Pashminas, revisited

Remember how I wanted a new colors of pashminas? Target. $12.99.

Only in SF

Here in SF, we see a lot of random stuff & people of all walks of life. Here are two:

1. Every morning, this perfectly normal looking woman walks from her house into our park. She walks right up to the big statue in the middle of the park, sits down, and smokes weed. This morning, she must have been smoking some good herb because I could smell it from the second we hit the edge of the park.

2. After work, Evie and I took a long walk into Golden Gate Park. GGP in itself is like a small town & there is always something different going on in every corner. So, we walked through and there was a group of people playing instruments, drums, and people dancing. People were just sitting on the hill watching & listening. Evie and I just sat down too, watching everyone. And, I thought...only in SF.

Subaru

As of August, my civic will be PAID OFF. I cannot wait. Although I have zero interest in having a new car or car payments, I saw an awesome car today. An all black, Subaru Outback. I know its sort of a sporty wagon but I think it would be perfect for us. It would fit the surfboards for Erik, Evie, etc....

I would NEVER buy a new car in this city so we could get it a year or two old. However, it's expensive. Like over $20K. Maybe in a few years....

Attention

I think it is so annoying to be around people who are so insecure and need a lot of attention that ALL they talk about is themselves. They cut people off to say their story. They don't let people get their story fully out of their mouths before they are running theirs. They one up people. They can't be happy for others b/c that means they don't get attention. ANNOYING & RUDE.

Not Sleeping

I am not sleeping right. I fall asleep on the couch, get into bed, and can't sleep. Or, I fall asleep in bed and wake up at like 1am and feel like I toss and turn til 5. It sucks. My back aches. I think I am tense in bed because I am stressed out. I am thinking about classes and the economy. They laid people off in of our offices yesterday. Scary. Lots going on in my head.

One Year

It has been one year since moved to SF. This past weekend, I said to Erik, can you believe it has been a year since we were driving across the country. Yes, the 3 of us packed into the Civic and drove across the country. It seems so long ago yet I also can't believe it's been a year.


Denver

The Great Plains

This weird Buffalo Bill museum in Utah

Last Dunkin Donuts for a looong time

Dog is my co-pilot

Things have changed over the year but also stayed the same. Erik got a job & joined a hockey team, I ran a half-marathon, & Evie made so many doggie friends. I remember this time last year, it took us like hours to find the grocery store and shop because we had no idea how to get around nor did we know what to buy. Now it takes 30 mins and we go with menu and shopping list in hand.


Team In Training

Emerald Bay 12K

TNT 5K

I was scared to let Evie play with dogs in the park & now she knows most of them and goes out to say hello and play. She also loves her camp and knows everyone there.

Santa Cruz - 4th of July

I remember saying, no one ever looks familiar here. We will never know anyone here. And, now we do. We know dog owners, and people from Team in Training, people from work, and people in the neighborhood. When I go across the street to the coffee shop, I can stop to pet the dogs and chat with the owners. It's funny how even people you see on your bus every day are a familiar face even though you've never spoken!


17 Mile Drive - Monterey

We have all grown closer too. The first 3 mos were so hard - Erik and I living together, Erik living with a dog, the three of us in our little apartment. Then, it got easier. We got a routine. We learned our way around, we got comfortable in our neighborhood. Evie got used to us & trusts us and listens better(sometimes). We know the places we like to go and don't like to go. We know how long it takes to get places. We know what the weather will be like, where the cheap gas is, best nail place, and our favorite sushi place.


So onto year two. There is so much more to explore, and things to see in the city, state, this side of the country. More people to meet and places to go. At least starting this year, we are all set.

Bored

Work is boring. We are kind of slow because we are in planning. I have been doing a finance report allll day. Boring.

When I go home, I am making lots of food. Salsa for tomorrow and stuffed shells for Friday. Cristin is coming over tomorrow for dinner and to watch Sweeney Todd (yes, again). And, then the stuffed shells are for Friday but I won't want to make them on Thurs night. I actually really want Chinese food. Can you believe I have not had Chinese food since moving here? This is like the Asian capital of the US.

