Weekend Recap...Back to Work!

It's Monday after a long and busy weekend. We kept pretty busy and active this weekend...we started out a little rough on Thursday. I was a little emotional about selling the Jetta and what that meant and then D had a run in with our (drunk)neighbor. As he was coming out to help me unload the car from my WalMart run, she cornered him and asked him why we were hogging the street parking. We have 3 (was 4 cars)and we usually park 2 in our space and then have one on the street (which is public), but lately with our crazy schedules, one of us parks on the street and one in the driveway. D was pretty irritated by this, especially considering we don't complain about their drunken parties and having friends over who smoke outside our front door and who get so loud that we have to close our front door. Plus, the slamming screen door at all hours of the night...with all this on a regular basis, we never complain about them. All of this garbage and more mixed together led to excess stress for both D and I...so much that neither of us got more than 3 hours of sleep on Thursday night.

• Friday: We carpooled and left work around 3:00 to take care of the personalized plate transfer from the Jetta. AAA made our lives so much easier rather than having to make a visit to the DMV. After this was done, D and I had an early dinner at Sam Woo and then made a stop at Costco before heading home. Once home, we did the license plate switches and installments and cleaned that last traces of me out of the Jetta. The rest of the night was spent on the couch watching the Padres lose (again) , The Next Food Network Star and picking up the living room area.
• Saturday: El Ron and Perlina came up to visit and escape the EC heat (it's already been close to 120 there). We went to the Jake Peavy signing in Mira Mesa. We got there early, so Ron, Perlina and I made a Starbucks run and then did some early morning browsing at Mervyns and Bed Bath and Beyond. Jake signed our team bat...the man next to him told me that it looked like (with all the signatures) I got around...to which I replied, "Don't tell my husband". Jake and the man got quite a laugh out of that. After the signing, we headed to the coast for breakfast at Pipes in Cardiff followed by a stop at the Carlsbad outlets. They were having a sale at Coach, so D and I ended up getting passport wallets and a new everyday wallet for D. The, we made a stop at Cycle Gear (Ron wanted to look at helmets) and then Fashion Valley. Since we were there, I decided to get my eyebrows done at the Benefit Brow Bar at Macy's (Ryan does a great job). While we were waiting, Perlina and I ended up getting cornered by the girl at the Benefit counter to try some of their products. I fell in love with what she did and ended up buying a few things. We then headed home to relax for a while before heading out in the evening. We went to dinner at the Butcher Shop (crappy waitress...did not know how to serve wine and was lame in all ways) and then to see "Get Smart". I liked the movie and was highly entertained, but then again, I like stupid humor.
• Sunday: I had to meet Dianna around noon at Mom's to transfer the Jetta, so I took it to get washed and put some gas (it was on E and I needed to make it to Mom's). She came around 12:30 and the transaction was completed. I was a little sad as I watched her drive away, but also relieved that it had been taken care of. After spending a little time with Mom, D and I went to a late breakfast at Beach Break before making another stop at the outlets. D wanted to pick up a pair of shoes he'd seen the day before. We made a stop at Henry's for some groceries and then headed home. I fell asleep on the couch for a while before watching The Next Food Network Star. The rest of the evening was spent making lunches and other random things...I think I fell asleep during Ice Road Truckers.

This week is short and there is not much happening...D has month end/quarter end close this week. I know that they need to have month end done by Thursday afternoon, so he'll be pretty busy with work. I need to start getting organized for Scottsdale and then our Seattle trip...it will be here before I know it. Have a great day!

Farewell to the Jetta!

So, I did it...the Jetta sold last night! Dianna (the buyer) is meeting me on Sunday to take possession of the car and do the paperwork. I'm happy that I was able to sell it, but I am sad also. It's like a piece of me going away. So, in honor of the Jetta, I'm going to reminisce about our sweet times together...

• Doing my research and knowing exactly what I wanted...enough so, Mom and I spent 4+ hours in the dealer on Memorial Day buying it.
• Being a passenger for several weeks after I broke my ankle.
• Taking the "girls" (Mom, Meema and sometimes, Alicia) to Ruth's for dinner and us all singing the soundtrack to RENT or Ricky Martin and having such fun while trying to keep Mom cool from one of her hot flashes that always happened as we got ready to leave for Ruth's.
• Mom and Meema both getting sick (not at the same time) after having too much fun at Ruth's...it's that good bartender and drinks concept!
• Driving alone to Torrance during the summer for a work class early in the morning with a Starbucks, the sunroof open and music blaring.
• The nasty pothole I hit in Rancho Santa Fe on a rainy day on my way to work in Encinitas.
• My battery exploding when the Ruth's valet started my car and the ride home with the tow truck driver.
• Cousin Clevelander having to drive the crammed (5 people) Jetta home for Meema's 80th birthday party because Mom and I never got a chance to eat, but we always had a glass of wine in our hands.
• Driving home from the EC after D's mom's funeral and realizing that something had changed between us...and trying to convince myself that logically it was just the emotion of the weekend.
• Driving home from D's after our first date and talk...being so happy, but so scared at what we had talked about.
• Driving home from D's in Del Mar via Del Dios so late at night and smiling about our time together.
• Taxiing the girls around shopping, to meals, on errands and just everywhere and anywhere we wanted.
• Running out of gas on my way to get gas because I pushed the limits of the gas light being on...it was the one and only time this happened!
• Work day lunches spent reading, listening to talk radio and occasional (frequent) power naps.
• Becoming really good at parallel parking from my visits to D's.
• Paying for brand new brakes (front and rear...it was a must do) two weeks before the wedding because who doesn't want to spend that kind of money right before their wedding!

