New fave drink

New fave drink at Starbucks....Vanilla Rooibo Tea Latte. Its only 160 calories!

SO good.

Proud Mama

I am SO proud of Evie lately. She has been so good. I have been watching a ton of Cesar Millan now that we get the NatGeo channel again. Cesar teaches the same lessons in every episode so when you watch them enough, you get what he is saying. It's not really that Evie is a bad dog, its that I am nervous with her so she acts out. She basically feels me being nervous and tells other people, watch out b/c my owner is nervous. I also learned that she is not doing the right behavior around other dogs. She sometimes sits down when they try to smell her butt & that is not cool. That is like not extending your hand to someone. So today, 3 dogs ran up to her at Alamo and I just kept cool and tried moving her around so that they could smell & it worked great.

I literally have to like talk to myself in my head that I am the leader and boss when I am with her. She looks at me while we aer walking now. If she gets all excited when a dog is coming, I just give her a little tug on and she stops. We aer able to walk past previously scary people without a peep out of her. Plus, this morning, we stopped to talk to a Park Ranger and she sat right next to me without moving. I was shocked.

So, I am Cesar Jr. hahaha.

Back to Reality

I still haven't had a coffee or soda. I really want a warm cup of coffee but I am not using splenda. Did you know that the USDA denied Splenda like 5x before it finally got pushed through? You know who was behind getting it approved - Donald Rumsfeld. You know that lobbyists pay off those politicians to put bad things in the marketplace.

Anyway, I might just try decaf. We'll see.

This morning, the bus was so crowded. I was butt to butt with some stranger. I hate that!! I wish Erik would drive me to work every day or that I had a driver.

Attempting to go to spinning tonight. I dont like spinning but I HAVE to go to the gym.

Back to School

I was able to register for my MicroBio class. School starts on Wed 1/20. Back to the grind. I am going to tell my boss I am taking a class and need to leave at 5pm on Mon & Wed. I am also volunteering at the hospital on Thursday nights. It will be a busy semester but I am one step closer to my goal!

FLOSS

As you know, last year I had to get that mouth guard because I was grinding my teeth and causing gum recession. Lovely. Got the mouth guard but still don't floss that well. Few times a week, not daily. I know this is aproblem. I am too old NOT to floss. My tooth started hurting a few weeks ago & it was hard to eat on the right side of my mouth. I, of course, went right to needing a root canal or a gum graft.

So, I had an appt at the dentist for late Jan but moved it to today. They looked at my tooth and said the gum recession is really not that bad and I just need to use Sensodyne toothpaste. That's it! I mean, I had it all cooked up in my head on how I was going to be eating soft foods for a week after my gum graft. Unreal.

So, now I have to 1)Floss daily 2)Don't brush so hard 3)use Sensodyne toothpaste ONLY.

Tues

Last night, I ate dinner, laid on the couch, put the heater directly on me and passed out. I woke up at midnight when Erik came home. I felt bad that I didn't really play with Evie but at least we went out for a nice walk. I was exhausted.

Today, I feel better.

Check out this quote. I think it is perfect!

Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run there's still time to change the road you're on."
--Led Zeppelin,
British rock band, from "Stairway to Heaven"

I got into that Microbio class. Can you believe it? I feel like I am one step closer to my goal.

Day 3: No Caffeine

Its 330pm and I am ready to fall asleep on my desk. I am NOT going to get a coffee though.

Movie Reviews

I saw two movies this past week and both I give a thumbs DOWN:

1. Ghosts of Girlfriends past
Old idea, lame acting, Matthew McConaguhey played the same type of guy he played in How to Lose A guy in 10 Days and it had Jennifer Garner, who I cannot stand.















2. 500 days of Summer
Boring. It was like a love story in reverse. Boring.

Concious Cook

Erik got me this great cookbook for Christmas. I can't wait to use it. The chef who wrote it is vegan but the recipes look soooo yummy. I will let you know when I make something from the book.

