Sunday, December 28, 2014

That's the Next Edition



Update 12/15 – 12/21
I have about an hour before I need to jet, quite literally, to Burma.  I’m going to see if I can pull off a Monday email before I leave. J







I met up with Becky for breakfast bright and early on Monday.  We hadn’t seen each other since before Thanksgiving so we had a lot to catch up on.  I’m particularly proud of Becky this year.  As some of you might know, she quit her job in Marketing at Pokemon to dive into what she has always wanted to do, teach workout classes.   She started out doing ShaBam but moved onto also taking over other classes like water aerobics.  It always takes a lot to switch careers (as some of you know firsthand) and I am always impressed when I see someone make the leap.  What is even more awesome is that she is finally in a place where she’s really proud of herself too, and that’s pretty awesome.  As I’m writing this, I realize that both Evivova and Kristy Kreme both had a pretty awesome year doing the same thing – only they chose careers that took 4+ years of getting new degrees to get there – and I’m pretty proud of you guys too. J  Way to go, Idaho!

Anyway, the really funny thing I heard while with Becky was that she went on her first Motorcycle ride and there was only one extra helmet that had the confederate flag on one side and “I hate Obama” on the other.  Safety First!

Ryan and I were at work, loitering by the “balcony” waiting to get into a meeting room when our co-worker Angel, who grew up in Mexico City, walked by.

Angel: You look like you’re in HS loitering around the parking lot.
Me: You did that?
Angel: No, of course not.  We would have been kidnapped.
Me: Yeah, the cool kids in my HS waited by the radiator – so clearly I never did that.

Laina: Can it be ANY Instagram star? Tom Selleck the Cat is VERY popular! Or does it need to be this guy? Your prompt response is greatly appreciated, as we have a LOT of planning to do!
Shana: Weeeeelll, I feel like this guy would be better since he roller skates in wearing super hero underwear.  Tom is cute and all but lets not be cheap about this. 
Me: I am *sure* we can make some kitty super hero underwear given our combined resources.  Plus Laina and Mo have at least a month or two to teach Tom how to roller skate. 

We also went to go see this AMAZING house in Kirkland that had these great lights outside, signs to encourage donations and food drives, plus you could go inside and see this crazy forest with real stream and Christmas village with a tunnel for kids to go under.  Too cool.





And we met up with Cassidy to grab dinner and see The Theory of Everything.  Cassidy suggested that instead of caroling, we should all make it mandatory to listen to Christmas music in silence like it deserves.  And I thought that was funny.  J




We celebrated the first day of Hanukkah but lighting the menorah, saying the prayers, and putting up Hanukkah Harry.  
Dawne: Wait! What about the blood of God?  I’ll go get the wine.
Jordan: That’s the next edition.
Lucas: Yeah, that might be sending mixed signals.
Dawne: Well, you did marry a goyem (Sp?)
Me: Now let’s go sit by the Hanukkah bush and open presents.






Lucas wanted to watch a feel good movie, so I suggested Patch Adams, which was great but I forgot how much sad bit it had.  I also went to dinner with some partners.  The one guy “Young MC” who is probably around 25, nicknamed another guy we were having dinner with who is probably around 37, “Old Man Hope.” I asked him how he felt about this, and he said, “Yeah it makes me feel like an old salty dog sea captain who lives on the docks. ‘Old Man Hope, You’ll smell him before you see him!”

Lucas: Ever notice that Passover is a lot like D&D.  You sit around and tell stories.

Zach: I found the perfect present but I haven’t bought it yet.  Guess what it is – it’s a movie.
Me: Does it have Thailand in it?
Zach: Yes!
Me: And princesses?
Zach: YES!
Me: and an elephant?
Zach: Yes! It’s Prince and Me 4.
Me: But I haven’t seen 3 yet! I guess we have our flight entertainment now! 1, 2, 3 and 4!

Zach: When I was younger, my dad got a VHS of Star Wars, and it got water on it.  When he put it on, it was wide screen, so there were black bars on both the top and bottom of the screen, and I thought it was because of the water I spilled on the tape. 

We grabbed dinner at crossroads before I left for NY on Friday and it was the first time that he had seen the new Daiso store.
Lucas: I’m so used to seeing the recliner land and thinking “I don’t care.”

