The Shaffers

200 days

...since my last post.  Scary. Well, you see... I've been busy with (insert lame excuse here).  So, I figured, what better way to get back into things, than with yet another 5 Favorite Things post, the time when I share what my current fads, trends, and obsessions are (and which oddly, are so very different every time I do this).  SO here goes...

1.) True Beauty on FOX.  I know I'm a reality show junkie. But really I've scaled down quite a bit.  This one just cracks me up.  And despite the fact that Craig complains every time I put it on, I find him secretly captivated too. (For the record: I think Julia will win it all.)

2.) Meat.  Yep, that's right, I'm back on Atkins. No carbs = meat + cheese + veggies.  Although the last 2 times I've recently attempted this diet, I've gotten quite sick.  When I remind Craig that this diet worked great for me in college, he's quick to remind me I'm no spring chicken anymore.  Hopefully 3rd time's a charm.

3.) The Twilight Books. There, I said it. Please don't judge me. 

4.) Keurig Coffee Maker.  Everyone needs one. Seriously. I've already converted a few people that have also seen the light. Single serve coffee and no clean up ever? Total perfection.

5.) Katie's bladder control medication.  Vet appointment where she peed on me en route: $120.  New pants that she peed on: $35.  Monthly all-natural meds: $28.  Dog that doesn't leak anymore? Priceless.

On a totally separate note, I just saw this piece of art on Cathy Zielske's blog and I just knew I had to have it for our new guest room. (Plus, anytime I have an opportunity to buy from etsy is a good thing.)

neglected blog duties...

My inbox is starting to fill up with messages like, "why haven't you updated your blog?" "are you ok?" "haven't seen anything new in your blog recently"...

My response is simply one word: Facebook.

There, I said it.  I feel much better now.  I shamefully admit I have given it a try and I feel slightly rediculous and childlike in the process, but it has been fun to reconnect with high school and college friends.  Oh, and did I mention it's slightly addicting?  It's a great way to avoid all your "real life" responsibilities if, of course, that's your goal. 

So, yes, I plan to continue to blog.  No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.  And if you're ever adventurous enough to swing on over to FB, feel free to add me as a "friend". :)

love this little guy...

while we were in chicago i had so much fun snapping pics of kelly's dog puglass (yes, like "douglas" but not).  this little guy loved the camera - stood still and posed for every shot. (katie & ash - why can't YOU do that?!)

tales from the windy city...

we're 4 days into our vacation and having a great time! we just spent 3 days in downtown chicago followed by a fun family party at home.  here are some of the highlights:

our first day we had a great lunch on the 95th floor of the john hancock building.  look at that view!

craig and i headed down to the museum of science and industry where in the energy exhibit craig had a "bright idea"!

and here are some pics from the family party.  wondering about the blue shirts?  my dad has a saying, "no pressure, no problem", and we all find it slightly comical. so as a surprise, Lynn had shirts made for all of us that had the saying on them - total FUN!

craig found a new friend in matt!  these 2 trouble makers kept things lively!

kelly and the cutest pug alive!

and the other happy couple!

Is it vacation yet?

Teaching summer school, filling out paperwork for my application to get into an administrative position, and working on grad school homework...

...totally counting down the days (minutes) until we leave for Chicago on Thursday.  PLUS, we can't wait to meet Matt (my sister's new beau!).  You can read about their relationship (and his clean bathroom) here.