Crazy of the Day

Today's crazy item is not a someone but an event. Here in SF, we have a street named Bush St. Well, some people thought it would be a good idea to rename those streets Obama St since the Bush era is over!

Dirty Jersey

I am reading that book Leaving Dirty Jersey and I have to say - it is NOT nearly as good as Beautiful Boy. It is more like a day by day detailed life of this 19 year old kid who just does drugs, steals, sells drugs, etc. It's sad & gross. I don't want to know the ins & outs of drug life. He is hanging out with people who have like 8 year old kids asleep while they get high in the living room. Gross.

I think I might just stop reading this book and move on....So, I don't recommend this one.

1.20.09

The day is finally here when we have a new President. Everyone looked great today and his speech was wonderful. Now, it's time to move on. I love that he calls for everyone to give back & help others. Just like my quote yesterday from Dr. King, we all have a duty to help each other out & give back.

Cutest Commercial

'All those boys are much too much!

Weekend Update

Well this weekend was very chill and the weather was awesome - sunny in the high 60's! I did go to Petco on Friday. Did you know that dog shampoo is really expensive - like $10 per bottle. Evie comes in with me and gets to pick out her rawhide bone. Then, she likes to carry it in her mouth the entire way home. Its jammed in her mouth and she can't really swallow and her tongue gets all dried out. It's funny though because she is so dead set on carrying it.

On Saturday, we did not go to Pacifica. We did some chores and then went to Buena Vista park. Evie was running and snorting. Then, she saw a 7month old Pit Puppy that she was running and rolling around with. She was so tired when she got home. At night, Betsy & Greg did come over and I made black bean burgers which turned out good. OH and this great banana cobbler dessert that was so good.

Sunday, I did a gymnastics party and fell asleep at like 830pm! Oops.

Today, we have the day off!! I am going to meet Cristin downtown and then we are going to Domo for $10 Sushi lunch and then to play tennis. Yippee!

Crazy of the Day

I am thinking of posting a new series 'Crazy of the Day' for all of the crazy things I see happen here.

Here are 2 to start you off:

1. Today - A very buff man wearing fringe chaps, an open button down shirt, wearing a cowboy hat, and holding an American flag. Posing with the flag by a tree in the park while his 'friend' takes his picture. My guess is they are a gay couple and he is submitting him for some contest.

2. A few days ago - A man sleeping in a tree. It is a cool tree that has a cave in the trunk. One morning, I saw there was a sheet hanging over the opening to the tree trunk & yep, someone was sleeping in there!

Pay it forward

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' " --the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate and civil rights activist

On MLK Day, I hope everyone can take a second and think about this quote. How do you help others? What are you passionate about that you can give to others - knitting blankets for the elderly? Painting with kids in a hospital? Raising money for your favorite charity? We all have something special that we can give to others that will brighten their day...you just have to find it.

VolunteerMatch.org is my favorite way to find volunteer activities. If you only have a few hours, this is a great place to find a one-time opportunity.

Rachel Ray does the Bay Area

Rachel Ray has a show called 'Vacation' where that lucky bitch gets to travel the world and just, EAT. Anyway, she just came to the 'Bay Area' - not SF. She went to 3 restaurants that I am now, dying to go to.

1. Buckeye BBQ in Mill Valley (north of SF). Looks nothing short of amazing. Especially that ahi tuna salad on the brunch menu.

2. Joe's Tacos in Mill Valley

3. Rivoli in Berkeley

All 3 are definitely on my list. Maybe I will take Sarah to Buckeye when she comes next weekend!!

Book Review

Well, I finished Beautiful Boy. I cannot recommend this enough. It was a great book chronicling a father's life with his drug addict son. It is very sad, hard to imagine going through, and hopeful. It gave a glimpse into the life of a drug addict and how they feel, why they do what they do, and how it affects everyone around them. In fact, the father really was addicted to the son's addiction - always worrying, thinking, praying, etc.

If you are looking for a good book, pick this up.

We went to the library on Saturday and I got another biography about a meth addict called 'Leaving Dirty Jersey.' I also got another biography called Mississippi Sissy which has been on my list forever. At the last minute, I also picked up 'Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch. I posted about him and his lecture months ago. It was such a great speech, I know it will be a great book.

