Sunday, November 30, 2008

Help a kid out, won't ya?

My pal Michelle is helping her kid learn the value of a dollar and making him raise the money himself for a trip to DC. I freakin' love this. I had to come up with my own money for extracurricular stuff when I was kid and most kids now just get the good 'ol handout. ANYWHO, Michelle and Ty are working hard to raise some moolah. And, so far, okay. So here I am asking all you reader and lurkers (yes all 3 of you) to go check out Ty's blog. Right now they are trying to gather recipes for baked goods. They are going to put them into a cookbook and sell them. So go give up your favorite recipe and donate a dollar or two if you can! Do it for the kiddie, won't you?

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day

This year Hubby and I spent Thanksgiving day with Chicken (my SIL) and the fam up in Foresthill. We actually had a GREAT day. Our last family holiday was a little rocky but this one rocked. I LOVE it up at Chicken's house. It is so beautiful there and so quiet and relaxing. Chicken and her man Bell and her son B, me and Hubby, Frankie, his son and daughter and their momma and Cindy all came and hung out. Chicken did most of the cooking, but I made the BEST MASHED POTATOES according to B. Oh and the Cowboys won. All in all, a really great day.




TY


Yes, even you lurkers. Happy Turkey Day all!

Monday, November 24, 2008

If I could write a letter. . .

I saw this on Firegirl's blog and I loved the idea. I love Brad Paisley's song and I have a few things I'd love to say to my seventeen-year-old self. At seventeen my life was turned upside down. My family left the religion I had known my entire life. My parents moved away, and thinking it was best for me, let me live with my grandparents to finish my senior year. My grandma was sick with breast cancer and I couldn't stand to be in the same room as my grandfather. I hated every single solitary minute of high school. My life changed more in that year then I had ever experienced and I was in a not so good place. I skipped a lot of school and worked as much as I could. I wrote long letters to my long-distance boyfriend and locked myself in room listening to really inappropriate (for a girl such as myself) music like R. Kelly. My attitude any parents worse nightmare times 5. Bad news. So what would I say to me to help me make it through? Here's a few ideas:

High school doesn't last forever.
That girl that tortures you? It's more about her, not you.
Stop skipping English. You actually like it.
Yes, you are different. That's okay.
Your parents love you. And they feel bad.
Don't put down your camera. You are good at it.
That typing class will serve you well, despite what you may think.
Not everything has to be a fight. Not everyone is out to get you.
Working hard is good. So is having fun.
Take it easy on mom. She's changing too.
Spanish will help! Try harder!
Silvia is a true friend. Always.
Those that have betrayed you are not worth fretting over.
Get to know Carol better. You will enjoy her friendship later in life.
Stop being jealous of your sister.
That boy you love so much? Love him for now. Then let him go.
That boy you fall for next. Don't.
Get to know Josh. He will be the type of brother you never knew you needed.
Enjoy who you are. You are better than you think.
Prom will be all the fun you think. Enjoy every minute.
Remember how it feels to be judged. Don't make other's feel that way.
College will be everything you hoped high school would be.
You are smart.
You are beautiful.
You are loved.

What would you say to yourself?

Letter To Me - brad paisley

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Please tell me. . .

How in the world can I get thighs and a butt like this? And I'de take some of those legs too.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Heart


I may not leave the whole thing here, but I will leave a little piece.

And the verdict is. . .


I'm done internet! And I'm in. SCORE.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

I would rather die


Tomorrow is the day. My final "test" to past to see if I'm good enough to work here. I have to roleplay a customer's account with my teacher. VIDEOTAPED. Somebody please kill me now. And pray peeps, pray.

Monday, November 17, 2008

One year, 12 months, 365 days

My love,

Exactly one year ago you and I stood before a congregation of our friends and family and pledged our love. We promised to stand together through the good and the bad and to always love each other. We said I do and decided then to walk together for the rest of our lives.
A mere 365 days ago.


