is also the last time I will get to sit in the Shuttle Flight Control Room ("front room", people you see on NASA TV...) in my career.
It is certainly bittersweet. The road to getting this mission off the ground has been a long one, so on one hand it is exciting to get the ball rolling and have an end in sight. On the other hand, since it is the final mission of this vehicle, Atlantis, my final mission as FAO, and nearing the end of the space shuttle program, I can't help but feel a small sense of loss. I will be focusing on enjoying the last moments of my time as a shuttle flight controller and reflecting on how much this program has meant to me and should mean to the American public.
Go get 'em Atlantis!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
WorldFest Houston 2010
On Saturday I wrapped up my two-week long WorldFest Houston - Independent International Film Festival - marathon! This is the 43rd year of the festival in Houston, but only my second year giving it a go. Last year I saw one movie (the second was thwarted by a flood of obscene proportions) that was...fine. "Work Hard Play Hard" (France)...though it wasn't very memorable.
This year I upped the anty and saw six - count 'em 6! - movies!
WorldFest Houston is a great concept and has the potential to be an asset to the city of Houston in terms of event traffic, the arts, business and the film industry. Their execution (even after 43 years) of the event, however, leaves much to be desired. Everything about how the people who are in charge of executing this event (from a movie-goer perspective) screams amateur and discredits the long-standing histroy and 'importance' of an event as this. The Festival's main website is a god-awful 1995 version of the world-wide-web (shameful, really), schedules can change without notice to the customer, the theater is a bit trashy and in an less-than-savory (though ethnicly diverse) part of town, plus there is a general lack of formality given to the marketing (what marketing? ...i don't think there even is any, seriously) and regalia surrounding the entire event. It's a shame that something as wonderful as an independent film festival can be nearly overshadowed by simple marketing schemes.
DESPITE MY COMMENTS ABOVE: I do highly encourage people to attend this event!! WorldFest Houston happens every year, and if you can get past any expectations of glamour for the event itself, you have the opportunity to see some pretty incredible films. For nearly all of the films we saw, a Producer, Director, Writer, Main Actor or combination thereof showed up to the film, had a Q&A session, and even met with the audience on a personal level. To hear how/where/why a film was shot, the trials and tribulations of independent film making, and side-stories from the shoots themselves is interesting, informative and fun. On opening night we even (my friend Sarmad and I) got to see a lifetime achievement award given to two Italian filmmakers (the Amati brothers)....cutest guys ever!The festival allows the average person (WIDE variety of people seeing these films) to see amazing Indie films and up-and-coming artists, without feeling intimidated.
So, without further ado...Below is my review of the movies I saw this year ranked from what I liked worst to best (in my opinion):
6. Ek Tho Chance [Last Chance Mumbai] (India)
- www.ekthochance.com/default_subtitle.html
-This was the first Indian film I had ever seen. For me, the story was unoriginal and I don't really get why there is singing and dancing (ala a musical) in a 'normal' movie. This movie lacked that "indie" feel I was looking for and overall did not impress me with its sub-par acting and unimpressive plotline. On the plus side, I am glad I got to experience a pseudo-Bollywoood style film. I do not expect to see another one, however, it's not the format for me.
5. The Frost (Spain/Norway)
-http://www.thejonesesmovie.com/
-The Producer of the film gave a speech in the beginning of the movie. I don't remember what he said, but I'm sure it was nice.
-Great concept for a movie. They definitely are doing this in the 'real world', I just know it!! David Duchovny has a special place in my heart since The X Files, but in this movie he's simply adorable. Convincing in character and relateable. Demi Moore is smoking hot and I'm jealous. I want to look like her....like when I was 20! But late 40s? C'mon! It's amazing. Anyhoo, the movie was good in production, concept and acting...though not everyone liked the ending. I did.