So, thank you Jetta for carrying me safely over the past nine years...it's been an interesting ride!

Susie Homemaker and The Busy Life!

Is it Friday, yet?!? It's been another busy week full of life and nothing special...I have been quite the Happy Homemaker and spending lots of good time in the kitchen. I go through phases where I get bitten by the culinary bug and this week seems to be the beginning of that phase. Monday, after work, I headed to Henry's and bought a bunch of food, mostly veggies before heading home. Monday night, I made Giada's Warm Vegetable Salad made with potatoes, fresh green beans and roasted red peppers with an oregano, lemon, lemon zest and olive oil dressing. I brought it to our work potluck on Tuesday and served it cold. It turned out really well and there was one spoonful left at the end of lunch. I also made Ina Garten's Roasted Shrimp and Orzo salad (minus the roasted shrimp). It has orzo, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese with a dill, lemon juice and olive oil dressing...it was like orzo and greek salad met. There is a bowl in our fridge and it's been lunch this week for us.

Tuesday was potluck and a day of work without my nice coworker...translation: it was me and the Nastys all alone for the whole day. It was another invisibility moment (day) for me...and the bizarre and rude behavior went to a whole new level...if I didn't experience this, I would never believe it. My nice coworker and I always say that if we could write this into a book, we would be on the book tour pretty darn fast...it would be a great story a la Devil Wears Prada. After work, D and I headed to the gym...we had a good workout before heading home. D is usually really good with allowing me freedom is the kitchen and does not request much, but he did that night. He was craving stroganoff and rice...so, that's what we had. It was really good and so easy to make.

Wednesday, my nice coworker was back (yeah!) and proceeded to laugh and cry at all the stories I had to share, but she chuckled the most when at the end, I summed it up with the phrase "It was just another day in (insert office name)." After work, we headed to the gym again for another intense workout. Then came home and I made the quickest dinner because I had done a lot of prep work the night before and in the morning...dinner was chicken satay with cold peanut noodles. The chicken marinated all day and the noodles (wheat spaghetti) cooked the night before. All I needed to do was cook the chicken, make the dressing for the peanut noodles and throw it together. This was my kind of meal...fast, easy and delicious. I'm trying to spice the menu up a little...it seems like we've gotten in a rut and we have the same things for dinner. So, I've been trolling the cooking websites and blogs for ideas that would work for our life.

After dinner, I finished my book, Loving Frank. This was our book club book and I think it was one of the best things I've read in a long time. I was a little skeptical about reading it because it's not something I would have picked up on my own, but I was hooked from the beginning. I also had an intense reaction and feeling to the last 30 pages. I kept saying Wow over and over again as I read and finished the ending to the book. I can't remember the last book that had that profound effect on me. Now, I'm in search of my next books...I need to get one for our trip. I don't think I'll have a lot of reading time, but in all the travel, there should be some quality time for me.

Tonight, I'm heading to see Mom, Meema and the Boys. Mom has dinner all planned out for my visit and I think she and I have a pedicure date also. I missed last week due to my sick episode, so I think she is really looking forward to my time with them...she and I catch up on life and what's happening. I think it's a good release for having to deal with Meema and her issues...she can tell me the latest and vent about it. They sold Meema's car a few weeks ago and Meema won't be driving anymore due to her eye issues, so Mom is the chauffeur for doctors appointments, pharmacy runs, and every other kind of errand that Meema can think of.

Speaking of cars, we listed the Jetta again...we had one interested party, but he wanted to give me $1300 less than I was asking. I have an amount I want to get out of it and am hoping I can sell it within the next two weeks before the travelling starts. Well, I better get back to work. I have a project that I need to get done today...yeah! Have a great day!

It's a New Week...the Weekend Recap!

Welcome to the new week...the boss is on vacation this week and I have started my own vacation countdown...only 14 working days until I blow this popsicle stand for 11 days away from here. I am getting so excited to be taking a real vacation. Last year, I took days off for wedding stuff and other events, but never a long trip away anywhere. Here's a recap of the weekend...

