my totally focused coworker
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1testsmNow if only I could get her to answer my email, eh? She'd be the perfect assistant!I had a client reach out this week who needed photos of a dog working at a computer. I was like, "Yeah! I can totally do that!" Then in the back of my mind, I'm like, "I should probably practice this and make sure I can really do that." You know that saying fake it until you make it? Yeah. I'm all about that.Anyway, so I set about spending 20 minutes with Magda yesterday to see if I could get her to look like she was working at the computer. Voila! It proved to be a nice test, and she loved working for the treats.For your internet share today, how about some pretty owl photos. I loooove these.Oh! And an update on the boys. Ezra is still congested, but much less than yesterday and he's, um, singing a lot. I'm wondering if he likes how it feels on his throat? It's weird. And funny. And Merlin stopped pacing! We stopped his pain medications to see if it was a side effect, and it appears that maybe it was. Soooo, now we need a new pain medication? Thinking that over...

sick boys
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0226sicksmToday I stayed in my pajamas, avoided most of my work, and took care of my sick boys. Ezra is super ill with his first cold and there is snot EVERYWHERE. The kid hates me wiping his nose (too bad) and he keeps trying to beat me to it with his hand and then to his hair and his face and his clothes and EW. I really hoped I wouldn't be one of "those parents" with a kid covered in dried snot. Yeah, far too late for that. At least we're not in public... yet.Also, dear sweet Merlin is under the weather as well. The last few days he's been pacing. Pacing the yard, circling the house, pacing the bedroom at night... just constantly walking. I talked to his vet about it and it could be a side-effect from his pain meds or it could be progression of his disease or it could be a sign he's in pain. Those are not great options, people. So that is stressing us out a bit because... just look at that sweet face.For your internet share of the day, photographic proof that hot lunches in the US suck. Also, I loved this post: There’s never been a serial killer who enjoyed yoga. I did the research." And finally, the best recipes found on the back of packages according to Bon Appetit. Enjoy!

cavity free!
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0225toolssmI was at the dentist today for my first checkup since delivering The Kid. I was pretty nervous, to say the least. I have read many accounts of ladies havin' children and their teeth going all to hell because of the calcium loss it took to build a baby. And you know what? My teeth are pretty crappy to start with.I had my first crown when I was 8 (right? who does that? it sure did just fall out on its own a year later...), I've had a few root canals, many more crowns, some cavities and then there was that one oral surgery to try to replace the bone loss in my jaw. So you can see why I was a titch nervous about any more calcium loss. But all was ok!Now, I'm not out of the woods yet as we're still nourishing Ezra from the boob, but this gave me great hope and set my spirits pretty high, I have to admit. On a random note, look at all those tools up there. Wouldn't you think one would do the trick? Are they all different in some way? This fascinates me.For your internet shares of the day, these photos of "summer" in antarctica are stunning. And then there's this read here that will help you set your priorities straight and remind you what's important in life (as I blow my nose and wipe my tears).

about last weekend...
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pitbull0224So the bad part of me not blogging on the weekends is that, well, you don't get to see my weekend fun! Anyway, this last weekend I got to shoot both the Hozier show over at First Avenue as well as the Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias show at the Target Center. Both were fun in totally different ways, and the crowds could not have been more opposite!This was one of my wide shots during the encore of the Enrique Iglesias show -- what a fun night. You can see full galleries of my photos at the Star Tribune here and here.For your internet shares of the day, did you see the Vanity Fair portraits from their afterparty? Monica Lewinsky was there! And I love Diane Kruger's outfit!And if THAT doesn't float your boat, check out this behind-the-scenes video from a fashion shoot with Benedict Cumberbatch (aka, my other boyfriend). Ladies: WET SHIRT ALERT. 

pole warmer (get your mind outta the gutter)
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0220yarnsmI took Mags for a quick walk today since it made it all the way up to 25 degrees, and I spied this yarn bomb in our neighborhood. I have to tell you, sometimes I think this is a really cool artistic movement. But most of the time? I think it's crap. And here's why -- because in Minnesota (especially in the winter) this stuff gets wet and dirty and saggy and GROSS. The piece above is obviously still fresh and lovely. But the kinds of yarn bombing that I really like are more like this or this or this. And even then, as soon as it rains someone needs to take that stuff down. Ew.For your internet share of the day, how about these amazing hot chocolate recipes including spicy maple cinnamon hot chocolate? GET IN MY MOUTH.

office bling
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0219blingsmThat right there was my valentine gift from Jamie! How rad are those office supplies!? He knows me so dang well. I cannot even begin to express the joy I take in cutting things or taping things right now. I am a total and complete geek about school supplies, and I will own it completely. Also? We have a $20 limit on our gifts, so he did very well indeed.For your internet share of the day, these photos from NASA blew my mind. Also, winter on the east coast has been way harsher than ours here in the frozen tundra this year. And Michael Kors made a winter coat that I covet. But really, what's new?

lady lunch
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0218lunchsmToday I met up with my good friend Katie to have lunch and talk about what's going on in her corner of the world. Her first son is due in about 6 weeks, and I wanted to see how she's feeling and such. Plus? I had a few hand-me-downs to unload! Katie used to be a magazine beauty and fashion editor and is now a freelance writer. To say she makes 8 months pregnant look glamorous is an understatement.The rest of the day was spent working on administrative business stuff (like, hello, I didn't realize I hadn't logged any of my mileage SINCE JULY). I guess time kinda got away from me on that one (ahem). But I also test drove some cars, which is always sorta fun. I've had my current CR-V since 2003, when I bought it brand new. It's been a wonderful car to me, but now that I'm hauling the kid around, I want something that is 100% reliable. Plus? Heated seats would sure be awesome since it's -10 outside as I write this.For your internet shares of the day, we all know a good moment between Jimmy Fallon and Prince melts my heart. Also, check out Tokyo in the fog. Super haunting!