I have been rather inundated with work as of late. With a headache looming tonight, I stepped away from the laptop. To clear my head, I decided to prepare dinner, as I find the chopping of vegetables very relaxing...read into that what you will.

Anyway, I finished slicing the zucchini, green peppers, and such. I threw them in a large plastic bowl. Atop them, I added Italian dressing and black pepper. The idea was to coat everything and then broil it in the oven for pita sandwiches with parmesan and parsley. This was why I grabbed a plastic bowl (lighter weight) with an accompanying cover...logic is my strong suit, which is why this retelling is all so very sad.

Just then, I was struck with inspiration for a fresh layout direction. My mind occupied by this exciting new idea, I grabbed the bowl with both hands, and exuberantly began the shaking process. I say "began" instead of "finished" because it took all of two seconds to realize that I had neglected to cover the bowl and that the floor was decorated with a confetti of vegetables.

Tonight, the Phillips' dinner table hosts a "Mediterranean meets the Far East" extravaganza! I am eager to witness this landmark event, as the egg roll wrapper attempts to craft the calzone. Eager, and not a little curious. Do wish me luck, won't you?

After one year and nine months to the day I wed Mr. Phillips, I sent in my name change forms to the social security office last night. Procrastination? You betcha.

I am humored that I have the exact same exchange with everyone who has ever taken down my maiden name:

"Last Name?"
[I tell them]
"Oh—kay...can you spell that for me?"
[I spell it] "...A good Norwegian name..."

(Laughs, Nods) "Well you certainly look the part."

No kidding—every single time. Miles has even mentioned the phenomenon. (say that word 3 times fast as I did and I dare you to spell it right the first several times.) It's silly really...because my maiden name is the Americanized version.

I can hear it now: "Vhat do you sink of zee new name, Sven? Vee blend in more now." No doubt the original had lots of silent j's.