Life according to Liz

Sad To Be Back....

2008-03-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... I am safely back from Maui and am already having withdrawls.... I will upload the pictures over the weekend and when I stop thinking its 3 hours earlier that it really is I will go ahead and tell you all about it.

Right now I still feel like I am on a boat...

Gaasssspppp- No The World Hasn't Ended

2008-03-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hey, I remember this website......OMG its like riding a bicycle, wooohoooo look at me I am blogging. Ok enough of that, here I am unscarred unmaimed, just a really bad blogger. I have no excuse other than I lost the taste for blogging but I read all of yours actively each day. But a few of you, Melina, Michele, Retro Girl, check in on me, so I thought it was time to blog and try and catch you up since the last time I blogged. Which was??????? Ohoh Halloween..... WOW, is that some kind of record? Do I get a prize???? No? Thought I would try. Ok where to start....

All of you know I have a newish house ( its been over 6 months now). I have slowly and steadily been working on that and its still a work in progress. With the great weather we have been having I have been out in the garden more. I will take pictures and show you the before and after. I hope to start planting my vegetable garden, I want to plant tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, carrots, strawberries....... I just recently started my herb garden ( Thank you Michele) and this morning I saw my first little sprouts of herbs, now if I had only remembered to mark which ones were which. The Specialist has been a huge help digging holes, pruning, and generally making sure I don't get carried away with the shears. He planted a Japanese Maple for me about 4 weeks ago and it is thriving and covered in new leaves, its great to see it grow. Unfortunately I have the worst quality soil so he has had to dig up dirt, take out the rocks, bark and junk, and mis in peet moss stuff ( yes, that is the techincal term ) to enrich it. My garden isn't a small project, thankfully this weekend is the Orchard Suppy No Sales Tax Sales. I can't tell you how excited I am.

In a week from today The Specialist and I will be sipping Mai Tais and staring at a Maui sunset. Yes we are off to Maui for 5 days for my Dad's wedding. I promise to post pictures as I will be decked out in a bridesmaid dress that makes me feel like I am going back to prom. I have no issues in embarrassing myself, so don't you worry you will be able to see me in all of my glory........ with a Mai Tai in hand. I plan on swimming alot, snorkeling, drinking, swimming, drinking, you get the idea. We are staying north of Lahaina and while we are out there we are going to visit a friend that moved there in January, so it will be great to see her. I have ( yes have to ) go get a new bikini, the one I have isn't what I would call family appropriate. I need something that covers alot more :) No, I am not walking around in a Brazilian G-String, but the winter months haven't been kind and I have been lazy so a tankini it is. I plan on working out everyday until the day I leave, better late than not at all right?

Other than that I have done my taxes ( or paid someone to do them), had all my yearly check ups, and am just chugging along. My Jeep deicided that in the midst of doing the taxes and Dr.'s appointments that it would be a fine time to crap out on me. So being the wonderful man he is, The Specialist ordered all the parts and did all the work and a few extra things to the Jeep. She runs better than when we dropped her off. I got a rental car for two days which was fun seeing as I thought this was the end of the Jeep and I was freaking out about having to get a new car. So renting one for two days was like a prolonged test drive. And then I got my Jeep back running like well she isn't the smoothest ride but she is tough ( at least to me).

OH, one thing I did was join Curves and no they aren't paying me for this, but I love it ( when I finally get my butt there). I feel comfortable, not like I am being watched. I know the routine instead of hopelessly wandering around a gym hoping I am doing the exercise right. Its only a block from my house so I can walk ( I said can, not that I do). Funny side story: The one time I decided to walk to the gym and be a good girl. I was walking along and from farther down the block a guy was walking his dog. As he and the dog are almost next to me, the dog lunged at me and tried to eat me. I was so shocked, this has never happened to me before. The poor guy was so embarrassed but I survived and never walked to the gym again.

Well thats it for me... I will check in soon ;) but don't hold your breathe.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

I know I have been the worst blogger. I admit. Even The Specialist asks from time to time, “have you blogged in awhile?”, that question usually follows a commercial about blogging. And my blog friends are starting to get restless ( Hi Kate!). So here is a list of updates for the past century of not blogging.

- I closed escrow on my old condo on 10/12/07. It is such a relief to have that off my plate. I spent the 7 days that it was on the market, sick to my stomach with worry. I am sure all of you are like, huh only 7 days?!?! And let me tell you, 7 days of torture. After all the remodeling that took place and the money I had spent, all I could think about is what if it didn’t sell. How was this going to work…. I had financially prepared myself to carry the house for a month or two at the most. But of course with any new house there were unforeseen needs like a water softener and possibly a new water heater. And of course the things I wanted but not really needed. But thankfully all that is over and I can concentrate on the property tax bill that needs to be paid on the new house. I feel like I am hemorrhaging money, if you cut me I think I would bleed dollar bills. Please don’t try though, thanks.
- The new house is coming along. I spent a lot of last weekend decorating and getting my artwork hung up. 85% of the pictures are hung and the last few need an extra set of hands. The last on the list is the couches but those may wait until next year. We will see.
- In exciting news, if you didn’t already hear about it, we had a pretty good earthquake last night. It’s been 18 years since the last big earthquake and to be honest we needed one. It was a 5.6 and that was enough to shake everyone up (except Tiff who managed to not feel it at all) without causing any damage. Being a native Californian I would like to say I weathered it like a pro, but why lie. I was shaken up after it, I don’t think I will ever get use to it. My and The Specialists cell phones were knocked out for about 20 minutes but came back and we called all the loved ones to make sure everyone was ok. When I got home I totally expected this one book shelves that is VERY rickety to have fallen over, but nope, it was still standing. The earthquake felt bigger than it was. At first I thought it was thunder since we had that the day before, but with thunder the ground doesn’t usually shake at the same time.
- OHOH I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about this……. I get the honor (and no I am not being sarcastic) to be BFTiff’s Maid of Honor. I am very excited because you know I get to buy a new dress and shoes and throw parties and well booze booze all the time. Poor Tiff is probably regretting her choice or she knows I will keep her well plied with alcohol, hell what are best friends for. I couldn’t be happier for her and The Boy. I think I almost burst in to tears when she asked me to be her maid of honor.

I read all my bloggy friends blogs everyday, so even if I don’t comment just know that I am there checking in.

Happy Halloween.

The Waiting is Killing Me!

2007-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that my old place that I bought in 2003 at the tender age of 24 is on the market to be sold. Right now realtors are walking thru it making notes, seeing they have clients that would want to purchase it. I had some work done on the place, you can see here : http://www.505cypresspoint151.com/

I have butterflies in my stomach. I want to sell this place quickly and not have two mortgages looming over my head like black rain clouds. I did make financial arrangements to be able to carry two mortgages for a short, short while. My hope is that someone falls in love with it as I did 4 years ago ( it looks better now that it did 4 years ago) and wants to pay a fair price and move in quickly. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!!

Here are a few pics of what it looked like when I bought it in 2003:

A little different....

Beware- Rants ahead!

2007-09-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

As you have guess this blog will be dedicating more time to my house, sometimes not the most thrilling thing, but this is it baby! By the way, this is a long one.

I have a few pent up rants, be forewarned…..