• Friday: Attended an end-of-year happy hour thrown by Lorrie at her home in Rancho Bernardo. She lives in the Westwood section which was one of the hardest hit sections of RB during the October wildfires...there are still homes being rebuilt or empty lots that I passed. I had not been into that area since the fires and was amazed at the random devastation of that area. The happy hour was fun as we all caught up on gossip and other things. After the happy hour, I headed home...D and I had a miscommunication event relative to dinner, but after we each got over our grumpiness, we had a quiet night at home. We finally (after a long stretch...several months) watched Ratatouille from our Netflix stack. It was a cute Pixar offering, but I think we were more entertained by the shorts at the beginning.
• Saturday: Another day with D chasing autographs...I complain about this and know I don't have to go, but sometimes, after a really long week with limited "us" time, I want to spend time with him. We started at Costco picking us some photos, headed to Brecht BMW for free Chik-Fil-A sandwiches and waters and signings by Kevin Kouzmanoff (really cool guy...met him in Denver last year) who insulted my photo and joked with us; Tony Clark who complained about the heat which made him laugh since he lives in Phoenix in the off season. While at Brecht, I fell in love with the 1-series convertible which is so practical (not!) in light of future Big D family offspring (not pregnant yet, nor am I thinking about it...don't want to start any rumors) and intense desire (and pressure) to get our act together and buy our own home. Then, after more drooling over cars (the new M is sweet looking also), we headed to another signing stop...Mi Pueblo which is a Hispanic market in east Escondido. It was about 10,000 degrees and there was no shade. We got there in time for Jody Gerut to sign our stuff and then waited for Edgar Gonzalez. He was supposed to sign from 1:00-2:00, but did not arrive until 10 minutes before 2:00. Needless to say, I was charred to a crispy lobster red after standing on the blacktop for so long. After the signing, D and I headed to San Marcos for lunch at Fish House Vera Cruz. Because I was so hungry, I ordered way too much food...oysters/clams on the half shell to share, sopa de pescado and a combination seafood salad. After our late lunch, we headed south...and stopped at Mission Valley (Nordstrom Rack and then DSW) looking for white dress shoes for me (found them at DSW)...stopped for some groceries and headed home to our hot box of an apartment. Considering we live less than a mile from the beach, it should not have been so hot, but it was so bad...no air circulating. We had the front door and windows open plus 2 fans going and it still was not enough to cool the place. Dinner was some boiled shrimp and chips and dips. We were both lazy puddles on the couches watching some of the Padres game, Olympic trials for women's gymnastics and History Channel documentaries. Because the living room was cooler than the bedroom, we decided to sleep on our pullout couch.
• Sunday: Made breakfast and did some laundry...at 6:00, we met the family at Buca Di Beppo for uncle banking mogul's birthday dinner. Food was good...family, not so good. Let's put it this way...invisibility is a good thing as a superhero, but not as a real person. D and I were almost silent for most of dinner...the conversation focused on everyone else including Baby E and his parents (aunt and uncle are heading east for a visit next week) and Clevelander. After dinner, we headed home and watched TV together on the couch. On the TV menu, Snapped (on Oxygen about women who kill...so addicted to this show for some reason) and Ice Road Truckers before heading to bed.

Now, it's a new week and it seems to be a mellow one...D has softball playoffs tonight...if they win the 7:45 game, he'll be home around 9:30. If they lose, they have to play at 9:00, so he'd be home around 11:00. I have to make a dish for monthly work birthday potluck event tomorrow. I'll probably go grocery shopping at lunch, so I can head home after work to relax. Have a great day!

Back to the Land of the Living!

So, the last 48 hours have been quite eventful! Wednesday, I had a migraine for most of the day and even took 4 migraine pills throughout the day to try to get rid of it. Just before leaving work, I had a dizzy hot flash spell and decided to fore go the planned workout for resting time. I figured it was my recent lack of appetite for protein with the heatwave. D and I stopped for gas and headed home. I took a little nap on the couch and felt much better. After dinner, while on the computer, I started having some stomach cramps. Thinking it was just gas pangs, I decided to go to bed early. Several false alarm trips to the restroom yielded to nausea and horrendous back pain and abdominal pain. I was in tears at one point with D asking me if he should take me to the hospital. After some subsiding pain, the horrendous pain came back...we left for urgent care at 11:00 p.m. The ride to urgent care in La Jolla was the longest ever...D kept rubbing my back as he drove.