Even though my parents live next door to my sister, I feel like we call each other around ten times a day when I’m home. On one such occasion I heard Maureen say to Kevin, “You can have the Capri Sun, but it’s been down both Patrick’s and my pants.” 

At Church
Me: Frita, your face is bleeding.
Frita: Oh, that’s just the cancer.

I posted a couple of chalk drawings that my mom did and are up in our house.  Frita told me the story of the clown drawing which I had never heard.  When he was in the Christian Brothers, my mom brought the clown over to him.  The houses cook, Violetta took one look at it and said, “Yup.  He’s the next one to go.”  (As in, he would be the next to leave the brotherhood to marry my mom. And I think he was. J )






Okay, time is up, I’ll have so much to catch up on when I return! Happy New Year!!








Monday, December 15, 2014

I Blame the Typhoid



Update 12/8 – 12/14

On Monday, there was a flurry of activity in the morning that concluded with Nater driving me, Zach, & Jordan to work. 

Me: Should I call Zach and see if he wants to just join me at the doctor for shots?
Dawne: Yeah.  Zach isn't good at anything.
Nater: Did you want to qualify that that at all?

Zach and I went to get our shots for our trip.  I got a little nervous when I started thinking about getting three shots, so my doctor gave me the pill form of the typhoid vaccination.  Naturally, all week, I’ve been blaming everything on the “typhoid.”  When we left the office, Zach felt his tongue swelling up.  When we went back to the doctor, the nurse said, “Yeah, that doesn’t sound normal.  You should watch that and if it gets worse go to the hospital.”  Thanks!  He ended up bring fine, but we made him hang out with us that evening just in case. 





From my friend Jen:

Honest to goodness random quote from Lily just now about her crush (Nolan) after I explained how a silent auction works:
"I wish Nolan could be bound to a tree so I could bid to have him for my boyfriend. I'd pay like $300."
"Bound to a tree?!?" I said
"Yeah or something like that."

I got all my Christmas cards done, except for a few stragglers that still need to give me their addresses.  



And then I finished the Oreo Balls and brought them into the folks at work.  Twice this week I’ve had to put my keys in or on the fridge to remember to bring something.  The first time was with goat’s milk I got for the sick pups.  I put my keys right into the mini fridge at work.  The second time was to remember to bring the Oreo balls in to work b/c I totally forgot the day before.  I should have taken a picture of the final balls, because it was a classic Pinterest vs Reality moment that would have left you in stitches.   Didn’t stop my co-workers from devouring them! What they didn’t look like:



And a picture of my keys, feel free to save this as your desktop photo:




Had another awesome Food Truck Friday, with special guests Ethan and Ronell.  I saw Ronell and Mat in a conference room (both of which normally work in Redmond, so I thought that they’d want to drive together.)

Me: It’s food truck Friday if you want to come Ronell! But you have to drive with Matastic.
Ronell: Is it because you don’t let black people in your car?
Me: um… yes? That’s totally the reason?

Mort, Judy and Lucas all flew in on Friday evening, but both flights were delayed.  As Lucas was sharing his travel woes with the FB, I helpful pulled this image off the internet:




The good news is we all got to have a lovely family breakfast on Saturday morning.  Mort was telling us about going to a sermon where the rabbi used golf metaphors to describe the many ways we suffer.  After the sermons, Mort we up to the rabbi and said, "But don't you think golf is the ultimate suffering?"

Lucas: The only modern boxer I can think of is that guy with the tattoos on his face.
Me: Mike Tyson?
Lucas: yes! And Muhammad Ali.
Zach: and George Forman!

On Saturday night, Zach and I met up with Matty for dinner.  As I started the car, Zach turned to me and said, "I like that it reminds you that you're driving a fiat."

Sunday, we all got up early, piled into a rented suburban and headed to Leavenworth, WA. I made a lot of references to Switchmas and his which everyone conveniently had forgotten that they watched. Guess what I'm making everyone watch again this week?




We rented a Suburban to head over the mountains.  Jordan: No matter how big the car... [Casper insists on sitting shotgun, on Dawne’s lap.]




After picking up Zach and Cassidy, Lucas put on a British "Christmas" song that was pretty dreary, for which the only cure was the Muppet’s “Life’s a Happy Song.”  We then agreed to switch back and forth so that we had a Christmas selection every other song.