Rant #1: A King Size Bed:

To go with my new grown up house, I thought it was time to get a grown up bed. The bed I had been sleeping in for the past 12 years was a full and well the cat and I needed more space. So The Specialist and I went bed shopping, it’s actually kind of fun. I even laid on a $20,000.00 (no, I didn’t add a zero) mattress. But the first mattress we laid on was my favorite, I was sold. I opted to get the Eastern King instead of the California King , the Eastern King is wider but about 4 inches shorter than the California King and since neither The Specialist or I are over 6’2” in height, wider seemed better. What I didn’t account for was the sheets, apparently us Californians are bias and only stock Cal. King sheets, with a few East King sheets thrown in sparingly to make it look like we are prejudice. But when all you want are white, over 400 thread count, Eastern King Sheets, you are asking too much. I went to every local store to find sheets for my new very awesome bed. By the time I hit Macy’s I was ready to throw the spoiled brat tantrum. Macy’s carries Eastern King Sheets, but only if you are willing give them your first born in return. I kid you not one (yes, one) fitted sheet was $80, so by the time you end up with the entire sheet set you are penniless. Now of course the smart thing would have been to order sheets online. But I am big on the sense of touch, I need to touch the sheets before I buy them, make sure I am not buying something that will give me a body scrub in the middle of the night, I can go to the spa for that. I did find a set of sheets that look nice, but from now on, I am ordering them online. It just doesn’t look right when I am stomping my foot or flailing on the ground in the middle of the store screaming “ But all I want are Eastern king sheets.”.

Rant #2: Neighbors

This isn’t about my new neighbors, so far I love them. Mind you I live in a 5 unit condo complex, there is no anonymity there. But I am referring to my old house, this past week it has been given a little face lift for resale value. The kitchen counters, cabinets, and carpets were all redone. New paint and crown molding where added. The workers had 7 days to do all of this. And I commend them, they did a lot of work in a short period of time even with the threat of cops being called on them. Yes, I just said cops, and no you won’t see them on the TV show. Before all the work started I consulted the condo management company to make sure I didn’t need their permission for the work, it turns out that I didn’t so I gave the green light to the realtor and designer. I get a call Friday night from the realtor letting me know that some of the work will be “delayed”, of course I was curious. Apparently a neighbor that I have never met in my four years of living there was taking it upon herself to throw a fit and threaten the cops on the workers because of the noise. Yes home improvement isn’t a quiet past time, but the workers were after 9 am and gone by like 7 pm in the evening, they weren’t breaking any noise pollution rules. But this woman was home sick and they were disrupting her. Gee whiz lady, I am surprised you didn’t drive down to the local Air Force base and ask them to stop all flights because you have the sniffles. How dare you trespass on my property without my approval and yell at my workers causing a delay in the work to my house. Go ahead and call the cops, I would love to have a chat with them as well. She continued to disrupt the work for three days even though she was given the realtors phone number in case she had any “concerns”. Oh course she didn’t call realtor because why would she speak with someone that might actually fight back. Sadly I wasn’t made aware of these intrusions until it was after the fact. I was dieing to give her a piece of my mind.

Rant #3: Sometimes it’s better to do it yourself:

The new place required a little painting and cleaning before I moved it. So painters were hired at the recommendation of my realtor as well as a house cleaner. I was so excited about not doing it myself. I am not the best painter or house cleaner, but even I have standards. I was disappointed to see that the painters did only an ok job, there was paint on the carpet, white paint freckles on my dark taupe bathroom wall and the outlets covers were painted over. I of course complained and some of these items were taken care of. Everything but the outlet covers. But it really pisses me off that a sub par job had been done on both the painting and the cleaning. I paid good money to have this done and when it isn’t done to what I expect, it’s irritating. Even with the cleaning, great you made my windows shine, awesome, thank you. But what about the cat hair bunnies under the lip of the stove FROM THE PREVIOUS CAT. Its little stuff like that. I could have cleaned myself and left the cat hair bunnies, at least I have only myself to blame. But I parted with money to have those left behind.

Ok that is it for now.

I Feel Like a Homeowner

2007-09-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

I know this going to sound weird, but I finally feel like a homeowner. Yes, I feel like I am hemorrhaging money, but that isn’t why. I guess you need a little background. I bought my first condo in 2003, it was an apartment conversion and literally the best decision I had ever made. And on top of it, there were no repairs or upgrading that needed to be done. All the updating had been done by the previous owner, yay me. But this time around is a little different. But not a bad different, more of a “ I love this place”, it feels more like mine. I can’t say everything has been a complete joy, I am learning the situation of hard water. It clogs all water related appliances with calcium build up that looks like sand, like a hose was stuck in the ocean and I was sucking up my water supply from there. In the first week, the hoses on the washer needed to be replaced, the dishwasher was taken apart and all the pumps and gadgets cleaned, and more than once I have stared at my water heater wondering if a troll with a sledge hammer was trapped inside. Oh and I can’t forget the water line for the fridge and the water filter on the kitchen faucet. I hate hard water it is possibly causing me to get a water softener and replacing the water heater. It has yet to be determined. But it still makes this place feel real, like a real house with quirks and projects that need to be done. And seriously I am so lucky that The Specialist is a handyman Genius, there is no project he can’t do and on top of it he is very patient when I want to learn exactly what he is doing. I have always been happy to say I could hold my own and fix things, unless it involves spiders. But I literally throw up my hands and ask The Specialist ,what the problem is and how it is fixed. I have to be honest that some of these issues were a little unexpected, coming from a maintenance free house. But I enjoy them even though I may roll my eyes. I can safely say that I have the floor plan of Lowe’s ( like Home Depot) memorized and I am sure that the employees are going to start calling me by my first name. The hardest this for me is that I am not a patient person, I want it all done now, I don’t want boxes in the house anymore, I want to be able to park in my garage and my garden to look beautiful. Oh and I have a June Bug the size of a Walnut that floats around my Morning Glory in the morning- His name is George.

This past weekend was a busy one at house ( I have yet to come up with a name for the new place), the new bed was delivered ( I will go in to a tirade about King Size sheets in another post, and the Direct TV guy set up the TV. One of the big projects is replacing all the light switches, faceplates, and outlets in the house. The painters that I had come in painted over half of the outlet covers and the other half they removed the face plates but still managed to get paint on the light switches and plug holes. There is something to be said for just doing it yourself.

But the best part about all of it………………..It’s mine :)

The Move is over!!!!

2007-09-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

So it’s done. I am in my new house. Of course with any major project , it wasn’t without its mishaps. I had rented a Uhaul to handle all my stuff. I had moved beyond the time I could pack everything I own in a truck or two. I mean I actually Own furniture now ( or have since 2003). I picked up The Specialist at 7 am to pick up the Uhaul ( oh and I can’t even begin to thank The Specialist enough, but I will go more in to that later) only to be told that the location I was instructed to pick up the truck didn’t have my reservation and I was suppose to go to the “other” location. The “other” location turned out to be a gas station that rents out one Uhaul truck. You read that right ONE. Oh and it turned out that they also didn’t have my reservation- You can imagine our combined anger and frustration, we had been trying to locate this Uhaul for over an hour at this point. The Specialist, being the genius he is, started calling other Uhaul locations to find a truck that wasn’t being used. We did manage to find one and get on our way.
We met my friends at my old place and started the removal of all my worldly possessions. The cat went to the groomers to get out of my hair for a few hours seeing as when he was locked in the bathroom he started to make the most un-natural sounds I have ever heard. My mom bless her took on that assignment – I needed to pack up the last minutes things.
With all most all the stuff packed, the Specialist asked me are you sure you have everything. I said I had, I mean I had been a complete space case for the last week, but that couldn’t mean that I hadn’t packed up all of my stuff. I hear from the deck, umm no you didn’t get everything, as I am yelling, yes I did. I walk out to my deck and I gasp remembering my storage closet hadn’t been emptied. Frustration wells up inside of me, I can’t believe I had forgotten, but again I have been a complete and utter space case for over a week. Seriously if my head hadn’t been attached I would have lost it. Then the running joke of the day, was “I found another closet”, I couldn’t help but laugh.
The move in the new place was less eventful and I was so happy. Now I walk thru the sea of boxes muttering to myself, tomorrow, tomorrow. But really it has to be done by Wednesday because my new refrigerator arrives. But back to the house.
After my wonderful friends helped move me in to my new place. The Specialist and I started working on a few projects:
1) The washing machine was broken. Being the Handyman GENIUS , The Specialist was able to fix it so that I could use my washer. The new part arrived Monday – but it works great without it. I just don’t dare open the washer during the spin cycle, at the risk of being attacked by my clothes.
2) The AWESOME new TV- right now all I am watching are DVD’s but Direct TV gets hooked up on Saturday.
3) The shower rod in my bathroom.
I am so so so grateful for The Specialist’s help, I couldn’t or even wouldn’t have known what to do about the washer and that shower rod requires four hands.

