Thursday Thoughts!

SO, I've become a big fan of the bulleted blog/life recap thing...it's easier to organize my thoughts and what I want to say...

• Work is still the same and busy as the end of school approaches. There is a level of stress that gets ramped up at this time. We all try to manage it, but it always takes us over. My work week started with me being thrown under the bus...my boss brought up a petty issue in our staff meeting and I could see the Nasty pulling the puppet strings. It's such childish behavior that they continually exhibit and it sucks that the big guy gets sucked into it. I'm doing better with this whole situation, but it still amazes me how stupid and petty this all is and continues to be...
• Last night, Maggie Bean (my nice co-worker across the hall) gave D and I tickets to the Padres game again. D and I made amazing time from walking out our door to being in our seats before the game started...one hour to be exact. This door to door time included both D and I picking up dinner (Submarina for me, L&L for D), parking and buying trolley tickets (it's so worth the money we save on parking), special trolley that dropped us very close to Petco's gates, checking in and getting to our seats with 20 minutes to spare. We had fun, but the Padres lost. Last night, I realized that I have a funky thing that grosses me out at the games...the Swinging Friar creeps me out in general, but I am especially creeped out by his feet! Everything they do the "stomp stomp clap clap" thing and show him on Friar Vision, I can't look. It's a quirky thing that makes D laugh...random, I know!
• I saw something on MSN online this morning that slightly disturbs me and is thought provoking...it was about being multiracial in America. D is of Pacific Islander (Filipino) descent, yet I don't think of us as an interracial couple...I see us as D and J. I know that our children will be multiracial, but I don't think that way. Mom always teases us that our kids will look like those on Jon and Kate Plus 8. Plus, a few weeks ago, we had dinner with friends (same type of couple as D and I) and the wife said that she realizes that she will not have blond blue eyed children like she'd always thought she would. I think this is an odd statement because you knew who you married and they aren't magically going to be blond and fair. It's the way of the world now that lines are crossed in relationships, but for the media and society to perpetuate this "different" label is wrong in my mind. But I don't think of people as their skin tone or descent...it's just something that furrowed my brow and made me think and know that I will have children who fall into this category.
• Summer vacation planning...D and I are getting ready to finalize plans for us to go on our delayed honeymoon. As it stands now, I am going to Scottsdale (because there is no cooler place to go in the summer) for a convention for 4 days and then, after I get back, we'll leave and go somewhere for a week or so. Our original plan is Seattle and Vancouver. But Mom just sent me something that Sandals resorts is having a 50% off and free nights promotion. I looked at the website late last night and saw what a deal we could get...the only thing is that responsible me (when did that happen?!?) is thinking that spending more on a trip is not a good idea. Then, I remember that we socked away our stimulus check and are getting ready to sell the Jetta which could help pay off the trip sooner...it's such a dilemma for me. But I think that D and I deserve this and really want to make it a special thing for us and we need a real vacation to relax and enjoy each other! I emailed D the website because the offer is expiring soon...I'll leave it in his hands. I'll keep you posted on the vacation plans...

Well, I better get back to what I should be doing...have a great day!

So, it's Monday night, the end of the 3-day Memorial Day weekend...my question tonight is why don't three days of work go as fast as three days off?!? Anyways, it was a pretty great weekend. Here's a recap:

