You may have found yourself having some issues with food lately, dear Cancer. It could be that your sense of self-worth is not at its highest and that you are trying to make up for this by sabotaging your relationship to your body. Remember: food is healthy nourishment that you need to survive. Your body deserves respect, and you always need to give it the proper fuel that it needs to be healthy.
Weird.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
1/2 way...
To my first weight loss goal, that is. I hit 15 lbs. this morning and feel great! With Thanksgiving and a very stressful November, it would have been easy to fall of the wagon but I stuck to it and am very proud of myself. When I get to 30 lbs., I'm going to get highlights. I'm ready for them now but they're so costly, I figured it'd give me something to work toward. I haven't had them done since before our wedding. My next mini-goal is to lose 4 lbs. before we go to Michigan on January 1st. I think it's totally attainable, even as holiday parties loom. Wish me luck!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Nothing Like the Christmas Spirit!
While driving around Downey running errands, King and I were enjoying the Christmas music on the radio, muddling through the words to Feliz Navidad, when I stopped at a four-way stop sign. I yielded to the car on my left and, when it was my turn to go, I started going straight. Just after I started into the intersection, the car to my right decided to go straight. I had to slam on my brakes, sending Kingy onto the floor in the backseat (poor guy). I had gone first and, obviously, had the right of way. But then someone honked at me. At ME! I didn't do anything wrong. So I looked over to the honker, on my left, and saw two guys gesturing and, presumably, yelling not-so-nice things at me. I pointed to the car that had gone in front of me, what the heck did the guys want me to do? And then, without pause, I lifted a certain finger that I rarely lift. Then moved forward and continued my Feliz Navidading. A minute later, I realized what had just transpired and found myself laughing at the entire situation. Merry Christmas dude in the red Toyota who decided to honk and yell at me, Merry Christmas.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Low-Carb Lifestyle
Just about a week after Mark's birthday weekend in Vegas, we decided to give Atkins a try. Up to this point in my life, I had been very anti-Atkins because I felt that the people I know who have done it eat bacon all day and lose weight. This is not a healthy diet. But, we bought a book and, after reading through it, I began to understand the ideas behind the diet..scratch that, it's a lifestyle. Basically, the principles are simple and all sugary, processed food should be eliminated and replaced by healthy alternatives.
One thing that I discovered during this first two week period is just how much I had become addicted, literally, to sugar. The first couple days were the most difficult, especially when I had to have something sweet after my meals, but I soon got used to it. Last week, I also gave up caffeine. Instead of feeling tired, as I assumed I would, I had a distinctively increased energy level. When I got home from work everyday, I no longer desired my afternoon naps that I had become so accustomed to. It was incredible!
We went to Lindsay and Adam's last night and were planning to skip the wine/beer that normally goes along with a night with them; however, we decided to have a couple of drinks, nothing crazy, and see what happens. We both had lost when we weighed in this morning! I am definitely learning the value of balance.
We're starting Week 3 this week and should be moving into the "Ongoing Weight Loss" phase of Atkins but I think we're going to do one more week of "Induction."
Total weight loss so far: 10.5 lbs!!! It's amazing how results fuel the motivational fire.
One thing that I discovered during this first two week period is just how much I had become addicted, literally, to sugar. The first couple days were the most difficult, especially when I had to have something sweet after my meals, but I soon got used to it. Last week, I also gave up caffeine. Instead of feeling tired, as I assumed I would, I had a distinctively increased energy level. When I got home from work everyday, I no longer desired my afternoon naps that I had become so accustomed to. It was incredible!
We went to Lindsay and Adam's last night and were planning to skip the wine/beer that normally goes along with a night with them; however, we decided to have a couple of drinks, nothing crazy, and see what happens. We both had lost when we weighed in this morning! I am definitely learning the value of balance.
We're starting Week 3 this week and should be moving into the "Ongoing Weight Loss" phase of Atkins but I think we're going to do one more week of "Induction."
Total weight loss so far: 10.5 lbs!!! It's amazing how results fuel the motivational fire.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Update (in photos)
Hanging with Adam & Linz!
Looks who's in the shopping cart now!
Our adorable niece and me.
Such a cute pic!
At an NLDS game
In Vegas for Mark's birthday
Lucky guy!
With a random relic at the House of Blues Foundation Room.
Having a good 'ole time!
Mark & the Strip
We wandered through the closed restaurant and found a collection of empty wine buckets, a perfect place for Mark to relieve himself!
Self-Portrait! Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Welcome to the world Joshua Leo!
Karen and Scott's first baby was born on Monday! After 41 hours of labor and an eventual c-section, Mom and Baby are doing well. Congratulations Diegels! We are so thrilled for you!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
"Teachers are Born, Not Made."
I just read an article that argued no matter how wonderful the university program, people simply can't be taught how to teach unless they were born with the "teaching gene." I tend to agree. Mark tells people all the time that I could not get paid and I would still do what I do. I love it that much. And it's true. I really do love what I do.
I've had some difficulties of late with one of the teachers in my department. It seems that, because I am more eager to try new things, ready to take on new challenges, and in a position that seems to have authority (as department chair) I can do nothing right. It probably doesn't help that I'm thirty years younger than her either! Truly, no matter what I do, it's wrong. And she has no problem telling me how wrong I am and how thirty-five years of teaching has made her an expert on whatever teeny-tiny little decision I have to make.
So, since my last blog posting, school has started and boy is the ball just a-rolling along! Which, incidentally, is why I haven't posted anything since September 4th. I have a new classroom, which is great! It's also a big change and has thrown everyone off, including me. My co-teacher and I have five new paraeducators which is almost like having five additional students at times. While completely necessary and totally invaluable, teaching five people how you want/need them to work is a huge undertaking. I also have a couple of new students who are really great kids but also very involved behaviorally. To add to the craziness, I have a ton of extra paperwork and evaluations to do this year. And to top it all off, I had this teacher upset with me this afternoon.
But, despite my ranting and jumbled thoughts, it really has been a great year so far! I'm looking forward to things settling down a bit so that I can actually enjoy what it is I was genetically pre-determined to do...teach.
I've had some difficulties of late with one of the teachers in my department. It seems that, because I am more eager to try new things, ready to take on new challenges, and in a position that seems to have authority (as department chair) I can do nothing right. It probably doesn't help that I'm thirty years younger than her either! Truly, no matter what I do, it's wrong. And she has no problem telling me how wrong I am and how thirty-five years of teaching has made her an expert on whatever teeny-tiny little decision I have to make.
So, since my last blog posting, school has started and boy is the ball just a-rolling along! Which, incidentally, is why I haven't posted anything since September 4th. I have a new classroom, which is great! It's also a big change and has thrown everyone off, including me. My co-teacher and I have five new paraeducators which is almost like having five additional students at times. While completely necessary and totally invaluable, teaching five people how you want/need them to work is a huge undertaking. I also have a couple of new students who are really great kids but also very involved behaviorally. To add to the craziness, I have a ton of extra paperwork and evaluations to do this year. And to top it all off, I had this teacher upset with me this afternoon.
But, despite my ranting and jumbled thoughts, it really has been a great year so far! I'm looking forward to things settling down a bit so that I can actually enjoy what it is I was genetically pre-determined to do...teach.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Week in Review
After being a "new" WW member again this week, I'm supposed to weigh in tomorrow morning. I had a really rough time getting into a routine this week for several reasons. A run down of my week...
Saturday night was our annual Albanian party in which our family celebrates with other families from the same region of Montenegro their ability to defeat the Turks and remain Catholic. We had two lambs roasting on a spit all day long plus all kinds of other food and wine.
Sunday we went to a friend of Mark's place for a BBQ. I managed to do okay here but did have a couple of beers.
Monday was our big night on the town! I had way too much to eat and drink.
Tuesday I was super hungover so didn't eat too much but what I did it were my typical hangover remedies - french fries, ice cream, and an egg sandwich. I know, it sounds gross and weird but it really does seem to help me!
Wednesday I managed to actually count my points and log my food into my online journal.
Thursday I went wedding dress shopping with Lindsay and she took us out for appetizers and then for dinner as well. I tried to be good but it was so difficult, especially since we were celebrating.
Friday, today, I've done really well.
Part of me really, really wants to skip my meeting in the morning since I know I didn't have a successful week and it's just embarrassing for me at this point. But, Mark is being really supportive and insists that I go. My leader is super positive so I know she'll celebrate the fact that I came back more than make me feel bad for not following the plan this week.
Next week will be better. I go back to work which will help a ton since I'll be back into a routine.
(Sigh) Wish me luck. I definitely wish it were easier.