The list of projects is a little daunting right now but at least the painting is done and now I just need to attack the boxes.

I've Been Keeping a Secret....

2007-08-18T09:12:00.001-07:00

I was waiting until yesterday to get photographic evidence to share my secret. As you know from an earlier post I have been looking for a new place to live. My little condo that I bought 4 years ago has served its purpose but I have outgrown its walls. It was time to move up. And that is exactly what I did, on Friday August 10th, my offer was accepted on a new place. It is a 2 bedroom 2 and a half bathroom condo, 1104 square feet ( a vast improvement from my 662 sq ft now). And while it is a condo the best part about it , is that the way the complex was constructed, each unit is connected by the one car garage with no living space walls touching. It feels like a single family residence. I have a small backyard, so I can try my hand at gardening, and knowing me I will have a backyard of plastic plants instead of really ones. I will also have a garage!!!! The goal will now be not to be a pack rat. There are two master suites with their own bathrooms AND the best of all..............................my own washer and dryer!!!!! After 6 years of coin op laundry facilities, I can't tell you how freaking excited I am . Here are a few pictures:

My Living Room :

My Kitchen:

My Dining Room:

Backyard:

Master Bedroom

Master BathroomGuest Bedroom

Guest BathroomNow I haven't moved in yet, I don't close escrow until August 31, after that I will paint before I move in. The seller's had a thing for color, like Army Green, Cloud Grey, Pumpkin, Chartreuse Green and Grey stripes. Not my style at all.

I am off of work next week and I will spend that time packing up. I am sure that I will be reminded about how much I hate packing :) But I am very excited and can't wait to move it. I will post new pictures after the paint is done and periodically when I finish new projects.

Bye for now.

It's Been To Long

2007-08-01T10:04:00.001-07:00

For the few that check in once in awhile to make sure that my link is still active- I am here, I haven't been kidnapped by Midgets and made their Queen ( I am too tall, who knew.)

The most exciting thing going on right now is when our friend Angie will have her baby. I knew we should have started a pool. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking have heard my cell phone beep to let me know if the arrival of Little Christopher, only to find out that its some jerk sitting in his car with it running listen to sad love songs. At 1 am, I have very little sympathy for anyone other than myself.

A few new things happening, I somehow let Best Friend Tiff talk me in to meeting her at the gym at 5:30 am and I am shocked to say, I ain't so bad. On most days I wake up before the sun. I can no longer claim that I didn't know the hour of 5 am existed.

I have been helping my Dad unpack boxes that are older than I am. He is moving to Michigan and we are cleaning out my Grandmother's house. The coolest thing we have found so far is my Great-Great Grandfather's Wedding Certificate from 1893 with the original wedding photos in it. It, of course, is being saved along with century old pictures. My Great Grandmother was a genenologist for our family, there are boxes and boxes of history of my Dad's side of the family. Its been really interesting to see. I think she was able to track back 200 years.

Also over the past few months I have been taking pictures, here are a few :

Enjoy!

Constantly Learning

2007-07-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

Everyday you learn something new, from the day you are born to the day you die. A few lessons I have learned over the past few days:

1) Running with the bulls in Pamplona also includes running behind the bulls, because there are "stragglers", per The Specialist. Personally I thought it was cheating, I was wrong. I forgot about the stragglers ;) Ok for a moment here I would like to talk that what the hell people are thinking. I am sorry I didn't think that a bull's horn up the ass was a good idea. I get the adrenaline junkies, jump to your hearts content, or the speed demons, hell I am all for the speed demons, those pesky speed limits laws keep me in line. But running with animals that have a built in weapon? ouchie!

2) Never ever tell the checkout girl that chocolate just doesn't do it for you. It will lead her to ask, "well, what do you do at that time of the month?" Ok so not a conversation I want to have with, ummm..............................pretty much everyone. Only my close friends and family know what to feed me if its that time of the month.

3) I went to the gym today, yay me! But there is a member of the gym that looks like the older version of that guy in the movie Hot Rod. Seriously look it up on http://www.imdb.com/. Not a look I would be going for. EEEEKKK!!!!!

4) Don't ever go into a pet store and look in the kitties for adoption section. Mt cat Max almost got a friend yesterday. The cutest black, white and orange mewling thing. Bad Pet Smart, Bad!

I hope you all had fun lessons this weekend.

:)

The Last Days of June

2007-06-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

Its Sunday night and I am sitting in a loose t-shirt nursing the newest sunburn I have. Yes, I watch the sunblock commercials and the horror stories, and yet I still on certain days forget to apply it. I learned a few things this weekend :

1) My limit for spinny rides is 4. You know the ones I am talking about, the centrifical force ride that glues you to the coffin shaped contraption.

2) I love bumper cars, except they don't go fast enough. I am sure they have a good reason for that, you know safety reasons and all. But come on, if you are going to make it in to a race track, let me race!

3) Baby animals are just plain cute. There are ducklings at my complex. A momma duck and her 6 babies. Today was a field trip for the duckies, the art of getting in and out of the swimming pool. And seriously they have a science to it. Momma jumps in the shallow end of the pool and her little babies follow her in, plop, plop, plop, plop....... they swim to the deep end and and momma duck hops up on the top run of the metal ladder and then up to the lip of the swimming pool. Her little babies followed suit, some of them getting it on the first try and the others needing a few minutes to master it. It was so cute!

I did want to let you all know that I did survive the baby shower. And at the same time I discovered why I hate baby showers, ok not all of them but definitely work related ones. On the way home I was talking with the Specialist about the baby shower and as always he is so patient with my ramblings, i realized what I hate most is that I had to be "on". You know that smiling, happy, small talking person, basically not your normal self. Its one thing to be "on" five days a week at work. But on the weekend I am myself and I surround myself with people that I want to be around. So I get a little bent when work stuff cuts in to my weekend. But I did it, I survive and if I do say so myself I looked damned cute doing it. I wore a coral colored strapless sundress with a light yellow pattern, a long gold necklace, and gold strappy cork wedges. If I am going to do something I don't like , the least I can do is look cute, right?

Anywho, I am finishing off the weekend with strawberries I bought at the farmer's market this morning and nursing my sunburn.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.....

Baby!