Listening to the Tarzan soundtrack, Lucas, "this is the N'sync version - listen for Justin!"

While listening to Simon and Garfunkel, Lucas sang, "deep and dark December - that's now!"


Cassidy: Can you do me a big favor? Can you take a picture from the front?
Zach: First, I think that qualifies as a small favor.

Lucas: If anything, the quotations should be on Australian.




I don’t want to embarrass her, but it is no secret that my mom doesn’t really have a green thumb.  For a while, she took to tying silk roses to her rose bush because she was tired of waiting for flowers that wouldn’t bloom.  I think the most fun was this way she could have different colored roses every year! Well, the proprietor had the same idea. 




I am clearly behind the times because this is the first time I’ve seen this motto, and I love it.




I took this picture because this reminded me exactly of the real Bavaria without Neuschwanstien.



Dawne: Are you going to check it out?
And that's when Casper put the window down. He has a very large vocabulary.

And one more of Leavenworth, because the clouds here were amazing.  




Also, if you look closely at this picture there is a chick carrying cat who is on a leash (under the do not enter sign.)


Friday, December 12, 2014

We can still hear you, though



Update 12/1 - 12/8




Monday morning was rough because of the late night with Lucas (totally worth it of course) but I was very grateful for coffee, all day long. Oh! You know what I forgot to tell you in the midst of all of these bulk delivery updates?  Zach and I watched a lot of Video Game High School.   I think you can see the first two seasons on Netflix, and the last one on YouTube.  Now, only watch this show if you are a total nerd and are willing to be faced with what a big gamer nerd you are.  I had resisted this truth about myself for so many years, but now, given how much I totally understood of this show's jokes, I'm 100% gamer nerd. 


My desk was moved up to the Mezzanine level in the building a couple of months ago.  I was walking on the main floor and stopped to chat with a co-worker.
E: I never get to see you anymore!
G: We still hear you though.
Me: So glad you're back, G! (He has been back for a week.)
10 min later, I laughed real hard at something and I got an IM instantly.
G: Something funny?

Had some really good meetings with a partner early in the week.  When we went out for dinner though, this ginger bread house was in the lobby.  Pretty cool huh?



I agreed to help Lucas with his paper.  When I opened the file, I totally laughed right out loud.



On Friday (Yeah, I'm skipping to Friday here), I met up with some old WizKids people to say farewell to Seth and his family.  It was lovely to catch up with old friends, to be sure.  I think the funniest thing I heard that evening was from Jon and Julia.

Julia: Mom loves candles at restaurants.
Jon: She's always telling the waiter to light the candle, and we're all, Mom, it’s noon.

I also missed a call from Lucas that evening, but he managed to catch me by calling him mom and handing thing phone over.  Naturally, I got a little worried like something might be wrong or at the very least, wrong.

Lucas: I'm on a Cameron Crowe kick.  Should I watch Jerry Maguire for free or rent We Bought a Zoo for $3.99?

Saturday, Percy and I met up with Kelly, her mom, her godmother, her godmother's friend, Tyler and his family for the Urban Craft Uprising.  I only bought one thing for Dawne which she probably won't like; unlike the rest of the crew who bought lots of fun things.  Then we grabbed a lovely lunch.  I was actually in a crazy ton of pain the whole time because I got a cortisone shot in my foot the day before, and I'm pretty sure he shoved it further in because I complained more.  That sound bad, but later I would realize he did me a favor because it feels FANTASTIC!   Oh, yeah, Percy was pretty eager to get to the Urban Craft Uprising, btw.




Saturday night, I invited Kelly over for dinner and the 4th Harry Potter movie.  But then, when she got to the house, I forced her to help me crush Oreo's for my holiday gift for my co-workers.  She complained about being an indentured servant and her tetanus arm.  And then she told on me the next day to her parents.  I agreed to give her credit for her work, but she never told me to leave out the part where she was dramatic about it. 

On Sunday, I met up with Kelly and her parents at the dog park where we enjoyed the joy that is Marymoor.  I thought their aussie would want to hang out with Casper more, but apparently driving Kelly's dog Piper crazy was more her style.  And then I took a nice little nap with my nap buddy.  Fake sleeping selfie:




I finished up my day with a call from my nephew Kevin, excited about the Hot Dog Maker I got him.  My sister then jumped on the phone to let me know it was his favorite birthday gift, and she had gotten him Giant tickets. 





