Happy Days

OMG pictures! That's right!

Daniel's friend Ama got us tickets to Heinz [just kidding, Carnegie of course] Hall (how did we get there? practice!) for some choral delight. I was worried at first because like, four college choirs were featured and took up about four pages in the little book they gave up. Four pages that could turn into four hours. Luckily, though, each song was only about five minutes so it wasn't too crazy long. One set included stomp! action at the end of the song and Daniel was in hysterics imagining if he were in the group and accidentally stomped one second too late. Of course that is what would happen.

Ahh no pictures allowed in Heinz [Carnegie] Hall but of course I took one anyway. Ooh, pretty.















Oh, we are a cute couple.








Now I segue into work life! It's terribly boring and won't take long.

This is my office at the NYPL. Fun!










This is my office at the census. In both cases here I am using 'office' ironically.






But, I did finally get a phone. That's my official census badge, and a big stack of unimportant papers that I keep around to look busy.





We have a Dunkin Donuts right down the street and I am fortunate enough to have generous coworkers that often bring in Munchkins (ohhh, I just got the -kins reference there. Clever, Dunkin).


And how about that weather? Wow!






































Okay...

















That's gross.








And a Happy St. Patrick's day to you all. Mark was going to pick up some Shamrock Shakes from McDonalds so that we could celebrate without actually having to interact with society. However, we had a better idea that involved...

Mint Bailey's! Merry Christmas to me from Arienne! It just keeps on giving!










They looked kinda gross but were amaaaaaaaazing.








Although Mark already kinda looks drunk here, he hadn't even had a sip yet. He's running on a serious sleep deprivation, poor thing.





And oh lordy, those were good. Recipe: 1 large McDonald's vanilla milkshake, split into two mugs, with a second and a half pour of Bailey's. Stir. Enjoy!

In more drinky news, Daniel and I found the neatest glasses on the stoop right before Valentine's Day. I know they're probably like, candy dishes or something but they were a perfect container for the finest shiraz.


Daniel is always full of love.











Cat times!

We had to amputate Leviathan's left leg.







Then the right one.








Oh, just kidding. He's fine. Not pictured: fishie.








Still no fishie. He loooves that toy.


















Here's a video of him right after he accidentally snorted some of his litter. We've already documented his fascination with the box.


I took a long walk through Central Park yesterday because of how nice the weather was. I saw a ton of wildlife.


Cute!








I cannot even tell you how much I love the swans at the pond. They're not even friendly but I don't care.
















Can't wait for the flowers to appear. It's my favorite time of year.























Mark and I went out to New Jersey for a funeral a few weeks ago, which was sad, but it was nice to see his family.


Mark and I hung out in the baby room for a long time and played with all the toys.















That ain't no lie.









We got to hang with Heather and Ellie, which was fun.




Here's a video of Mark and Ellie. My favorite dialogue? "Who are you? I don't know if I like you!" [baby starts to cry] "Naww... she does...". Don't worry, there's a happier ending. I don't know which of the two makes sillier faces.












That kid makes some funny faces.








Hahaha, ew.

Aw, three generations of Hawleys. Not really in the right order, though.









So, yesterday was the best day I have had in a very, very long time. But why was it so good? I will tell you! In chronological list form!

1) I didn't have to wake up at 7:45 AM to go to work.

2) I didn't have to work until 12:30 so I had a chance to clean up a bit.

3) I set my alarm for 9;30 but instead woke up on my own at 9:00.

4) Played with the cat for awhile.

5) It was a wonderful, sunny day and I didn't have to wear a jacket.

6) Walked through Central Park on my way to work.

7) Stopped by the 115th street library and read the New York Magazine and took out two crafting books.

8) Was handed a flyer for Harlem BBQ for a great meal deal - lunch entree, two sides, and a free can of soda for $5.99.

9) Gave the flyer to my manager and he sent me out for more. This meant another 45 minutes walking around in the sunshine.

10) Was able to not only grab about 50 of the flyers, but received 100 new flyers from the Harlem BBQ guy.

11) Didn't have much to do at work.

12) Mark called while I was going to the bathroom so I didn't have to get up from my desk and go outside. This might seem like small potatoes but I like convenience.

13) He was calling because he won the WFMU grand prize of a trip for two to Barcelona. Oh, and guess who is his +1? Perks, baby.

14) There was leftover pizza in Mark's fridge for dinner.

15) The aforementioned improvised Shamrock shakes.

16) Went to bed before 10:30.

WOW ALAINA WHAT GOOD FORTUNE. And you'd think that today would be such a letdown but it's been going well too - my NYPL boss fell down the stairs (sad!) but she told us to take the day off since it's spring break week anyway. I went to Bank Street School today for an author presentation (early) but there was a light breakfast buffet with pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, and cheese! I have a mystery tonight at a barbecue place down in midtown, so this day is packed full of fun as well. Knock on wood...