Saturday night was our annual Albanian party in which our family celebrates with other families from the same region of Montenegro their ability to defeat the Turks and remain Catholic. We had two lambs roasting on a spit all day long plus all kinds of other food and wine.
Sunday we went to a friend of Mark's place for a BBQ. I managed to do okay here but did have a couple of beers.
Monday was our big night on the town! I had way too much to eat and drink.
Tuesday I was super hungover so didn't eat too much but what I did it were my typical hangover remedies - french fries, ice cream, and an egg sandwich. I know, it sounds gross and weird but it really does seem to help me!
Wednesday I managed to actually count my points and log my food into my online journal.
Thursday I went wedding dress shopping with Lindsay and she took us out for appetizers and then for dinner as well. I tried to be good but it was so difficult, especially since we were celebrating.
Friday, today, I've done really well.
Part of me really, really wants to skip my meeting in the morning since I know I didn't have a successful week and it's just embarrassing for me at this point. But, Mark is being really supportive and insists that I go. My leader is super positive so I know she'll celebrate the fact that I came back more than make me feel bad for not following the plan this week.
Next week will be better. I go back to work which will help a ton since I'll be back into a routine.
(Sigh) Wish me luck. I definitely wish it were easier.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Step in the Right Direction
After reading my last post, it probably doesn't seem like I'm doing anything to help myself shed some pounds. However, yesterday was a special occasion. In fact, I re-joined WW on Saturday morning. I've had a decent week but, of course, last night made it difficult. I have three full days until my next weigh-in though, wish me luck!
Reaping the Rewards
Since July, Mark and his management team have been working so hard in order to make BJ's in Downey a successful restaurant. Their hard work and dedication definitely paid off when they beat the opening week sales record! As a result, the big wigs from corporate took the entire team and their significant others out to dinner last night at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Mark and I have been so excited about this dinner and night on the town and it the night definitely did not disappoint.
We all met at the restaurant between 4:30 and 5:00 where we met the limo that would take us to Beverly Hills. I was a bit disappointed that the limo was not stocked with champagne, as I had anticipated; however, I ultimately had plenty to drink. We met the top five guys from the corporate office for dinner and two of their wives joined us as well. Mark and I ended up sitting directly across the table from the CEO and one of the VP's. I sat directly next to the wife of the 2nd in command. She and her husband are planning their daughter's wedding so we had plenty to talk about. I kept leaning over to Mark and apologizing for not socializing more with him but he was thankful that I was getting along with the mukity-muk's wife. We also chatted a lot with the CEO who just seems like a really, really nice guy.
The conversation was great but the food was to die for! I had a bone-in filet, which I had never seen on a menu prior to last night. It was so thick and juicy and delicious! All side orders are served family style so everyone was able to order what they wanted and we all had plenty to sample. My favorite was the creamed corn. Mmm... The au-gratin potatoes were delicious as well. Then came the dessert! Mastro's has a signature butter cake on the menu so, of course, that's what we got. I love sweets but I'm not too much of a cake person (unless it's from Meijer) but this cake was indescribably delicious. Words can't even express how yummy it was. And it was served with fresh berries. Just divine.
Great conversation and one of the most delicious meals of my life were complemented wonderfully with lots and lots of drinks. Lots of drinks. I started with a smoking lemon drop martini and then really, really wanted a glass of champagne. After asking Mark who asked his GM, I ordered a $25 glass! Then the wine came and an after-dinner S'mores martini with a graham cracker rim. In all, the tab on dinner was around $4500! Talk about a perk of a job well done.
After leaving Mastro's, we swung by Sky Bar in Hollywood. Now, I have wanted to go to Sky Bar since Becky and I first went to L.A. for the night back in 2002. I'm not sure how I had heard of it or why I wanted in so bad but I was so thrilled to have made in in the door that I asked just about every person in the place what the name of the bar was! I kept thinking they were all just messing with me. I don't know, blame it on the a-a-a-alcohol! We ended the night at the local karaoke joint that we went to last week. I butchered "Dancing Queen." Or, I'm assuming I butchered it because I couldn't even hear myself singing it. Mark and I ended the evening with our own rendition of "Redemption Song."
In all, we has an absolutely fantastic time and can't wait to go back to Mastro's and enjoy the food again. I wonder if it would be just as delicious if it wasn't free!
In the bar before dinner.
We all met at the restaurant between 4:30 and 5:00 where we met the limo that would take us to Beverly Hills. I was a bit disappointed that the limo was not stocked with champagne, as I had anticipated; however, I ultimately had plenty to drink. We met the top five guys from the corporate office for dinner and two of their wives joined us as well. Mark and I ended up sitting directly across the table from the CEO and one of the VP's. I sat directly next to the wife of the 2nd in command. She and her husband are planning their daughter's wedding so we had plenty to talk about. I kept leaning over to Mark and apologizing for not socializing more with him but he was thankful that I was getting along with the mukity-muk's wife. We also chatted a lot with the CEO who just seems like a really, really nice guy.
The conversation was great but the food was to die for! I had a bone-in filet, which I had never seen on a menu prior to last night. It was so thick and juicy and delicious! All side orders are served family style so everyone was able to order what they wanted and we all had plenty to sample. My favorite was the creamed corn. Mmm... The au-gratin potatoes were delicious as well. Then came the dessert! Mastro's has a signature butter cake on the menu so, of course, that's what we got. I love sweets but I'm not too much of a cake person (unless it's from Meijer) but this cake was indescribably delicious. Words can't even express how yummy it was. And it was served with fresh berries. Just divine.
Great conversation and one of the most delicious meals of my life were complemented wonderfully with lots and lots of drinks. Lots of drinks. I started with a smoking lemon drop martini and then really, really wanted a glass of champagne. After asking Mark who asked his GM, I ordered a $25 glass! Then the wine came and an after-dinner S'mores martini with a graham cracker rim. In all, the tab on dinner was around $4500! Talk about a perk of a job well done.
After leaving Mastro's, we swung by Sky Bar in Hollywood. Now, I have wanted to go to Sky Bar since Becky and I first went to L.A. for the night back in 2002. I'm not sure how I had heard of it or why I wanted in so bad but I was so thrilled to have made in in the door that I asked just about every person in the place what the name of the bar was! I kept thinking they were all just messing with me. I don't know, blame it on the a-a-a-alcohol! We ended the night at the local karaoke joint that we went to last week. I butchered "Dancing Queen." Or, I'm assuming I butchered it because I couldn't even hear myself singing it. Mark and I ended the evening with our own rendition of "Redemption Song."
In all, we has an absolutely fantastic time and can't wait to go back to Mastro's and enjoy the food again. I wonder if it would be just as delicious if it wasn't free!
A full-length shot of us before leaving the house. It's kinda dark but you get the idea. I love to watch as we get more and more relaxed as the night goes on...
In the bar before dinner.
Gotta get a pic at the entrance! This was after dinner.
At Sky Bar. Definitely getting a little faded.
In the limo. Nice cleavage.
The Lajci's do Bob Marley!
One last self-portrait for the night. I think it's pretty obvious that we're having a great time!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Like a vacation
Mark had Monday and Tuesday off this week and, boy, does that make today feel like a Monday! I go back to school (at the university) next week so I'm very thankful to have felt like we were on vacation.
We woke up somewhat early on Monday with a list of errands to run. We dropped Mark's car off at the dealership to get his a/c fixed (it hasn't been working for a few weeks) and Mark got a haircut. We then went to Home Depot and ordered a door with a doggie door already installed in it rather than having Mark's dad saw the hole himself, which was the original plan. We also got a new toilet seat as I had broken the last one by standing on it and cleaning the walls. Apparently, I twisted one way and the seat went the other, causing the screw that holds the lid to the seat to break.
After lunch, we embarked on our major endeavor of the day: purchasing a new suit for Mark. We went to an outlet mall not far from us to get an idea of prices then headed to Hollywood, a suit outlet mecca. I must say that, even though we are SoCal residents, walking the star-lined streets of Hollywood is still pretty cool. We went to an additional four stores and Mark had decided on a classic black suit until he tried on a super-sharp grey, pin-striped Hugo Boss. It was the suit that fit him the best all day long and he really looked handsome in it. He was a bit afraid that grey, pin-stripes don't go with enough colors of shirts and ties but I reassured him that, according to Stacey and Clinton, it would be considered a neutral and that he could wear any shirt and tie with it. We left the store for a minute to discuss and then he called his friend Andy to gets the man's perspective. He decided to get it and I think it guarantees that heads will turn when he walks into a room (as if they don't already!).