Ironically, here is a great quote from Randy that sort of applies to Beautiful Boy:

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, only how we play the hand" - Randy Pausch

TGIF

TGIF. This week has been very long. It was very busy at work this week. Tonight, I am doing the monthly trip to Petco. How exciting. Tomorrow, we might go back to Pacifica. It is supposed to be nice out. Tomorrow night, we have our friends Betsy & Greg coming over for dinner. Sunday, I have parties in the afternoon. It should be a good weekend!

Allergies

I have been having allergies the past week or so. Maybe it's because of the warmer weather. I sneeze and sneeze and can't breathe out of my nose. And, Im so tired. I hate that.

Beautiful Boy 2

I cannot put this book down. It is really good. I'm not even done & I recommend it.

Anyway, I learned that crystal meth is the #1 drug in the US. And, in WWII, US soliders took meth to be more alert & stay awake. How crazy!

De Young Pics

A few weekends ago, we went to the DeYoung to see the Yves St. Laurent exhibit. You couldn't take pictures in there of all of the clothes though. However, I did find some funny things in the rest of the museum. Here they are:


Seriously - this one was called 'Dogs Mating'

Not sure what this was

Creepy

Creepy, again



Funny

Cake for B

I made a birthday cake for my co-worker, Bailey. Its funfetti with strawberry frosting. Can't wait to eat it!!


p.s. yes - i had to bring the 'cake carrier' on the bus today and of course, people stared like 'whats that thing'

Protests

I'm not sure if any of you have heard that we had a 'murder' here and protests are going on. Our train system that runs from the SF airport up through the East Bay is called 'BART'. Well on New Years Day, a guy was shot by a cop. I still don't know what the guy did but everyone whipped out their phones and recorded it via video. This happened in Oakland. Now, in Oakland, there are protests like daily because everyone is calling the cops 'killers' and this was a hate crime. So, needless to say, people are pissed and people in the Bay Area Loooooooove to protest.

Last night, there was another one. It got rowdy. People got arrested. Here is a funny picture from the protest though:

Evie's Own Account

Evie is the proud owner of her own checking account now. How nice. With ING Electric Orange, I opened her account. This way, I will transfer money for her monthly Petco trip and camp money in there so it is all separate.

Obama's letter

Parade magazine published a letter from Obama to his daughters....


(Click the pic for the article)

Books

I have been trying to find another good book to read after reading Chris Farley. I borrowed a ton of books from friends last summer and so I want to read them. So far I picked up 2 and couldn't get into them. 1)Alan Alda - Things I learned while talking to myself 2)Anita Shreve - All He ever wanted (i think thats the name)

Boring.

I picked up Beautiful Boy. It is a memoir about a Dad dealing with his son's meth addiction. From the first paragraph, I was hooked. I'm sure it is going to be sad & painful to read but I really love non-fiction and hearing other people's stories. I'll keep you posted!

Spring

I know its only January but spring has sprung in SF here this week. It has been in the 60's all week. Stores are putting out spring clothes. I love when the spring colors come out - yellows, pinks, greens. Everything is so bright and just reminds you of sun, being outside, and having fun.

So anyway, it is weird here in SF because you can wear all of your clothes year round. I wore sweaters in august, and had cropped pants on this week. So, I really have no big urge to go 'spring clothes shopping'. However, I was surfing the sites today just to see what is out there. I made a lookbook. It's wierd. Its like half prep, half bohemian/trendy.

Rachel Ray Fish & Chips

This month's issue of Everyday with Rachel Ray has really good recipes. Last night, we made baked breaded fish sticks and sweet potato fries. It was sooooo good & easy to make.

Also, last night, I had the orientation at the hospital. We had to listen to the rules of the hospital, what to wear, HIPAA laws, etc. I go back in 2 weeks to meet with the volunteer coordinator to get my assignment - what section I will work in the hospital. Can't wait.

Well today, I was up at 6:15am and on the bus at 7am. I had to be at the client by 830-ish to set up for this big 3 hour meeting. Its 2pm now, I am ready to go home and go to bed! I also am sitting here in semi-dress up clothes and am uncomfortable and want to go home and put sweats on.

