Tonight At The Bamboo Club

My fortune said "You are primed to come with a creative solution". Afterward, I ran onto this cartoon. So I guess my two questions are: "Would this work with people?" and "Would this be considered a creative solution?"

Southwest Drink Coupons

When I get my Rapid Rewards free flights I also get drink coupons. Let it be known now that I have never drank alcohol on a plane and my drink coupons either go to waste or a couple of times I have given them away. For some reason, today I picked up some drink coupons on my desk and noticed that on the front of them they have conversation starters and on the back they have conversation stoppers.

I am going to share some examples but I will tell you that the first one is my absolute favorite. Someone once started a conversation with me with a very similar question and the conversation is still going strong.......

Conversation Starter: "If you were stranded on a deserted island, which actor or actress would you least like to be stuck there with?
Conversation Stopper: "If I were stranded on a deserted island, I think you're the person I'd least like to be stuck with"

Conversation Starter: "When was the first time you flew Southwest Airlines? and where did you go?"
Conversation Stopper: "This represents my primary voyage on an Earth bound jet propulsion vehicle. You humanoids and your inventions are so cute"

Conversation Starter: "Are you a dog person? Cat person? Fish person? Something else entirely different?"
Conversation Stopper: "Start every sentence with the phrase like my cat Mr Peepers always says"

The Freeway Finally Woke Me Up

Ever since we moved into our house I have been asked if the freeway noise bothered us. (We live 3 houses north of the 210 freeway) Before we moved in we were both worried about it but the truth is it is never a problem. In fact I don't ever hear the freeway.

Friday morning around 5:30AM was the first time I have ever been woken up because of the freeway. The story is here It wasn't the traffic, it wasn't the crash, it wasn't any horns blowing. Nope, it was the KCAL9, NBC and ABC helicopters hovering over our house that did it. Anyhow, I flipped on the news and saw "Live Coverage" of the overturned Wallmart truck.......that certainly was exciting, not.

Joshua Has His 1st Starbucks

In case you were wondering (There was a blog earlier this year about the danger of giving children Starbucks) he had a short Caramel Apple Spice at room temperature without the Caramel.

The Unanswered Question

While shopping at the grocery store I was standing in front of the Orange Juice when I sent the following text message: When you buy Orange Juice do you get Pulp or No Pulp?

I can tell you that until today (Yes, I'm 33 and have lots of food firsts this year) I had no idea what in the world Pulp was. I have now been enlightened. Pulp is the solid part of the fruit that is leftover after the juice is squeezed out. Check out some of the different types of Orange Juice here.

So, I guess the question for everyone is what do you prefer? No Pulp, Some Pulp, or Lots of Pulp. I think I would choose some pulp.

P.S. For the record, I think the OJ served at the Club Room in Sacramento has lots of pulp.

The "Club Room" #1222

This morning when I woke up at the Hilton Arden West hotel in Sacramento I decided that I would finally take advantage of the executive floor by visiting the special club room.

The club room is open for a complimentary breakfast in the morning, happy hour in the early evening and cocktails in the evening. Hilton Honors Gold members and above receive a special key granting them access. Every time I have stayed at this hotel I have arrived too late to participate in the evening activities and I always leave before breakfast.

Off I go to the club room. Imagine how happy I was when I saw the room number of the club room.

Not only that, when I walked into the 1222 Club Room I immediately ran into two people I knew! The Club Room was just like a little lounge for the Hilton Honors VIP's and it was pretty nice. As I was drinking my orange juice and chatting with a couple of people I suddenly remembered a question I had posed to my BFF a few weeks ago. A question that remains unanswered. I guess you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the question was.....

Congrats Kato!

On your new son, Steven! Sydney would have been a Steven if she were a boy ;)

Good Luck, Kim!!!

Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope you don't get nauseous and you are not too bored. We love you!!!! Added: Dec 4th-I just realized everybody thought this was about me but this is actually for the new Kim Evans who is going in for a super boring medical procedure today. P.S. How long can we call her the new Kim Evans?