We made it urgent care and got checked in quickly...I was called into the triage nurse within 5 minutes of being there. He asked my symptoms and told me that it could be one of three things: cyst (been there, done that), appendicitis or kidney stone. He said they would get a bed ready for me and call me as soon as they could. I guess the site of me bent in half and crying expedited the urgent care process. I made a trip to the restroom (nausea hit again) and then got called back into a room. They had me change and give them a sample before taking blood and giving me medicine for pain and nausea. It kicked it almost immediately and they told me to relax a little. The doctor came in and told me that they would be sending me down to have a cat scan so they could pinpoint the cause of my pain. Around 1:00 a.m., I was wheeled down for my cat scan (my first one). D wheeled me back to urgent care...around 2:00 a.m., I heard they had gotten my results and would be talking to me soon. The nausea came back, so the nurse gave me another dosage of medication. The doctor finally came in and said that everything looked fine and he thinks I somehow had a kidney stone and it had passed. Around 2:30 a.m., I was discharged with a pain medication prescription. We got home around 3:00 a.m. where we both left messages at work that we would be in late after our evening at urgent care.

Thursday morning, I planned on coming into work, but after a shower, I felt dizzy and nauseous again. Instead, I filled my prescription and spent the afternoon into the evening dozing. I watched some television and just tried to get my energy and appetite back. In spite of all the sleep, I still managed to go to bed and sleep through the night. This morning, I came to work and fell okay. I'm a little sore from being so sick and still feel a little sleepy...I'm going to try to work a full day, but will see how it progresses.

Needless to say, the last 48 hours have not been my best. D took good care of me and made sure that I was okay. Now, it's onto the weekend...have a great one!

Random Musings...It Must Be Tuesday!

It's Tuesday...Monday was not a bad day...I just had to endure the hissy fits of my coworkers and a long day. It's summer mode now...our office is still relatively busy, but my workload has calmed down. I'm trying to get some things organized and underway before I head out on vacation in less than a month (but who's counting). After work, I headed home and took some photos of the Jetta. We are going to sell it now, but we still have to do the license plate transfer (it has a personalized plate that I want to keep) and list it for sale. Then after watching some bad reality TV that I had recorded (D had softball), I made dinner. Saturday in my travels to visit Mom, I stopped at the "day old" bakery and bought way more than I needed...so much so, that I got a free loaf of bread and an Entemann's chocolate cake. One of my purchases was Boboli pizza crust and sauce...hence, dinner last night became pizza! It had italian sausage, fresh garlic, mushrooms, onions, olives and cheese. For a store bought crust, it was not a bad dinner...and there was enough for us to both bring leftovers for lunch today.

After dinner, we decided that we would knock out booking our train tickets for the round trip Seattle to Vancouver...in order to do so, we needed our passport information. My new passport in the Mrs. New Name came last week...a lot sooner than I expected...was located, but D's was lost in oblivion. We both searched the last places we thought we'd seen it without luck...after about an hour of searching, I was ready to give up and became a crumpled mess on the floor. All I could see is that our planned trip was ruined if we could not find D's passport...a little melodramatic, I know, but we really need this vacation and it cannot come soon enough! In my personal pity party, I hear D say "I found it". Yeah, I wanted to cry with happiness then! He hugged me and all was good and got even better...we saved more on our tickets with my AAA membership. So, now, all the travel logistics (transportation and lodging) have been handled.

This morning was our large department's end of the year breakfast...our big boss throws one every year as a thank you for all of our hard work and we get to go in later to work. With the exception of one director, we had a full turnout. At the end of breakfast, big boss usually does some kind of speech/skit to thank us. This year, it was Mister Rogers, complete with the music, cardigan and sneakers. I must admit that it was a little weird, but it's nice to feel appreciated (what a concept). Now, I'm back to work with a full tummy and a glass of iced tea (the waiter packed one up for me) trying to get focused and get some things done.

Have a great day...

Monday, Monday...Tales from the Weekend!

Wow...lots happening in life right now. The weekend was good and eventful and I think (crossing my fingers) that the week will be mellow.