Something to Remember

You play the hand you’re dealt. I think the game’s worthwhile.

— CS Lewis

Tuesday

Well today I am leaving work at 330 so I can go to my volunteer orientation at the CA Pacific Medical Center. I'm excited. I am going to be volunteering there weekly, hopefully!

It is only 930 and I already want 2nd breakfast. 1st breakfast is at home and is egg & cheese on bread. 2nd is cereal and I can usually last til 1030am but I dont know if I can today.

It is like 65 out and sunny out right now. Last night, i was out with Evie for an hour in the park playing and running around. There was a warm breeze and it was like 70 out. It was crazy but awesome.

The Bachelor hears the truth

The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick, was on Jimmy Kimmel the other day. It was really funny because Jimmy was keeping it real with Jason. He was basically like, um out of all 12 previous Bachelors, no one stays with who they find on the show or gets married so....good luck not getting married.

The youngest reporter

This little boy wants to interview Obama at the Inauguration. He is so cute!

Monday

1. I will get that pad thai recipe & post it for everyone who wanted it. its in a cookbook though so Ill have to get it at home

2. Mondays are the BEST tv nights - Gossip Girl, Bachelor, The City. Hopefully I can stay awake

3. This week is going to be sooooo busy at work. UGH.

You look like a bunny

Yesterday, I had only 2 gymnastics parties. In one of them, I had this little girl who looked familiar and turns out she had been to one of my parties before. She was 7 and she had quite the personality. She was cute, without any front teeth, but had a big mouth. She kept wanting to be the line leader, complained when we did one thing too long, wanted to do something different, had 'done this before and knows how to do it', blah blah. She was also talking to me like she was my age or something.

Anyway, she turns to me and says 'You look like a bunny rabbit'. I asked her why & she said, 'because you are so White!' Now this is a small, pale, blonde haired girl saying this to me! I was like, you are very pale too. She thought that was so funny. Who says that!??

Weekend Update

Well this weekend, we didn't really have plans and 2 RANDOM things happened.

On Saturday, we took Evie hiking in Pacifica. It was sunny and beautiful out. I have pictures to post soon...She loved it and passed out for the rest of the afternoon.



Me & Evie





Erik walking up the hill



Random #1
We were walking in from the car after going to the store on Saturday around 730pm. A dog is running around without an owner. A woman comes up to us and was like, he has tags but no owner. So, we proceed to catch the dog with treats. Then, we call the phone # on the tag. A woman answers and says that the dog belongs to her son who must be in SF visiting his friends. Well, the stupid son left this dog in his truck with the window down so the dog hopped out. So, we put the dog back in the car and the woman said she would call her son.

I went outside across the street to the store & who do I see? The dog, sticking his head out the window again. So, I call this woman back and say that the dog is just going to jump out again. She said she was on her way to get the dog. So, we put the dog (Murphy) in our car as a holding tank.

Murphy barked and barked so we tried to bring him inside. Evie played with him and then snarled when he wanted to drink her water. Just as we put him in the bathroom, we hear someone calling for Murphy. Well, the son was outside looking for his dog! We brought the dog out & gave him back. The 'son' was like 45 years old.

Anyway, we called the woman back and she was like, 'I was hoping you wouldn't give the dog back to my son because he drinks and I am taking the dog from him' I felt bad but oh well - it's not my situation or problem and we did more than most people would.

Random #2
My big sister, Alex, from my sorority was in town this weekend. We did not have a plan to meet up though. We walk into a bar and who do I see....Alex. How random. So, we hung out with her for the night & it was great and so good to see her.

Minor Obsession

I have a minor obsession with the restaurant, The Little Chihuahua. It's becoming a weekly trip. It is SO good and So cheap, how can you resist. 2 tacos and a beer for $9.50. Can't beat that!!

Cristin & I went there last night after we polished off 2 beers at the Bean Bag Cafe. Beers after 3pm there are only $1.50!!

