Taking Jiffy Lube down

The clutch went out in our car, lame, right? We took it into the shop and it turns our our transmission is shot too. Some fun. The mechanic told us the cause was lack of transmission fluid. There was only a couple ounces of transmission fluid when there should be two quarts. hmmm. That's funny, we just had the transmission fluid checked and filled a few months ago by Jiffy Lube. Maybe there was a leak? Not according to the mechanic, no leak evidence whatsoever.
So we've been talking with the Jiffy Lube manager and he's trying to claim there was a leak anyway. Even though a couple times he said, maybe we checked the fluids, maybe we didn't. He said if they didn't check it all they would reimburse us for was the service that wasn't performed. Is it just me, or does that sound ridiculous? They didn't put any transmission fluid in the car, therefore the transmission goes out, and it's not their fault? I've never been to court before, but this seems like a good time to try it out.

Fanny packs, seriously?

My sister (who can name herself if she chooses) came over the other day and was browsing on our computer and calling everywhere because she was so anxious to buy a fanny pack. She picked out a blue plaid one and asked what I thought. I figured laughing would communicate sufficiently everything I needed to say. She claims they are coming back, along with other 80's trends like neon colors. Am I out of it? Or is she? see poll on the side for voting options -->

Competition Update: 22!

Our competition officially has a title now. (thank you Brandon) And a logo. And we have 18 participants so far. We're hoping to have 20 by the end of the week so the prize would be $100. (another update: we now have more than 20) If you want to join in the fun... just read the directions again below.

Weight Competition

I think losing weight is a great idea for me. Anyone else with me on this? Who would like to compete for cash? This is the deal:

1. Monday June 1st - Tuesday June 30th Whoever loses the largest percentage of weight wins.
2. Entry fee is $5, winner take all. Email me (theillustrator at gmail) to let me know you're in and I'll send you my address. The money must be received by June 1st to participate.
3. Email me your current weight on June 1st and your final weight on the 30th.
4. I won't share any info except how many people enter, and who wins with their weight loss percentage.

I think it would be great if 10 people or so enter. I am very motivated by money and I could use $50 and less flab. So if you're thinking about it, pull out an envelope, throw in a handful of ones and make it happen. Feel free to throw in more money if you feel inclined to do so : ) Tell your friends, just let me know you know them so I'm not mailing my address to random blog stalkers.
If delivering a baby is going to be part of your weight loss plan, you do not qualify to participate. May the person who sweats the most win.

Swim time

I just signed Calvin up for a parent/ baby swim class with 2 of his baby buddies. His swim shorts are a little big, but I think they'll work just fine. Maybe next summer too since they almost go to his ankles.

Purse wearing

Calvin has recently shown an interest in wearing my purse, although it turned out to be trickier than he thought to put on:first many tries to get it over the head:
lot's of twisting and pulling...
I think I got it Mom.

First ER visit

Calvin had his first trip to the ER last week. So sad. He was cruising around in our bedroom when he fell and hit his head on our metal bed frame. He screamed at first but he must not have been in that much pain because we were at the ER for 5 hours and the first hour he spent walking around the waiting room smiling at everyone. Apparently he was oblivious that he had a decent size gash in his head. Luckily the picture is a little blurry so you can't see how gross it really looked.
Then next 4 hours he just slept since it was pretty late. As much as I wanted to tell someone he is only 10 months old and should be a priority, it's hard to say that there is any hurry when he is happily playing or sleeping. So eventually the doctor had time for us and sedated Calvin for his 4 stitches.
Here he is the next day with the Camp Rock band aids we got for him. It was either that or Disney Princesses, the High School Musical ones cost more.

Vacation

We had a great time on our vacation. It couldn't have been better. It's nice planning a last minute vacation because you even know the weather forecast while you're booking your flights. We love our friends for letting us stay with them and run around DC & NY with us. We saw a lot of impressive sights, those cities are stocked. Although we saw so many amazing places, I'm pretty sure Calvin's favorite part was chasing around Battle, our friend's cat.Calvin also loved meeting strangers everywhere we went. Whenever we got onto a subway, the ferry, the plane, the bus, many more subways, he would stare at someone and smile at them until they would smile back. We talked to a lot strangers on our trip because of him, it was very entertaining.
(many many more pictures featured on the picture blog)