Thursday, December 11, 2014

Ya Got Snacks?


 Update 11/26-11/30

My co-worker James brought in a fridge for all of us to use.  As Elizabeth went to put her lunch away, she ran into a problem.
Elizabeth: someone who doesn't respect its importance blocked the fridge with a box
Christy: I know how it feels.




On Tuesday evening, we had a full house, including Zach, Nater, Nater's friend and her 5 year old, and then later, Lucas and 10 of his closest friends.  They were up pretty late, especially because Lucas didn't get home until after 10.  I'm sure he was hurting the next morning when everyone got up at 4 am to catch a flight to Cancun for a family wedding. 

The following morning, possibly because I didn't get much sleep the night before, I was feeling a little under the weather and decided to call in sick to get some rest before my trip.  I did wake up to bring Percy to the groomer though, and while I was getting him ready, the 5 year old, a la little Susie Lou Hoo, came yawning into the living room.  I put on some TV for her and then left with Percy.  When I returned she popped her head up from the couch, with bag raised up, announcing that she had found Chex Mix for breakfast.   I suggested I make her pancakes instead, and she informed me that her mom had pancakes on the approved, "healthy breakfast list."  She also let me know that Hot Cocoa went very well will pancakes.  A couple of hours later, my little friend and her mother left, and I hurried to pack and pick up Percy before finally getting some rest.  The problem I ran into was that while I was not feeling 100%, and needed sleep, my head and heart were far too excited to get any real sleep.  After lying there for an hour, Percy heard something and went to protect me.  I then realized I had failed to lock the doors, panicked and went to investigate.  I saw a shadow and a light go off at the end of the basement stairs so I bravely called out, "Hello!?"  It was Arda, Lucas' friend, who had been sleeping downstairs, with a dead phone and no car to get him home.  I offered to drive him to a bus station (which later I realized it would have been quicker to drive him home.)  As I was dropping him off, he commented, "Wow! You've got a lot done today!"  I agreed, although, I also pointed out that it was also 3PM.  Arda's mind was blown.

Oh! I totally took holiday pictures of Percy when he was all cleaned up.  I also bought him a hunter’s hat that his little ears poked through with matching tie.  These were more fun in theory, as the hat gave him old man eye brows (I can hear my father's moan from here.) Here are some out takes:





Percy, as always, was resigned to his travel experience.




I was SO excited to get home to NY, despite the snowfall.  And as an added bonus, Maureen and my parents were able to safely get to the airport to pick me up!  Apparently, Kevin woke up at 2 in the morning to ask Mo if they were leaving to pick me up.  Mo didn't know, so she called and woke up her mother, who of course was thrilled to hear from her.  :)

It took less than 5 seconds for Percy to fully appreciate the winter wonderland that had arrived for us.




Then I took a nap before heading to one of the most gloriously enjoyable Thanksgivings, ever.  I snapped this picture of Maureen pretending to take credit for the cooking, even though it was all Stacey. 




Bailey: Jackie asked me when she was going to be allowed to sit at the adult table.  I told her never, because you're getting older but the number of adults are not getting smaller. 
True story. 




Totally random, but Stacey has enormous fish (AKA sharks) in her fish tank.




Me: Whoa, what are you doing with Carter?
Sean: WHO DID THIS!?
Bails: Morgan.
Sean: No, she didn't.
Bails: Yeah, she did.  She came into the kitchen giggling and asked mom to come look at what she did, and then mom said, "I like it better this way."




Before dinner, Sean gave a beautiful blessing/toast.  He started by saying, "When I woke up this morning, I thought "Who's got it better than me?" And I know many of you feel the same way.  And then he talking about his blessings, and how thankful he was for Stacey's mom, who gave him his life, basically.   It was beautiful, and while he was getting choked up, we were all tearing up because of how sweet it was.   Hours later, when I was in the car on our way home, my dad said, "You know, it took everything not to say to Sean, "better than I." 

Sean was also talking about looking into college costs again after realizing that his kids might want to get more than 4 year degrees.  (Although, I think Jackie is just going to wait for Ellen DeGeneres retire and take her job.) to Morgan told him that she looked up the best college for (I totally forget for what), and decided she wanted to go to Stamford. 
Morgan: We should totally visit Stamford.
Jackie: We DID visit Stamford.
Morgan: We did?
Sean: You're not going to Stamford.