I made my $20 hair appt. Next Friday.

$20 Haircut???

Wow. I just found out that the Paul Mitchell Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology is in SF. They provide CHHHHEAP services. How cheap - $20 for a haircut. Can you believe that? They do facials, highlights, everything.

I looked them up on Yelp & they have amazing reviews. I am going to go. Why not.

Quote

Whoa. This quote is so good.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

— Joseph Campbell

Countdown

One of my most favorite things for Christmas is watching...25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family. This year, the channel is doing a Countdown to 25 Days starting 11/16. How Exciting!!

Hair

I know why women cut their hair as they get older. Their patience threshold is lowered and they cannot handle the blowdrying so they chop it. I have been getting tired of drying it and sweating while I dry it. This morning, it was like half wet & half dry and I was sweating and I started whimpering like a baby. I went in to Erik (who was sleeping) and was like, I can't dry my hair. Its too long and its too hot. I can't take it! He didn't even open his eyes to look at me.

I am going to make an appt to get it cut next week - a good 3" needs to come off.

Sweeney Todd

I want to go home & watch Sweeney Todd, again. This will be the third time in 3 days. I love it. I love all of the songs. I want to learn all of the words. I want to see it on stage. Sounds like the Hairspray addiction all over again. You know when you have some lyrics in your head but you don't know the rest - how annoying. It's been going on in my head all day.

Cucumber Melon

No matter what, for the rest of my life, the smell of cucumber melon sprays/soaps/lotions will make me think of college.

Dog Training & Weekend

We went to the training class on Saturday in Berkeley. Erik is the one doing the class with Evie. I tried to just stand out of the way but she was whimpering so I had to go sit in the car. She was really good with the instructors so we can stay in the class. Well, actually, if something were to happen during Class 3, we can't stay. So, for now, we are in.

On Saturday, It rained again. Not as hard as last week though. We went to sports basement and went out to lunch at Flippers. I love Flippers. We watched Sweeney Todd, too. I love that movie. Johnny Depp is the best and all of the singing is just so good.



Today, I did more parties. The kids seem to have very interesting names. Today, I had a 'Cloda' and "Mave'. Both girls.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

You know that saying for when its Daylights Savings? It's true. I want to go to bed at like 8pm. Sometimes, I get home from work and look at the clock a bit later and its 8pm. I'm like = what! I thought it was 10. I'm ready for bed.

3 Wows

1.To take classes at SF Community College, it is only $20 PER CREDIT. That is like $80/class. When i took classes at CT Comm Coll, it was like $300/class.

2. Did you know that there is an exercise channel On Demand? Um, it's called Exercise TV. It is like having workout DVDs just waiting for you on TV. AND ITS FREE. OMG!!

3. This store called BevMo is having a wine sale - Buy one bottle, get one for 5 cents. Time to stock up for the holidays!!

Baby Mama

I watched Baby Mama last night with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler. It was really funny & I recommend it.

The Secret Life of Bees

I just finished, The Secret Life of Bees and absolutely loved it & recommend it.

Bored

I am sort of bored. There is nothing planned for the weekend. I am heading home early because I am the only one in the office so I will 'work from home'. I have no plans for tonight & wish I was doing something. Since I wont be here til 5, I probably won't be so tired like I normally am.

Tomorrow, we are taking Evie to training to see how she does. If she can handle all of the people there, we will go for 6 weeks! Then, not sure what we are doing at night.

Sunday - more parties. I told them I can't work every weekend but I have done it the past 3 weeks. I think every other Sunday would be good.

Potatoes

Last week at Safeway, we got 10lb of potatos for $1.99. I couldn't believe it. Now, we have 10 lbs of potatoes. Now I feel like Foresst Gump. What are we going to make with all of these potatoes? Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato and corn chowder....Any other ideas of what to do with all of these potatoes!??