Thanks Mom and Becca! (PG Update)

Last night, David and I decided to go register for baby stuff at Babies R Us. I registered online and then we went to the store to actually make most of our selections. One of the most overwhelming experiences of my life. We ended up walking around with the little gun for an hour and didn't scan anything.

This morning, Becca offered to go back with me. So Mom, Becca, Elizabeth and I went off to Babies R Us. They were both so helpful and this time it was not overwhelming at all. I have now registered for most of the small items and David is doing some research on the big stuff. Lastly, after careful consideration I think we are going to do a lady bug theme for the nursery. P.S. There are a million Kim Thomas' in the registry. I am not fishing for gifts but as a note do not accidentally send a gift to Kim and David Thomas in Elk Grove, CA.

After successfully tackling Babies R Us I decided to try Target. Compared to Babies R Us, Target was a piece of cake although I am not registered for nearly as much stuff there. I found that Target has alot of stuff online but very little in the store. I didn't like that since believe it or not I am not a huge online shopper. (It's True)

Other updates:
*Almost 23 weeks
*Fewer and Less Severe Headaches
*Belly getting bigger
*She likes (or doesn't like) flying. Kicks almost the entire time we are on the plane

Just Throw Them In The Attic

Where do you suppose decorations like this are kept in the off season? These ornaments are bigger than cars and can be found everywhere at South Coast Plaza.

Another New Acronym: GFTYFSATFTIYTTCP

Good Friends Trash Your Finished Starbucks and then forget to invite you to the Christmas Party

OK. I'll stop, this was the last one, I just couldn't help it.

True Friends Toss Your Turkey

For Thanksgiving, the last couple of years I have cooked a turkey for the homeless. This year, my mom was in the ER and I was not able to cook the turkey in time. I called to say that I was really sorry and the person I called said it wasn't a big deal (there would be enough food) so just keep the turkey and cook it for yourself. Um, okay, I did feel bad but what could I do? The date the turkey would expire was November 28th and I planned to cook the turkey on November 26th.

On November 26th I opened the refrigerator and it stank! The turkey went bad early. The trash had just been picked up so I couldn't just throw it in there and let it stink for a week. I left it in the fridge. On the 28th I couldn't take it any longer. I put the turkey in a plastic trash bag and went to pick up an accomplice, we would dispose of the turkey somewhere.......

Shortly I after I picked her up, my accomplice discovered that a stinky turkey was in the back seat of the car. I explained my predicament and as expected the accomplice gladly participated. Proof is provided below:

New Acronymn: TFTYT

Today, I came up with this new acronymn. I challenge everyone to guess the meaning. I will tell you that it includes a description and an action and I can't wait to see your submissions!

TFTYT

Starbucks? Joy or Depression

Last week, I was with James waiting for my drink at Starbucks when the following conversation took place:

James: When you go to Starbucks are you normally happy or depressed?
Kim: Thats an odd question, normally happy, what about you?
James: Well it depends if you are going to sit here or get it to go.
Kim: I love to sit here and people watch
James: Yeah, me too but look at that guy
Kim: That guys a dork
James: Yeah, now thats depression

I can say that probably 95% of the time I am at Starbucks I am happy. The other 5% is a mixed bag, I have definitely had some bad days there......Saturday, I was angry and ended up arguing with a homeless man. Thats a blog for another day.

My Husband, The Photographer

Over the last year, David has become quite the photographer. A couple of days ago, I added his slideshow to the sidebar and unlike the historians photos, they are really, really good. To see larger sizes you can visit his picassa albums: David's Albums

Here's one of Katie:

Oink Oink

I guess,
I just have
to be a
hog!

"Two Historians", The Photo Blog

You've seen my occasional photos now visit my photo blog and see history documented one day and one photo at a time. Two Historians (Of course this is all made possible by my Blackberry Pearl)

Dream Dinners Get 4 Stars

Back in August, Becca and I went to "Dream Dinners" The concept is to save you time and help you make healthier meals. The way it works is you review their online menu, make selections, sign up for a date/time and then go into the store and make your dinners. There is a minimum order of 36 servings so I made 12, three-serving dinners. (You can choose any combination of three and six servings). My order cost me a $153.74 and it took about and hour to make.

