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Harrison's Wordle

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what I did not like about PF Changs

1. Whenever I know I am going out for dinner, I pretty much starve myself (good times!) all day, so I can really indulge. So, I showed up at the table ready to gnaw my arm off, and there weren't any crunchy noodles? There were dipping sauces, which one would assume were for crunchy noodles, but none ever appeared. And they weren't on the other tables either, I was fully prepared to go steal a bowl if we had just been overlooked by our waiter.

2. Of course we ordered an appetizer (since I was starving!) and NOW I know that we should have opted for lettuce wraps. My brother called the next day to say we'd gotten it all wrong ordering the Crab Wontons. Normally, I don't eat anything green (which is why the lettuce wraps didn't even cross my mind!) but I trust my brother, since he convinced me at Maggiano's to taste the spinach manicotti and that was delish. The crab wontons? Jonathan and I agreed they were pretty awful. Even though I was ravenous at this point, I only ate one, which should tell you how not tasty they were.

3. Finally, our meal arrived along with one small bowl of white rice. Now, I love to mix my sauce with rice, and so I asked if we could get a second bowl of rice. Usually your meal comes with rice (is this just me???) and the waiter made me feel like he was doing a great big favor even though we'd ordered TWO meals? I understand this is family style, but seriously, there was not enough rice to share!

4. What we had intended to share were our entrees. This didn't pan out because
(a) Jonathan's Walnut shrimp were slathered in MAYONNAISE. Is that Chinese? I don't think so! I was so perplexed by this, I actually asked the waiter what the sauce was, and he confirmed my suspicion. MAYO, for real? This was unexpected and gross, I hate mayonnaise-passionately.
(b) My Crispy Honey Shrimp was actually pretty delicious! But it was also spicy! Even though the menu was supposed to show a little symbol next to spicy dishes. Good for me, since I like spicy, but Jonathan couldn't touch it - he is a "mild" kind of guy.

So there you have it! I feel like I should have a fifth reason, but I don't. And in fairness, I should also tell you that our Flourless Chocolate Dome for dessert was excellent.

Anne/Monique - Penne Rustica, ANY time, ladies! And my new favorite thing is to create my own pasta in Aribiatta sauce with shrimp, garlic and buffalo mozzarella. YUM!

Andrea - we would never stop shopping long enough to eat.

jonathan's birthday

Since Jonathan is volunteering at VBS this week, we went out for his birthday dinner on Saturday. Our first time at PF Changs and I was unimpressed. To use some vocab I learned watching Top Chef, this was not Chinese, it was fusion food. It reminded me of our experience (also underwhelming) at Cheesecake Factory - we were both a little miffed as to why people LOVE these restaurants. Personally, if it's going to be a chain, make my reservations at Macaroni Grill, please!

Today Jonathan came home from work for a Birthday lunch and I was excited to break out my banner - I always forget I have this!

I made strawberry shortcake, because it's my favorite (selfish!) but out of season for my own birthday in October. He'll have a "real" birthday cake when we celebrate with his family next week.

And Harrison's not the only one with new shoes! Jonathan got a pair for his birthday, to replace the sneakers that lasted him EIGHT YEARS. Eight years, people! We bought them together when we were engaged, and some of you may remember I even dropped a tomato pie on them last Summer! This guy takes good care of his stuff! Actually, he says I should take a lesson from him - HA!

tidbits on tuesday

Upon looking at his new blue VBS t-shirt, Harrison announced..."but I liked my purple one"

*An exception was made in the "Kindergarten Section"

*Shoes for Kindergarten

**ETA** Shoes have arrived, and I didn't like this at all, too clompy.


*so we ordered these instead.

my friends are right to worry about me

I go tanning about twice a week - stand up booth, 4 minutes max. I'm not scared about skin cancer or wrinkles. I no longer wear the protective goggles either, I just keep my eyes closed. Nope, I'm not scared about burning my retina's. But you know what does frighten me? This sign, taped inside every booth. There is definitely a risk involved to tanning, be aware.

bravo! bravo

Did everyone remember to watch the premier of Project Runway last night? I am so excited that it's airing at 9 o'clock and thus, making it easier for me to stay awake until 10 o'clock to watch Shear Genius. Two quick things. First, was I the only one who thought this was the funniest line ever? "I didn't brush my teeth, and I regret that" Second, I tried to style my hair this morning by twirling small sections to bring out the natural wave - it did not take me eight minutes, and it did not look good - humph!