Back to Work

Today is my first day back to work in two weeks. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hard getting up, even without coffee.

Marla's visit was very fun even though we did a whole lot of nothing. We did leave the house each day so that is a start. She got here on Wed 11/30 and we went out to lunch. We also went to Target and finally bought space heaters. They are amazing & transforming our life. Evie even lays down in front of it and is CALM.

Thurs was New Years Eve. We did not go out. We wanted to go to karaoke but never made it. We ate at home and watched the ball drop in NYC at 9pmPST. I think it is so lame that they just replay the ball dropping for the West Coast. We should have our own ball drop!

New Years Day, we sat around and watched like 5 episodes of Cesar Millan. Then, we went to the Tonga Room (a Tiki bar/restaurant) and had a fruity cocktail. We were going to go to another tiki bar but were too tired.(Note: This was at 7pm)

On Saturday, we left the house to go up to Chestnut Street and get a cupcake from Kara's Cupcakes. Erik made us walk around too. We were tired. haha. I did find some good nail spots for a cheap mani/pedi. Also realized there are good restaurants and bars up there that we never go to.

Sunday, we only left the house to get chicken & waffles at Gussies. I've been wanting to go here since it opened & no one would go. Well finally, I got my chicken & waffles and it was goooood.

Marla left this AM at like 3am. She took Super Shuttle which was good. Evie LOVES Marla. She loves to play with her and cuddle with her. Its amazing.

So, now back on track. Day 3 of no coffee and soda and doing fine!! Honey Vanilla Chamomile tea is really good!! Work is fine so far and I have a goal to go to the gym at 630 for kickboxing but I KNOW at 3pm, I will be so tired.

Vacation Over

Today is the last day of Christmas Vacation. Marla leaves tomorrow AM and I go back to work. It has been a fun two weeks off. This week, we have just been lounging, watching Tv and doing nothing. It has been fun!!

So, I read the book Skinny Bitch. I have heard if you read this book, you will be vegan instantly and never want to touch meat again. Well, I know a lot about the food industry, slaughterhouses, and how food is produced. This is why I do not eat pork or beef. However, the book made me think twice about dairy and caffeine. Basically, they said that coffee makes an acidic environment in your body and cancer likes acidic environments. Also, I know that I am addicted to caffeeine. I love Diet Dr. Pepper and coffee. So, I am trying to see how I do without it. I haven't had a soda or coffee for two days now. I have had a headache for two days now and it sucks.

I also tried rice milk - BLECH! Gross. I like real milk. Despite what I know about milk and overproduction, I like the way it tastes.

So, I'm sticking withthe milk and trying no caffeine. I'll let you know how it goes.

Books I read in 2009

20. True Compass - Ted Kennedy
19. The Blind Side - Michael Lewis
18. Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult
17. My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
16. Julie & Julia - Julie Powell
15. Everyone is Beautiful - Katherine Center
14. Name All The Animals - Alison Smith
13. Time of My Life - Alison Winn Scotch
12. Little Bee - Chris Cleave
11. American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld
10. Always Looking Up - Michael J. Fox
9. Man of My Dreams - Curtis Sittenfeld
8. The Little Giant of Aberdeen County -Tiffany Baker
7. Lucky Man - Michael J. Fox
6. Beautiful Boy - David Sheff
5. Tweak - Nic Sheff
4. The Zookeeper's Wife - Diane Ackerman
3. Here's The Story - Maureen McCormick
2. Diary of a Working Girl - Daniella Brodsky
1. The Chris Farley Show

Goodbye 2009

I think this is a commercial but I saw this written by someone on FB:

This was the year where we traded in reservations and box seats, for meatloaf and jenga. this was the year where we realized that the people gathered with us around the television, was much more important than the size of our television.....

