Valentines Day!

February 12, 2010

I'll keep it short. We had a nice evening together - nothing fancy, but very nice.

First we went out to a neighborhood Italian restaurant called Lombardi's. Had a good meal, some cocktails and yummy garlic-topped french bread.









Then we came back and watched a movie - American Psycho. I know, not very romantic, but we like it and were in the mood for something a little insane.



That was basically our night. I was lucky enough to get not 1, but 2 bouquets of flowers. One was sent to my office (after I left unfortunately), while the second was waiting for me at home! I have such a sweet husband!

Bennett's one month!

February 26th 2010

Bennett turned one month and he is getting more and more adorable. He is really starting to look like a little man with features so like his parents. One minute he looks like Mandy, then the next, Philip. His perfect lips are my favorite and he really shows them off! These awesome pics were taken by his Mama!





Oh, how I love thee!

For a rainy day...

I have been, as ever, reading a lot and watching movies. I know...not surprising. But, I have come across a couple great ones recently that I thought I would share. The first is a young adult novel by Suzanne Collins. It's a bit of a drama/sci-fi I suppose with some government control issues, adventure and survival, along with some interesting social commentary. I suppose if I were to compare it to other books I have read it would be a more futuristic version of The Lottery and The Giver.

I was so happy with the story that I convinced Mike to read it again with me as something to do together. I think it's wonderful that there are so many authors out there catering to the Young Adult population! Granted, most of them are writing fantasy/sci-fi...but...it's getting young people to read again. I feel like reading has not been a big past time for young people and teens for the last...well I don't know how long. Many people don't prefer Stephanie Meyer's writing or are not on the "Twilight band wagon", but I think she really fueled an important fire. Because of her vampire/human lovestory - more and more kids are going to the bookstore to find the latest fantasy or supernatural book to gobble up.

I am grateful that it is now becoming "cool" to sit around reading and talking about books. Especially for the younger people who need to be staying out of trouble and expanding both their vocabulary and imaginations.
Here is the book I am re-reading with Mike AND the sequel Catching Fire. Book number 3 to come this summer or fall I think!
























The movie I really enjoyed recently was called INK. It's a low budget, independant film (again Sci-Fi/Fantasy) but it didn't seem like it at all. The actors were sort of familiar but not well known and the storyline was really original. I especially enjoyed the cinematography. It was really amazing! It made the film unique and kept a very engrossing, dreamlike feel to it. I can't really describe it well, but to say that it's good vs. evil (dreams vs. nightmares) with moving storylines and limited dialogue. Most of what you need to follow the movie is visual, so there is not a ton of speaking but definately enough to support it and keep you on track.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to watch something different and visually striking.

Bennett Roy

After a trying 14 hour labor and a not-so-fun birth, Bennett Roy Chiappini was born to my beautiful sister and her husband. He is the most precious thing I have ever seen and I have never loved a child more. He was born January 26th at 3:45pm, at 8.3 lbs. and 21" long. He was perfect in every way (minus the scary but fast healing suction injury on his head and some swelling). It's easy to just stare at him all day, he's such a sweet little man. I am hoping to take some of my own pictures of him this weekend, but until then, here are some I swiped from family.

Out With The Old - In With The New

Early on in January, my poor little Camry decided to go and get a few oil leaks. I took her in and the estimate given to me made my jaw drop. I thought about it for a day and decided that it was time. Time to trade her in. I got "Camie" in 2000 or so while in college and she really held out well. Being a 94' with over 167,000 miles made her a bit elderly as far as cars go and I had to look for a new, younger car.

After days of research and test drives, I came across a 2006 Subaru Forester with my name on it. I figured it was better to go a few years old and with a few more miles on it to guarantee the value. Because I bought used, I was able to get a "sooped-up" version of this Forester. Heated seats, a panoramic sun roof, roof racks, alloy wheels, fog lights, a six-disk changer, and leather accents.

All in all, I am really happy with my purchase! I love the extra features and the all-wheel drive. The only down sides? It's not great on gas and the back seat could be a bit roomier. I will miss my Camry. She treated me well and I was sorta attached, but it was time and I am now a proud owner of a Subie!

Avatar 3D

So this month, I was lucky enough to go see Avatar in the theaters twice! I was a bit wary because of the hype, but I am so glad I went! This new film will really win out at the Oscars. The plot was done before in other formats (Think: Fern Gully, Atlantis, or Dances with Wolves), but the thing that makes the difference is the computer graphics. I don't know much about CIG and such, but I can tell that this was a huge leap in what we are able to do. The shift and mix of human acting and computer generated images was flawless. It was completely believable that these humans were in this other world and the facial expressions on these other beings was spot on. Seeing it in 3D may have spoiled me a bit however. How am I supposed to watch it in plain old 2D when it comes out on DVD?
Anyhow, I highly recommend this movie if you can sit through it! It has a good message and the effects are spectacular.

New Years 2010!

Happy New Year!
Mike and I decided to stay in this New Years. We met up with Lindsay and Reid about 5pm at the Noodle Boat, our favorite Thai place here in Issaquah. We had a yummy meal, then went back to Reid and Lindsay's for a little Apples to Apples and music. We ate some Apple-Candybar desert and played with their cat, Rainey. It's always good to spend time with friends and we had a nice N.Y. eve! Lindsay had to go to bed after her cold kicked it up a notch and with the threat of work the next day, so Mike and I said our goodbyes and headed home to dance it up with Charlie and watch the fireworks on TV at the Space Needle. It was good to be home with my hubby and puppy as the clock struck 12am. No driving on the scary drunken freeways and our very own bed just a few feet away. Here's to an awesome 2010!