These are some fashion finds I'm currently in love with
This bag - which if money grew on trees I'd own in both fabulous colors.

Similarly overpriced shoes which would sadly, not match either of my new bags or anything currently hanging in my closet - but aren't they CUTE?

Now this jacket, I could afford but it's sold out in my size. Love the buttons. Love them.

And of course more jewelry, because I cannot stop. For the first time in my life, I'm wearing dangle earrings. They make me feel (whispering) s*xy.

fun & games

Today the Mong's hosted their annual backyard carnival - so much fun! I'm inspired to do something similar for our neighborhood next Summer, minus the tilt-o-wheel - because you know my feelings about getting dizzy.

And tonight we had some friends over for game night. The girls had a disappointing loss after 3 rounds of Guesstures, but dominated at Taboo - I think it has something to do with being allowed to talk....

ten things on thursday

1. When the mail came this week, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The good news? Harrison got AM Kindergarten! Super happy about that!

2. The bad news? The yellow grainy leather tote I ordered from Boden's sale was actually out of stock and not able to ship. I'm coping though. Moving on. In fact, I think I'm going to set my sights on a cute silver bag instead...one like Nicole's

3. Speaking of cute things on other people's blogs - I ordered some red beads after seeing them on Hilary's. Mine are more traditional, but omigosh, I L-O-V-E them, I want to wear them every day.


4. Not so cute? Food storage friends should look away...here is a picture of my bare bones pantry. While I was "blog jogging" I noticed someone was challenging a pantry purge, so I thought I'd tidy mine and take a picture. I wish I had cuter baskets, but these are fantastically easy to wipe if anything spills.

5. On Monday, I received this email from Jonathan. It was The Worst of Times II.
Jan, In looking at my calendar for the week, I have a finance meeting tonight. I have the funeral tomorrow night. And I have a board meeting on Thursday.

6. And just when I thought emails couldn't get any worse then that, I got some nastygram from a woman on Good Reads. ON GOOD READS. You know, the book review website. I have NO idea who Bonna is, or what bee she has in her bonnet, but sheeesh! I honestly, share my reviews for my FRIENDS, I wasn't trying to enter a deep, critical conversation on this (boring!) (there, I said it again!) novel.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/24987877?al=MTI1NTUwMg==-82e378f48f272d9663a1176936fd03c7d7878d2a&utm_medium=email&utm_source=review_comment

7. I'm glad I have this guy around to make me smile after I finish checking email

8. We are in our 3rd week of swim lessons, and watching Harrison improve on his backstroke makes me smile too.

9. I got my haircut this week, and spent entirely too much on hair products I'll never use correctly. Someone should write a book - Root Pump for Dummies, that would be a Good Read.

10. I also had a little splurge at Old Navy. I walked around the store, turning things over, wondering...could I wear my new red beads with that?

FOJ weekend recap

On Saturday, I told the boys I'd buy them Indiana Jones toys if they sat nicely for just one picture. They actually cooperated for two. And it's a good thing I snapped these when I did because Sawyer promptly spilled juice on himself and then fell into the mulch - requiring a wardrobe change before we made it to cousin Julie's open house.

And today I was suckered into attending another local fair. Harrison pointed out that it was lucky for me there weren't any rides to make me sick this time. There was in exchange, a lovely smelling petting zoo...

three cheers for the red white and blue!

Harrison was beside himself with worry this morning when he woke up to find it was raining. Thankfully, the skies cleared just long enough for the parade!

HaPpY FoUrTh of JuLy!