How true....2009 was a rocky year. I am glad to say goodbye to 2009! What would the year be without a few lessons though....here we go:

1. Never get bangs again. They are a hassle and more effort than they're worth
2. Always buy the school parking pass when you sign up for a class. ALWAYS.
3. Look both ways before crossing the street. 10 times. Do not expect drivers to stop. I have seen it first hand.
4. As a driver, stop for someone in the crosswalk. Don't rush. Be late to work, the appointment, or to meet your friend. Rushing and possibly hurting someone is not worth it.
5. Your job is what you do, not who you are. Your job could be gone in an instant. Make sure the person who is left is someone you like and proud of without the mask of your job on.

Here's to a better 2010. A new decade. Hopefully we all hold onto the lessons we learned last year for a prosperous new year!

This week

On Tuesday, I took all of the Christmas stuff down. I just felt like the holiday was over and wanted it all put away. So, everything went back in the bins. Erik had to work so Evie and I just chilled and did the laundry & everything. Marla arrived on Wednesday so we had to get ready for her arrival.

I'm so happy to have a buddy here while I am off from work. We don't have any big plans while she is here. Tonight is New Years Eve and we are already saying, we will probably plan to go out but stay home. haha.

Hope you enjoy your New Years Eve!! Goodbye 2009!

Last day in CT

Sunday was our last day in CT. My mom, sister & I did a few errands together .We got our nails done and then we had birthday cake for my parents. Their birthdays are 12/18 and 12/24!







US with our little pal, Khai

We left on Monday on a 4pm flight. It was great to not get up so early in the AM to get an early flight. We got home on Monday, got the car, and picked up Evie. She was so excited to see us and of course, I missed her so much!!

Hanging Out

Well one thing I learned when we take a trip home is not to make all of these individual lunch and dinner appointments with people. It takes up too much time and I end up running around, not enjoying myself. So, now I just pick a day, time, & place and say lets meet up. So, last Saturday, we did that. We met up at a bar in downtown Milford and it was fun to see everyone.


Sisters

Me & Sarah

Souk, Jaime, & Erik

Jess, Sarah, Me, & Marla

Me & Marla. We kept sinking into the couch!


After the bar, we went to my favorite place for WINGS! ANd nachos! it was great.

Christmas

Christmas morning, we opened gifts at Erik's first with his family. Then, we went to my parents house for Christmas Dinner and more gifts.





We gave Mom & Dad the Wii fit


Me & Shiloh, my parents dog


Christmas Dinner: Scott & Kimmy


Dad & Mom


Me & Erik (he had a nice shirt on before this but got red wine on it!)

Grandma & Grandpa!

We opened gifts and finished the night with lots of wine!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was very fun. First, we made cookies with Grandma. We had yummy sandwiches from Napoli deli. It was also my mom's birthday so we gave her gifts!

Then, I went to Erik's for Christmas Eve where they had a big dinner and a lot of his family came over. We had so much good food including...fried turkey!

The kids were running around and having fun. Then, they opened their gifts before they went home for Santa!









Acting like the 'Step Brothers'

20th Book of the year: True Compass

I just finished my 20th book of 2009: Ted Kennedy's memoir. It was pretty long but I really enjoyed it. It was very insightful to read about the past such as the 60's and hear what it was like for him to work with Jack & Bobby in politics.

He really fought very hard for healthcare ever since the 70's and social programs. He was also one of the first politicians to stand up for gay rights in the 70's. That was pretty much unheard of. As the youngest from a huge family, he became one of the most successful siblings.

To get an insight into the Kennedy family, the Senate, and Ted's life, check out this book. I recommend it.

My goal for 2010 is to read 25 books.

Super Sister Day in NY

Last Wednesday, Kimmy & I went to NYC together. We had SO much fun.

First up - Empire State Building. Can you believe I've never been? Beautiful views. Freezing on top at the 86th Floor.











Then, onto John's Pizza!! So good.