3. Love Life of a Gentle Coward (Croatia)
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_y8BOe4rug
-I really enjoyed the storyline in this movie. It had the feeling of a rom-com without the cheesiness. The story was relateable and the acting well done. The main character guy was believable; I could sense his sadness and desperation. The production of this film was good and the music light and tinkly, which made it all the more interesting to watch. I was very happy I got to enjoy this movie.
2. The Square (Australia)
- http://www.squarethemovie.com/
-This was a Premiere, to be released next week in theaters (in Australia, I assume). The film was dark and kept me constantly wondering "What can happen next?!" I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish - good production value without any gimmicks. There were moments when my heart stopped, and moments when I almost cried (read: a dog gets eaten by a shark in this movie - so obviously I was nearly in tears). Highly recommended!
-BONUS: Blue-Tongue Films showed a movie short before the film and I loved it!! "Spider". Here is a link to their YouTube stuff, I hope you like it too!
1. Bodhisattva (India)
- http://www.bodhifilm.com/
- The principal actor/director/writer of the film introduced the film and then answered questions afterward. It wasn't until the movie was over and he did Q&A with the audience that I figured out who he was - I'm an idiot. It was fun listening to him talk about his movie: shot in 7 days (because they only had the camera for that long) and each scene only shot once. 30 days to edit the film.
- I very much enjoyed the story in this film. There was an edginess about the plot and when it was all said and done I had no idea what just happened. It was all done in a matter-of-fact manner, leaving some questions - but not in an annoying way. Production value was pretty good (given the filming circumstances especially!), but not the best I'd seen this round of movies. It was dark, shot at close range from a single point-of-view, and for the most part edited well. I liked the way it was shot. I liked the angles and the color. The drama in the dirtiness of the area and the grit of the people. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking to think a bit about a movie.
That's it folks! Until next year (mark your calendars for April 8-17, 2011) - can't wait!
ps: I would also like to send a special shout-out to Sarmad for being my patient movie cohort for the entire festival. Without him, I would have only smuggled in water and snacks for one...that's no fun! Thanks again, it was worth almost getting shot for :)
This year I upped the anty and saw six - count 'em 6! - movies!
WorldFest Houston is a great concept and has the potential to be an asset to the city of Houston in terms of event traffic, the arts, business and the film industry. Their execution (even after 43 years) of the event, however, leaves much to be desired. Everything about how the people who are in charge of executing this event (from a movie-goer perspective) screams amateur and discredits the long-standing histroy and 'importance' of an event as this. The Festival's main website is a god-awful 1995 version of the world-wide-web (shameful, really), schedules can change without notice to the customer, the theater is a bit trashy and in an less-than-savory (though ethnicly diverse) part of town, plus there is a general lack of formality given to the marketing (what marketing? ...i don't think there even is any, seriously) and regalia surrounding the entire event. It's a shame that something as wonderful as an independent film festival can be nearly overshadowed by simple marketing schemes.
DESPITE MY COMMENTS ABOVE: I do highly encourage people to attend this event!! WorldFest Houston happens every year, and if you can get past any expectations of glamour for the event itself, you have the opportunity to see some pretty incredible films. For nearly all of the films we saw, a Producer, Director, Writer, Main Actor or combination thereof showed up to the film, had a Q&A session, and even met with the audience on a personal level. To hear how/where/why a film was shot, the trials and tribulations of independent film making, and side-stories from the shoots themselves is interesting, informative and fun. On opening night we even (my friend Sarmad and I) got to see a lifetime achievement award given to two Italian filmmakers (the Amati brothers)....cutest guys ever!The festival allows the average person (WIDE variety of people seeing these films) to see amazing Indie films and up-and-coming artists, without feeling intimidated.
So, without further ado...Below is my review of the movies I saw this year ranked from what I liked worst to best (in my opinion):
6. Ek Tho Chance [Last Chance Mumbai] (India)
- www.ekthochance.com/default_subtitle.html
-This was the first Indian film I had ever seen. For me, the story was unoriginal and I don't really get why there is singing and dancing (ala a musical) in a 'normal' movie. This movie lacked that "indie" feel I was looking for and overall did not impress me with its sub-par acting and unimpressive plotline. On the plus side, I am glad I got to experience a pseudo-Bollywoood style film. I do not expect to see another one, however, it's not the format for me.