2007-06-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

After a cold winter, the babies they are a coming. Tis the season for wedding bells and new life brought in to the world and as BestFriend Tiff mentioned our group is no exception. Ok except for the wedding bells, unless my friends are holding out. Our nearest and dearest Angie is a proud momma to be. And what do proud momma’s to be get???? Baby showers!!!! And I am so lucky I get to go to TWO (yes, that was said with heavy sarcasm)! No offense Angie, I love you but you also know how I feel about being on my best behavior. I am not as entertaining!
I am looking forward to Angie’s because I will know everyone and they already love me and can’t change their mind. I forbid it J. However the second shower I have been invited to is with coworkers ( gasp or maybe that is a shudder!). This translates to putting on my business professional face, limiting my alcohol intake to one glass of whatever, and participating in the games. Not only that but sitting through the present opening. I think I find this so uncomfortable because I hate being in the spotlight when opening gifts. I want to open them at home in privacy. But more than that the poor mom to be has to be excited about breast pumps, diaper genies, and peepee tee pee*( I will explain below). And can I tell how uncomfortable I feel about giving breast pumps and the necessary accessories for the beginning stages of babyhood? Congratulations here is a breast pump and no I was not thinking about your breasts when I bought it. And yes I can be a prude sometimes. Of course there are other items that can be bought that are much cuter and of course I will be buying those. But really what I want to get the mom to be is something for her. Like a gift certificate for a pedicure, because after having that baby WOOHOOO you can see your toes again. But you know that isn’t on the registry. ;)

So this weekend I will brave Babies’ R Us for something that doesn’t have to do with boobs, diapers, or peepees.

* A Pee Pee Tee Pee is a fabric cone that goes over the Pee pee while you are changing your baby boy. So that you aren’t hosed, literally. : )

I once, I always, I never.....

2007-05-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

I once was stung on the tongue by a wasp in the first grade. That is what I get for running around with my mouth open.

I always try to sleep in the middle of the bed, whether I am alone or not.

I never can be reading one book at any given time. I am always in the middle of at least 3 or more books.

*****

I once had an unfortunate accident with a tree. It got in the way of the dog I was walking and another dog. I was the victim and the tree won.

I always avoid people from my high school when I see them around town.

I never can make it out of the door in the morning without forgetting at least one thing. Sunglasses, keys, my mind.

*****

I once was attacked by a goose. I was three and apparently my pigtails resembled a tasty snack. I am still wary of geese.

I always am three degrees below the normal human temperature of 98.6. (That’s just for you ,Specialist ;) )

I never ever ever ever eat olives. They are foul. I will whimper and point to the offending olive until someone will rescue me from its ickiness.

*****

I once stole glue sticks for a glue gun from a craft store. I was caught by my mom and she took me back to return them. I was mortified. And apparently had weird taste in stealing things.

I always read at night before I go to sleep. This of course means I always go to sleep later than I had intended to.

I never can remember to return things, movies, library books, a friend's Tahoe sweater ( sorry Tiff).

*****

I once won the industrial arts award in the 7th grade. It was for the wood working class I took instead of Home Ec. I was the only girl in a class of 30. My parents were so proud. The boys in my class were not.

I always make wishes… on stars, while holding my breathe driving thru a tunnel, driving under a train… I think its fun.

I never bring lunch from home though I know I should. I eat out everyday just so I can get out of the office.

*****

I once when I was three told a little girl that her bother was a f**ker. I blame my parents for the love of the f-word.

I always smile at dogs walking by. I take no notice of the owner unless I want to pet the dog then I ask if it’s ok.

I never want to go sky diving. Ever. I am absolutely terrified of jumping out of a plane. I will of course be supportive if one of my friends want to. I will wait on the ground with a beer and a spatula. Just in case.

*****

I once was told by a friend that she couldn’t hang out with me anymore after my boyfriend had broken up with me because she thought her boyfriend would break up with her too.

I always dream, every night. They are vivid dreams that make no sense and have no relevance to what is going on in my life. Its kind of like having my own TV show.

I never cook for myself. I usually make a sandwich or get take out. I prefer cooking for someone else. Doesn’t seem like its worth dirtying dishes for just myself.

*****

I once kicked a boy in the nuts for chasing me around the playground trying to lift up my skirt on Friday Flip-Up Day. Even in high school he wouldn’t come close to me, just in case.

I always have mysterious bruises, little cuts and nicks. I think the bruises are a vitamin shortage. As for the others I am just clumsy.

I never liked the nickname Lizzie.

*****

I once screamed at a cop for pulling me over. I was truly hysterical and it got me out of a ticket. It could have also been because he pulled me over in front of my parent’s house.

I always loved watching The Smurfs. I wish they were still on.

I never thought I could think of enough things to attempt this post. Ok I admit some are really lame but hey what is a girl to do.

Questions

2007-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

1. If you could go back and change one decision you made in your life, would you, and what would it be?
I can't say there is one decision I have made that I would change because I have learned from those decisions. The bad decisions taught me what I didn't want and helped me in making smarter decisions for myself. And the good decision well.... they were good and I am happy I made them and learned positive things from them. Unless of course we are talking about the decision to have that seconr (or third) piece of pizza, then maybe that wasn't the best and wish I could change that. LOL

2. Name a blogger that you would love to meet in real life, and why?
Ok no fair :), I will not chose just one. I would love to meet all my regular readers, Kate, Retro Girl, Vixen and Anna. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and loving lerning about each one of you. You all have become a part of my life and I care for each one of you.

3. If you could do anything right now, with no repercussions, what would you do?

With no repercusions, I would take a sabbatical ( if you can do that from being as assistant) and travel the world for a year. There is so much I want to see and do, and some times life just gets in the way. Of course I would love to have my friends and The Specialist ( also known as The Mechanic) with me. Does the no repercussions clause extend to them too ?? :D
4. What is the one thing that you're embarrassed to admit you cannot live without?

Apparently its Ginger Ale, as The Specialist has pointed out that I am addicted too. I drink it all the time. When I am hung over, when I am not feeling well and just because. I realize I do drink ALOT of it and constatly have it stocked in my house. I swear by it.

5. If you could switch places with one celebrity for a month, who would you choose, and why?

Can I say no thank you? To be honest while the $$ from being a celebrity would be very nice, I don't want that kind of invasive attention. I don't want to see my life spewed on the pages of the tabloids. It doesn't appeal to me at all. I respect the celebrities that use their image to promote worthwhile causes. But I am more of a behind scenes girl.

And thus concludes my five. If you are interested in participating, here are the rules: Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me!" I will respond by e-mailing you five questions. I get to pick them, and you have to answer them all. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Checking In

2007-04-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

I feel the need to embarass myself to my IIF and real friends, so this is how klutzy I can be. This also will fall under the heading TMI. Just so ya know.

So this morning in the shower I was getting all cleaning and smooth, making myself all pretty. In the midst of shaving my nether regions ( TMI warning) and I shave almost all of it , I was shaving a certain part and moved the razor to go in for the next spot and apparently the razor wasn't as far as I had thought away from my ASS, that I accidentally ran the razor sideways across my delicate butt cheek and cut myself..........on my ASS. Its like an inch long slit and lord did it bleed, I thought I had hit a major artery, then I remember I have more fat than blood vessels back there. So of course I have band aid........ on my ass. There are days when I can safely say, I am the only one who is stupid enough to do these things to herself.

On a completely other non-TMI note, I have not so steadily been looking for a new place to buy. I have lived in my condo for 4 years now and want to expand, mainly I need more space for my clothes and shoes. I may have found it, a cute little 2 bedroom 1 bath actual house- with a yard and beautiful gardens. I am looking at it today at 4 pm. Part of me wants to not like it since this means a much larger mortgage but part of me is ready for a new place, an actual house.

I will keep you posted!

Never Did I.......

2007-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ever think I would get an e-mail from a co-workers that said, " Holy Ebonics.......", I almost wet myself I was laughing so hard.