I clearly remember our vows, thanks to Michelle's advice. I concentrated so hard on you and your eyes and what you were saying. And when it was my turn my heart soared and I knew in that moment I was secure and where I belonged. You squeezed my hands as you repeated your vows. Do you remember that? And your gaze didn't shift for a moment. You stared hard into my eyes and I felt like I could see our future. When it was my turn I spoke as clearly as I could. I wanted to be sure that they all heard. That they were all witnesses of my love and dedication. They were there to see us start our journey.
photo by Memory Journalists

This past year has been interesting to say the least. We've moved twice, lost jobs, transferred job, found jobs, moved in with my folks and have lived practically on top of each other. It hasn't always been fun, but the good has so far out weighed the bad. Do remember laying on the couch laughing at Georgia spaz out? Do you remember our disasterous Valentine's day? What about that SUPER SPICY steak? I wouldn't trade these memories for anything in the world. You are my best friend. When I'm upset I just want to be in your arms. When something funny happens, you are the first person I want to tell about it. There is no where else I would rather be then wrapped up in your arms.

Photo by Memory Journalists .


This coming year is going to be very interesting for us. The new jobs, moving yet one more time (hopefully for awhile!) and whatever else may come our way. Being in SF this past month has just solidified for me my love for you. I miss you daily, sometimes by the minute. And I appreciate you more. I know that whatever is ahead of us may challenge us but we can deal with it. I can deal with anything if I know that you are there.

Photo by Memory Journalists.


When people ask me about you, us and our future I think of our wedding day. The morning before specifically. I was at my mom's house surrounded by all my girls and little things were going wrong here and there. People around me were crying and freaking out at different moments, but not me. I couldn't stop smiling. I remember dad talking to me and asking me how I was. I told him I was great, excited and so happy. He told me I seemed so calm. I looked at him and said, "Of course! What's to worry about? I'm making the best decision of my life!"


I love you with all my heart. I can't wait for the next 365. Happy Anniversary.


Saturday, November 15, 2008

My favorite video

I seriously love this thing. I watch every couple of months. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Strongest Woman I Know




Today is my momma's birthday. She is the strongest, most beautiful woman I know. She is the backbone of our family and the type of woman that I someday hope I can be. She has faced her life with so much grace and dignity that at times it amazes me.



Thank you momma for always being my cheerleader. I wouldn't be where I am in life without you. You have been my cheerleader, my teacher, my friend. You have pushed me when you knew I could do better. You never let me say quit. You taught me independience. You showed me that there was nothing beyond my grasp if I wanted it. You've let me fall and been there when I needed you to pick me up. You are the wife and mother I someday hope I can be. I love you so much.


Happy birthday Momma.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Flowers outside my door


It rained a little last night and I grabbed my camera to take some pictures of the flowers right outside my door. It was so dark and they were so vibrant.

Sexless & The City: Week Four

This week sucked. Plain and simple. I was grumpy all week for reasons unknown. I was just in such a funk. I felt grumpy and anti-social all weekend. My classmates were on my nerves and the training this week was a complete waste. Everything seems to be taking us DAYS longer than it should! THREE DAYS to cover 45 pages. Kill me. Oh, and FYI, my bad attitude will carry into this post. Don't expect too much.

There was food. Not a lot but here's what I got:
Best food of the week goes to Theo's CheeseSteak Shop. Delish.
Focaccia Cafe & Bakery. Yummy salad. I'll definetely go there again.
Amici's East Coast Pizzeria. More pizza! Love it!
And the most AWFUL food of the week goes to CHEVY'S.

I didn't do too much picture taking this week. In fact, only picture I took this week was of my new haircut at the end of this week. Which you've already seen. I promise to return in better spirits next week. Promise.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

She lives!


Yes, yes. It's been over a week. But I have fabulous excuses and they will all be revealed in the next couple of days. Until then enjoy my new hair and my self-photographed modeling session. I'm so vain.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Sightseeing with my boo


Hubby came to SF to visit me this weekend. We had SUCH a great time. Saturday we just hung out but Sunday we explored SF! We spent all day out along Fisherman's Wharf and the coastline. We walked along the beach, past Ghiradelli Square and out on the pier past Fort Mason.