Being that we were in Hollywood and it was already close to 5, we decided to get some food and drinks and wait for traffic to lighten up. We went to this really neat German bar where the bartender and the regulars are all from Germany. The food was great - even better than Frankenmuth! After braving the freeway, we took a short nap then met up with Mark's GM, Will, at BJ's then closed down The Powwow Saloon, where they have karaoke every night! We finally crashed close to 3:30.
Tuesday morning we forced ourselves out of bed early and went for a quick greasy breakfast since I was feeling a bit queasy from over-indulging the night before and he was moving pretty slowly. We then hit the road to meet up with our friends Dave and Robin and their adorable daughter, Riley, in Del Mar (about an hour and a half south of us, close to San Diego). Robin's brother is the deputy chief of the life guards on his stretch of the beach so we had a prime spot close to the tower. The water was beautiful! So clean. And the waves were totally within my comfort zone, which is really great! After a quick, hangover-curing dip, I got comfortable with Robin, her sister-in-law, and the baby (who was safe under an umbrella) and caught some major rays. Mark, on the other hand, went boogie-boarding for a bit then went out with Robin's lifeguard brother, his 7-year-old son, and Dave for his first surfing lesson. He had a wonderful time and came back to shore exhausted but super excited to try it again sometime very soon. We all then went for a fabulous dinner and margaritas and drove home, where we fell into a deep sleep no later than 10:30! It is almost inconceivable that Mark be asleep by 10:30. I guess the surfing really did take a lot out of him!
This morning, as Mark was getting ready for work, we were talking about how nice the last two days were and how much like a vacation they felt like. We felt rested and he felt ready to deal with the restaurant for the next few days.
We woke up somewhat early on Monday with a list of errands to run. We dropped Mark's car off at the dealership to get his a/c fixed (it hasn't been working for a few weeks) and Mark got a haircut. We then went to Home Depot and ordered a door with a doggie door already installed in it rather than having Mark's dad saw the hole himself, which was the original plan. We also got a new toilet seat as I had broken the last one by standing on it and cleaning the walls. Apparently, I twisted one way and the seat went the other, causing the screw that holds the lid to the seat to break.
After lunch, we embarked on our major endeavor of the day: purchasing a new suit for Mark. We went to an outlet mall not far from us to get an idea of prices then headed to Hollywood, a suit outlet mecca. I must say that, even though we are SoCal residents, walking the star-lined streets of Hollywood is still pretty cool. We went to an additional four stores and Mark had decided on a classic black suit until he tried on a super-sharp grey, pin-striped Hugo Boss. It was the suit that fit him the best all day long and he really looked handsome in it. He was a bit afraid that grey, pin-stripes don't go with enough colors of shirts and ties but I reassured him that, according to Stacey and Clinton, it would be considered a neutral and that he could wear any shirt and tie with it. We left the store for a minute to discuss and then he called his friend Andy to gets the man's perspective. He decided to get it and I think it guarantees that heads will turn when he walks into a room (as if they don't already!).
Being that we were in Hollywood and it was already close to 5, we decided to get some food and drinks and wait for traffic to lighten up. We went to this really neat German bar where the bartender and the regulars are all from Germany. The food was great - even better than Frankenmuth! After braving the freeway, we took a short nap then met up with Mark's GM, Will, at BJ's then closed down The Powwow Saloon, where they have karaoke every night! We finally crashed close to 3:30.
Tuesday morning we forced ourselves out of bed early and went for a quick greasy breakfast since I was feeling a bit queasy from over-indulging the night before and he was moving pretty slowly. We then hit the road to meet up with our friends Dave and Robin and their adorable daughter, Riley, in Del Mar (about an hour and a half south of us, close to San Diego). Robin's brother is the deputy chief of the life guards on his stretch of the beach so we had a prime spot close to the tower. The water was beautiful! So clean. And the waves were totally within my comfort zone, which is really great! After a quick, hangover-curing dip, I got comfortable with Robin, her sister-in-law, and the baby (who was safe under an umbrella) and caught some major rays. Mark, on the other hand, went boogie-boarding for a bit then went out with Robin's lifeguard brother, his 7-year-old son, and Dave for his first surfing lesson. He had a wonderful time and came back to shore exhausted but super excited to try it again sometime very soon. We all then went for a fabulous dinner and margaritas and drove home, where we fell into a deep sleep no later than 10:30! It is almost inconceivable that Mark be asleep by 10:30. I guess the surfing really did take a lot out of him!
This morning, as Mark was getting ready for work, we were talking about how nice the last two days were and how much like a vacation they felt like. We felt rested and he felt ready to deal with the restaurant for the next few days.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Hilarious?
The neighbors are having a party and their music's been loud all night. No biggie, right? It's only 9:30. Besides, we're having a party next weekend so we'll get them back. The funny thing? They just busted out a karaoke machine. I can't help but laugh. I just can't.
Wretched time of year
I know that I really shouldn't be complaining about having multiple weeks off every summer and I know that I'm truly, truly going to appreciate having summers off once we have babies. BUT, this time of year is always SO tough when it comes to weight loss, or even just weight control. I, of course, have put on a few pounds since summer school has let out. I know that some of it will naturally come off when school starts again, it always does. Mark has put on a few pounds this summer and we are now both to a point where we're ready to do something about it. He has been really encouraging me to go back to WW, since history shows that it works for me but I'm feeling really embarrassed to go back into the meetings heavier than ever. I know I'm probably not going to be the only repeat enrollee but I need to get past it and just do it. Chelle recently shared the best BMI and waist measurement that her doctor indicated are ideal for conception. My first goal will be to get my numbers below that level. From there, we shall see. Wish me luck!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
See what I mean!?!?!?
You'll notice that I've posted about my week with my mom. You'll probably also notice how crazy the formatting is. Sorry. It's the best I could do. I'm not sure what exactly caused the issue but something obviously did. Hmmm...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Frustration!
I just spent over an hour recounting my week with my mom but when I tried to add pictures everything got messed up! Stay tuned. I'll try again tomorrow. I'm done for tonight.
A Wonderful Week
When Mark started working in the hiring center and putting in twelve and fourteen hour days, we decided that I was going to take a little vacation and spend a week in Michigan. We've yet to spend a night away from each other since we've been married and, while I know it'll happen eventually, I just don't want to yet. So, instead of spending the money on a ticket for me, we decided to spend the money on my mom so we flew her here for a week. We had a really fantastic time and, as always, it was very hard for me to see her go home. After taking her to the airport, I did some running around, got a pint of Ben & Jerry's FroYo, and laid in bed for a couple of hours.She arrived last Wednesday around noon and we immediately took her for some delicious, authentic Mexican food. We spent the evening watching home videos, Mamma Mia!, and finishing up the invitations for Erin's baby shower. A nice, relaxing evening together.
Thursday we went to breakfast and then to the Warner Brothers Studio for a VIP Tour. A teacher at school had given me a couple of free passes a couple of years ago so I was finally able to turn them in. It was a great, two-hour tour. We saw Stars Hollow, Connecticut fro Gilmore Girls and Central Perk from Friends. We were also able to walk on the set of Chuck. The magic of movies really is fascinating to me and something that I've always shared with my mom. We went to Mark's restaurant for dinner where I think my mom found a new addiction in the parmigiana encrusted chicken, which is delicious. After dinner we watched the newest Nurse Jackie on demand and I watched my first episode of Weeds, seems interesting.
On Friday, I made cinnamon rolls (something I seem to only eat at my mom's) and we went to my new classroom. I'm moving to the room next door so my co-teacher and I have a much larger space for our program to run in now! We spent hours getting furniture moved around and making my new office seem comfy and cozy. Friday night we had popcorn and chocolate for dinner and saw Orphan, which was really creepy.
Saturday was a very relaxed day. We went to BJ's for breakfast to check out their weekend brunch menu then went dress shopping. (A side note: Mark's restaurant beat the BJ's opening week record so the suits are taking all of the managers and their spouses/significant others to Mastro's in Beverly Hills on August 31. We're getting a limo and everything! The CEO will be there. It's kind of a big deal.)
So Saturday afternoon my mom and I started our quest for the perfect dress. And I proceeded to throw my PMS-induced attitude full force at my mother. I'm sure deep down Mark was thankful that it wasn't him. :) After dress shopping, we went home and each took a little nap. Waking up feeling much better, we went grocery shopping and my mom taught me how she makes mostaccioli. After dinner, the three of us met up with Adam and Lindsay along with her mom, step-dad, and sister, who just happened to be in town this weekend as well. My mom and I ended the evening by dipping our feet in the Pacific.
Sunday was Mark's mom's birthday. We had Chinese food and birthday cake for lunch and relaxed and watched the Dodgers game. We BBQ'd at Adam and Lindsay's place for dinner and enjoyed a great night of discussing wedding plans and playing Cranium.