Epidemic

We have an epidemic here. Girls wearing leggings as pants. That's right. Not sure if this is going on in the rest of the country but it is happening here. Envision - leggings, boots, and a shirt. It's sort of like they just forgot to put on a skirt or they are going to ballet rehearsal. Tragic.

Tis Best

I got a cool gift in the mail today from a vendor we work with. It was a gift card to donate to a charity. It was from TisBest.org. You basically go on, insert your card #, and choose your charity. So, I donated my $50 gift card to the MS Society!

Weekend

So anybody have any good plans for the weekend? I don't. We are getting out early today, around 3pm. I am doing parties on Sunday for a few hours. Nothing too exciting.

Step Brothers

I don't normally like Will Farrell movies but I recommend...Step Brothers. Holy crap that movie is funny.

Our New TV

We got a new TV!! Erik's parents got us a 37" flat screen for Christmas! It is awesome. The cable guy came yesterday and hooked up our new HD box with DVR. I am so excited to have DVR. This means I can watch TV and record it and fall asleep & not miss anything!!

Yipppeee

Quote

"It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it." - Albert Einstein

Wow. that is a good one!

The Chris Farley Show

I just finished the book, The Chris Farley show. It was a biography of his life & everyone who knew him contributed their memories. Basically, he was a lonely guy who desperately wanted to impress his Dad. To do this, he turned to drugs and alcohol to deal with his feelings. It just got to be too much after going to rehab over a dozen times. Finally, he overdosed. It was really sad to read because he had the opportunity to do some great projects such as....Shrek. He had even started voicing Shrek and then he died.

He was really a funny actor and could have had a long, prosperous career and life. He was only 33.

Pad Thai

Well I made pad thai last night. It didn't look like this since I used rice noodles but it was good. I had two bowls and more for lunch today. I think next time I might put shrimp in it. Its super easy to make too!

Team In Training

Erik & I went to the TNT meeting last night. I stayed for the Run team and he went with the Tri team to learn more about it. It is the same coaches for the Run team that I had last year, who are awesome. There was an Honoree that we had last year too. I really want to do Seattle mostly because I want to go up there and see Seattle. Also, I just love being on the team & meeting new people and challenging myself.

Erik is still thinking about the Tri team. That is 3 sports to train for at a time and it would be a lot of time & energy. Plus, I don't think he has the right bike for it so he is checking into that.

Anyway, last night I signed up for the Seattle Half. I didn't pay my registration fee yet though. There is a little doubt in my mind like - do I really want to do this. I have from early Feb until end of June for the race. That is a long time to get stronger so I don't have the same back problems as last year. It is a long time to fundraise. However, I just don't know if I want to really push myself for the next 5 months. Don't forget I am also taking those 2 classes this semester....

What do you think?? What should I do??

En Fuego

...is what my legs are right now. All of those squats are killing me. There is another class on Friday I want to go to called SET which is described as:

This cardio/strength combination class alternates strength exercises to sculpt every major muscle group with easy to follow step moves.

But my main goal is core workout & getting stronger. So, I am going to see about doing a yoga or pilates class 1-2 times per week.

Shaky

Went to the gym. The class was hard. You have to use the step & weights and punch and squat and lunge and up and down. It's hard. My arms are shaky & I will be sore tomorrow!

Quote

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from."
--Al Franken,
American entertainer and politician

It's Tuesday....

So much good TV last night. Gossip girl was good. Bachelor was its usual hot mess and cannot want for Deanna to come back to screw things up even more!

For some reason, I have allergies at work. I think it is the air quality - my eyes are so dry and I cannot breathe. I brought the Benadryl with me today. Hopefully it works.

I scheduled another $20 haircut for later this month. Can't wait!

Tonight, Erik and I are going to a Team In Training meeting. I am thinking of doing that Seattle Half and he MIGHT want do a Sprint Tri. We'll see....its a lot of work to train & fundraise but it is for a great cause.

Anyway...this is just a random post. I am going to the core class at lunch. It is so hard. I will be dying & dripping sweat when I am done. The ONLY way I go to the gym is if it is mid-day though. I will let you know if I survive.