I wasn't too hopeful that I would like the dinners and was put off by the fact that usually it is only the main course. Becca was convinced this wouldn't be a problem because you always want some fresh veggies and side dishes are easy. I was not so sure and wasn't sure it would be worth the money. I couldn't have been more wrong. The dinners are absolutely fabulous. I have made 10 of my 12 dishes and each one has been great and things I would normally never make, like: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dijon, Chicken with Papayas, Shrimp Scampi with Artichoke Hearts (Thats what we had tonight), and Mango Glazed Chicken. In some cases dinner just needs to be heated and in other cases you need to cook the meal but the instructions are simple and VERY quick.

We are going again and this time taking mom and Rachel. Here are some pictures from our first trip:

What I Learned At The Zoo

Check this out, the giraffe's tongue can reach, not 21, not 23 but 22 inches in length. How great is that?

Joshua Visits Hot Dog On a Stick

How cute is he? The funniest though is that hot dog, he has completely demolished it. A few minutes later he pulled the hot dog off because he just wanted to play with the stick.

Black Friday 2007

I had no intention of going out early this morning however I awoke around 3:30 and as hard as I tried I couldn't go back to sleep. Around 5:00, I called James to find out where mom and him were and they were headed to Target so I decided to meet up with them.

Target had an interesting market campaign this morning. Upon arrival, we got in line to wait for the doors to open (they opened at 6:00) and Target workers began passing out tote bags entitled "Target Shopping Survival Kit". The following was printed on the card: "Join the race! Here are a few things to give you the stamina you need for the shopping marathon ahead of you" . The Survival Kit included the Target dog stuffed animal, Target Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee, Animal Crackers and a Granola bar.


After Target, I went home and was able to take a nap before going back out and doing a little more shopping. Truth be told, I don't need anything and only bought a couple of items. After some shopping we had a quick lunch and I headed home..........to take another nap.

What Are You Grateful For?

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving. On this Thanksgiving holiday I think it would be nice to share with our fellow bloggers and visitors some things that we are grateful for.

I think it goes without saying that first and foremost I am thankful for my health and family and friends. Beyond that, this year I am specificially thankful for:

Sydney, healthy and on the way
A supportive and loving husband
Elizabeth, the newest addition to our family
The people I have reconnected with via the blog and the new people that have entered my life because of it
Laughing often throughout the year
22

and it wouldn't be my blog without being thankful for some of the little things in life like:

My Blackberry Pearl
Emily died on General Hospital
My Southwest Companion Pass
Iced Venti Chai
Blog Comments
Ketchup

Holiday Catalogs

The number of holiday catalogs that arrive in November are unbelievable. How do these people get your name and address? The other thing that is amazing is the disgusting crap that people must be ordering. Take a look at the photos below:

(1) The catalogs that arrived at my house this last week. (2) Disgusting looking dips that you can buy for $5.50 each.








All that beef and cheese can be yours for only $22.99. And, in case 16 sticks of beef and 11 types of cheese arent enough for you, you can have 8 different spreads in this gift "Buffet".

Mr Ketchup Goes To Disneyland

We Are No Longer Having An "It"

The question we have all been asking since September 20th has finally been answered. Today, we had the ultrasound which determined the baby's sex. Everyone that was annoyed by my referring to the baby as "It" can rest easy as I no longer feel the need to say "It". Going forward, we will refer to the baby as Sydney or at the very least "her".

We are 99.9% sure that her name will be Sydney Leanne. If you are female please don't feel the need to suggest your name for the .1% , chances are, I have already ruled it out. Unless of course your name is Jenn Ann or Ruth Anne or Rachel Ann or Rebecca Ann or Carol Ann- we're definitely sticking with a variant of Ann for the middle name.

P.S. All tests look great, I am up 1.5 pounds since before pregnancy and we are at just about 21 weeks. Thats the full update!