Taa Daa New Haircut

2007-03-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's Been A Long Time

2007-03-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tap, tap, tap....... Because of Kate, I am writing here. Please all thank Kate for getting my ass in gear and updating this lagging blog. YAY Kate!!!

It's not that there is nothing to say because there is tons to say, but being the girl that I am, I am afraid to say it out loud for fear of jinxing it. A silly superstition but one that I have followed my entire dating life. Its hard to break yourself of these superstitions, once that gave you a reason for why something was happening instead of accepting that a) He just wasn't that in to you, b) You should be VERY HAPPY that it didn't work out, or c) he really was an asshole.

I find myself being over critical of signs that aren't there but I have no experience otherwise. At least I keep this kind of crazy to myself or my close circle of girlfriends. My mantra as of late has been, " Enjoy each day one at a time". If I don't I race ahead of myself and have an entire relationship and break up in the span of two minutes. Its quite the roller coaster ride. But he proves me wrong everyday and it makes me giddy with happiness.

Its a blessing and a curse to have these silly superstitions that are derived from being treated badly. Its a blessing because it has taught me exactly what I don't want and kept me from settling for mediocrity. Its a curse because my brain fights me every day as I try to believe that this is real and amazing and I deserve it. All I know is that its all I knew I wanted and even more than I knew I wanted.

The Tower

2007-03-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Signs of Spring

2007-03-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hallway of Shadow

2007-03-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Statue

2007-03-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Cantor Museum Stanford, CA

2007-03-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Aquarium

2007-03-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Electric Jellyfish 2

2007-03-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Electric Jellyfish

2007-03-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Moon Jellyfish

2007-03-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Stream

2007-03-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Monterey

2007-03-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tag You're It

2007-03-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

I stole this from http://www.haveyoumetme.com/

1) Go to Wikipedia2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.3) List three events that happened on your birthday4) List two important birthdays and one death5) One holiday or observance (if any)6) Tag 5 other bloggers to complete

1818 - Illinois becomes the 21st U.S. state.
1828 - In the U.S. Presidential election of 1828, challenger Andrew Jackson beats incumbent John Quincy Adams and is elected President of the United States.
1979 - In Cincinnati, Ohio, eleven fans are killed during a stampede for seats before a Who concert at Riverfront Coliseum.

Births
1973 - Holly Marie Combs, American actress
1973 - Super Crazy, Mexican wrestler

Deaths
1154 - Pope Anastasius IV

Holiday
International Day of the Basque language

Tag:

Tiff
Michele
Kate
Anna
Retro Girl

Art Exhibit 3

2007-03-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

Art Exhibit 2

2007-03-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Art Exhibit

2007-03-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite glass artist Dale Chihuly at the Jellyfish Exhibit in the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Jellyfish

2007-03-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday I spent the day with The Mechanic in Monterey. We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, not only did I have the most amazing day, but the Mechanic taught me how to use the manual function of my new camera. Here is a picture that The Mechanic took in the jellyfish exhibit.

Back to the Classroom

2007-03-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first night of my Interior Design workshop that Michele gave me as a birthday present. It’s a way for me to explore the beginnings of interior design and see if it is something that I want to do for the rest of my life. The class is offered by a local Adult Education program near where I live. It was a small class only 10 people and I was by far the youngest in the class. As we went around the room explaining why we were there it became apparent that a lot of the other women in the classes had different objectives. They were either houses they had just moved in to that needed decorating, decorating baffled them completely, or they had a specific room they wanted to decorate and it was their weekend project. Mainly I sat in the class with 9 bored housewives and a young singleton (me), all looking for something different.

You know that the first day of class is the least structured, people shuffling in late, tons of hand outs, and homework. That’s right I have homework. But before I get to that I have to tell you a few tidbits. The teacher herself is quite the subject for blog fodder. Ms. G- as I will call her- is at least 60 if not older. She spent the beginnings of her career days as a home economics teacher for college. Once the budgets dried up along with her job, she went back to school for a masters in Interior Design. With this Masters Degree she has been able to fulfill her interior design career dreams as an Interior Decorating consultant with Home Depot, 3 day blinds and her current job as a sales person for the Home Consignment Center. Maybe I am being SUPER bitchy but with a Masters, I would have thought that maybe she would have been working for a design firm or maybe ran her own design business. Not helping people pick out the right color paint or which kitchen cabinets are the longest lasting and durable. I have to say she was color coordinated which at least gave me some faith in her abilities. I am hoping she surprises me. Another thing about her is her speech patterns, this doesn’t annoy me but I thought it was funny. She speaks in rapid succession and pauses in the weirdest places, like three words before the end of a sentence. I have to say she is VERY jolly and reminds me of Santa Claus’ wife. Maybe if she wants to have a career change again there will be an opening for her in the holiday season. She loves her job, I’ll give her that.

Now to my other class mates, ok really one in particular. I am sure I will come up with others before the 4 weeks ends. Like I said the class is filled with houses wives looking for a project. One in particular brought her 1 month old daughter with her. At first I couldn’t figure out why, I understand that there is separation anxiety and thought that was the case. I soon learned the real reason, during roll call she whips out her breast and starts feeding her daughter. I am perfectly serious. She has a blanket for the baby which you would think that she would use to shield the rest of us from getting to know her all that much better, but no, she uses the blanket to cover the bottom half of the baby, the non-feeding end. Now whether you believe in breast feeding or not, its your right. However it is not polite to assume everyone will be comfortable with your boob hanging out like a FEED BAG!!

But back to the class, my homework is to go thru home magazines and pick out coloring schemes that I like. I have decided to do one of each spectrum, blue based tones and yellow based tones. Yes I am a suck up. I will take pictures of my home work and post them. God, I can’t wait until next week!

Because Retro Girl Asked

2007-03-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Balsamic Roasted Pork Tenderloin

2 Pork Tenderloins - About 1.5 lbs
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Minced Garlic
1/2 Red Onion
Salt and Pepper

Ok isn't this the most vague recipe ever? I used enough balsamic vinegar to rub in to the tenderloin and enough to coat the bottom of the glass baking dish so red onions can stew in balsamic/olive oil mixture but not swim in it. Drizzled Olive Oil over tenderloin and rub in. Season with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cut red onion in to slices ( half moon strings) and lay in the balsamic/olive oil mixture. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cook time is 30 minutes per pound or when internal meat tempature reaches 160 degrees.

I served this dish with a spinach salad, but you can serve with what ever you would like.

Enjoy!

February 10th

2007-02-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

Two Days of Rain.

February 9th

2007-02-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

February 8th

2007-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

February 7th

2007-02-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

February 6th

2007-02-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

February 5th

2007-02-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

My drive home. Sigh

February 4th

2007-02-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

February 3rd

2007-02-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

February 2nd

2007-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

February 1st

2007-02-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

January 31st

2007-01-31T21:30:00.000-08:00

MMM,my favorite.

January 30th

2007-01-31T21:28:00.000-08:00

Is this N- star-cho or Nacho?

January 29th

2007-01-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hiking Pics 3

2007-01-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

January 27th

2007-01-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

January 26th

2007-01-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

January 26th

2007-01-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

January 25th

2007-01-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

January 24th

2007-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

January 23rd

2007-01-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

Rosie Dog!

January 22nd

2007-01-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

January 21st

2007-01-21T20:18:00.001-08:00

I figured I needed an explanation of this cool photo I took. This is a picture of water with the sunlight catching the ripples. Its a little stream that runs in to the ocean and this small pocket of water pooled in a little alcove, thus my picture.

January 20th

2007-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

January 19th

2007-01-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

Kitty Close Up!