Hummus

I am trying hummus for like the 5th time. It is gross. I don't like the consistency or the texture. I even got Roasted Garlic flavor & that does nothing. I tried but this is it, I'm not buying it again. Ick. What are some decent snacks that I can eat that do not involve pretzals or cheez-its??

Update: I am eating carrots with Kraft Light Asian Sesame Dressing and its amazing.

Precious

Here is Evie at her sweetest - ASLEEP!


I think I have to take her to the vet. She has this scaly patch on the top of her head & its spreading.

Back At It

Well, today is the first day back at work since 12/19. Waking up this morning sucked especially since Erik and Evie didn't have to get up! But, I am here. I got a seat on the bus which was awesome and got to read. I am reading 'The Chris Farley Show'. It is a memoir with info from all of his coworkers and childhood friends. Its good but sad to see how heavily he relied on drugs to get through life.

Anyway...I am glad to have a job to come back to since so many people do not have one right now. And, my next day off is on Jan 19th for Martin Luther King Day!

Quake

I randomly checked the CA Earthquake site today as I watched this special on the History channel about how the world is ending. There was a 4.2 earthquake near Santa Rosa today. I think that is like 60+ miles away. We didn't feel anything.

House Bunny

I just saw The House Bunny the other day. I know it looks stupid but it was funny. The girl in it who played Shelley, was funny & so cute and genuine. She is a Playboy Bunny who gets tricked into leaving the Mansion so she goes to look for a new Playboy Mansion. She finds a sorority house and becomes their "House Mother'. She turns the sorority around and gives makeovers to all of the girls. The girls run into trouble & she saves the day. It is a cheesy story line but its cute. I recommend this if you are looking for a fun, light hearted way to spend an hour and half of your time!

Daniel Pollera

I thought I would share with you one of my favorite artists, Daniel Pollera. He does seaside work and it is just beautiful. I have a framed print of his & just love it. I stare at it and instantly feel calm. You can just imagine yourself sitting in one of the chairs, hearing the ocean & falling asleep...







You can buy all of these at Art.com or Allposters.com

Weekend

Well yesterday was my first day without Marla & I was bored!! I sat around and went downtown to pick up a perscription. There was a Palestine/Israel/Gaza protest/march going on down there. Last night, I stayed home and watched TLC. I love watching TLC on Fridays. However.....I did tell people in 2009, I will try to go out every OTHER Friday. We'll see....

So, the last weekend off before going back to work. I have enjoyed sleeping in and having no real schedule. We are going to lay low for the next few weeks. In November & December, we spent a lot of money, ate out a lot, went out a lot, etc. Today, we hiked Buena Vista with Evie. She was running and going craaaazy. Erik is now making tomato soup from a cookbook he got from Kimmy for Christmas. It smells good! Tonight, we are going to make stuffed shells & just have a bottle of wine.

Tomorrow... I am hoping to go to the deYoung to see the Yves St. Laurant exhibit. It is FREE this weekend for Bank of America customers. Check out what museums are free in your city, Here.



However, the deYoung is FREE for Bank of America customers this weekend!

Housewives

I like that show 'The Real Housewives of....' I am watching the NYC version and the Countess is ridic. They just got into a town car and her friend introduced her to the driver as "LuAnn' LuAnn had a shit fit and says to her friend 'When you introduce me to someone like a driver it's Mrs. blah blah. You know, as if you are introducing me to a child'. How rude is that? That is beyond snob.

NYE

Hope everyone had a great New Years!! We had a little 'soiree' at our house before going to see Tainted Love (the best 80's cover band!) We basically ate, drank, and had the 80's music on. Then, we went to the bar. We danced and danced. We wore 80's clothes. I wish I could wear 80's clothes every day. I had on blue eyeshadow & fake eyelashes. We broke out the crimper. Cristin has pictures so I will post them soon!!

UPdate: Here are the pictures.


Marla, giving me a piggy back ride. Don't know why.

Our Hawaii vacation 2005 is forever in our hearts


Marla singing

Erik tasting the champagne

Fierce



Born in the mid-80's but knows how to rock it

Not sure what is happening here but this is just another typical Heather & Marla picture

Me & my secret boyfriend, Johnny Castle.

3 Amigos.

Me, with a 'Bag of Gold'