On Monday, we had a wonderful, albeit hot, day sharing our absolute favorite coasters with my mom at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We went to BJ's for the third time this week. I mean, why not? Mark doesn't get enough of it when he working, right? But it is really good food and we do get it for free.
Tuesday, our last full day together, we went back to my classroom to finish up a couple of projects and my mom was able to meet my co-teacher and all of the administration. They were really great and talked me up a lot which, of course, made me feel good but I know had to make my mom feel pretty good too. She told them that it's nice to know that people love me when she's so far away. I then took her by Cal State Long Beach and showed her where my classes are and we went to pick up the dress that I decided upon. We stayed at home the rest of the evening and relaxed.
Wednesday morning was clouded by the sadness of her departure but it really was a very good week and it was so nice spending time with her. It was great to have her helping me in my classroom and even better to have her helping me pick out a nice dress - both things that I've gotten pretty used to doing by myself.
It's always hard to leave one another but we talk so often that I feel very close to my mom even though we're physically apart from one another. I sure am one lucky girl.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Mistrial!
After spending six entire days (well, really only 3 hours a day) at the courthouse going through the jury selection process, listening to testimony, and deliberating, the jury that I was on was unable to come to a unanimous verdict. It came down to a 11-1 vote, in favor of a conviction and we spend a good five hours explaining, bickering, and not budging the final juror. It was extremely frustrating to me to have been through it all and not finish with a verdict. I do commend the one person though for sticking to their guns and not budging simply because eleven people were, basically, begging them to; however, being one of three jurors who ended yesterday after voting "not guilty," I thought the facts presented and discussed today made it very clear that the defendant was, in fact, guilty.
Being that this is a public blog, even though nobody but those who know me read it, I don't feel right disclosing too much information. The case was regarding a DUI conviction. The defendant had just turned 20 when he and a friend lost control of his vehicle and ran it off the side of the freeway. Neither person was in the vehicle when the police arrived but the defendant admitted that he had been driving, attempted all of the field sobriety tests, and agreed to a blood test. He was, unquestionably, drunk and that fact was never in question. The issue was that nobody witnessed him driving and, even though he admitted to driving at the scene and proceeded to get arrested without attempting to explain that his friend was actually the one behind the wheel, the defense's argument was that he was not, in actuality, driving the vehicle.
It was a very, very interesting experience and an extremely thought-provoking look at how people relate to one another. It was also a fascinating glimpse into the workings of our justice system.
Being that this is a public blog, even though nobody but those who know me read it, I don't feel right disclosing too much information. The case was regarding a DUI conviction. The defendant had just turned 20 when he and a friend lost control of his vehicle and ran it off the side of the freeway. Neither person was in the vehicle when the police arrived but the defendant admitted that he had been driving, attempted all of the field sobriety tests, and agreed to a blood test. He was, unquestionably, drunk and that fact was never in question. The issue was that nobody witnessed him driving and, even though he admitted to driving at the scene and proceeded to get arrested without attempting to explain that his friend was actually the one behind the wheel, the defense's argument was that he was not, in actuality, driving the vehicle.
It was a very, very interesting experience and an extremely thought-provoking look at how people relate to one another. It was also a fascinating glimpse into the workings of our justice system.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Appreciation
Mark's new restaurant had its grand opening this past Monday and they beat a BJ's sales record for an opening day, raking in upwards of $25,000 for the day. It's been an incredibly hectic, exhausting, and stressful couple of months since he started working in the hiring center. Even the guys at the restaurant have begun to get on each others' nerves. All of their bosses from corporate have been there all day breathing down their necks and their team members are all still learning the ins and outs of the restaurant. Mark's shift yesterday exemplifies how his job has been this summer. He went in at 4:00 pm to close the restaurant. When he closed any of the last four BJ's that he has worked for, the latest he has gotten home without having stayed to socialize was just after 3. He came through the door at 4:30 this morning, exhausted and pissed off. Time will definitely ease these pains and I'm estimating the restaurant will be working the way it should be by about February.
So, here I am, the wife of a restaurant manager who is opening a new restaurant. The only wife of all the managers involved in the opening. I've shared countless hours with Mark and his management team discussing the new hires and the kinks and glitches over beers. The guys have started to refer to me as an honorary member of the management team. I've begun referring to the restaurant operations as "ours" and talk about the things "we" do. Mark comes home upset and I've been there, of course and unquestionably, to try to calm him down. I've tried my best to always have food ready when he gets home from work and I've been doing all I can to hold my tongue when things just don't need to be said at that exact moment. I've been patient and he's been stressed. Mix the new restaurant opening with his quitting smoking (almost 2 months now!) and it's easy to see why we've had our fair share of squabbles this summer. While the guys were in the hiring center, I brought them lunch at least twice a week and I spent two whole afternoons pounding the pavement to hand out free take-out meals to local businesses, just so nobody (namely my husband) would have to do so after working ten, twelve, even fourteen hours in one day.
By no means am I complaining. I am so unbelievably proud of Mark for quitting smoking, especially during this stressful time. I also think that the experience of opening a new restaurant is one that will help him grow exponentially as a manager. Being that the restaurant is just over a mile from our house, he is planning on remaining there for the long-haul. This will be the restaurant where I take our kids to visit dad at work, where we, as a family, celebrate birthdays and baseball games and dance recitals (until BJ's decides to open in Michigan, of course). And, by no means, would I ever expect anything in return from Mark or from the restaurant. My job, as his wife, is to be there for him and to do whatever I can to support him and the restaurant.
I came home from jury duty today to find a bouquet of beautiful yellow and white daisies and white lilies with a card attached that read: Thank you for all your support, understanding, encouragement, patience, and lunch delivery! Mark is lucky to have you and so are we. - BJ's Operations Team
I was at a loss for words at the thoughtfulness that went into that thank you. Mark and I were just discussing how we don't do things because we expect to get something in return or, at least, we shouldn't. If that's the reason why a person does the things he or she does, then they really shouldn't do it in the first place. But, boy does it feel nice to be appreciated.
So, here I am, the wife of a restaurant manager who is opening a new restaurant. The only wife of all the managers involved in the opening. I've shared countless hours with Mark and his management team discussing the new hires and the kinks and glitches over beers. The guys have started to refer to me as an honorary member of the management team. I've begun referring to the restaurant operations as "ours" and talk about the things "we" do. Mark comes home upset and I've been there, of course and unquestionably, to try to calm him down. I've tried my best to always have food ready when he gets home from work and I've been doing all I can to hold my tongue when things just don't need to be said at that exact moment. I've been patient and he's been stressed. Mix the new restaurant opening with his quitting smoking (almost 2 months now!) and it's easy to see why we've had our fair share of squabbles this summer. While the guys were in the hiring center, I brought them lunch at least twice a week and I spent two whole afternoons pounding the pavement to hand out free take-out meals to local businesses, just so nobody (namely my husband) would have to do so after working ten, twelve, even fourteen hours in one day.
By no means am I complaining. I am so unbelievably proud of Mark for quitting smoking, especially during this stressful time. I also think that the experience of opening a new restaurant is one that will help him grow exponentially as a manager. Being that the restaurant is just over a mile from our house, he is planning on remaining there for the long-haul. This will be the restaurant where I take our kids to visit dad at work, where we, as a family, celebrate birthdays and baseball games and dance recitals (until BJ's decides to open in Michigan, of course). And, by no means, would I ever expect anything in return from Mark or from the restaurant. My job, as his wife, is to be there for him and to do whatever I can to support him and the restaurant.
I came home from jury duty today to find a bouquet of beautiful yellow and white daisies and white lilies with a card attached that read: Thank you for all your support, understanding, encouragement, patience, and lunch delivery! Mark is lucky to have you and so are we. - BJ's Operations Team
I was at a loss for words at the thoughtfulness that went into that thank you. Mark and I were just discussing how we don't do things because we expect to get something in return or, at least, we shouldn't. If that's the reason why a person does the things he or she does, then they really shouldn't do it in the first place. But, boy does it feel nice to be appreciated.
My Civic Duty
I've been sitting on a jury all week and have found the entire experience absolutely fascinating. We have to go back in tomorrow morning for deliberations but we are all hoping to be done tomorrow. After that, I will gladly go into more detail about the case.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Another perfect day!
Mark and I had another great Sunday off together today. Today was the last day that the restaurant is closed, grand opening is tomorrow! So, all managers and team members were off today to get their heads in the game.