January 18th

2007-01-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

January 17th

2007-01-18T21:34:00.001-08:00

January 16th

2007-01-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

Don't Worry

2007-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't stopped taking pictures, I promise. With being sick all last weekend, my grandmother in the hospital due to a major stroke and then her unfortunate passing, its been a little crazed. I spent last night with my dad, uncle, aunt and friend, having dinner and chatting. We stumbled over old photos of my childhood, my cousins and the nine million trips my grandparents took. It was fun to look back on these faded memories. I had forgotten that I saw my cousins alot, they both live in CT now and I see them if I am lucky once every few years. I had also forgotten how well traveled my Grandparents were. In the past 5 to 7 years with declining health, the death of my grandfather, they didn't travel. But before then they had visited the entirety of western Europe and Italy, and almost all of the eastern seaboard.

While I was never close to my grandparents, I do feel for my father, who now has no parents. No matter what their relationship, I can't imagine not having parents. I know its inevitable, parents don't live forever, but its not something you think about.

So that is what I have been up to. Hopefully tonight I will be able to sit and post my pics :).

Second Draft

2007-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

What do you guys think of this draft? I felt like I was rambling a little in the original version like some insane Chatty Cathy doll. Is this better or worse?

It takes a brave woman to admit she likes to be girly and a little bit of a tomboy at the same time. I am a delightful contradiction that loves High Heels, Trucks, Make-up, and Action Movies, but not always in that order. Doesn’t that sounds like the beginning of a country music song? J Because of this I can’t really take myself too seriously. Life is too short not to laugh as much as possible.
I have a responsible side as well, everyone has to right? I go to work on time everyday, shuffle paper, soothe people’s concerns, and meet deadlines. At least it’s a 50/50 relationship, as responsible I can be, as well as much fun that can be packed in to a weekend or weeknight. Whether it’s exploring new places and taking pictures, throwing together dinner with friends, or getting outdoors for a sporting event. The list is a little long, so this is just a taste and I am sure that there are millions of other things I would want to try, I just don’t know about them yet.

Janaury 15th

2007-01-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

January 14th

2007-01-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

My only trip out on Sunday to the local farmer's market. I was completely wiped out!

January 13th

2007-01-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

On the road to recovery.

January 12th

2007-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is how I spent my Friday. Not at work but holed up on the couch fighting the virus that everyone else has gotten.

January 11th

2007-01-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

January 10th

2007-01-11T18:26:00.001-08:00

January 9th

2007-01-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

About What I want..

2007-01-11T12:24:00.001-08:00

This is to cheesy??

I want to have fun and have a companion, not necessarily in that order, but enjoying both is sweeter than candy. I like men that are confident and comfortable in their own skin. Knowing that flaws add to character, appreciating Scrabble, and making me laugh so hard I cry make you ok in my book. Will you challenge me because I can promise I will do the same for you, let’s make each other better people. Oh and understanding ketchup is the #1 condiment, means you rock!

About Me

2007-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

It takes a brave woman to admit she likes to be girly and a little bit of a tomboy at the same time. My four food groups consist of High Heels, Trucks, Make-up, and Action Movies, but not always in that order. Because of this I can’t really take myself too seriously. I mean can you picture a woman trying to get in to a truck with high heels on. It should be added as an Olympic event. I would be a contender. Let’s just hope it’s not a morning event. Unless of course Starbucks is hosting the event and then I can be plied with coffee. That’s how I manage to get to work on time everyday, where I shuffle paper, soothe people’s concerns, and meet deadlines. This is the more responsible side of me, everyone has to have one right? At least it’s a 50/50 relationship, as responsible I can be, as well as much fun that can be packed in to a weekend or weeknight. Fun (noun/verb): enjoyment or playfulness, consists of, but not limited to, Photography, Cooking, Traveling, Reading, Movies (like you didn’t see that one coming). The list is a little long, so this is just a taste and I am sure that there are millions of other things I could try, I just don’t know about them yet. However if one of them is being a contestant on Fear Factor, I will politely decline. I am not that brave when it comes to eating their form of cuisine. I prefer to invent my own cuisine or fine tune a few classics. Whether it’s cooking for one or 20, I am up to the challenge, as long I concentrate when using a knife and it doesn’t involve a toaster oven. The toaster oven and I don’t see eye to eye, but you will have to contact me to find out what our differences are. I have been called a delightful contradiction- I am sure you are beginning to see why, e-mail me if you want to find out more.

Ok Bloggers, tell me what you think......

January 8

2007-01-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

This was one of the flowers in an arrangement brought to my boss and I, today.

January 7

2007-01-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Just for Tiffy!

Its at least a start

2007-01-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Ok- As any writer knows, you need to have an outline (Thanks Michele)! So here is start tell me what you think :)

About Me:

Trucks, high heels, action movies make up

Not a morning person but can be plied out of bed with coffee

Laugh til my sides hurt, british humor

Ambitious but down to earth

Photography, Traveling, reading,cooking

Gym necessary evil

friends are my life line

responsible, silly, good at one liners ( funny) Mature woman ( haha)who hasn’t forgotten to act like a girl.

risk taker of the not Fear Factor variety(open minded)

Interior designing passion, searching for the perfect item

Nice girly girl with a few tomboy streaks

Self Sufficient unless it comes to kitchen appliances

Looking For :

Confident , comfortable in own skin, knows that your flaws add to your character

Challenge and support each other/ bring out the best in each other

have fun and companion ( not in that order)

Make me laugh until I cry or snort ( its been known to happen)

share my love of condiments, action movies, and Scrabble

chemistry ( goes without saying, doesn’t it?)

Balance between easy going and driven

January 6

2007-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

January 5

2007-01-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

January 4

2007-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Today I had my first cavity filled. Hence the cheesy grin!

Day 3

2007-01-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

Pure Joy! I saw my little monsters this morning, they are growing so quickly :(! Will (with the brown blanket) makes me laugh, that blanket is queen sized and he insists of walking around with it. When he drapes it around himself I call him Bruce of Scotland (Braveheart) because to me it resembles a bear skin.

Day 2

2007-01-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

This totally captures my first day back at work after the holidays. Ugh!

A Few things

2007-01-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

A list:

-I haven't already fall down on the Project 365 job. I took pictures for yesterday and today, I hope to post them tonight. Though tonight turned in to Margarita Night, so there might be some very interesting pictures from that.

-One I have been avoiding doing is writing my profile for Match.com. I absolutely hate writing about myself unless it involves a funny story. I am a walking contradiction therefore trying to capture me in words is very difficult. Y'all of course will be my editors and brain stormers, cuz you know I need HELP!!

With all this talk of resolutions I feel compelled to share mine. Don't say I didn't warn you.

1. Work out ( Yes, me and the nine million others making the same resolution).
2. Let go of things that don't effect me directly, despite my opinions on them.
3. Start dating.( I mean really I feel kind of ridiculous about this, who makes a resolution to start dating).

I am keeping the list short in hopes that maybe less is better and more managable.

Happy 2007!

Project 365 Day 1

2007-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

What better way to start the years than with good friends! This is Day 1 of my attempt of documenting my life in pictures. Stay Tuned....

Head's Up

2006-12-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

Project 365 starts tomorrow! Keep your eyes peeled.

Farewell 2006

2006-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

Its the morning of New Years Eve, the much awaited end to 2006. And of course, I am feeling reflective of this past year. Its safe to say that this wasn't one of my best years. While I strove to branch out of my comfort zone, I also succumbed to a darker side of myself.

The highlights were:

- Going to Maui with my best friend

- Seeing two of my very good friends marry the men that they love.