As we were cleaning up the kitchen after dinner...
Michelle: Does Percy want some turkey?
Me: Yeah!
Michelle: I wasn't sure.  Percy looks like he only eats organic.

Kevin said to Kyle, "What a piggy!" and then shoved a chocolate covered something in his mouth.




While we were playing Taboo:
Kevin: Something you would put in your sleeping bag.
Michelle's son Nate: Meat! Milk!
Me: Michelle, what kind of sleepovers are you having at your house?

The next morning Carla and I brought the girls to the diner.  I was a little late picking them up, so naturally they had already decided on what they would order, which was essentially over two meals for everyone plus milkshakes.  Except for Jackie who said, "I'm on a diet so I didn't get the milkshake." 

Let me back up, as soon as we walked in, the girls went over and talked to a bunch of people throughout the diner. It felt like a whilewind of hello's.  When they returned to the table, Carla turned to them and asked, "Are one of you the mayor?"

Bails: I was really popular in preschool things went down from there.
Carla: So you peaked in preschool?
Bails: Yup.

Morgan: If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Carla and I: 27
Morgan: Ask Jackie how old she would be.
Jackie: 63
Carla: Not 65 so you could get retirement benefits?
Jackie: You make a good point.

Then the girls told us about Sean's friends girlfriend who was 27, but was also crazy and scary (to them.)  Carla and I decided to change our age to 30 then.  Also, Jackie requested that we bake afterwards, and suggested that maybe we give some of the treats to the old neighbors.
Me: What is old in this scenario?
Jackie: 63.  There is this woman next door that is delightful...
Me: And now we know where 63 comes from.

The other woman stopped by, also around 63, and when they were chatting, Bails told her not to tell them where she lived or Jackie would stop by.  We all laughed, until later, when Jackie said, "Where does she live again, maybe we could stop by and drop off some cookies."  Apparently, Bails had a genuine warning.

Carla: Jackie, you are cutting totally weird.  Is that how you actually cut things?
Jackie: You know, 97% percent of Americans cut like me - wrong.  Actually, Grandpa told me Aunt Tiffany doesn't know how to cut things, either.
Me: It's true.  I'm cutting this waffle with a fork for a reason.

Me: Okay people! We need to get on this food.  We have potato pancakes left...
Morgan: I was in charge of the bacon!
Me: What about this butter?
Jackie: Hold on.  Okay, I'll just put this chicken nugget and single fry in my pocket.  There ya go.  All done!  Ready for a picture.




On our way to the grocery store:
Jackie: Dad was overly excited about everything yesterday.  It got old quick.  I was all, get over it! move on! Focus on the ppl who are with you now!
Carla: Wow, you could be a psychologist.

I also mentioned that we were very close Sean & Stacey's old condo, and asked if Bails remembered her old 'hood. Everyone wanted to make a little visit, and I was grateful I was able to remember where it was.  And, for those who might not know, their condo was next door to Sing Sing prison.

Carla:  Bailey, this is where I dropped you!
Morgan: Jackie, look! Sing Sing! Come check out your future home!

As we were leaving, we discussed how we should have knocked on the door.
Jackie: Or just walked in and asked, "Ya got snacks?" Then I could have traded my chicken finger and fry.




Then we made lots of baked goods, and played some Telestrations. I love that my nieces consider me such a great baker, pretty much the only ones that do, and I appreciate it greatly.

Later that evening, I met Evivova for a movie and drinks.  We went to go see Hunger Games 3.  The last movie she had seen was the first Hunger Games, and I hadn't seen any of them because reading the books was too emotional for me.  For Evivova though, I was all in. 

Eva: When I left, Joe pointed out that Freddy got mashed potatoes in his hair, and I was like, "Oh well, gotta go!"
Me: He's probably sleeping soundly now, with those potatoes as an extra pillow.

The boys were talking about Bill Gates (not sure why, I wasn't there).
Patrick: Do you wish you were Bill Gates?
Pat: No, than I wouldn't have you.
Patrick: Did you just say something nice to me?!