• Friday: After work, I picked up Mom and Meema and we headed to Michelle's 40th birthday party. Michelle is part of the family that has known my family since our great grandmothers were 19 (or a really long time ago). Michelle's husband, Gary and her parents planned a great party complete with Sangria and food from Cenote Grill which is a hole in the wall Mexican eatery in Escondido. Their food is so good! After dinner and socializing, Michelle's uncle Joe emceed a Name That Tune contest. Joe is really good at devising games...he's known for his great games at their family parties. Guess who won Name That Tune and beat out 21 other contestants?!? None other, than Me! I even won a prize...$25 Visa gift card. I got home around 10:30, just before D and Steve got home from their running around and dinner at Sam Woo. We all hung out for a few moments before crashing.
• Saturday morning, I dropped D off at a signing event in San Marcos and headed to Mom's to hang out. Mom needed to make another trip to Home Depot and needed the 4Runner for that trip. We bought a new mini palm and big pot for her tomato plantings. The backyard has become a big thing for my Mom...she is prepping for a big family party over Labor Day. It's around Meema's birthday and in honor of Baby E's first visit to SD. After leaving Mom, I picked up D and we ran some errands...Nordstrom Rack (Uncle Banking Mogul's Father's Day/birthday gift card), Sprouts (similar to Henry's) for some veggies and fruit (Mom gave D a bowl of fruit the other night and now D has requested us to have some in the fridge...it's been something I've been trying to incorporate into his diet) and then what weekend would be complete without a visit to Costco. We went with a plan to buy Bluetooth headsets for our cell phones and one or two other things...$275 later we walked out! We bought: 2 bluetooth headsets, garlic (yes, we use that much over a period of time), mini tomatoes (so sweet and I'm addicted), mushrooms (for a recipe), ground beef, pork chops, marinated chicken, workout capris and shorts, socks, underwear, chicken wings (they were being sampled and they were really good) and cheese. Costco is a very dangerous place for us! After Costco, we headed home and relaxed for the rest of the evening. We had a snack of chicken wings and never ate dinner.
• Sunday morning, I made us a veggie scramble and Cinnabon french toast. We worked out (yeah) before heading to the Banking Mogul's deluxe apartment in the sky for Father's Day. They had quite the Costco/Whole Foods ready made appetizer set up (sushi, veggies, hummus, brie and crackers, shrimp) for us. We did a shortened video call with Baby E...he had his first set of shots on Thursday and had a very cranky day. His parents looked wiped out, but Baby E is getting so big (12 pounds, 5 ounces at 2 months) and is so alert and cute. After conference call, we had dinner (chicken, salads...green and cabbage, corn and my garlic bread) and dessert (fruit and cookies). We had a nice time hanging out before heading back to our shack. We watched The Next Food Network Star and Ice Road Truckers before I went to bed...apparently, D got sucked into some other History channel offering.
• Vacation: Plans are almost finalized for our vacation in July. I'll be in Scottsdale for about 5 days, then I'll come home and we leave the next day for 10 days. We'll be in Seattle for 4 days and then take the train to Vancouver for 5 days there. We have airfare and accommodations for both places. D is going to book train and Mariners game tickets today. Then, we have packing and planning left. I am so excited to be going on a real vacation!

Well, I better get back to work...it's been an interesting morning already! The other Nice snapped at me this morning, then we had our weekly staff meeting complete with hissy fits (I've done it this way and refuse to change) and snapping. Yikes...if this is what Monday morning looks like, what's this place going to look like by Friday?!? Have a great week!

Hanging on the Cliff...Finally Friday!

In case you've missed my blogging entries this week, I am still so tired! Our social calendar has been so full (and will be through Sunday), that D and I see each other at bedtime and in the morning. It's difficult to have life altering discussions when we're both half asleep. I was looking forward to some quality time tomorrow (Saturday) night, but I found out our "child" Steve (finance guy in denial about wanting to be a chef from NYC) will be staying with us until Monday. I'm so tired and full of stress that I almost melted down on D yesterday while we were on the phone...no crying occurred, but there was my trademark "I'm over it" uttered at least once.

Last night after work, I met my friend, Charissa, for dinner at Panera. She is Chapter Advisor at UCSD and we met last year at Summer CAmp (educational training for Chapter Advisors). We met in the airport in Minneapolis (on our way to Indianapolis), sat next to each other on the plane (by coincidence) and became fast friends. I had not seen her since last summer, but we have emailed regularly. We were meeting so I could get something that her Chapter had borrowed, but it was really an excuse to get together. We chatted and at one point, tried to figure out what time it was (dark)...we were thinking around 8:00, but it was after 9:00. We laughed because we had been there since 5:30. We decided to make our exit. I headed home to an empty home...D went to the gym with a friend and then made a post workout stop at Denny's. I got a few things done (gift wrapped, Reader crossword puzzle, and tried to find a photo we were going to frame) before crawling into bed with my book (Loving Frank...so good!) and falling asleep.

Today was the "team building" lunch with the Nastys and Nice...wow, can we say awkward?!? The boss gave us $30 for lunch...I tried to decline the use of his money, but he became irritated and angry when I did so. The other nice paid for her own lunch and snapped when I tried to pay for both of our lunches. We went to a taco shop down the street...the Nastys walked and I drove us...it was too hot and my ankle would not have survived the walk in my current shoes. In all honesty, I think this was all planned...they both had on sneakers today. So, the Nastys arrive, order lunch and we all sit there in awkward silence trying to find topics that are general. It was so obvious that none of us wanted to be there. There was $12 left from lunch...the Nastys wanted to split the money...I suggested either saving it for next time or give it back to the boss. What...we'd pocket all of $4 each...is that such a make or break amount of money?!? Then, I mentioned that I had heartburn from my lunch...the Nasty says "Well, maybe a walk would help your heartburn". My response was that then I would not have heartburn, but I wouldn't be able to walk without pain for a few days. OMG...I would NEVER say crap like that to people...just when I think the audacity and bitchiness has reached it's highest level, she surprises me!