While I've visited SF a lot of the last couple of years, Hubby hasn't been here in 20 years! Can you believe that? Crazy huh? So he had a great time soaking it all in. We saw all the usual street vendors (which I didn't take any pictures of b/c I'm on a budget and it doesn't including dollars for pictures). My favorite is ALWAYS the tree guy. If you've never seen it you need to check it out. HILARIOUS!


It was a great weekend and so fun to hang out just by ourselves and pretend that we really had our own place in SF instead of thinking about the fact we live in my parents garage.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Sexless & the City: Week 3

(So I'm a little behind in posts but I'm going to keep going! This is for the week of October 26th to November 1st.)


Week three DOWN! This was actually a REALLY fun week. Probably because it required actually no travelling on my part other than to SF!

Let's see. . .eat's were yummy this week. First off, I haven't really talked about my Starbuck's. There are actually two I frequent. Every. Single. Day. I have completely become a coffee addict. I blame Erin. She has to have her coffee every morning and by golly, if she is why shouldn't I? They are both good Starbucks except for one whose cooler has been broken for WEEKS. Starbucks has PLENTY of monies to fix a cooler, come on. And you have to time it just right. If you get there a minute late you will be in line forever and that can make you late. We've got it down to a science. On to the food. . .


I finally got myself some sushi! From Toyko Express to be exact. Very quick, great for lunch, not the best sushi I've ever had but I've also had much worse! Checked out a place called Tres Agaves. YUMMY. The quesadilla was SO good but the margarita pitcher wasn't worth the $37! Our class took a little field trip to Ristorante Umbria. SWOON. Best Italian food I have had since I have been here. NO JOKE. And that night I tried out this cafe/bookstore across the street from my apartment called Crossroads Cafe. It was really good and just plain yummy. Try the Lemon Poppyseed cake. You won't regret it! Grabbed lunch one day at the Working Girl Cafe. I had heard a lot about this place and was looking forward to trying it out. Yummy sandwiches but even better coffee! Visited Delancey Street Grill. It was pretty good. Wasn't the best food I have ever had but I did love their Heirloom Tomato and Mozz salad. Then it was off to Yank Sing, dim sum to go. Eh. I wasn't terribly impressed. Visited Palamino again because seriously, $5 pizza and $4 Mojito's? SCORE. Had some okay lasagna from Caffe Focaccia one day at lunch. And last but not least ordered in from May Lee's restaurant. SO MUCH FOOD. Walnut prawns were delish, but boy was I stuffed.
Monday and Tuesday of this week I did a little exploring. I grabbed my camera and just walked. I took pictures of anything and everything. This city is so ALIVE. Everywhere I look there is noise and people are moving and the wind is blowing and something is happening. I really took in the city this week. It was awesome.

I stayed in the city this weekend. Friday after we got out of class I went back to my apartment, changed my clothes, threw on my tennis shoes and grabbed my camera. Off I went. I walked for THREE AND HALF HOURS all the way to Union Square and back. IT WAS AWESOME. Best time I have had so far. In fact on my way back to my apartment I ran into Critical Mass. Critical Mass happens the last Friday of every month and it basically when the bicycles take over the streets. Apparently October is the best time to catch it because of Halloween everyone dresses up. It was really cool and I got some pretty amazing photos that day.



Hubby drove up on Saturday after he got off of work and hung out. We were both pretty tired so Saturday night we stayed in but Sunday we hit the ground running. We took Muni over to Home and had brunch (dinner was WAY better) and then hopped back on Muni and headed to Pier 39. We walked for I don't even know how many hours. We walked past Ghiradelli Square and out by Fort Mason and down the pier there. Then we walked back. Jumped back on the Muni and headed home. Here's a cool fact. It took us a total of $6 to get around that day! That's it!

All in all a really good week. Lot's of exploring, lots of picture taking and of course, lots of food! After this week only 3 and half more to go! Think I'll miss this place.