We woke up when we felt like waking up (one of my absolute favorite things about having the day off) and went to Subway for lunch. We then headed back down to the beach that we went to a few weeks ago. It was so beautiful then that we thought we'd try it again. Well, several things weren't right this time around. First, seaweed was EVERYWHERE. Now, I know that the ocean is a natural body and seaweed a naturally occurring thing but, really, it's gross. I hate the way it feels wrapped around my ankles and thighs. Second, the waves were HUGE. Finally, the rip tide was super strong. A lifeguard actually swam out to us to tell us to get our booties closer to shore or else we'd be carried out to sea. That's all I really needed to hear. We swam in a bit closer then headed to shore. Mark then took our boogie board out to show me how it's done. He caught a few waves then we laid out for a bit.
When we got home, we BBQ'd with Mark's parents and his sister, Tina. There was lots to eat and I drank almost an entire bottle of champagne myself! Needless to say, it was a really great dinner.
Finally, to top it all off, Mark and I got our beach cruisers that hadn't been ridden in almost a year and took off to Blizzberry. Blizzberry is my new addiction. You serve yourself soft serve frozen yogurt and top with whatever you want and then they charge you by the ounce. It's similar to Pinkberry or Yogurtland or some other derivative of the same. My favorite concoction has been strawberry and raspberry yogurt topped with strawberries, blackberries (my absolute new favorite), raspberries, and sprinkles. Delicious. After we ate our yogurt we rode our bikes around Downey for a good hour or so. Maybe even longer than that. It was the best bike ride of my life, I felt 13 again!
We are now choosing a movie to watch while we enjoy a bottle of wine. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
We woke up when we felt like waking up (one of my absolute favorite things about having the day off) and went to Subway for lunch. We then headed back down to the beach that we went to a few weeks ago. It was so beautiful then that we thought we'd try it again. Well, several things weren't right this time around. First, seaweed was EVERYWHERE. Now, I know that the ocean is a natural body and seaweed a naturally occurring thing but, really, it's gross. I hate the way it feels wrapped around my ankles and thighs. Second, the waves were HUGE. Finally, the rip tide was super strong. A lifeguard actually swam out to us to tell us to get our booties closer to shore or else we'd be carried out to sea. That's all I really needed to hear. We swam in a bit closer then headed to shore. Mark then took our boogie board out to show me how it's done. He caught a few waves then we laid out for a bit.
When we got home, we BBQ'd with Mark's parents and his sister, Tina. There was lots to eat and I drank almost an entire bottle of champagne myself! Needless to say, it was a really great dinner.
Finally, to top it all off, Mark and I got our beach cruisers that hadn't been ridden in almost a year and took off to Blizzberry. Blizzberry is my new addiction. You serve yourself soft serve frozen yogurt and top with whatever you want and then they charge you by the ounce. It's similar to Pinkberry or Yogurtland or some other derivative of the same. My favorite concoction has been strawberry and raspberry yogurt topped with strawberries, blackberries (my absolute new favorite), raspberries, and sprinkles. Delicious. After we ate our yogurt we rode our bikes around Downey for a good hour or so. Maybe even longer than that. It was the best bike ride of my life, I felt 13 again!
We are now choosing a movie to watch while we enjoy a bottle of wine. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
Break open the bubbly!
Adam proposed to Lindsay this weekend and she said yes!!!
We are so thrilled for them. They are, absolutely, hands-down, our best friends here in L.A. and the couple that we spend holidays and special times with. We are so excited to be a part of this amazingly special time for them. Congrats you two!
We are so thrilled for them. They are, absolutely, hands-down, our best friends here in L.A. and the couple that we spend holidays and special times with. We are so excited to be a part of this amazingly special time for them. Congrats you two!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma Chameleon!
I really did expect to walk into the courthouse today to meet officers who would handcuff me and take me to jail since I failed to appear for jury duty. I was super anxious this morning and, of course, running late.
After parking and practically running to the doors, I found that they hadn't even opened yet. Score one for me. Then, when we were filing in, a woman leaned in and whispered "I thought we were going to get away with not coming at all." What? You mean to tell me that, though I totally forgot to call in, those people in my group who had been were not instructed to appear until this morning?!?! Score two for me. Then, after a two-hour orientation, our guide read a list of names of individuals who, while not done for the day, were able to take an extended lunch and report back at 1:30. Guess whose name was on it? That's right, yours truly!
So, I just woke up from a mini-nap and am gearing up for another "grueling" three hours in court. Wish me luck!
After parking and practically running to the doors, I found that they hadn't even opened yet. Score one for me. Then, when we were filing in, a woman leaned in and whispered "I thought we were going to get away with not coming at all." What? You mean to tell me that, though I totally forgot to call in, those people in my group who had been were not instructed to appear until this morning?!?! Score two for me. Then, after a two-hour orientation, our guide read a list of names of individuals who, while not done for the day, were able to take an extended lunch and report back at 1:30. Guess whose name was on it? That's right, yours truly!
So, I just woke up from a mini-nap and am gearing up for another "grueling" three hours in court. Wish me luck!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Oops!
I just realized that I was supposed to call in for jury service on Monday. I was originally called in April but postponed until the Monday after summer school let out. Time went by. I got a new jury summons in the mail, I got a reminder phone call last week yet I still forgot. I just called in and am expected to report tomorrow morning. I'm half afraid they will be waiting there with handcuffs, ready to arrest me for failure to appear.
If you don't hear from me for awhile...
If you don't hear from me for awhile...
What day is it again?
I've been on vacation now for, what, six whole days (including the weekend which, technically, really shouldn't count) and I have already seriously lost my inner sense of date and time. I have to check the calendar regularly just to remember what day is it. Incidentally, it is Thursday.
I made a pact with myself that I wasn't going to go to school at all this week to give myself a true break. What have I been doing instead? A whole lotta NOTHING. Well, I emptied six trash bags of clothes from our closets and donated them to the Salvation Army. I've re-watched two complete seasons of Dexter and am finishing up the third. I've started the book that Tabitha sent me for my birthday. I've been to a Dodgers game and taken Mark to the doctor. I've written thank you notes for my birthday gifts (they're in the mail). I've laid around. A lot. I've played with my Wii and left my car parked in the same spot for two whole days. I've been grocery shopping and am currently sitting up very straight so that the dye on my head doesn't drip down and color other parts of my body. I suppose it hasn't been too much nothing.
But I am now starting to find myself, after only six days off, bored. And ready to establish some sort of routine. Quote me on that come mid-October when IEPs are due and my CSULB classes are in full swing.
I made a pact with myself that I wasn't going to go to school at all this week to give myself a true break. What have I been doing instead? A whole lotta NOTHING. Well, I emptied six trash bags of clothes from our closets and donated them to the Salvation Army. I've re-watched two complete seasons of Dexter and am finishing up the third. I've started the book that Tabitha sent me for my birthday. I've been to a Dodgers game and taken Mark to the doctor. I've written thank you notes for my birthday gifts (they're in the mail). I've laid around. A lot. I've played with my Wii and left my car parked in the same spot for two whole days. I've been grocery shopping and am currently sitting up very straight so that the dye on my head doesn't drip down and color other parts of my body. I suppose it hasn't been too much nothing.
But I am now starting to find myself, after only six days off, bored. And ready to establish some sort of routine. Quote me on that come mid-October when IEPs are due and my CSULB classes are in full swing.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Formatting
My apologies for the lack of uniformity in my last couple of posts, I think I figured out how to make the changes I want and they should all look the same from now on. (I told you we're all on the spectrum somewhere!)
A sigh of relief...
Summer school is done and I am now officially on vacation!!! The five weeks flew by and it was much better than I anticipated it was going to be. Now on to more fun things...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy, happy day!
I love birthdays. I think birthdays should be a super special day for the birthday boy/girl and an excellent day to celebrate being you. My birthday always starts several days prior to the actual date of my birth. In fact, I enjoy celebrating my entire birth month.I always hear people saying things like, "once you get to a certain age, it just isn't fun to celebrate getting older anymore." To which I reply, "Bull#&it!" The purpose of celebrating a birthday, to me, isn't to celebrate living another year or, as some pessimists out there feel, getting a year closer to death. No sir, celebrating someone's birthday is to take one day out the year to make a point to tell the people that you love that you are happy they're alive.
I found myself brought to tears on my birthday this year by the sheer volume of people who extended their well wishes and happy thoughts. Everyone from my students and co-workers to my family to Mark's co-workers and family called or sent cards or emailed or sent me a text message letting me know that they are thinking of me on my special day. I felt truly, truly humbled and blessed to have such special people in my life and I thank each and every one of you for your thoughts.
I had a terrific birthday this year, as I always do. Knowing how important birthdays are to me, Mark always goes above and beyond in making my day special for me. We were recounting all of the birthdays that I've celebrated with him and each one has been remarkable. This year was no exception.
