Ventage Tuesday: Hobbies gone bad.

Today, we (Angie, Em, Katrina, and Stephanie) share five photos that are each a "blast from the past." 

Mine happen to all be about hobbies gone bad.

1983? There was that time I took dance lessons. It's recorded (on a Beta tape!!). The family legend says that everyone else danced right and I went left. It's shaped how I feel about dancing in public even as an adult.

1990? Then, there was that time my grandma learned to weave baskets. Of course, I had to learn, too, because what 12 year old shouldn't have the exact same hobby as someone 50 years her senior!??!

Circa 1992ish. Seventh or eighth grade. I was too cool to have a hobby. Or wait. Look at that flannel shirt. Maybe I was failing miserably at being grunge - especially considering those earrings appear to be small, gold hearts.

1995? Family Christmas photo. Remember that time I learned to race sled dogs. What? I hate the cold and the wilderness. Yeah. Another not-so-great idea.

1997. Yes. That's me with another hobby intended for people 50 years older than me. Plus, being a harp player (or the musician of any instrument that goes between your spread knees) seriously limits one's fashion options.

Things I Love on a Thursday. . .

. . . seeing three of my bestest friends within 24 hours. I stuffed myself with pizza, read a book with Natalie, and stayed up late talking with Nicky. I shared Indian food with Angie and heard all about her little people. I bombed Stephanie's dinner plans and snuck in some snuggles with certain little dudes. Seeing these ladies left a big hole in my heart. I miss the time in my life when they were part of my everyday reality.

. . . sleeping in my own bed. Tonight will be the second consecutive night (after almost two weeks away from home) that I will create a little nest amongst my own blankets and pillows.

. . . Scandal. Cannot wait for a new episode tonight. Am hoping I manage to stay away.

. . . planning and scheming. Thinking about the weekend. Scheming about food, drink, and pie.

. . . beverages. At one point today, I had a glass of water, an iced tea from McDonalds, and a gas station cappuccino all lined up in my work space. This was after a homemade latte and before a Frappuccino.

. . . green grass. It's starting to be a common site around here. Finally.

Ventage Tuesday: Daily Stuff

Today's topic: Five products I use daily

1. Google. My tour guide of choice for the information superhighway.

2. Aveda. Shampoo. Facial line. Hair product. I'm sort of a junkie.

3. Polka dots. I've developed an obsession. Bags. Shirts. Dresses. Underwear. Shoes. Someone recently told me that people who wear polka dots are memorable. Even more of a reason.

4. Ford. Current car = Ford Fusion. I spend lots of time in my car.

5. Nespresso. I haven't been home much lately, but my morning routine includes a honey latte made at home in a favorite stainless mug.

Meal Plan # 7: Mad Men Dinner Party

I'm traveling for work from what seems like now until the end of time.

Only meal I'm cooking this week is for a Mad Men premiere party. I'm thinking nothing would excite the ad men (and their women) quite like a fondue party.

Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue
Shrimp and Steak cooked in Coq au Vin
(with spicy cocktail sauce and gorgonzola port dipping sauce)
Orange Chocolate Fondue

Drinks:
Moscow Mule
Sloe Gin Fizz