Queen B, You're Hired!

Earlier this year, on January 16th to be exact, I commented on how much I hate putting up and taking down the Christmas Tree. Queen B responded with what just may be the funniest comment of the year. Here it is:

Um, yes, I am here today to apply for the open req of Substitute-Tree-Decorator.

Objective: to utilize my skills as a Christmas tree installer and remover across multiple environments. Additional skills with Christmas tree decorating may also be used, if the position requires.

Experience:
- 2 years experience as director of Christmas decorating (since I got married)
- Over 5 years experience in decorating my own personal tree with no additional manpower
- Over 20 years experience in Christmas tree installation and removal in a team environment
- Over 26 years experience celebrating Christmas

Three Sisters Eat Yams

Our entire life, the three of us have refused to eat Yams/Sweet Potatoes. We all agreed that they looked disgusting and therefore must be disgusting. We never tried them.

Growing up, my Grandfather and Uncle Will were the only ones to ever eat them. When David started coming to family holiday gatherings, he tried them, and loved them. Mom continued to make them because "Grandma always did" and she would "Make them for David". Jason, ended up following suit, as did Kevin. Tonight, Rachel decided that she was going to branch out and go ahead and try them. When she actually liked them, I figured that I would try them and at the very least have some blog material by adding them to Gatorade and String Cheese for 2007 food firsts. After I had them and really liked them, Becca decided to try some. All of us agreed that we actually thought they were good and I even went back and had more. Heres the proof:









P.S. While we are trying the yams, from the other room we hear Matt and Andrew yell out to Mom. "Where are the funeral potatoes" Thats a blog for another day.

Happy Anniversary!

I just wanted to wish a happy 10 year anniversary to Luke and April! I mean, Larry and April....

1977 JC Penney Catalog

This blog speaks for itself. My favorite? The men in the terrycloth. The barrel furniture is a serious gem and I couldn't help but post the photos of the best friends.
Home Furnishings:

Fashions:

In Honor of Kays Birthday

Here is a list of 22 favorite cliches:

1. Living High off the hog
2. Yank your chain
3. Old as dirt
4. Bent out of shape
5. Drive me up a wall
6. Go through the roof
7. Bend over backwards
8. Dangle a carrot
9. Drink the Koolaide
10. He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword
11. Swim with the sharks
12. Making money hand over fist
13. One foot in the grave
14. It ain't over till the fat lady sings
15. Light at the end of the tunnel
16. Don't bite the hand that feeds you
17. Put your money where your mouth is
18. He never met a doughnut he didn't like
19. His elevator doesnt go to the top floor
20. Raining cats and dogs
21. At the 11th hour
22. If you're going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk

Happy Birthday Kays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rewind 365 Days.......

I swear, I never get good quality time with Dora anymore.

365 Days ago

Had I only known what that little adventure would get me into.....

When In Doubt, Look Up

You never know when you might see something that will change your outlook. "Hey, look at that giant bug"

P.S. I believe several months ago I promised on one of the blogs to share the "Bug on Building" in Reno...so here it is.

One Day, I'll Be The MOD..

Several years ago, I received my first tour of the Mission Hills Data Center. I believe I was there working on the Help Desk Migration from a local facility to the Mission Hills Help Desk. On the wall, there was a scrolling LED sign that stated who the "Manager on Duty" was, that day it was my good friend, Sharon.

When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be someone who was in charge of all the keys. That could have been anything, I was always impressed that the janitors had so many keys. Another great job would be a supermarket checker. They used to wear the key to the drawer on their arm. That was too cool. When I worked at the Residence Inn (Marriott Hotel) I used to always wear the key to the cash drawer on my arm, it was cool...I digress. But that day standing at the data center I thought, "It would be great to be MOD".

FAST FORWARD MANY YEARS: Three years ago, a much smarter Kim decided that she never wanted to be MOD. I basically just kept quiet and luckily managed to avoid it until last year.