Kickboxing DVD

As I previously wrote, I froze my gym membership. I ordered a kickboxing dvd from Half.com for $8. I did it on Monday night and thought it was pretty easy....Too bad on Tuesday, I was sore!! I couldn't believe it. It is 30 mins of non-stop jumping, punching, etc. My hamstrings hurt. So, I guess it works. I was surprised Evie didn't even bother me that much while I did the DVD. I am going to keep doing it but I want to get light weights to do it with. Then I will really be sore.

New Puppy

Now that the Obama's are going to get a new puppy, I am going to write a letter to them. I am going to ask the Obama's to go to a shelter & adopt a dog. I will even find a good shelter for them to go to in DC to get one.

Dancing In The Street

Wow. Obama won. People are in the street cheering & honking. It is crazy. I am just waiting to see some type of parade downtown tomorrow. Now we just have to cross our fingers that Prop 8 doesn't pass - Equality for all!!

History, Made.

Election Day

I went with Erik down the block while he voted. He had to wait a little while but it wasn't bad. We brought Evie too. I worked from home today (our boss mandated that we do that so we could vote). Here is our Election Day:


Evie started the day with a nap on the couch


Evie wanted to vote, but she's too young




Erik, excited to vote!







Waiting patiently for her Daddy to finish voting

Don't Forget...

Evie & The Coffee Maker

As you know, we got the new coffee maker. I took the old one off the counter & Evie started barking. So, I put it on the floor for her so she could see what it was. Here is Evie trying to figure out what to do with it.....

Muddy Dog

A few days ago, it was humid outside around 7pm. Evie was outside running around and then saw.....the mud. She started running and rolling in it just like her little piggy self.











Time to clean up - look at that mud on the wall!!

Lost Power

We lost power tonight - twice. I was sitting here and in the middle of Gossip Girl, everything went out. Evie was barking at me like a mad man, not because it was dark but because she wanted to play. It came on after like 5 mins. Then, it went out again for probably 20 mins. The entire block was black and there was no accident so I don't know what the deal was.

Bread

Erik made bread this weekend. He made it in a pan - no special equipment needed. It came out so good. It was whole wheat and tasted sooooo good with peanut butter and banana on it!

Cleanse

I am on an anti-junk food binge. I ate so much sugar during the month of October and I need a break. I think I might quit soda again. I drink so much Diet Dr. Pepper, its crazy.

Cold & Windy

Saturday - pouring rain & humid
Sunday - Sunny and warm
Monday - gray, cold, and windy

Its 2:30 and it looks like its almost 6pm!

Finally...the coffee pot

So we haven't had the coffee pot for 2 weeks now. Yesterday, I opened the Macy's ad and what do I see - a Black & Decker coffee pot for $25!! Now, how perfect is it that I have a Macy's gift card for $25? I went over there at lunch and got my coffee pot for FREE.

Tomorrow...

...is the big day. The Election Day that many people have been waiting for, for 4 years. No matter who you vote for - just get out there and vote! Women's suffrage wasn't for nothing!

Mouthguard

I have to get this expensive mouth guard because I grind my teeth at night. Basically, when you grind your teeth at night, it is putting 200X the normal pressure on your teeth. Your gums can't handle it so they start to receed. I have a few teeth that are already doing that - awesome.

So, I sucked it up, am going to pay this big bill and just get the mouthguard. I went today to get fit for it. They have to put wax on your teeth, then this big football type mouthguard you bite down on. Finally, they put trays of play-doh type stuff in my mouth. gross.

I got a little nervous when the top tray didn't come off my teeth on the first pull. Of course, my mind raced to - what if this thing is stuck in my mouth & they have to get a chisel to get it off. But, on the 2nd take, it came off.

In 3 weeks, I will be the lucky owner of a new mouthguard to wear to bed.

Bad Rap

A few months ago, I applied for Evie to go to a Pit specific training class. There is this great rescue/training place in Berkeley called, Bad Rap. It stands for Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls. There was like a 3 mo waiting list and we just got in.

Erik and I went for the Orientation today. Next week, class starts. The only thing is, since she has issues with some people, there is a chance she cannot go to this class. She has to be comfortable with the instructors handling her. Since she was so good in her first training class last year, I think she could be fine.