Then, onto the main event......our 2nd time seeing HAIR. We had awesome, aisle seats in the orchestra. The show was better the second time around. PLUS, since we were on the aisle, the actors came right up to us. I got a kiss on the cheek. Kimmy got a hug from Kacie Shiek. The ultimate part of the show was at the end. After they bow, they invite you up to dance with them to Let the Sun Shine In. OMG. We RAN to the stage. It was amazing. We got on Broadway! One of the actors grabbed us and we were all singing together. I mean, it was just so great. I can die happy now. Afterwards, we waited at the stage door to meet our Broadway boyfriends:

Pre show - getting excited


pre show looking crazy


Pre Show - Feeling the 60s love



Shot of the stage when we were on it!! Let the Sun Shine

Kimmys imposter BB#1 - Gavin Creel is real BB #1

Kimmys BB #2


My BB #1!!! Steel Burkhardt

Broadway Boyfriend #2 - Darius Nichols


My imposter BB #3 - Gavin Creel normally plays Claude but this guy Jay played him & did a great job.

After we came down from the clouds of being on Broadway, we met our BFF Jess & Fang at Dempseys for happy hour. Then, we went to an amazing dinner at Paul & JImmys. A friends boyfriends family owns the restaurant and it was delish. Cute little italian place in the east village. I had exactly what I wanted - penne vodka, a huge glass or red wine, and a canoli. Everyone's meals were perfect.

Then, we took the train home and dreamt of Hair and canolis. haha.

Were back

We are back in SF. We got back last night. We took a 330pm flight out of NY that really left at 5pm and got back around 8. We picked up the car & the dog and came home. Promptly ate and fell asleep on the couches. Today I am putting all of the Christmas stuff away. I can't really stand looking at it anymore. I feel like the holiday is over. Well we had a great time in CT seeing friends & family, going to NY....I will post pics soon.

Sleigh Bells Ring....

We are leaving on a jet plane tomorrow at 730am for CT! We're so excited to go home for Christmas. We haven't been home for the holidays in 2 yrs! On Wednesday, Kimmy & I have a very special Super Sister Day planned in NYC including the Empire State Bldg, seeing HAIR, and eating yummy food. I can already taste the red wine and cannoli in my mouth!! haha.

Anyway, we can't wait to spend Christmas Eve with Erik's family and Christmas Day with mine. We are very lucky our parents live 4 miles away from each other, in the same town. We are going to meet up with friends on Sat night and just chill. I have learned from our few trips home to NOT plan every second. When I do that, I can't enjoy anything, I get a stomachache and it sucks. So, we are going to enjoy ourselves in the cold!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Almost time to go

Yesterday was a great day. Amy & I went to see the Nutcracker! This is our third year in a row going to the show. It is great. I love how it is supposed to be set in SF. I love the snowflakes, the flowers, and the Russians.

Afterwards, we had a nice dinner at this little place - Cafe Altano. It was surprisingly good - it's pretty knew and we didn't know what to expect. Good italian food in a non-italian neighborhood.

Anyway, I also packed last night. I wanted to figure out how to pack my clothes. Unfortunately, I have to check a bag. UGH.



Today, we went to this cute place, Terra Mia, to do pottery with our clients. We had lunch, did pottery, and had a white elephant. I'm so excited - I got 2 movies: Love Actually and The Holiday!! Woohoo.

I dropped Evie at camp today. I feel sad bringing her which is why Erik normally brings her. She ran in to see the owners which is great and then I say goodbye and she wants to stay with me. So, they told me where she would be sleeping(in a room) and that she would be fine. I know she will be fine. She makes me crazy but she is my baby boo and I will miss her.





In other news - Um, has anyone seen the commercials for the Little Chocolatiers? I think TLC has an obsession with little people.

Also, are the Roloffs getting divorced or what? All season, they have been complaining about how they aren't friends anymore and don't know what to do now that the kids are growing up. She can't stand him. He spends so much money on his projects and buys $50K Mercedes without asking her.