Being MOD sucks! I would encourage everyone reading not to strive for this job. It would be better to return back to the days of wanting to be janitor versus wanting to be MOD. At least the janitor has regular hours, they aren't pregnant, on the phone with someone from Sacramento at 3:00AM on a Sunday morning, with a terrible headache, and trying to decide if the ticket is a Sev 1 or 2. Nope, the janitor is sleeping peacefully, as is the supermarket checker.

Pass The Cheer!

In celebration of the holiday season and Starbucks new "Pass the Cheer" cup messages, Jane started the "HCBC Pass the Cheer" posts. They are a collection of her all time favorite posts from each of the HCBC members. Check out Jane's list. Ruth Anne followed suit and has passed the cheer on by reminding us of our first posts. Teri soon followed with her own Pass the Cheer tribute. Here's my favorite posts from the official members of the Hot Chicks Bloggers Club:

Queen B: Having the Right Signage
JennAnn: Trip to Wallmart
Ann: TSA Idiots, Definitely a Special Breed
Jane: The Way I See It
Ruth Anne: Late
REM: Who Is That?
Happy Bunny: Big Mouth
Teri: Welcome Nalia to Our Home

We're About 1/2 Way.....

And I finally put on some maternity clothes today. Frankly, I think I could go a little longer in my regular clothes but I figured I would go ahead and try them out. My first thought is I like just pulling up my jeans as opposed to buttoning/zipping them. I think regular jeans should be this comfortable.

Thanks to my Pearl, I was able to capture the outfit for others to see. P.S. The pile of clothes in the background is for the Goodwill.

The Meaning Of These Owls

Last month, I was on a Goodwill adventure with Jane and she pointed out how sad it was to see these owls there. The significance being that these Owls obviously belonged to someone who was recently deceased. How sad that these meant nothing to anybody in her family and they just donated her precious owl collection to the Goodwill.









This week I showed these photos to Dora and Plankton and asked them about the owls. Here is how the conversation unfolded:

KT: "What is the significance of these owls".
Dora: "I don't know"
Plankton: "I don’t give a hoot"
Plankton: "It reminds me of CSI Las Vegas, you know because of the Who song"
Dora: "All I can think of is give a hoot don’t pollute"
KT: "You guys are way off....so what is sad about these owls"
Plankton: "Their ugly?"
KT: Laughs, "no"
Dora: "Nobody wanted them?"
KT: "Okay your starting to catch on….nobody wanted them, what else Plankton?"
Plankton: "Who gives a damn"
KT tells why Owls at the Goodwill are sad.
Plankton: "Oh….that is sad…."
Dora: "OMG

Watch Out For Falling Cows

In Washington state, a "missing" cow plunged off a 200 foot cliff an onto a moving minivan. The article can be found here: Cow plunges.

After I stopped laughing, I decided to read the article. Best line: "If the cow had fallen a split second later, the animal would have landed right in their laps."

Almost the Same Expression

Must be the blog family resemblance.....

"Champ, Where is Anna's Linens?"

Late Saturday afternoon MTC called me to see if I knew if an "Anna's Linens" store was in Burbank. I did a quick lookup on their website and while it was very helpful, I laughed at their location descriptions. Not only did they have the address, they provided additional information to help you find the store. For Example:

"Located between KMart and Ralphs"
"Behind the Food 4 Less"
"Next to Chuck E Cheese"
"Between Target and Mervyns"
"Next to the WIC Office"
"Where Target and Big 5 are located"
"In Food 4 Less"
"Next to Superior Market and Behind Famsa Furniture"
"Located near Ross"
"Store is located in the back by the Sears pick-up; Outside Mall next to Sears"
"at Main Entrance across from JC Penney's Inside Mall"

Luckily, MTC was able to find the Anna's Linens located next to the KMART and across the street from the IHOP in Burbank.

Documented Visits to the ER

What I look like when I visit the ER









What Mike looks like when he vists the ER. (Why is he so happy? Probably because he got out of work for the day)
What Jessica looks like when she visits the ER











Please note that I will be happy to post more ER photo submissions.