• Friday was the BBQ at work...my boss covered the office so we could go. Then, he let us leave 30 minutes early. I think he is going senile...he told us all something early that morning and then, in the afternoon, he called my co-worker and I into his office and told us the same thing again. We both sat there not wanting to say anything in case we'd imagined it...we hadn't! Left work and stopped at the grocery store...since it was rainy, I figured dinner needed to be something warm and comforting...chili! Dinner made the house warm. D and I watched the Padres game then the DVR...Top Chef and Ugly Betty...before heading to bed.
• Saturday was D and my 6-month anniversary since we got married (we still count because it's been so short) which was exciting to realize that it's been that long! So, that morning, we went our separate ways...D to a Kevin Kouzmanoff signing and me to help Mom pick up some patio chairs. After lunch with Mom and Meema, I headed back home. D and I left for the Padres game early...two players (Shawn Estes and Edgar Gonzalez) were signing before the game. We met up with our friend Richard and hung out at the longest game ever! It was over 3 and a half hours...they lost badly, but I wanted to stay for fireworks...it's cheesy, but entertaining. After the game, D and I were going to grab dinner downtown, but there were (long) lines everywhere we tried to go. So, we ended up with Old Faithful...Denny's! With full stomachs, we headed home to crash.
• Sunday mroning came late...we slept really late...I made us a sausage and veggie scramble for breakfast. In the afternoon, we headed to Mom's for an indoor BBQ. We went earlier than everyone else...Mom needed us to move something out of the garage...she couldn't do it herself because of D's dirt bikes. Since we were moving things, D took his bike out for a ride around the neighborhood a few times. He looked like a little kid having the best time...I made him stop sooner than he wanted because he didn't have his helmet. Mom made some good food (burgers, sausages, cabbage salad, green beans and mashed potato casserole) and we all hung out... it was the usual suspects. We had a lot of fun chatting and hanging out. We went home and relaxed some more before heading to bed.
• Monday was a fun and busy day...we met Mark, one of D's friends, for breakfast at Pipes. Then, D and I ran around...we made a stop at REI (didn't buy anything), Marshalls in Solana Beach (bought several decorative pillows for the couch, a pair of shoes for me, two hats for D, a bath mat and picture frames), Bev Mo (case of New Belgium's summer brew Skinny Dip, bottle of Spanish wine, New Belgium glass set and 4 1554 bombers), Sprint (apparently, I have to contact tech support to resolve my issue rather than customer service helping me), Longs (needed a passport photo taken), Fry's Electronics (new scanner for D) and finally, Ralph's (dinner stuff). We came home...I made us an indoor BBQ dinner...oven baked/barbecued pork ribs, potato salad (Meema's recipe) and corn on the cob. It was so good!

It's been a great weekend...I'm so happy that we found decorative pillows that we liked and did not break our bank account. D and I are redecorating the apartment a little at a time trying to make it more of our home. We'll probably be here another year or so before we can think about getting ourselves a home. It's cozy and our place...hope everyone had a great weekend!

Finally Friday...WooHoo!

Wow, I've made it through another week! Lots happening in small doses this weekend and next week...

• I was the dutiful wife last night...I had to make a dessert for our Admin Center BBQ today. So, I made a double batch of blondies with chopped pecans and chocolate chips...one for me to bring and one for D to take to work. His boss is out today and D is taking the staff to lunch (on the company dime) as a thank you for all their work. Technically, I think D should take me to dinner on the company dime as a thank you for giving up my husband to the laptop/desktop in the evenings to get projects done and during the month end close. But hey that's the life of an cost accountant's wife ;)
• Last night was my first trip to a laundromat and D got a great kick out of this! We had massive amounts of laundry to do and the washing machine in our complex broke down. So, after the Padres game (we have our priorities), we loaded the car with the massive amounts of laundry and headed to the laundromat. We got it all done and now need to finish folding and put it away tonight. It was such a huge accomplishment...lately, it's little things like this that help the focus return! When we got home, we put a set of brand new sheets on the bed...they were a wedding gift. Oh, it was so nice to crawl into clean sheets last night...it was quickly off to sleepy land for both of us!
• The weekend is relatively open and free, for once in a really long time! Tomorrow, D is going on the autograph hunt...Heath Bell is signing at Petco in Carmel Mountain; Kevin Kouzmanoff is signing in San Ysidro and then Shawn Estes is at the ballpark before the game. We are meeting Clint and Christine (she was in our wedding) at the game. Hopefully, it's a drama free game and evening!

Well...the stacks of paper on my desk are taunting me and as much as I don't want to, I better get back to work. Hope everyone has a great 3 day weekend...take a moment to remember those who have fought to allow us the great country we live in. Happy Memorial Day!

Full Moon in Effect and Other Stories of Exhaustion!

Oh my goodness...I am freaking exhausted...I feel like I have not stopped running since my last blog. I also think that this full moon thing is taking it's toll on me...D and I have gotten in the stupidest tiffs about really random, useless things in the last week...we are all good, but it's exhausting having "lively" discussions about stupid stuff! So, here a random recap of my last week and all that leads me to today...