-Having a successful working year

-Watching my nephews grow, talk, walk, run, and laugh with abandon.

-Being healthy

-Continuing to have strong relationships with my friends.

-Traveling by myself for the first time.

The darker side:

-Becoming more closeted in my home.

-Stupidly having expectations in a person, only to prove that having expectations is to only letting yourself down.

-My parents divorce being final the day after my birthday.

-Gaining weight because I am unhappy with myself

-Realizing that I am in some form suffering from depression.

-Allowing myself to become heavier and giving in to my depression.

-Not believing in myself.

-Letting my self doubt rule me.

But thankfully its a new year tomorrow and I can beat me.

Project 365

2006-12-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

I was doing my using blog reading and posted on Crazy Aunt Purl was Project 365.

If I chose this mission I would take a picture everyday. Read about it, it sounds fun. I think I will take it on.

No I Haven't Been Kidnapped by Elves

2006-12-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile (by my standards) since I have posted and I completely blame it on the Holiday Season. This season brings out my ADD and makes it impossible for me to concentrate on a single thought for more than.............see its gone already. However I do want to post at least a little something for my RF's and IIF's to feast there eye's upon, and the only form I can do that in is a list, a collection of short thoughts and randomness.

- When I am 80 I want to be one of those blue haired ladies that get all gussied up to meet her friends for lunch and be that group of old ladies cackling and hen pecking.

-I saw Santa get out of a cop car. Although it was in the holiday for little kids sense and not the felony conviction sense. However its just as entertaining.

-You don't know guilt like that of leaving your nephews to go to dinner with their mom and another colleague. The sobbing of " but but we go, we go" breaks your heart.

-I gave in and went to the dentist today. Only to handed the news that the first week of January I get to go back and have my very first filling. I made it to 28 with no cavities, I am so ashamed to tell my mom. LOL, I am more terrified to actually get real dental work done. I hate the dentist, even the elf that wanted to be a dentist.

-I love holiday movies. I own four, Elf, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Love Actually, and Edward Scissorhands. I only watch them during the holiday season, its my own little tradition. And if you are wondering how Love Actually and Edward Scissorhands are holiday movies, they are set at xmas, thus holiday movie. Work with me here.

-I have given up the gym currently, with all the parties and dinners I haven't had time. I am not proud and feel disgusting but come the day after Xmas, me and that elliptical machine are going to be thick as thieves, or skinny as thieves (going for positive thinking here).

-I know I haven't posted about my birthday, I intend too but I got wonderful things. But I had to mention that in relation to one of my gifts, I think I have finally found a life path I am passionate about. Michele gave me interior design workshop classes starting in March. She also flattered me by asking for my help with her brother's place. Shawn, watch out, I have tons of ideas brewing. However the passionate part came as a realization today actually, when talking with BFTiff. Apparently my face lights up when I talk about it. I am excited about this but to the best of my knowledge this is the first time I have truly passionate about something. :)

-We have been busy as ever at work and I am only taking off Xmas day. Even though I tried to hint about a lax work week, it is becoming a no go. :( So sad won't be able to play with my xmas gifts.

- For the past 5 years I have been celebrating Hanukkah with my boss and her family. We are celebrating this Saturday night, mmmm potato pancakes...... I can't wait. I am going to be the size of a house come Dec. 26th. I might break the elliptical machine.

I am sure I will post before the actual day of Christmas but I still want to wish every one of you the Happiest of Holidays with your friends and family, time with them is the best present of all.

-

I am to little to be left alone

2006-12-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

I know I have yet to post about my weekend but I thought you would like to know that while I may have gotten older, I am to little to be left alone. Tonight after flying in from Vegas ( the only thing of note that happened, ok two, there were a TON of cowboys in town for Grandaddy of all rodeos and I won $60.00 at a slot machine)I came home a little late after some catch up work and decided that I need a little food. I stuck some lavash in my toaster oven, set it to toast and walked away. Harmless right?? The next thing I know smoke is pouring out of the toaster oven. I race over and there are FLAMES, FLAMES in my toaster oven. I open the door, woohoo the flames get larger!! The only thing I can think of is Baking Soda ( thank you Angie) and trying to fling the contents of the box in to my toaster oven, which is hard considering its a small enclosed space, so I was able to put the flames out in the front but the back is burning away. I extract flaming lavash with tongs and toss it in the sink, flames are now out. And my toaster oven is...............ruined.

I am currently sitting in my house with the fans on and windows open trying to air out the haze of smoke and freezing my ass off.
Plastic bubble here I come.

In The Mean Time

2006-11-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

There isn't a whole lot to report this week. I have been helping take care of my nephews since their Dad is on a business trip for the next two weeks and now that they are very mobile and chatter boxes, they are quite the handful. So tomorrow night I will be babysitting them. However a lot of fun things are coming up and I am sure that at least one blog worthy story will come out of it. Here is the Agenda:

Friday Night: Google Holiday Party with my friend Korianne. I am so excited, Google knows how to throw a party.

Saturday: Surprise Outing with BF Tiff for my birthday which is on Sunday. I am very curious, but Tiff is good at keeping a secret, so I have abolsutely no idea depsite my less than stellar attempts at finding out. I would not make a good spy.

Saturday Night:Dinner with Mom and then over to a local bar to help celebrates its 5th Anniversary.

Sunday Afternoon: I am being taken to the theater by Christine to see Edward Scissorhands, I am very intrigued. After that its anyone's guess.

I am looking forward to all the events and I promise to blog about them next week.

Accurate

2006-11-27T21:59:00.000-08:00

I rarely ever listen to the radio however today I tuned in and heard a song that so accurately described my two very awful failed relationships. While I doubt that they miss me, the rest was dead on. Where was this song a few ( ok more than a few) years ago.

Stupid Boy by Keith Urban

well she was precious like a flower
she grew wild, wild but innocent
a perfect prayer in a desperate hour
she was everything beautiful and different
stupid boy... you can't fence that in
stupid boy... it's like holdin' back the wind

chorus:
she laid her heart and soul right in your hands
and you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
she never even knew she had a choice
and that's what happens when the only voice
she hears is telling her she can't
stupid boy
stupid boy

so what makes you think you could take a life
and just push it, push it around
i guess to build yourself up so high
you had to take her and break her down
well...

chorus:
she laid her heart and soul right in your hands
and you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
she never even knew she had a choice
and that's what happens when the only voice
she hears is telling her she can't
stupid boy
stupid boy

you stupid boy
you always had to be right
and now you lost the only thing that ever made you feel alive

chorus:
she laid her heart and soul right in your hands
and you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
she never even knew she had a choice
and that's what happens when the only voice
she hears is telling her she can't
stupid boy
stupid boy

you stupid boy
oh, i'm the same old, same old stupid boy
it took a while for her to figure out she could run
but when she did, she was long gone, long gone

I am not writing this to gain sympathy or to be told when the time is right it will happen. I am showing you this because it is the closest thing I have ever read to describe what my relationships were like.

Thanksgiving Spirit

2006-11-23T23:22:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile its nice to be reminded that there are strangers out there with kindness in their hearts.