5. The Frost (Spain/Norway)
- http://www.thefrostfilm.com/
-The director of the film flew all the way from Norway to accept an award for this film from the Festival committee. There were 7 of us in the theater...that count might be a bit high. I felt awful. I did like his glasses though.
-The storyline in this one was bizarre. From death, to kooky/creepy neighbors and flashes of incestual desire, I was left feeling dissatisfied with the story as a whole. I couldn't quite make the connections through all of it and did not appreciate some of the artistry of the production...like the random graphics at various spots. Overall, I enjoyed the quirkiness of the movie, but couldn't piece it all together in the end. That's why it's toward the end of the list. I did, however, get to see the most beautiful landscapes Norway has to offer via this film. It's not often I think of Norway as a hot-spot for vacationing, but after seeing the town on the water and the gorgeous mountains and fjords (what an awesome word, FJORD)...I'm sold!
4. The Joneses (USA)-http://www.thejonesesmovie.com/
-The Producer of the film gave a speech in the beginning of the movie. I don't remember what he said, but I'm sure it was nice.
-Great concept for a movie. They definitely are doing this in the 'real world', I just know it!! David Duchovny has a special place in my heart since The X Files, but in this movie he's simply adorable. Convincing in character and relateable. Demi Moore is smoking hot and I'm jealous. I want to look like her....like when I was 20! But late 40s? C'mon! It's amazing. Anyhoo, the movie was good in production, concept and acting...though not everyone liked the ending. I did.
3. Love Life of a Gentle Coward (Croatia)
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_y8BOe4rug
-I really enjoyed the storyline in this movie. It had the feeling of a rom-com without the cheesiness. The story was relateable and the acting well done. The main character guy was believable; I could sense his sadness and desperation. The production of this film was good and the music light and tinkly, which made it all the more interesting to watch. I was very happy I got to enjoy this movie.
2. The Square (Australia)
- http://www.squarethemovie.com/
-This was a Premiere, to be released next week in theaters (in Australia, I assume). The film was dark and kept me constantly wondering "What can happen next?!" I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish - good production value without any gimmicks. There were moments when my heart stopped, and moments when I almost cried (read: a dog gets eaten by a shark in this movie - so obviously I was nearly in tears). Highly recommended!
-BONUS: Blue-Tongue Films showed a movie short before the film and I loved it!! "Spider". Here is a link to their YouTube stuff, I hope you like it too!
1. Bodhisattva (India)
- http://www.bodhifilm.com/
- The principal actor/director/writer of the film introduced the film and then answered questions afterward. It wasn't until the movie was over and he did Q&A with the audience that I figured out who he was - I'm an idiot. It was fun listening to him talk about his movie: shot in 7 days (because they only had the camera for that long) and each scene only shot once. 30 days to edit the film.
- I very much enjoyed the story in this film. There was an edginess about the plot and when it was all said and done I had no idea what just happened. It was all done in a matter-of-fact manner, leaving some questions - but not in an annoying way. Production value was pretty good (given the filming circumstances especially!), but not the best I'd seen this round of movies. It was dark, shot at close range from a single point-of-view, and for the most part edited well. I liked the way it was shot. I liked the angles and the color. The drama in the dirtiness of the area and the grit of the people. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking to think a bit about a movie.
That's it folks! Until next year (mark your calendars for April 8-17, 2011) - can't wait!
ps: I would also like to send a special shout-out to Sarmad for being my patient movie cohort for the entire festival. Without him, I would have only smuggled in water and snacks for one...that's no fun! Thanks again, it was worth almost getting shot for :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Catch Up Photos
**UPDATE: MOM & DAD VISIT PIX POSTED**
Well Helloooooo! Yep. We're back in the heezie for some more mad stylin's and ribbidy-rhymes.
