technology...

I thought, in tribute to Steve Jobs, the last great American... I would make fun of my parents. 

Let's start with some background.

My mom was most likely the reason for the invention of the term "crackberry," however, since this last may the entire Milwaukee Niemer Nuclear Family is iPhone wired.... that's right.. iNiemer.

My parents have loved their new iPhones...

Thus, for my mom's birthday (see previous post)... my dad bought her an iPad.

The truly fascinating thing about this, is how the iPad has come to revolutionize their lives. While most people are excited about its sleek, portable nature that provides easy use for email, maps, research and work... my parents seem to be impressed by some of the (in my opinion) less technologically significant apps.


Conversation with my dad on Tuesday:

Me: Hey der (we are from Wisconsin) whattareya doing?
Dad: Well, Mom is at a meeting so I was just playing with her iPad... the technology is quite amazing. You wouldn't BELIEVE what it can do. I've been downloading some pretty cool apps.
Me: Wow. What is your new favorite App?
Dad: I just downloaded this app that records your voice and then makes it sound like a dog is saying it.

My dad then continued to place his iPhone up to the iPad so I could hear the unbelievable technology from the iPad.

Steve Jobs... you've won my dad over.

Conversation with my Mom last night...

Mom: I am just loving my new iPad there are just so many neat things you can do with it. I downloaded the neatest App today while I was at my conference.
Me: Oh, really? What does it do?
Mom: It has ALL of the state capitols. I've been quizzing myself.
Mom: Montana
Mom: Helena
Mom: New Jersey
Mom: Trenton
Mom: It really has them ALL!
Mom: Kansas
Mom: Topeka!

Steve Jobs (while I am sure you didn't create this specific App) THANK you for creating a product that can entertain my mom.

Can you believe it... it has ALL of the capitals!

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life... Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition... they somehow already know what you truly want to become"

-Steve Jobs

some like it hawt...

Did I tell you I started doing Bikram Yoga?

110-115 degrees

26 postures (each done twice)


But really, a ton of fun. I am really enjoying it these days (when I can make it to a class).

in other news... I bought this orchid.. but I know little to nothing about orchid maintenance. I did a lot of googleing BUT I don't know what specific kind it is.

Anyone know how to identify orchids and/or have suggestions as to how I can keep this guy alive!

state of the blogion (blog-union)

let's recap.

I finished my year of service BUT I stuck around for some more fun in Houston. So what does this mean for the blog.

Will I continue to share my thought on life, randomness and photos from my iPhone...


...of course!!

But I think I am going to try to start giving you more of a glimpse into my creative brain... I am really trying to tap into my art side more... because


1. when I think/reminisce,  I often link art projects I am working on with fond memories of that time period (thus more projects... then more fond memories)
2. creating art makes me a better art teacher (my class mantra is "everyone is an artist"... I need to keep being one too)
3. creating things makes me a better person.

so look for some of my new and old projects in the coming posts... I hope to pass along some glimpse of where I am headed these days (hmmm.. If I think of it I should probably take some snap shots of the funny things I made when I was in high school... I often share these with my students).


so that is the state of the blog.

I'll leave you with a little glimpse of a present that Tomás made me awhile back.

He etched this cup himself! It had my initials on it... Isn't that pretty nifty? I sure think so!

Happy Hump-Day!

the osmand family vacation

So it began. 

The Osmand family Vacation for Richie and Katie Niemer. I hopped on a plane, not last Thursday but the one before and headed to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where my brother vacations during the work week (he lives in Chicago but is flown to Florida weekly). 

We hung out around there and then ventured to the keys...

Most importantly we only listened to the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet the whole weekend. 

I took the above picture of Richie outside a tourist shop... Just kidding, that sponge animal is not my brother. But Richie does have a vicious amount of facial hair these days.

 

We went Ernest Hemingway's bar... Sloppy Joe's (in Key West)... it was spectacular. They have great drinks and live music. A police officer on a horse rode his horse into part of the bar.... and the band started playing "Horse with no name"!

I got a '90s style water bottle... Think straw with a cap AND a koozie cover... new favorite cup.

 While we ventured out to the various Keys (Key Largo for snorkeling, Key West for adventuring etc...) we stayed in Marathon (a middle key). Next to our hotel there was this AWESOME bar called Hurricane. And they have a band that was Exceptional. A few pitchers later I snapped this picture. It is hard to tell but behind the AWESOME singer... is a giant map and the have stickers for where the current tropical storms are!

 

This was a street art performer who was GREAT.... some of you may know that I have an exceptional passion for street performers (I miss you Boston Feneuil Hall performers).

  

I took this picture (above a few minutes before... and below, right during) sunset. We went to the famous Mallory Square to watch the sunset... AND a couple at the table next to us got engaged!

 It was an awesome weekend with Richie (thanks for being an awesome host and brother).. and I cannot WAIT to hear about the adventure when my parents visit!

happy birthday to a special woman!

hurray!

it was my mom's birthday yesterday...

I love you Mom!

Also... I got my mom this card... I thought it was fitting... you know because she is SO AWESOME!

congratulations...

we have a winner. 

yes... you... Emily K Blumenstein are my winner of the giveaway!

look for an email to come soon with more information!

you lucky dog you.

 

"call now in the next 5 minutes... and we'll add in a second set"

just kidding.

but really post of comment if you are interested. tomorrow i will randomly select a winner and announce!


and then ill send you some updates on my "donny and marie osmond" vacation to the florida keys with richie