So next week, we go back and see how she is. If she can handle it, we are in. We are going to learn how to handle her better and be better leaders for her.

Greetings From Evie

Happy Halloween!

It's Halloween!! Today, we are having a little party at work. Cristin and I made so much stuff last night - a cake, monkey bread, and halloween cookies. We are going to go into sugar shock today. Tonight, I am doing nothing! Poltergeist is on. And, I have to finish out the month with one last viewing of Hocus Pocus.

Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain. Erik said the best thing to me the other day. 'Want to stay in on Saturday and watch movies all day?' So, if it rains that is what we are doing. Then, we are going to hang with another couple on Sat night.

Sunday, I am doing more birthday parties!

Hope you have a great halloweeeeeeeen.

Raining....

It's raining! It is rainy and gray and windy. Evie went out, peed, and ran back in the house. I put her raincoat and she didn't want to walk so I took it off. I am putting that coat on ebay. It was like $25 and she never wears it. Anyway....looks like rain for the weekend.

10 Simple Ways to Feel Rich Without Materialistic Means

Good ideas

Christmas Music

I have an overwhelming urge to listen to Christmas music today. Maybe it is because Erik is learning Christmas songs on his guitar. I know it is breaking the rules but I might listen to the them today. Why not. They make me happy. Everyone is complaining about money, the economy, and the election. I can listen to a little Bing.

Still Burned

You know how I got burned by soup? Well it looks awful. I looked it up on Mayo and it is a 2nd degree burn. I just went to Walgreens and got bandaids, ointment etc. to keep it covered. It kills when water hits it aka showering & dishwashing.

Christmas Collar

I just found the BEST Christmas Collar for Evie. I mean, it is plaid AND it has a bell. Um, perfect.

Halloween Socks

Today I am wearing jeans, halloween socks, and flats. This means you can see my halloween socks clearly out of my socks. I think I either look like I am 5 or a school teacher. But, I dont care. I like festive socks. On Friday I am wearing my halloween charm bracelet. Thats right, I said it.

Every time I say 'charm bracelet', it reminds me of this....

"My Christmas chaaaaarm bracelet!"

Cold

It has been cold here the past two days between 50-60. Right now, it says its 49 out. And, I hear rain is coming. We do NOT get rain except for Nov - February. It's very strange. We are supposed to get rain on Fri and Sat.

Frozen

I went to the gym & froze my membership. I will pay $0 for up to 6 mos. I figured that I would freeze it incase I do TNT again in the Spring. If I do not do TNT, I am cancelling it. This is saving me $30/mo. I feel good about this decision.

Make Me Babies

This is too funny. I heard about this site MakeMeBabies.com where you upload pics of you & your partner, friend, or celebrity and it shows you what your babies will look like. Here they are.....I think 2 of them look like elves!

Bill Cosby

This is funny. He will always be the Mr. Huxtable!!

Burned

I just got burned taking my Healthy Choice soup out of the microwave. I know it says 'Hot, be careful, etc' I couldn't believe it. The soup literally burned my skin off in about a 1/2" area. It hurts!!

Gymnastics

Yesterday, I did the gymnastics parties and it was fun. There is always one kid in the group that is a know it all and keeps saying, I know how to do this already. It's like, yeah well, the rest of the kids don't go to gymnastics class so chill out. It's funny though when they think they know everything and then they come up and tell you, This is so much fun!

Yesterday, I had 2 know it alls. One girl told me, 'I have an 8 inch rock for a muscle'. I had no idea what she meant, then she flexed her bicep for me and said it again. She's like, 'Its 8", we measured it". Unreal.

Some kids want to hug you, too, which is strange. Well, you all know how I feel about kids. I am coming around and like them more. I love them in gymnastics parties b/c they are funny.


(Not my party, but this is what they do there)

Also -
Good things about parties: Fun, easy, gymnastics, and you get TIPS. Isnt' that funny - the parents leave tips for the instructors.

Bad things - We have to clean the party room after the party. It's not too bad though.

Finally - I think I am sore from yesterday. I had to hoist these kids up on the trapeze so they can swing into the foam pit.