While my co-workers and students had been celebrating with me since the 15th, Mark and I started our official celebration at midnight on the 17th when I opened the package that my mom sent along with one of his gifts for me. We stayed up late watching our TiVoed shows from the past week and enjoying being together.
Mark had the day off so I followed suit and called in sick. We woke up and got moving at our own pace, no need for alarm clocks and morning routines. In fact, I was happily awoken by phone calls from both of my parents and a text message from my brother. While I laid in bed, slowly welcoming in the day, Mark snuck off to finish wrapping my gifts. While it's clear to see why I am the resident wrapper in our home, I absolutely love the effort he puts forth just to make me feel special.
I was shocked and thrilled to open a Nintendo Wii, a Wii Fit, and the Personal Trainer! I'd been wanting a Wii since I first played it at Mike and Kristi's right after Colin was born. He also got me a new bottle of DKNY Be Delicious perfume, my signature scent that I've been out of for a few months, and a new Dodgers bracelet, I get one every season and hadn't bought a new one yet this year.
After opening my presents, we went to breakfast and the headed to the beach. We originally intended on going back to Salt Creek but because we had taken our time getting up and about, we opted just to go to the dog beach at Huntington. We had a great time with King and he even went swimming in the ocean for the first time. He learned to negotiate the waves the hard way (by taking a couple in the face) and it was hilarious to watch as he learned to lift his head and turn away from the water as the waves came toward him. As we were leaving the beach, King was even talent spotted and a lady wanted us to come to the studio for an interview. We opted against it as we didn't quite trust her but, still, Hollywood wants our Kingy.
When we got home, Mark's parents had a vase of flowers, a card, and a cake waiting for me. The card had a really great sentiment about how much they love me. Mark's mom asked me to read it out loud but there was no way I could because just the fact that they had gotten me a card brought tears to my eyes. Mark read it though and both his mom and I got choked up. It was a really nice moment.
Mark had told me earlier in the week that he made dinner reservations but wouldn't tell me where. After taking the strangest route possible and keeping me guessing the entire time, we arrived at one of our favorite restaurants called Dal Rae. We enjoyed a really nice bottle of Strasburg champagne, tableside Caesar salad, a really nice bottle of wine, Chateaubriand (also prepared tableside), and a delicious ice cream dessert along with great conversation and romantic time together.
After such a fantastic day and evening, mixed with a belly full of delicious food and wine, I went to sleep on Friday night thankful for the life that I get to live.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Another Pleasant L.A. Sunday
Well, really, it was a pleasant L.A. weekend but those lyrics don't fit as nicely in the song.Friday started out a bit rocky. Mark went into work at 7:15 and didn't take a lunch break until after 4. His day didn't end until after 10 and then he went out with the guys from work for a few drinks. After all, they deserved them after working a 15 hour day! Meanwhile, however, I was home with a mini-migraine. I had my first migraine at the beginning of June and I went to class that night anyway, thinking it would go away eventually. It was so painful that, when the throbbing started on Friday afternoon, I didn't take any chances and spent most of the afternoon and early evening laying in bed in the dark with the fans blowing directly at me. I felt better by 8ish or so, thankfully.
Saturday morning I attempted to go to the lab for my blood work that the doctor ordered at my physical at the beginning of June. I know, I know...I should have gotten my booty there much sooner; however, I have to go on an 8 hour fast which makes it impossible to go anytime except in the morning and, in the morning during the week, I have to be at work. Well, when I got to the lab, the line was about forty people deep outside of the door. I have no idea what it looked like inside. I immediately turned around but then figured since I'd gotten up early on a Saturday to be there, I should just suck it up and wait. But, after moving three inches in 20 minutes, I left. I'm going to go Wednesday morning before work and if I'm late so be it. The blood work is to check my cholesterol and my thyroid. It's nothing life threatening or anything.
When I got back from the doctor, Mark and I went to breakfast and then to price doggy doors at Home Depot and the local favorite hardware store, All-American (the irony of the name is staggering). We had planned on getting a security screen with a door for King in it but it turns out that they are upwards of $500 so we then planned on special ordering a regular exterior door with a doggy door in it but then Mark's dad decided that he is going to attempt to install a doggy door in it. So, we purchased all of the pieces needed and shall see how this endeavor turns out.
We then went to The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach with our friends Holly and Jake. Holly is a school psychologist in our district and was on my interview panel when I was hired at Cerritos. I knew then that we would be friends. She no longer works at my school but we get together for martinis at least once a month and the four of us get together almost as often. The club is celebrating its birthday and we saw 20 comics, each of which performed for about 5 minutes. It was a great time.
Yesterday, Mark and I were up and about fairly early, around 10 (which is early for the two of us). We hopped into his car, dropped the top, and headed south. We got off of the freeway at Seal Beach and drove on PCH for close to 2 hours. At around 1 we decided to stop at the next beach. We ended up at Salt Creek Beach (pictured above), which is beautiful. We swam for the first time this summer and had a great time. I learned that I just shouldn't try to catch a wave and body surf in. The waves were very large, at least for this Midwestern girl, and when I finally got brave enough to try to catch one, it swallowed me up and spit me out. When I finally had my footing again, I was almost in tears and about to puke. In retelling the story, I swear I was under water for at least a minute. Mark said it was more like 4 seconds! He tried to hold me back and I could feel him grabbing my legs but the wave was too strong and took me away. I hit my shoulder on the bottom and my boobs flew out of my suit, of course. Fortunately, I was able to cover up before I got out of the water. Needless to say, I didn't stay in the water much longer after that. I did, however, laugh about it the entire rest of the day. Before we left the beach, Mark ran back into the water to show me how its done and made body surfing look so freakin' easy! He grabbed a wave and rode it all the way in, I was quite impressed with how easily he did it.
Last night, we grilled steaks with Mark's mom and his sister, Tina and drank a delicious bottle of wine. When we sat down for our meal, I commented on what a perfect summer day and weekend it had been. It was Mark's last guaranteed Sunday off since they will be training 7 days/week from this point on. It was a great weekend.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Another One Bites the Dust...
Three cheers for having jumped through the hoop that was the first of two elective classes that I'm required to take! Doesn't that make it the exact opposite of an elective? My summer session class ended tonight with my group's presentation. The 6 weeks of summer session flew by and I am so glad to have it over and done with.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Twiddling my Thumbs (Better settle in, it's a long one!)
After being publicly called out on Angela's blog and then noticing that I'm at the very bottom of Kristi's blog list, as in I'm the most delinquent blog out there, I figured I should do some catching up. I haven't blogged since May 17th and since then, trust me, twiddling my thumbs is something I just haven't had time for. In fact, since May 17th...
My Spring semester classes ended and I earned a 4.0 in both of them. Both classes really should be undergrad courses and seemed to be designed for people who have never taught in an actual classroom. I was so much more challenged, intellectually, in the fall and was a bit disappointed with the courses this semester. I discovered that earning my Master's is more about dedication, determination, and perseverance and that it really isn't about intelligence at all.
We went to Cambria/Paso Robles for the weekend with Katey and her boyfriend, Kenji. Kenji lives in San Francisco and Katey in Tampa. They fly cross-country regularly and, though Kenji is in the same state, I haven't seen Katey since our wedding. We made a plan to meet up halfway between Kenji's place and ours and, aren't we lucky, the halfway point also happens to be a great place to taste wine! Paso Robles is known for their Zinfandel, which is my favorite. Plus, the city of Cambria, where we rented a house for the weekend, and the city of Paso Robles, and most of the wineries within it, are very dog friendly. So, for this weekend excursion, we didn't have to leave the dog behind. He was even allowed inside one of the tasting rooms. The five of us had a great time driving through wine country, singing about "mini sirloin burgers," playing Cranium, and catching up. Well, to tell the truth, Katey and I never have to catch up, we simply continue on as if we'd seen each other yesterday. That's part of what makes our friendship, one that's been in existence since 1987, the best kind of friendship there is.
We went to Adam and Lindsay's for a Memorial Day BBQ. They have a great place in Sherman Oaks, about 26 miles from us in Downey. Their apartment complex has a pool, a couple of hot tubs, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a great place near it all to have a cookout. We were able to meet one of Adam's best friends from home who also lives in SoCal. They always have great parties and, as always, we had a great time. Luckily, it wasn't a repeat of last year's 4th of July party. The one I missed. Because I was passed out. The whole day.
On May 28th, our school had our annual Premios de Oro awards ceremony. Translated, it means "Prize of Gold" for all of you gringas reading this. :) I was shocked and humbled to find out that I had been nominated by a colleague and chosen by the PTSA to win the PTSA honorary service award for my dedication to the school this past year. I got a plaque and everything! I tried my darnedst to find out who nominated me but either nobody knew or they were swore to secrecy. It really made me feel very special and appreciated.