• Went on an interview for a director's position last week, but didn't get it! I wasn't too surprised because the woman who works there got the job. It was good practice and I'm sure another position will come up again.
• The weekend was fun and jammed pack. Ron and Perlina came up Saturday from the EC and brought the heat with them! We started with breakfast at Beach Break Cafe in Oceanside...they are always busy on the weekend, but have the best breakfasts! Then, a stop at the outlets in Carlsbad...complete with a $20 shoe purchase for me from Kenneth Cole. Then, off to San Marcos for a stop at Nordstrom Rack...lots of great things there, but no purchase. Then, on to every woman's favorite place...Fry's (not!). Ron "treated" us to 50 cents hotdogs and sodas from the San Marcos Fire Department fund raiser...it was our best meal of the weekend ;) Then, off to the Ducati dealer...Ron and D were like kids in a candy store, while Perlina and I were ready for a nap! Ron bought a Ducati last year after he saw one while travelling with D. After the Ducati place, we made a stop in Kearny Mesa for a walk through car dealers...I'm in love with the BMW X6 and the Toyota Sequoia. Although, I think any future offspring of D and I will be riding in a Sequoia. After all this running around, we stopped home for a quick rest before heading out for the evening. We went to dinner at Costa Brava...our tapas and wine (2 bottles) dinner was so much fun! We laughed and talked...Perlina coveted the olives! Sunday morning, they headed back to EC. D and I decided to get running...because we hadn't eaten enough already, we headed to Cardiff for breakfast at Pipes Cafe. This is another breakfast fave! Then, off to run more errands. Home for a bit before parting ways for our individual dinner activities. Me to calendar planning with the girls and D to dinner with a friend.
• Work has been it's usual fun place with a spin...my coworker (nasty #1) is getting married in September, so as has been tradition with me and another person getting married, the larger department throws a bridal shower. It was after work on a Friday in our large conference room complete with snacks and gifts. Well, Nasty #2 announces that #1's shower will be on a Saturday in July (both myself and nice coworker are out of town that weekend...it's on our office calendar). Now, there is all kinds of drama with this shower and I'm pretty sure that the Nastys are complaining how we've ruined it!
• I've been working like a dog the last few weeks of work...lots of happening as we gear up for the end of the school year and summer. I've been so busy that I've thought that I've confirmed appointment with panel members and haven't (oops...it's only been 2, but I hate that).
• Maggie Bean, a coworker across the hall, gave me her tickets to last night's Padres game...what an eventful evening! First, Albert Pujols beaned Chris Young in the head with a hit, then he took out Josh Bard then a fight in our section, and finally, Wally Joiner was ejected from the game...it was definitely a full moon in effect!

Now, I'm heading back to work...hopefully, things will calm down...take care!

Random Thoughts on a Friday!

So...my brain is filled with all kinds of random things floating around...I'm going to share...

• The whole SDSU drug bust thing...first of all, how stupid are these people?!? I hope that the ride on the high was worth it because that's one hell of a low to ride now. Also, how do you call your parents to tell them you were arrested for that? I would rather sit in jail than call my mom...jail is easier than handling my mom in a situation like that! Hence the reason I never got into big trouble! Another thing...just because some of the idiots were members of fraternities, why does the media and general population insist on extending the negative stereotype of Greek life?!?
• The whole gay marriage thing (pretty sure this will cause some controversy)...being raised Catholic, I'm sure that my views go against the Church. However, if people find love and companionship with a person of the same sex, why is it my duty to deny them of this? The other argument is that it violates the sanctity of marriage...I'm married and this does nothing to my personal views of marriage...it's just the judgmental side of the world.
• Why do people insist on being rude and nasty in their everyday life?!? Life is too short to be that way and live in such a negative mood...get over your drama and attitude!
• If your work hours are 8-5, does that mean you get to leave at 4:40 when the boss is gone? Oh, and this is after more than an hour lunch and socializing with other people. While I understand the laxness of a day without the boss, that doesn't mean that you should take advantage of the situation.
• What happened to common courtesy and respect for others in day to day life?!?
• I'm hating Usher's song "In this Club" and cringe every time I hear it...it has lyrics that say "I want to make love in this club" over and over and over...enough with this stupid song!
• I got a pedicure last night with Mom...my feet look good and my toes are painted one of my favorite colors...OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress! I'm not a red nail fan, but love to have my toes in a sassy red color!
• The weather is gorgeous and I love it! Last night driving home from my mom's, I had the sunroof open and the music blaring...I could have driven forever!
• Season finale of The Office was okay...not too funny, but I loved the last scene with Dwight and Angela getting caught in a "compromising" position! I think Phyllis fainted...also, how cute is Jim?!?