Vacation Update...D and I are back to our original plan of Seattle and Vancouver...airfare dropped again (Jet Blue, here we come). D booked our place in Vancouver today and we just have the other details to work out. We both need a vacation so badly and to be gone from our jobs...this will be such a good thing!

Weekend...finally here, yeah! D's off to a signing tomorrow morning and I'm going to relax and do my Father's Day shopping...what to get the banking mogul uncle who has everything and could buy what he doesn't have?!? My thoughts are either a bottle of his good booze (blue or black label is no longer good enough...he's moved onto gold label) or a gift card to Nordstrom to shop. I hate the gift card idea, but am out of the creative ideas. Sunday, we are doing dinner at banking mogul uncle and aunt's deluxe apartment in the sky (they live in a high rise near Balboa Park) house along with a teleconference with Baby E.

Have a great weekend...peace out!

Still Really Tired and Other Stories!

I am still so tired...this morning, the alarm went off and turned on the radio. Both D and I are trained to hear the top of the hour "From the Shores of Montezuma" and know that it's close to time to get up. However, this morning I slept through it all and woke to a plane flying overhead. In our world, that means it's 6:30 or later...or time to be getting ready. Somehow, I made it out of the house with time to do the car shuffle and mortgage an organ to fill the 4Runner with gas ($68.44...thank you very much!). I've been driving the Jetta this week since I filled it on Monday (only $58.55) and it gets good gas mileage. Yes...we have not yet sold the Jetta and we really need to get this done.

The busy life continues...last night, I made some stops before heading home. WalMart at lunch yielded me a nice white linen outfit for the low cost of $40 for pants and jacket...I need an all white outfit for my conference in July and had been contemplating spending at least twice that online. Now, I need white shoes. After work, I went to Michael's for a basket and ribbon...I decided that a gift bag was not good for my gift this Friday. Since I got some shower gel, scrub and lip stuff, I decided a bath basket would be great. My only thing is that I could not find ribbon with apples on it (shower stuff is apple scented) and thought I could find it a Michael's. Oh well, the green ribbon I bought will work fine. Since D was headed to the Padres game with Steve, I decided to relax at home. I made myself a fine salad with some chicken that I cooked...and I had a glass (or two) of Two Buck Chuck Merlot. My couch and I got reacquainted over bad TV surfing and DVR catchup (Jon and Kate Plus 8 and Work Out). I later realized that I had an Elizabethtown DVD that I borrowed that I could have watched. I'm almost 100% positive that D will not want to watch this one with me.

D got home from the game around 11:00...I was on my way to sleep and apparently, my eyes closed does not mean that I am asleep (or close) to D. He started talking to me...I can't resist talking to him because we hadn't talked all day and I love our talks before bed. We were almost asleep when D's phone rang which scared the crap out of me...no good phone calls happen after 11:00. But this time I was wrong...it was Larry (husband of D's pregnant niece) wanting to know about what site we use to download music. D walked him through what he could with promises to call later.

Today is another busy day...I'm leaving work around 3:00 to head to a Fraternity/Sorority Advisor Meeting at school. Then, I'm heading to see Mom and Meema. I think Mom needs to make another Home Depot run (hence my use of the 4Runner today). Speaking of the job, my nice coworker and I have (finally) come to the conclusion and realization that the Nastys are just that and always will be. In fact, today, I asked one of the Nastys to turn her music down (it was so loud that I couldn't hear my own music in my office)...of course, she had a reply that was not "Sure, I'll turn it down", but instead, it was "It's the radio station and blah blah blah". Not one ounce of regard for others...oh, I can only home the Karma train knocks her on her behind at some point down the line!

Well...speaking of the jay oh bee, I better get back to it. I'm ready to go to lunch, but can't because of the dynamics today...oh well, 30 minutes till I can go! Have a great day!

Catching Up!

Okay, I will start my entry today by saying that I am so tired this week! Running around like crazy people has taken it's toll on me...and to top it off, D and I will not be home together any night this week. We both have something going on every day, so I joke that we are like two ships passing in the night. Sunday, our only free time this weekend, was spent entertaining Steve (who is visiting from New York) and Sam who came to watch the Padres game and then the Lakers/Celtics game. They finally left around 9:30. So, our precious last moments of the weekend were spent with D trying to get some work done so he could take Wednesday off to hang out with Steve and me curled on the couch next to him...together, we watched the season premiere of Ice Road Truckers. It was a moment of bliss...