This morning, Thanksgiving Day morning, I had to go to the grocery store. Its like one of my biggest fears, the grocery store near or on a holiday. Its always sheer hell. But I put my game face on and dove in. Surprisingly its was very quiet, soooo thankful. Zipping around buying all the supplies for my dessert, I of course forgot a few things. Into the grocery store I went to get the few items that I had forgotten, of course while standing in line the cashier was speaking with another client, it triggered the final ingredient. Of course it is the same ingredient that the other customer happened to be looking for. So I trudged over, following the cashier and other customer, hoping there would be one for me. As luck would have it there was only one box of cookies that I and the other customer was looking for. Here is where the Thanksgiving Spirit comes in, yes its taken me awhile. Instead of the other customer shrugging her shoulders, she offers me half of the box of gingersnaps. Initially I declined thinking that oh well, I will just do without. However the customer insists and declines any payment. Her only question was, "what was I making?". It turns out that she and I were making the same desserts. It defintely made my morning and put a smile on my face.

Progress

2006-11-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

Since I took a stand, I thought that maybe reporting on the results would help keep me accountable and motivated.

Starting last Thursday, I went to the gym Thursday and Friday, hiking in the Saratoga Hills Saturday, and walking for 3.5 hours at the local flea market on Sunday. This week I went to the gym last night (it's only Monday give me a break)and help rescue my mom's dog from the evil chicken wire fence (I will fill you in in a minute). This morning in a panic of what to wear ( my usual state of mind every morning, a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear) I reached for a pair of slacks that I was SURE wouldn't fit. But I risked the disappointment anyway and TADAAAAA the fit better than they have in the past 9 months. I am elated that I am already seeing results, not that I have stepped on a scale mind you, I am not insane. It felt great to do the pants up with ease. :D

Ok back to the rescue story. Last night my mom calls at like 8:30pm, I know this can't be a good thing because she is usually in bed at this point. She tells me one of her dogs has run off and she can't find him anywhere. After repeated offers to come over with a flash light and help she finally agrees and I am really glad she did. I took our other dog Rosie out in to the back year ( we have 1/3 of a acre so there are lots of places to get out) and ask her where "bad dog" is. She races down the path in to pitch black darkness, I am holding my police mag light firm in my hands in case I come across anything more than one of our cats. Well Lassie, Rosie is not but I did find our other dog Fonzie, affectionately also known as The Idiot, the S hook in his collar had gotten snagged on a roll of old chicken wire fencing that had, as he had tried to get away, stuck on a small stump making him immobile. The poor dog never whined while I was calling out or barked. Had I not gone out in the back to look for where he may have escaped from he would have been there all night :(. Funny though our cats and dogs love each other, its a weird phenomenom in my life. One of the cats we have ( there are 4 total) was sitting a few feet away from Fonzie keeping him company. Its was so cute and endearing.

So that was my adventure last night. Such a rivoting life I lead.

2006-11-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

While most people got dressed up and partied for Halloween on Saturday BFTiff , TheBoy (hers, I don’t have one), and I went out and partied our little Halloween asses off on a Sunday night. YEAH, we roll like that. We went to a local country bar that was giving free cover if you dressed up. Being completely unprepared for Halloween this year, I had to made do with what I had on hand.

A few years ago I was in a wedding with what I still consider a slightly hideous dress, something that is completely not my style, but I wore and held on to it think that some day it would come in handy. And boy did it ever...........

Look I am Donna Reed and BFTiff as Sexy Sheriff.

TheBoy is beer, well he drinks enough of it. You are what you drink.

We had a great time or at least I can say I did. Two older gentlemen flattered me by constantly asking me to dance. They twirled me around the floor like I was on Dancing with the Stars. I swear the 4 shots of Southern Comfort and 3 beers helped my rhythm and my partners toes were all intact.

Taking a Stand

2006-11-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that it’s much easier to complain about what we don’t like about ourselves, where we live, our jobs, people in our lives, then actually doing something about it? But it does nothing to rectify the situation. I know I am guilty of it. I complain about my weight and lack of gym motivation but you know what no one but me is going to change that. No one is going to come, pick me up from my house, drive me to the gym, and put me thru the riggers of a work out. Unless of course I pay them a lot and really I don’t have the kind of money. Some days I wish I did.

That got me thinking though about how if I want something to be different in my life I need to go out and do it. No one is going to do it for me. I am an adult despite the occasional tantrum and it’s all a part of growing up and being responsible. And some days it sucks being responsible but you know what, unless I want to end up a bum in the street or independently wealthy, the responsibility isn’t going to go away. Its life, suck it up and face it like the intelligent, independent, and accomplished woman that I am. I need to stop acting like a petulant child, making passive aggressive digs, and change what makes me unhappy. I am the only one in control of my happiness. So here is what I am going to do about it:

- Go to the gym at least 4 times a weeks, whether it’s the morning or evening. If it means I will be late to something, oh well, no one will die.
- I am going to start taking classes in a field that I find interesting. Either Interior design or travel. I will find a way whether it takes me a year or ten years.
- I am going to pursue a hobby and one that doesn’t consist of me sitting on my ass. Maybe photography….

I am sure over the course of my life I will come up with more. But it’s at least a start.

I urge all of my RF’s and IIF’s to take on something that makes you unhappy. Start small, you would be surprised how even the smallest change can make you feel better. Tell me what you are going to take on, I would love to hear about it.

October 29,2006

2006-10-29T23:47:00.000-08:00

Two things happened tonight.

1. I was told that if I lost my shoe, someone would follow me like Cinderella, until he found me to return it. A nice fairy tale even when you are almost 28 years old.

2. I would give up my own happiness for the most dearest to me. My heart breaks to see them struggle internally. All I want, all I would give is to see them happy. Its what I want most in this world. Tears fall knowing this is something I can not give.

Just For Kate

2006-10-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Kate this is just for you :D!

Your Boobies' Names Are...

Thunder and Lightning

Boobie Name Generator

Don't rely on me in an emergency...

2006-10-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ok after talking about my puncture wound it jogged my memory about other wounds I have caused myself, usually while BFTiff is around to calm me down. Or in one particular case, a wound that Tiff inflicted on herself and I almost passed out. See I am not big on blood in general, even in movies. One night a long time ago, BFTiff was cutting something for dinner, I have a feeling it was hotdogs to go in our macaroni (it was the college days, zip it) and her hand got in the way. After gasping (Tiff not me) I stupidly asked to see the wound. Let’s take a break and remind you that I am not good with blood, and at this time, I was secure in my hate blood and all things gory stage. Back to the story, Tiff turns around to show me the cut and I take one look and someone has decided to spin the room. I immediately head for the nearest thing to sit on, stairs in this case, and put my head between my knees. Being the kind caring BF I love, Tiff comes over and starts rubbing my back and doing fun breathing exercises with me, like I was in labor. Let me repeat that, Tiff was taking care of me, the non-injured one. To this day Tiff still likes to tell this story in conjunction with me hurting myself.

I shouldn't be left alone...

2006-10-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have managed to get thru my cooking life without having to bake potatoes apparently. I had to call BFTiff last night and have her walk me thru it. And I can’t imagine how I had the idea that they needed to be put in a Ziploc bag with water and micro waved. So BFTiff lectured me on the evils of plastic poisoning, but what she should have warned me about is the evils of anything sharp in my hands. While puncturing my potatoes, I missed and punctured my hand instead. I have now bled for my dinner. So of course I love being laughed at, I called BFTiff to chastise her for not warning me about the dangers of forks. All I get …………….laughter as I expected. And of course nursed my punctured hand with a glass of wine. Its hard to be me sometimes.

Cruel

2006-10-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

Hi guys- I know I haven't blogged in a little while, but suffering from bloggers block. However I do read your's everyday and this morning I came across this entry in Grrrl Genius over on IVillage Read Here.

I am beyond furious about this. The fashion designers are smug bastard assholes!! To use that poor woman (whether she knew about the plot or not) is cruel. So basically all the regular sized girls just got the big EFF YOU from the fashion industry.