Now, it's the weekend...life is good...thanks for reading my random thoughts post...peace out!

It's a Busy Life!

Life has been so busy with little things lately that I haven't had time to blog and update things. Work is good and busy with lots of testing going on...nothing has really changed, but I think that accepting the situation has eliminated some (most) of the related stress. I can't change someone and their personality...if people want to be rude and nasty, then there is nothing I can do about that. It's a good feeling to be a bigger person and not let it get to me. On the work front, I applied for a director position in another district. Yesterday, I went to an interview for the position...I was one of three candidates. Overall, I felt like the interview went well...they chose someone who works in that district already and has a tenure and history there. I'm not upset about it, but am a little disappointed that my next step on the career ladder will have to wait. I am a firm believer in "right timing" and this was not the right time for me take this position.

D and I have been leading the crazy life...we really want to clean the apartment and do some redecorating, but we have not had the block of time we've needed. Last week, we were each out almost every night doing something. It felt odd to live together, but not see each other much because we were so busy. D had a rough time toward the end of the week...we found out that a college friend has passed away in an accident at home and he was only 40. It's a difficult thing to have someone close to our age pass away. By Friday, we were both dead to the world and went to bed early...it's a rockstar life we lead...haha!

Saturday, we went autograph chasing for D...Adrian Gonzalez was signing in Eastlake. It's fun to go and watch D and his buddies geek out on this memorabilia thing. Saturday night, we went to the Padres game with our friends Mike and Erin. D and I won them last year from Cox Communications at a signing. Before the game, we went to dinner at Fleetwoods...it was an interesting place that was stuck between fine dining menu and ballpark casualness. Not sure that I'd go back, but we had a nice time. The game was good...they won and Greg Maddux finally got win number 350.

Sunday was Mother's Day...we went to Carol and Joel's before dinner. We were able to video conference with Todd, Christine and Tucker...Tucker aka Baby E is now a month old and such a doll! They will come visit over Labor Day weekend. Then, we all headed to dinner at the family hangout, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. They know us there and we are treated really well. Dinner was fun...the ladies all liked their gifts (massages for Mom, Mickey Mouse figurine for Meema...she collects, and Borders gift cards for Alicia and Carol).

This week has been more mellow at home, but it's been a crazy busy week at work. Last night, D and I needed to get out of the house. We walked through Ikea and Target to get some ideas for the apartment. I have three major wants right now...coffee table, decorative pillows for the couch and a comforter set for the bedroom. I saw some things I liked, but nothing that I had to have last night. We also finished our shopping for a care package for Tucker...we bought him some cute outfits, rattles and a Padres onesie...I know his dad is probably a Phillies fan, but he needs some San Diego influence in his life :)

So, it's a busy life I lead, but a happy life...peace out!

Weekend Recap...It's Monday Already!

Ah, yes, it's Monday of another busy week! The weekend was good...it had it's up moments and it had it's down moments. Friday, D and I headed downtown to the birthday dinner. Monsoon on 5th Avenue was nothing to write home about...the food was okay and I was still hungry at the end of dinner. The group decided to order a bunch of dishes to share, but there wasn't enough to fill or satisfy. The best part of dinner was the drink I order...Karma Sutra with vodka, passion fruit juice and a splash of Sprite...it was really good and one of those drinks that is easy to drink, but would knock me on my butt if I drank too many. After dinner, the group headed down the street to Confidential which a lounge and bar down the street. We ordered drinks and found a table upstairs...D and I were having a great time "couch dancing" and people watching. It was fun until two in our group started fighting...we're not sure of their status, but it is awkward to hear people fight. Deciding that was enough, we decided to head home...it was way past our bedtime anyway :)