My Spring semester classes ended and I earned a 4.0 in both of them. Both classes really should be undergrad courses and seemed to be designed for people who have never taught in an actual classroom. I was so much more challenged, intellectually, in the fall and was a bit disappointed with the courses this semester. I discovered that earning my Master's is more about dedication, determination, and perseverance and that it really isn't about intelligence at all.
We went to Cambria/Paso Robles for the weekend with Katey and her boyfriend, Kenji. Kenji lives in San Francisco and Katey in Tampa. They fly cross-country regularly and, though Kenji is in the same state, I haven't seen Katey since our wedding. We made a plan to meet up halfway between Kenji's place and ours and, aren't we lucky, the halfway point also happens to be a great place to taste wine! Paso Robles is known for their Zinfandel, which is my favorite. Plus, the city of Cambria, where we rented a house for the weekend, and the city of Paso Robles, and most of the wineries within it, are very dog friendly. So, for this weekend excursion, we didn't have to leave the dog behind. He was even allowed inside one of the tasting rooms. The five of us had a great time driving through wine country, singing about "mini sirloin burgers," playing Cranium, and catching up. Well, to tell the truth, Katey and I never have to catch up, we simply continue on as if we'd seen each other yesterday. That's part of what makes our friendship, one that's been in existence since 1987, the best kind of friendship there is.
We went to Adam and Lindsay's for a Memorial Day BBQ. They have a great place in Sherman Oaks, about 26 miles from us in Downey. Their apartment complex has a pool, a couple of hot tubs, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a great place near it all to have a cookout. We were able to meet one of Adam's best friends from home who also lives in SoCal. They always have great parties and, as always, we had a great time. Luckily, it wasn't a repeat of last year's 4th of July party. The one I missed. Because I was passed out. The whole day.
On May 28th, our school had our annual Premios de Oro awards ceremony. Translated, it means "Prize of Gold" for all of you gringas reading this. :) I was shocked and humbled to find out that I had been nominated by a colleague and chosen by the PTSA to win the PTSA honorary service award for my dedication to the school this past year. I got a plaque and everything! I tried my darnedst to find out who nominated me but either nobody knew or they were swore to secrecy. It really made me feel very special and appreciated.We spent an afternoon/evening watching the Red Wings win one of the Stanley Cup playoff games with our friends Dave and Robin and their new daughter, Riley. Even she's a Red Wings fan!
June brought with it a ton of exciting events for me and my class at school, all of which were planned by yours truly. We had two retirement parties for one of my paraeducators, an end of the year BBQ for the entire class, I had to plan a presentation for a colleague who also retired, our annual trip to Knott's Berry Farm and, of course, graduation. My co-teacher and I also get gifts for all of our paraeducators, our general education T.A.'s who work in our classroom, the general education teachers who work with our kids throughout the year, and the support staff at the school. The first two weeks of the month were spent running around like a chicken with my head cut off getting all of the loose ends tied up.
I also started my summer session class at CSULB the first week in June. It's a course on Program Evaluation and I'm taking it as an elective. Since I didn't get my credential in California, my undergrad program in Arizona didn't quite match up and I'm short 6 credits for my Master's degree. I had to take electives in the field of education or psychology and, with the limited number of classes offered in the summer, this one just happened to meet the criteria. It meets twice a week and is supposed to run from 5-8:45; however, our instructor has let us go at 7:45 every class session and not one of us has said a word. The first couple of times that she has said "we only have about five minutes left in class" at 7:40, everyone just kinda looked around thinking "nobody better say a word" and nobody has. A few of us were just joking around that maybe our instructor is thinking the same thing. Who knows. It's only a 6-week course and our last class is on Thursday. In fact, I should be working on my final paper and presentation right now...
I went to the doctor the first week of June for a physical and all looks good. Well, almost all. My doctor and I had a very frank discussion about my weight and, although I'm totally aware of my weight problem, I found myself near tears telling him how hard it is to have to have struggled with it all my life and blah, blah, blah. He told me that I could stand to lose, get this, 60 pounds!!! 60. I've known where my healthy weight range is and I was totally aware that it was 60 lbs away but to hear the doctor say it made me feel, quite honestly, pretty shitty. However, I know that it is all for the good of my health and the health of our future babies-to-be. My doctor also recommended an appetite suppressant, called phentermine, which I've been taking now for just over a month. He said it can be a good tool to support my changing habits. I have to go in monthly to weigh in and talk with him before getting another batch of pills. I haven't felt weird when taking it, except for when I take a pill and have a couple of drinks. I started with 1/2 a pill a day and am now taking a whole pill but 1/2 at a time. It's crazy what it does to my appetite. I'm just not hungry. And, when I first got them, I thought it wasn't necessarily going to work because my problem with weight loss hasn't been hunger. In fact, it's just the opposite, I eat even when I'm not hungry or past the point of feeling full. But, food just doesn't have the same appeal to me anymore and my relationship with food is starting to change at the very basic of levels. I'm starting to eat to live rather than live to eat. When I went in for my monthly check up and for my next bottle, I had lost 11 lbs. Works for me! My plan is to use this tool through the summer and be done come September.
After school let out, summer school started right away and, of course, I'm teaching it again this summer. Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, this will be my last summer teaching for several years, if not forever. My first week of summer school was a bit rocky as I was TOTALLY PMSing and, therefore, unnecessarily stressed out. There is another teacher working with me even though we only have a total of 26 students attending. With all of the budget cuts, I was certain that I'd have all of the students for summer school. I'm very grateful that I don't because, when we split the kids into two groups, I have a very manageable 13 students - a class size I haven't seen since I was working at the elementary school. It's a very nice reprieve from the usual 30+ in the classroom at the same time. This week my hormones were more under control and it was a lot of fun. Two weeks down, three more to go...
Mark's been busy lately too. He is on the opening management team for the newest BJ's Restaurant, which is located 1.3 miles from our house! He actually rode his bike to work last week. The restaurant is not even finished being built yet, although watching the progress is amazing. Mark and the other three managers have set up shop in an empty store next to the restaurant and have been interviewing prospective employees for eleven hours a day for the past two and half weeks! Before he started, I kept asking him what exactly four managers are going to do all day before the restaurant even opens. I had NO IDEA how crazy the hiring process was going to be. They have appointments for 100 interviews everyday plus they take walk-in applicants. People are waiting two or three hours just to get an interview. He said it's so hard to turn those people away but he has had to it quite frequently. When it all started, they needed to hire 260 employees and expected to get a few thousand applicants. It's such an insane process, he comes home exhausted every night. One positive thing is, though, that he works from 8 am until about 7:30 every day so we have our evenings off together and he's been off on Sundays and that will continue for a few more weeks. We were joking around that we're like Ozzy and Harriet now with the same schedule eveyday. That's something we have never had.
Mark also quit smoking! (Insert maniacal cheers and applause here) He's been cigarette free for three weeks now and doing a really, really amazing job. He's using nicotine patches to help him out but quitting is not easy and I commend him for giving it a go. I've been reading research to him about how much his body has healed already and all of the positive things that will come from his knocking out his addiction. I really am proud of him.
So, here I am, on 4th of July, sitting at my computer. Mark's working this morning/afternoon so we don't have any major plans. Plus, our baby is terrified of fireworks and has been freaking out every night for the past week and a half since people have been lighting them off. We've given him 1/2 a Dramamine the past couple of nights, something that a friend of mine's vet recommended for her Rottweiler, and that has seemed to help. For those of you who know King, he is probably the most relaxed and mellow dog out there. But, man does he HATE fireworks. Lucky for him, it'll all be over soon. We may go to our friend Dave's place, if he doesn't mind if we bring the dog, or we may go hang out with Mark's friend Mark who is staying at an awesome place for the weekend in Newport Beach. Or, we may just stay in and relax with the dog. Our little family of three.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
F'ing A!!!!
I try to keep all of my vulgarity to myself and rarely use it here. BUT, we just had maybe the scariest earthquake I've ever experienced!!! We are all okay but I'm still shaking.
Thank goodness Mark was home with me. Otherwise, I'd have really freaked out. We were standing in the middle of our room and the earth started to rumble a bit. Mark said "whoa, earthquake" and took me by the hand, knowing that I was going to freak. We started out to the yard, the dog was still chillin' on the floor at this point because it really wasn't that bad. But, then the whole place jolted. It was the craziest, scariest, most out of control feeling I've ever felt. The dog freaked out, I grabbed him by the collar, and the three of us ran out into the yard. We heard some crashing and things moving around but can't figure out what exactly broke.
