Friday was the third annual “Koala Open” golf outing at my work.  The whole event is in honor of a co-worker that passed away a few years ago, and all of the proceeds go to an education fund for her two little boys.  On top of that – you get a free half day off work – who could pass that up?  I did go into work from about 8 to 11 to tie up any outstanding issues – and took the best breakfast around with me:At 11, I ran home to pick up all my golfing supplies – and got right back on the road.  I knew lunch at the golf course was going to be all beef hotdogs, so I snacked on a z-bar in the car instead.The event is a golf “scramble” (Let me clear this up – I’ve touched golf clubs twice in my life, once was just at a driving range, and once was with some of my girlfriends in high school just goofing around) – with teams of 4.

Look at this hot guy who I convinced to be on my team:Get a free day off of work, AND get to play with my super hot husband?  Gee, you’ll have to twist my arm. 

The rest of our team:Tracy J. and Traci K.! 

As the day progressed, we realized very quickly that we were the worst team out on the course, but that was okay, because we were really having a blast.  Here’s the very serious balls that Tracy brought along for us to you:Who wouldn’t take us seriously?

Here I am, loving the gorgeous day we had, and throughouly enjoying myself and the company I was with:I did a pretty decent job golfing all things considered.  Somtimes, I’d barely connect with the ball, and it would dribble about 20 feet ahead of our current spot, and other times, I really connect with it – but it always hooked WAY to the right.

One of the best swings I had for the day – went so far – we had to go searching for it.  When we found it – look what I had done:Or at least I thought I was that strong and awesome (so did my team) for about 30 seconds.  Then we found my actual ball, which looked exactly like this one, just completely intact.  Turns out, I’m not Hercules! 

Eye candy on the green:It took us from noon until about 5:30 to complete the 18 holes – and while we really had a great time – our team was TIRED and ready for it be over by hole 16.  We came in a good 30+ over par! 

When we got back to the clubhouse, they had our dinner party ready.  I was able to get a Boca burger, which made me super excited because I was starving – and I grabbed a big heaping portion of cheesy potatoes, since I’d really only eaten a a z-bar since breakfast (and maybe a few RedVines and Miller Lites on the course!)  Side salad to go with it all:The awards started up at we were finishing dinner, and my team OBVIOUSLY had zero hopes of winning anything.  That was – until we heard them announce there was a prize for last place – then all of our ears perked up.

Sure enough – WE WON!We got the “Booby Prize” – and each member of the team got an award, as well as a certificate for a free bucket of golf balls at the driving range.  Not too shabby, huh?? 

After we’d dropped off our borrowed golf clubs, and picked up pretty Lando, we headed out to the bar for a few drinks.  We didn’t stay out too late, and it was a fairly low key night – but I had to show this to you guys.

There’s a newer smoking law in Cleveland, where you HAVE to go outside to smoke now (you used to be able to smoke in bars as late as 2007 I think!) – and when it changed, I was SO happy because I didn’t have to wake up stinking like an ashtray just because I’d gone to the bar the previous evening.

I know some of my smoking friends weren’t happy, and I understand that.  It also appears these bar patrons aren’t too happy about it.  This couple left their drinks unattended to go outside and smoke – and left this sign:I figured out the letters at the bottom immediately.  I don’t know why, but it just clicked.  Let’s see how crafty you are, what do you the “PLMFDA” stands for?

Hiya Piyas! 

Since you were all so very patient – I figure it’s FINALLY time to let you know my exciting announcement. 

My parents bought a lake house!!!!!! AHHH!!  

Look at how cute it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was an awesome surprise! My parents had chatted about it a few times (I didn’t think anyting would actually come to fruition) – and then all of sudden one day, they called me up and said they got it!! (My Dad asked that I wait until everything was finalized before I “publicly” announced anything – totally understandable) – but I was so super excited that I was dying to share with my blogging friends! 

The weekend I told you I “had an announcement” – my parents and I had headed up there to take some measurements and check out some furniture stores! 

Here’s my Dad in front of our new lake home!

Cute little duckies (ok – geese maybe?) off our back porch!

It’s about an hour away from Cleveland, so we can just head up there every weekend to hang out on the lake and at the community pool.  It’s the perfect place to go and just “hang” with the family – and not have those ever day distractions getting in the way (ie – “Oh, I need to run to Target.  Oh, I need to stop at the bank while I’m out.  Oh, I should get the car washed while I’m running errands – you get my drift).  All you do is relax, eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company!    Best part is – DOGS ARE ALLOWED!  This sweet little cuddle bug can come up with us for the weekends!

My very most favorite part about the house:

The kitchen! (Hello??  What kind of food blogger would I be if that weren’t my favorite place?!)  I can’t wait to cook & play in it!!!  (I totally look preggers in this pic because of my sweatshirt – I assure you – I am not.) 

Sorry – there are a nauseating amount of exclamations in this post – I know – I just can’t help it – I’m excited!

Thanks for being patient – and sorry my announcement wasn’t something totally awesome like a “free trip” giveaway or something! 

It’s Friday!   Wooohoooo! 

Yesterday flew by in the blink of an eye – I’m still not quite sure where it went.  

I started the day of on the right foot (I’m back in the spicy oats groove – have no fear!) 

And didn’t have time to even think about food until it was already time for lunch!   For some reason I found this salad super depressing:

I really think it’s because it’s missing spinach.  But the bags of spinach looked a little funky (translation – had brown ICK in them) so I had to pass on them this week.  I’ve got high hopes for next week! 

(and hopefully an Aldi video coming REALLY SOON!)

I did find time to grab a snack in the afternoon – an apple with some Chocolate PB!

which hit the spot like always!

When I got home from work – I went straight to the bathroom – to try and knock out the painting.  I put a first “color” coat on the walls, and Mike and I finished up the ceiling with a second coat too!  I want to show ya’ll pictures – but the room is seriously embarrassing.  Painting is about the only reno we can afford right now – so the best example I can give to this home “project” is – Imagine you are in a boat, that’s sinking – and you are trying to bail out the water with a thimble.  Get my drift?  We’ll see – maybe I’ll share. 

By the time we finished it was almost 8 and I still hadn’t had dinner!!!!  (that apple/PB snack really held me over well!)

When I realized what time it was, my stomach realized it was starving (maybe it was mental) so I needed something FAST, before I started devouring everything in sight!  I ended up whipping out an “all microwave” meal in about 4 minutes – and managed to hit every food group.  I was proud of myself! 

A can of green beans, 5 Morning Star buffalo wings, and garden vegetable (Uncle Ben’s) rice.   Not too shabby for 4 minutes, wouldn’t you agree? 

Alright kiddos – I’m outta here!  We have a company golf outing today – so I need to get my act together, tie up any lose ends – and go wreak some havoc on the greens baby!  Have a great Friday!