Perfectly Soggy Slopes

Our church did a study of the book One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook about a month ago.  One of the most profound things I took from the book was that so much of us make excuses when it comes to important things in life, like spending time with our families or taking risks, because we are waiting for someday to happen. 

Today was the day that I put all of that knowledge into action.

Mark and I took today off so that we could go snow tubing at Perfect North Slopes in Indiana with Ben's Cub Scout pack.  This was planned and paid for over a month ago, and just our luck, it was 46 degrees outside and raining heavily.

All the way there, while driving through the blinding rain, I kept thinking of why it was going to suck.  You might not know this, but Mark and I are not avid skiers.  We've each been skiing twice in our lifetime, and I never got past the bunny hill without completely wiping out.  Snow tubing seemed like a safe alternative, but we really don't have the "attire" that most people who ski have.  For example, we each wore jeans because we don't have waterproof pants.  Mark doesn't even have a winter coat, so he wore his leather jacket (Ben was dressed appropriately in a snow suit, don't worry).  I just kept imagining the 3 of us in the same hospital room with pneumonia and the doctor saying, "What possessed you to go snow tubing in the cold rain - in blue jeans?"  My answer of, "I'm living like I only have 30 days left" probably wouldn't seem logical at that point.  In fact, the doctor might tell me I was living accordingly...

Nevertheless, we pulled into the parking lot and Ben was completely astonished at the sight of the hill and the slopes.  We got our ticket and headed out toward the hill.

Mark and Ben (still dry and warm)

They have an escalator that is basically carpet that you stand on (and balance) to the top of the hill.  It took about 3 minutes to get from the bottom to the top.  Mark enjoyed watching me get on and off the escalator because every time I looked like I was going to wipe out and take out an entire family in the process.

heading to the "carpet escalator"

I made it!  I could even take a picture and balance!

We went to the highest hill first.  We hooked our tubes together and took off!  We had to be going 40mph by the time we hit the bottom.  It was soooo much fun!  It made you almost forget about the rain while you were going down, except for the fact that it was pelting you in the face and you couldn't see where you were going. Besides that, it was awesome!

Me & Benny-it's blurry 'cause of the rain!

Mark & Ben ready to go!

We all had a great time.  We were soaked and chilled to the bone, but we had so much fun just being together.  Ben can drive me completely crazy sometimes, but I always have fun with him when we do things that he enjoys.  It's important to me to spend time with Ben and Lauren by themselves; I want to make sure I can focus on each one of them for a little while each week.  I really want to know them, not just be their guardian.

So, if I only had 30 days to live, I think I would be happy with how I spent today.  It would have been so easy to cancel out of this, but I'm so glad I didn't.  Sometimes it's fun to be miserable when you're with the right people.

Mark's Big Day!

On Wednesday, Mark filmed his scene for the movie The Ides of March at Xavier University!  The movie is directed by George Clooney and is starring Ryan Gosling (The Notebook, Blue Valentine), Paul Giamatti (Sideways, The Illusionist, Saving Private Ryan, Cinderella Man), Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler, Anger Management, My Cousin Vinny), and Evan Rachel Wood (The Wrestler, Thirteen).  

the trailer!

His call time (when he had to be on the set) was 8:30 in the morning.  When he got there, he saw that he had his own trailer!!!  It said "Sound Man" on the outside (tee hee).  He thought it was really cool, but said that after awhile it got pretty boring sitting in a trailer by himself.  So, in true Mark fashion, he headed out to talk to some of the people who had come to catch a glimpse of the stars.  After awhile, the people were taking pictures with him and shouting, "Mark!!!" when he would come out of his trailer.  Obviously, he hated every minute of that...

Here are some picture of his exciting day!

on the set, looking at his trailer

Mark's fans! LOL

Mark with another Cincinnati actor, Mike Dennis

Mark with the production assistant, Kerry

the view from his trailer

He got to meet all of the stars mentioned above, which was very exciting.  He met Marisa Tomei in the makeup area, Paul Giamatti while he was walking around, and Ryan Gosling and George Clooney during the filming of his scene.  He said that everyone that worked on the movie was really nice and down to earth.  He said George Clooney talks a lot like he did on E.R., his head down and somewhat soft-spoken.  He was unable to get a picture with George, but he was able to get some awesome pics with Ryan and Paul!  

Mark and Ryan Gosling-he's tall!  (and cute)

Mark and Paul Giamatti

He filmed his scene from 1:30 until about 5:30.  He said it was so much fun, he couldn't believe he was getting paid to do it!  He didn't want the day to end, but of course, it had to.  It was great seeing him spend a day doing something he loves so much.  Hopefully, this movie will open some doors for him to pursue more acting jobs in the future!


Now, keep those fingers crossed that his scene doesn't get cut!!!!!!

Heather's Birthday

My sister, Heather, celebrated her 37th birthday this week!


I am so lucky to have a sister, but even more lucky to have Heather as my sister.  We are 4 1/2 years apart, so growing up wasn't always easy.  I was usually spying on her, taking her clothes, playing in her make-up & jewelry-basically being a pesky little sister.  We had some epic fights that usually ended in me chasing her with brooms or other objects that I wanted to beat her with (I might have anger issues...).


That all changed when I finally began to mature.  We became best friends and formed a bond that will never be broken.  Heather has always been a cool older sister; letting me hang out with her friends, doing my hair for me, giving me advice, etc.  I quickly realized that she always had my back, and I knew I would always have hers.  


Heather, you are the most gentle, kind-hearted person I know.  Your compassion and empathy are an inspiration to me always.  Your life has had many challenges, but you always pick yourself up and move forward with a smile on your face.  You are a great mom to Aidan, a great wife to Steve, and an awesome sister to me.  I know I can count on you in any circumstance-you've always been there for me in the good times and bad.  You are truly a blessing in my life and I hope you know that I love you very much!


Happy Birthday!

Hollywood Calling...

Woo..................Hoo! 

Mark auditioned for a part in the George Clooney movie, called The Ides of March - and he got it!  We are so excited-I think I'm more excited than he is, sometimes!  He will be playing a sound guy, and will be in a scene with Ryan Gossling (from The Notebook).  It's a small part, but the fact that he will be in a scene with the star of the movie isn't bad!  


Of course, he's nervous.  He keeps thinking of all the ways this could go wrong.  However, the wardrobe department called him today to get his measurements, so things are moving forward!  He films on February 16th at an unknown location.  I'll keep you posted (and hopefully have some cool pics to upload!!).  


Mark, you've waited a long time for this.  You deserve to be excited, and I hope you relax and enjoy it!  No matter what happens, I am very proud of who you are and how you take care of our family.  I hope you never forget that your 3 biggest fans will always be cheering you on!  

And no...we are not going to move to California.