I've attached some slideshow dealies to help you catch up on some of the happenings since the ol' Christmas-y timeframe.
1. November 2009: Cory's 22nd Birthday Sports-themed party. Thank goodness for spandex. Of course that all depends on your viewpoint...
2. January 2010: Charlie's 2nd Marathon
3. March 2010: Oscar Party
4. March 2010: Mom & Dad's visit
5. March 2010: Carey & Chris' visit
Not shown here yet: Our trip to San Fran in January, because I can't find those pictures. Gasp! Enjoy...stay tuned!
Well Helloooooo! Yep. We're back in the heezie for some more mad stylin's and ribbidy-rhymes.
I've attached some slideshow dealies to help you catch up on some of the happenings since the ol' Christmas-y timeframe.
1. November 2009: Cory's 22nd Birthday Sports-themed party. Thank goodness for spandex. Of course that all depends on your viewpoint...
2. January 2010: Charlie's 2nd Marathon
3. March 2010: Oscar Party
4. March 2010: Mom & Dad's visit
5. March 2010: Carey & Chris' visit
Not shown here yet: Our trip to San Fran in January, because I can't find those pictures. Gasp! Enjoy...stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Pink Eye
This morning I woke up with what appeared to be a 'sore' and slightly bloodshot eye. Did Kirby punch me in the face again during bedtime cuddle-time? Nope, she took care of that fun move last Friday morning.
It went something like:
Me: Good morning Kooner! You're such a good girl! ((cuddle cuddle tummy rub))
Kirby: Oh Mommy! Oh Mommy! I'm so excited to see you! If I could just...get...a little...closer...ennnnnnnnnnh! ((Karateeeeeeeeeeee PUNCH! to the face with a furry claw!))
If that wasn't it, what could it be? Hmmm...
The eye funk was annoying, but nothing spectacular or day-breaking, so off to work I went. La de da! Work work work. Touch touch touch (my eye). Red red red.
I didn't want to go to the clinic, I just didn't want to. However, at the end of the day I decided I must go for the sake of my 'bulb and those around me. Since I don't have a general practitioner here, it was either go to the work clinic or have my OB/GYN perform an eye exam on me. The choice was clear.
Diagnosis: The Pink Eye
Impact: Banned from work until it clears up. Literally. They don't want me infecting any spacemen or spaceladies.
Remedy: Antibiotics just in case it's bacterial. "Time" if it's not.
So how 'bout that folks? My first case of pink eye. Whee!
Good news is I have a long weekend now. That, my friends, is alright with me.
It went something like:
Me: Good morning Kooner! You're such a good girl! ((cuddle cuddle tummy rub))
Kirby: Oh Mommy! Oh Mommy! I'm so excited to see you! If I could just...get...a little...closer...ennnnnnnnnnh! ((Karateeeeeeeeeeee PUNCH! to the face with a furry claw!))
If that wasn't it, what could it be? Hmmm...
The eye funk was annoying, but nothing spectacular or day-breaking, so off to work I went. La de da! Work work work. Touch touch touch (my eye). Red red red.
I didn't want to go to the clinic, I just didn't want to. However, at the end of the day I decided I must go for the sake of my 'bulb and those around me. Since I don't have a general practitioner here, it was either go to the work clinic or have my OB/GYN perform an eye exam on me. The choice was clear.
Diagnosis: The Pink Eye
Impact: Banned from work until it clears up. Literally. They don't want me infecting any spacemen or spaceladies.
Remedy: Antibiotics just in case it's bacterial. "Time" if it's not.
So how 'bout that folks? My first case of pink eye. Whee!
Good news is I have a long weekend now. That, my friends, is alright with me.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Back!
It's been since Christmas. 3 months...way too long. I mean, if my best friend Jenny Tobin can finally post something after many moons, then that's the kick in the buns I needed to start posting again.
We have much to post about and will...soon.
We have much to post about and will...soon.
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