Monday started with the office meeting...I was snapped at by one of the Nastys and then the other Nasty got credit for something I had done. In other words, just another great day at work. Later on in the day, we got an email that a date for Nasty's wedding shower...it's the day before the other date when my nice coworker and I are both on vacation...guess what?!? The new date is the day before when we are both still on vacation...oh well! So, I took the power back and decided I was sick and tired of being the perceived villain in the situation. I sent an email to the Nastys with a copy to my boss saying "I will not attend Nasty's shower because, as previously noted, I will be out of town." Who knew that such a simple sentence could bring me such power, confidence and self esteem?!?

Last night, I met my friend Christine for dinner at Macaroni Grill. She brought her new (almost 4 months) baby, Caroline to dinner with us. The baby is so cute and so well behaved...we told her that she had come to her first (of many) girl's nights out. We caught up on life and after many glasses of iced tea and conversation, we went our separate ways. I headed into the mall on a mission...look at Macy's for any shirts for D (none) and a birthday gift for a party I'm attending on Friday. I know that the woman loves Philosophy products and had ordered a cool set on QVC, but I haven't received the "your order has been shipped" email yet. Fortunately, Nordstrom carries the brand and I had a $20 certificate to spend there. I debated between two things and ended up with green apple body scrub, shower gel and a yummy tasting and smelling lip balm. Today, in my adventures, I'm going to buy some green apple jolly ranchers and some ribbon with apples on it and make her a gift box/basket. I was also so excited when I got home last night...my new passport came in the mail...I am officially known as Mrs D...now, we can go somewhere exotic for our vacation...if only we could figure out where!

Tonight, D is going to the Padres/Dodgers game with Steve...the hooky time starts this afternoon for him. I have no plans other than get my gift ready for Friday and become close friends with our couch! I need to relax because I am on the verge of burn out...happy day to you!

Adventures in LA!

So, the crazy busyness of life continued on Saturday...we headed to LA for D's other niece, Cindy's baby shower...it was held at The Favorite Place Restaurant in Glendale. D was a good sport and went also...

Cindy's tee at the shower...


D enjoying his Rose Water Lemondade aka his frufru drink...


We left the shower a little early and headed to Universal CityWalk for D to try to get some Raiders autographs...while he stood in line, I walked around...






We were close, but they cut the line off right before us. So, we headed to Larry and Cindy's place in Universal City near the studios...I am such a sucker for all things entertainment and was excited to see this that I snapped a photo while we were at a stoplight...


We grabbed some dinner with the family at an all you can eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Van Nuys...it was so good! We hung out at the apartment for a little while longer before heading home...we got home at 3:00 a.m. and once again crashed pretty quickly. It was a busy weekend and looks like another busy week...it's a good life!

The Fastest Trip to the EC!

So, at the last moment, D's brother called to tell us about graduation...being the good (and crazy) people we are, D and I decided to make the quick trip to EC on Thursday for his nephew's high school graduation. We left work around 3:00 and after a stop at the gas station, we headed to the EC. Our first stop was Celia's Mexican Restaurant for dinner...of course, I had to have my Special Quesadilla (raw flour tortilla filled with cheese and fried)...we have not found anywhere in San Diego who makes this.

My fried, cheesy goodness...


The, we headed to graduation at Central Union High School, which also happens to be D's alma mater. I am a sap for Pomp and Circumstance...the graduates filing into the stadium...


We didn't stay much past the reading of D's nephew's name (he was close to the beginning as a Top Twenty Student). We left with his nieces and headed to Applebee's to hold a table for the rest of the group. Around 10:15, the graduate and parents showed. Here's us with the graduate...


After dinner (again), we left the EC around midnight to head home (we both had to work on Friday). Our drive home through the eastern part of the county was filled with pitch black clear skies with an abundance of stars. It was also filled with lots of singing...REO Speedwagon's Keep on Loving You and many Fleetwood Mac songs....guided us home to bed at 2:00 a.m. While we were exhausted, it was nice to see the family for a brief moment...

My New Toy!

So, following the wedding, I realized that I did not get the one thing I needed...a food processor. After some shopping, Mom and I made a deal...she would take my last $95 gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond and she would buy me the Kitchen Aid Food Processor with lots of extras from QVC. I've had it for several months, but had not used it yet. I decided to pull it out and make some fresh basil pesto for dinner on Wednesday night...



The basil pesto resting in my new toy...


Dinner complete with italian sausage, pasta and cooked fresh mushrooms...


Dinner was a success and I love my new toy!

Cranky Over Worked and Stressed!

So, I think I am just one cranky, overworked and stressed woman this week. I have lots and lots happening at work (something on my calendar everyday except Friday) and the Nastys are still at their jaw dropping hellish behavior. This makes me want to scream from the roof to see them not answering the phone when they aren't doing anything. Also, why do I email details of something I am working on and need people to be aware of when they don't pay attention?!? It is seriously a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" situation. Anyway, I don't want this to be a work vent session...I have other things on my mind today...