Saturday, we had some errands to run...took the dustbucket (Jetta) to the car wash, dropped off rent, stopped at the bank, got gas in the Jetta (and sold a kidney to do so) and a bunch of other random errands. While we were out, I remembered seeing a segment about a cupcake place near home. It became my quest to find it...Cupcakes Squared. I was not disappointed...upon walking in, we got to sample the chocolate peanut butter which was a light chocolate cupcake with peanut butter flavored frosting. D, who is not a sweets eater, was impressed and asked for another sample. We ended up with 6 cupcakes to go...we had one for dessert that night...soooo good! After our trip there, I dropped D at home before I ran to Trader Joes and Vons for some groceries. This was a bad idea because I ended up with a lot of things that were impulse...D is my guide post when I grocery shop...I bought some veggies, sweet potato fries (wanting to try these and heard they were good), chipotle ranch fries (impulse...they were next to the sweet potato fries...I refrained from buying the garlic fries), scallops, shrimp and other things. At Vons, two six-packs of beer made it into my cart (again another impulse) and the remainder of my shopping list. When I got home, D said he was getting ready to call me because I had been gone so long. After a short rest, I started making dinner, a recipe I found online...vegetable lasagna, but I added some italian sausage. It turned out well, but was a lot of work...I also learned that my conversion thoughts are off (half gallon is not 4 cups...oops). After dinner, we debated about going to see Iron Man, but stayed in to watch the DVR (The Office, Top Chef, One Tree Hill and Ugly Betty).

Sunday morning, we headed up to meet Mom and Meema for breakfast. Meema's eye situation has not improved (may have worsened), so she will no longer be driving. So, she asked D to help sell the Saturn. The battery was dead, so D replaced it...now, Mom is going to take it for an oil change and car wash and then we'll list it. It was good to spend some time with Mom while D did his work. Mom did tell me that she is afraid that Meema is getting her life into order (selling the car, cleaning out things) to get ready to die. This upset me...I know she is almost 87, but I'm not ready to think about her not being here. I tucked it away in my head and never said anything to D until much later...I have a bad habit about keeping it in and am trying to work on this (that's the subject of a whole other blog). After leaving Mom's, D and I stopped at Kennedy's Karne Asada to pick up some pre-Cinco De Mayo food (pollo asada, tortillas, salsa)...we both have things on the 5th, so we did it a day early. It was soooo good! After dinner, we watched Rocky Balboa (the last installment in the Rocky series). It was entertaining...not the best and not the worst.

Then, off to bed to get ready for the new week...lots happening this week...Monday night is HOC or senior banquet for the graduating girls in Chapter, Tuesday night is book club (catching up on life and gossip more than talking about the book), dropping the Jetta off at the dealer for a recall and then nothing Wednesday (maybe Mother's Day shopping...I lag), Thursday with Mom and Meema...then we have the weekend. I hope everyone has a great week full of fun and happiness!

Another Eventful Day in My Life!

Yesterday was another eventful day...I had a work meeting at 4:00 that is usually short. However, last night's meeting was especially charged with some issues. It was like all the controversy got pushed into one meeting. After a longer meeting than anticipated, I left work around 5:45 and headed up to see Mom, Meema and the boys. They were both on the couch with their purses...so, this meant dinner out for the girls! Mom asked if it was okay to go out because she had been busy with house stuff all week and didn't make dinner. It was more than fine with me. Our destination...Philly Frank's Steaks in San Marcos. I was so excited because I have been craving one this week because I'd been hearing Ted Leitner talk about philly cheesesteaks (the Padres were in Philadelphia) and I haven't had one since I demolished (nothing left, not even one crumb of bread) one on my trip in February.