On Saturday, Mo, Frita and I went to get Sean's birthday present.  We then decided we should start putting it together (and by "we" I mean Pat and Patrick put it partially together.)  Then we drove it down to Sean & Stacey's - only Stacey and the girls had just gotten home when we got there, and then as we were outside (and it was FREEZING) getting the Chiminea all set up, Sean came home.  Jackie helped distract him by locking him out of the house without explanation.  It was a whirlwind - but I think Sean will totally appreciate it someday.  I mean look how happy he was?




Then my mom made me a ham (yum!) and we played canasta.  The next morning, I took Percy outside, and he was voraciously sniffing the snow.  Then, I watched him hop, hop and shove his whole head in the snow, followed by some squeaks coming from the mouse that he had caught.  I was both impressed and horrified before I told him to drop it.

I also got to meet up with Briana & Austin on Sunday morning.  We went to Ben Franklin and took a little walk until Austin's got chilly. (Really good call by Banana to go somewhere that we could loop.   Is this the kind of magically knowledge you get when you become a mom?)  Then I asked my mom and dad to bring me to Sean's on our way to the airport so I could teach them how to play Ticket to Ride.  We played until the very last moment, and it was super fun. 

On my way back from the airport, I got a phone call from Lucas asking me not to go to sleep.  I didn't think that was a problem because I hadn't gotten home yet.  He said he wanted to make sure that we could chat before he left.  Which we did, until like 1 in the morning, which was awesome, especially since he had to leave for the airport at 4 am. 

Zach: The wedding was lovely, but you know those 7 prayers that they say?
Me: No.  I haven't been to a Jewish wedding since your parents - and even that was halfsies.
Zach: Well, they call 14 people up to read the prayers both in Herbrew and English and it is a real snoozefest.
That's when he told me he was going to do it differently for his wedding - but I just realized I don't want to ruin the surprise.  :)

I hope you all are having a great week! 



Monday, December 8, 2014

Salsa Saturday


Update 11/17 - 11/23

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, this little lady can be quite vocal.  I still have no idea what she wanted, but she was adamant that she wanted it immediately.





We lost a wonderful part of our family recently, with the loss of Stacey's mom, Dorothy.  I had been searching for a good photo of her when Carla posted this picture from Sean and Stacey's wedding, Dorothy and her daughters.  She will be missed, but she left some lovely ladies who definitely get their awesome hearts from their mother.




I received a text from Sean, "So close!" Not that close, it took me 3 tries to guess where he actually was.




This particular week was very exhausting at work, and every day I felt mentally and physically drained.  Zach called me on my way home to see if I wanted to hang out.  By the time I got home, I was a little bit regretting agreeing to hang out.  Luckily, Zach told we were going to the new game place, Mox, but tha we might only be going for 20 minutes.  He knew just what I wanted to hear.  Nater came with us too, and we played a game, got drinks and had some dinner, and it was an awesome evening with the boys.




Nater has been adament about his zero tolerance for anything Christmas before Thanksgiving.  So naturally, we've been watching a bunch of holiday films.  After around 6 consecutive movies in this category, Zach was finally able to conclude that, "they should have a location filter on movies because if it's a Christmas movie set in California I'm immediately less interested."  Too true.

There was half an afternoon where we though that the heroin addicts stole our christmas decorations. 
Me: Seriously?  That is so weird.
Dawne: They stole all the Jewish stuff, why not the Catholic stuff?
Me: B/c the Jewish stuff was all silver and expensive?

Turns out, we had moved the ornaments the year before, so much to Nater's chagrin, and largely to Dawne's hard work, the tree was up!




On Saturday, we took the try new things club to Salsa night at Century Ballroom.  D&J and I met Anders and Dr. Rach for dinner where we had some adult beverages and good conversation.  Dr. Rach was wearing some smashing red pumps, which Jordan admired.

Jordan: I hired someone at our office who wore yellow pumps to her interview.  Come to think of it, she never wore them again.
Dawne: Maybe she knew that a dirty old man was going to be interviewing her.
Jordan: Hey now, she was qualified! She went to the Rhode Island School of Design.
Dawne: Which you found out after you hired her...

Then we met up with Kelly, Matty and his friend and we danced and we danced and we danced.  Then we spent the following day doing more Christmas things that made Nater angry with us.   At one point we left the house, and I was in the back of Zach's car.

Me: I see you have your diploma here for safe keeping.
Zach: Just in case I need to prove something on the fly!