• Tuesday night was book club...which is funny that we call it that. I think it's just an excuse for us to get together, eat, drink and catch up on that life has to offer. We always do them in the middle of the week and our talks last longer than they should on a work night. It's good free therapy for all of us...I love learning about other's lives and seeing that I am not totally off base and crazy (no comments from the peanut gallery!) because we all have those things in our life that make us who we are. Friendship, in any form, is a good thing for the soul!


• Vacation dilemma...D and I really need a vacation and have planned to be gone in July. The problem is that where we originally planned to go (Seattle and Vancouver) is hellishly expensive and more than we want to spend for what we get. I've been looking online and have seen deals to the Carribean for less than it would take us to get to the Pacific Northwest.


• Then, to add to the vacation wrinkle, D forwards me an email from his best friend Steve(wannabe chef masquerading as a biotech financial guy). Apparently, Steve has rented some sailboat and will be sailing/cruising the British Virgin Islands in late August. He invited us to go...all we'd be responsible for is airfare and food. But, there are two huge problems that prevent this from solving the vacation issue...first, I work in education and school starts in late August and we are almost forbidden to take any time off during that time...it is such a crazy busy time that we can't be gone. Second, Baby E and his parents will be here and we have family overload scheduled then...Meema's 87th birthday, family pictures and some sort of family extravaganza planned. It would so be the perfect solution and I'm frustrated that this amazing opportunity is there, but we can't take advantage of it.


• Oh, then speaking of family, D's brother calls yesterday morning and tells him that D's nephew's high school graduation is on Thursday and his niece's community college graduation is Saturday. So, the crazy people we are, we are leaving work early to drive to the EC for the nephew's graduation and then driving home after. We can't go back Saturday because we are going to Burbank for D's other niece's baby shower. With gas prices, there goes dinner for the rest of month...top ramen here we come! Haha!

I think that there's more to my cranky stress load, but my mind is so cluttered, that I'm done for now!

Oh, What a Busy Life We Lead!

So, the last several days have been so busy that there are barely moments to carve out quiet time. A recap...

• Friday, I went on the Layoff World Tour helping my boss cover half of the District by delivering notices to the sites...thank you California legislature and governor for the cuts to education! It was a sad reason to visit sites, but it was good to see some of my friends that I don't see often and to meet others that I email or speak to on the phone.
• After work, I had girls night...I met up with some friends in Fashion Valley for drinks and then to see Sex and the City. Uno's was good...I am now in love with Uno's pizza skins...yum! The movie was good and a total chick flick...we had fun being like the Star Wars geeks who dress up...only this time, it was women in dresses and heels!
• Saturday was a jammed packed day...we started off at CJ's (aka D's favorite place) for a Bob St. Clair signing (no idea who this man was...only that he played for the San Francisco 49ers), then to late breakfast/early lunch at Parkhouse Eatery (crappy service, but good food), then to Costco, Ikea (new lamps for the ever evolving living room from bachelor pad to married couple's place) and finally, Babies R Us (my least favorite place on the earth). D's niece is due in July and we are going to her family baby shower this weekend. We (I...D just pushed the cart looking bored and nodding his head automatically when I asked him a question) had a challenge finding decent gifts...I'm a little anal about shopping and registries. If I don't like what they have or want, I'm not too excited to shop and buy things. We ended up with some things and her diaper bag which will function as the gift bag once it is adorned with ribbon and rattles.
• After arriving home exhausted, we watched Top Chef (made me want a steak so badly) and then the MMA thing on CBS. That was interesting and gross! While watching this brutality, I made dinner and D assembled the lamps. It looks really good and gives a softer vibe to our living area. It's definitely a work in progress!
• Sunday became our clean out cabinets and relax around home day...I left for a while for a trip to Trader Joe's (and I forgot about Sunday at the Rock and the traffic, but did okay timing wise). I did almost get caught up in the Rock and Roll Marathon traffic, but headed home instead of my other planned stops. D left later and took stuff to Goodwill for donation and then to take our other lamps to storage...but he forgot the key. I made dinner (steak) and we hung out watching TV (The Next Food Network Star, DVR episode of Behind the Badge, Ice Road Truckers preview) before I headed to bed while D started working. It's month-end close week, so I don't get to spend a lot of face time with him.
• Monday was crazy busy at work...like, I almost had a panic attack stressful and so busy, that D emailed me a few times and I didn't have time to answer him. Then, I headed to meet my friend for dinner, but after waiting at the restaurant for almost 40 minutes, realized our dinner was next Monday. Ooops! Instead, I had an impromptu visit with Mom, Meema and the boys.

Well...my crazy busy week continues and I should get to working...hope to continue to update this week on the happenings...take care!