This trip to Philly Frank's did not disappoint...dinner was a mushroom and onion cheesesteak for me, regular cheesesteaks for Mom and Meema, onion rings and cheese fries to be completed with a Fat Tire Bomber (22 ounces) for Meema (trust me, there is a reason Meema has earned the moniker of Pace Car in my family), Springboard Ale (another New Belgium beer...their spring seasonal offering) for me and iced tea for Mom (she's not a beer fan). Dinner was great until Scott, the drunk came into the restaurant and started causing problems. The first oddity with Scott (found out his name later) was him walking in the door, loudly slamming a ratty paper bag with a large bottle of beer on a table and heading into the restroom (his shirt was half buttoned and his shorts were unzipped). After he came out, he went to the counter, slammed his soda can down and wanted Tina (the girl running the place) to open his bottle of beer. She told him that she couldn't do that for him...it's against the law to bring your own alcohol into certain establishments. He tried to argue with her...even pulling out a bottle from his pocket of more alcohol. He refused to leave her alone...she asked him to leave. He said he would, but not before he came over to our table (lucky us!) and tried to talk to us...he kept patting Meema on the arm and back asking her name. She finally told him (picture an 86 year old woman talking calmly, but firmly to a drunk) that he was interrupting our dinner and he needed to do what Tina asked and leave. He apologized and told her he meant no disrespect and started staggering around, but still not heading to the door. Then, another guy who works there tried to get him to leave in a calm manner...it then got a little uglier, when the other guy who works there came out...there became some shouting complete with expletives. Tina called the sheriff to come, but the guy finally left the area. After a little more time (and once our heart rates came back to a normal speed), we left. It was a scary situation for us to be in...in light of the current world and what happened at Extraordinary Desserts, it is difficult to know what someone like Scott is thinking. He could have had a gun or a knife or something that could hurt people...on the other side, the compassionate me felt bad for him. So, we headed home and I spent some time catching up with Mom and Oneder, who has become more of a spoiled brat since I've been gone...he demands to be brushed after my mom finished doing her own hair and will not leave her alone. He also gets moody if she is gone too long or their routine changes. He is quite the child, but we love him to death!

Now, it's almost the weekend...I get to leave an hour early because of the meeting yesterday! D and I are going to the monthly sportscard show today...I think the signer this month is Matt Wilhelm from the Chargers. Then, we are meeting some of D's coworkers at Monsoon (an Indian restaurant downtown) for a birthday dinner. No big plans for tomorrow...just some errands and cleaning up around home. Sunday, we are meeting Mom and Meema for breakfast and then helping with the car...Meema has had issues with her eyes over the last 18 months that have eliminated the possibility of her driving anymore. So, now, she wants to sell her car...we think it needs a new battery, but D is going to check it first. Then, I have to make something for a work brunch on Monday and salsa for D to take to his work's Cinco De Mayo party. It should be a good weekend...hope everyone has a great one!

Not Cranky...Feeling Better and Getting It Done!

Things are so much better that they were on Tuesday...D and I got over whatever little funky thing we went through, no worse for the wear! Wednesday was a good day...we carpooled (gas is too ridiculous for both of us to drive north each day alone...we've been trying to carpool if we don't have events after work) and got to spend some time talking about things. After work, we headed home to wait for the AAA Battery Service to show up. Yes, after so much procrastination, I called AAA on Tuesday and set up an appointment to have my battery replaced. As promised, the man showed up around 6:00...he was really nice. I knew that it was going to be a challenge to do it because D was going to do it, but Googled how to do it and saw a post that it takes at least 3 hours. Well, this guy was a little more experienced and called his backup...by 7:15, the new battery was installed. So, D and I decided to take the dust bucket (the car is so filthy) out and headed to the library. I love books and the library is one of my favorite places in the world. Armed with my list of wanted reads, I meandered through. I ended up checking out 5 books...not much fluff reading, but some good ones including one on the OJ Simpson murder trial (I've read almost all of the books about this...I remember all that drama when I was in college), Tony Dungy's biography (head coach of the Indianapolis Colts...looked interesting...I had seen it at Costco, but didn't want to buy it), Complications (about medical school, doctors and medicine...another random fascination I have)and two others I can't remember. After the library, D and I decided to spend some cash and grab some dinner rather than cook because we were both so wiped out. We headed to comfort food...Hometown Buffet. We ran into D's little brother from the fraternity. It had been a while since D had seen or talked to him...Brian had kind of dropped out of life and been MIA. We caught up for a bit before eating. I thought I did well with what I ate, but I was wrong! Before we got home, my stomach began it's revolt against my food intake. It was possessed with a monster growling and rumbling...after releasing the monster and all it's friends, I crawled into bed with my first book choice...Complications. I have read the introduction and was captivated, but my eyelids began to flutter before I could read anymore. I kissed D goodnight and went to bed...D was up getting his new camera ready to send back to Canon for the second time...it pooped out again for no reason. Haha...my refurbished Canon (the replacement from the concrete bouncing incident) is so much better!

Now, it is another day...work is mellow (remind me to post about this later) and I have zero productivity (as noticed with me blogging at 9:00 in the morning instead of working) in me lately, but I have a meeting this afternoon. Then, I'm headed off to see Mom, Meema and the boys. Hope everyone has a blessed day!