The quake was centered in Lennox, which is 15.6 miles from us and the magnitude was 5.0. The Northridge quake was 6.7 and the earthquake last summer, before our road trip, was a 5.5 but was 29 miles from us.
Thank goodness Mark was home with me. Otherwise, I'd have really freaked out. We were standing in the middle of our room and the earth started to rumble a bit. Mark said "whoa, earthquake" and took me by the hand, knowing that I was going to freak. We started out to the yard, the dog was still chillin' on the floor at this point because it really wasn't that bad. But, then the whole place jolted. It was the craziest, scariest, most out of control feeling I've ever felt. The dog freaked out, I grabbed him by the collar, and the three of us ran out into the yard. We heard some crashing and things moving around but can't figure out what exactly broke.
The quake was centered in Lennox, which is 15.6 miles from us and the magnitude was 5.0. The Northridge quake was 6.7 and the earthquake last summer, before our road trip, was a 5.5 but was 29 miles from us.
Self Diagnosis
Being in the field of special education, I am constantly learning about different disabilities that students can have. Because of this fact, I am also constantly thinking there is something wrong with me. I remember when I was in college (oh wait! I still AM in college!), that is, in my undergrad, I was convinced that I had Multiple Sclerosis. At one point, I joked that maybe Prader-Willi was my syndrome, due to my seemingly insatiable appetite. And I still contend that we are all somewhere on the Spectrum. But, most of all, I have diagnosed myself with adult onset ADHD.
Just as an example, while writing my final paper for tomorrow night's class, I glanced over and saw my hand held, magnifying mirror and decided that it was time to give myself an impromptu facial. Then I got back to writing. But then I looked down and noticed my toe nails are in desperate need of a pedicure so I proceeded to clip and file my nails - all of them mind you, not just the ones on my toes. Back to writing. A few minutes later the dog needed my affection and then I should check on the cats and, while I'm in the house, I should do the dishes...on and on and on. Being on the computer is the worst too, I checked my email and everyone else's blogs a gazillion times.
Three hours later, my paper is finished, submitted to my professor, and now I am free to putz around giving myself facials and pedicures. But, of course, now I can't think of anything to do!
I'm joking of course, I know that I do not seriously have a disability. Unless we can create a new category of ADHD like due-date-impending-attention-deficit or why-get-it-done-early-hyperactivity!
Just as an example, while writing my final paper for tomorrow night's class, I glanced over and saw my hand held, magnifying mirror and decided that it was time to give myself an impromptu facial. Then I got back to writing. But then I looked down and noticed my toe nails are in desperate need of a pedicure so I proceeded to clip and file my nails - all of them mind you, not just the ones on my toes. Back to writing. A few minutes later the dog needed my affection and then I should check on the cats and, while I'm in the house, I should do the dishes...on and on and on. Being on the computer is the worst too, I checked my email and everyone else's blogs a gazillion times.
Three hours later, my paper is finished, submitted to my professor, and now I am free to putz around giving myself facials and pedicures. But, of course, now I can't think of anything to do!
I'm joking of course, I know that I do not seriously have a disability. Unless we can create a new category of ADHD like due-date-impending-attention-deficit or why-get-it-done-early-hyperactivity!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Feels Good to Sweat
I just got back from the gym, a place I hadn't seen since Easter. I ran 3.61 miles in 35 minutes and burned 360 calories. And, boy did I sweat! I mean, I'm a fairly sweaty person just on a normal day-to-day basis. Add in 80 degree heat and, at the fastest, a 8.2 mph pace and my sweat glands just go into overdrive. It's pretty gross but feels so good at the same time. I'm pretty proud of myself for getting off of my duff and getting physical. Now I'm off to the shower and then hitting the books.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Birthday Kingston!
Yes, I'm the person who puts a party hat on her dog on his birthday. But, isn't he so cute!?! And he really didn't mind TOO much.Friday, May 8, 2009
Randoms
Kristi has tagged me to list 19 Randoms...
1) I surely hope the Dodgers win tonight, they need to prove that they can carry on as a winning team without the steroid-enhanced Manny Ramirez. I wonder how he'll be received by the fans when he comes back in July...
2) State testing is over!!! Almost 2 weeks in my office testing my students 1:1 lead me to drink 3 martinis in a very short span of time this afternoon.
3) Almost everyone I know has trouble sleeping. The only trouble I ever have is that I need/want to sleep ALL the time.
4) Sometimes I think Diet Dr. Pepper really does belong in the dessert aisle.
5) Mark's off tomorrow night. What're we going to do? His schedule gets pretty rough for the next couple of weeks.
6) I can't wait to see Katey in Cambria on the 22!!!
7) NBC Thursday night is pretty darn great.
8) I should call my mom back, I bet she's still up.
9) Classes are almost finished for the semester. Only two more papers and two more finals to go!
10) I am addicted to Sugar Free Red Bull.
11) Kingy's 5th birthday is Sunday! I think we're going to take him to the beach.
12) Haven't been to the gym since Easter Sunday - Spring Break and our trip to Michigan threw me way out of my routine. But now I can't find my membership card and I really want to go back tomorrow.
13) It's crazy it's May already!
14) Mark and I have the house to ourselves until May 28th - his parents are in Montenegro.
15) If I lose 1 lb/week between now and when we go back to MI, I can lose 33 lbs by then.
16) If I could have a drink with anyone living or dead, John Lennon would be my first choice. Vin Scully would have to be in my top five.
17) Gifts that travel cross-country from us are always at least two days late.
18) Somebody told me today that I smell like summertime.
19) I was invited to a baby shower for another American girl who married an Albanian. We like to stick together.
RACHELLE, BECKY, & KRISTIN - TAG!!! YOU'RE TURN TO LIST YOUR 19 RANDOMS...
1) I surely hope the Dodgers win tonight, they need to prove that they can carry on as a winning team without the steroid-enhanced Manny Ramirez. I wonder how he'll be received by the fans when he comes back in July...
2) State testing is over!!! Almost 2 weeks in my office testing my students 1:1 lead me to drink 3 martinis in a very short span of time this afternoon.
3) Almost everyone I know has trouble sleeping. The only trouble I ever have is that I need/want to sleep ALL the time.
4) Sometimes I think Diet Dr. Pepper really does belong in the dessert aisle.
5) Mark's off tomorrow night. What're we going to do? His schedule gets pretty rough for the next couple of weeks.
6) I can't wait to see Katey in Cambria on the 22!!!
7) NBC Thursday night is pretty darn great.
8) I should call my mom back, I bet she's still up.
9) Classes are almost finished for the semester. Only two more papers and two more finals to go!
10) I am addicted to Sugar Free Red Bull.
11) Kingy's 5th birthday is Sunday! I think we're going to take him to the beach.
12) Haven't been to the gym since Easter Sunday - Spring Break and our trip to Michigan threw me way out of my routine. But now I can't find my membership card and I really want to go back tomorrow.
13) It's crazy it's May already!
14) Mark and I have the house to ourselves until May 28th - his parents are in Montenegro.
15) If I lose 1 lb/week between now and when we go back to MI, I can lose 33 lbs by then.
16) If I could have a drink with anyone living or dead, John Lennon would be my first choice. Vin Scully would have to be in my top five.
17) Gifts that travel cross-country from us are always at least two days late.
18) Somebody told me today that I smell like summertime.
19) I was invited to a baby shower for another American girl who married an Albanian. We like to stick together.
RACHELLE, BECKY, & KRISTIN - TAG!!! YOU'RE TURN TO LIST YOUR 19 RANDOMS...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Another GREAT weekend
We spent this past weekend in Michigan and had such a great time. I was very, very hard to leave and I'm still emotional about being back home already.
Our pictures are on our shutterfly site (www.lajcisinlove.shutterfly.com )
Password: missymark0811. Enjoy!
Our pictures are on our shutterfly site (www.lajcisinlove.shutterfly.com )
Password: missymark0811. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Dirty Minds
An actual conversation from my class tonight:
"So, does the muff go over your mouth and nose?"
"Well, we wouldn't want you to suffocate, you just place the muff over your mouth."
"So, does the muff go over your mouth and nose?"
"Well, we wouldn't want you to suffocate, you just place the muff over your mouth."
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Reminder
I've spent the last two hours glued to our home videos from the week of our wedding. I don't know if I've ever actually sat down and watched the whole thing without fast forwarding. I know it is the happiest day of any married girl's life but I was reminded, while watching, just how lucky I am. Of course, I am lucky to have married Mark for he is the love of my life, my best friend, my other half. But, I was reminded by this video, just how lucky I am to be a part of the family that I am. It was so special for me, and for Mark, that EVERYONE came all the way out to California for our big day. It meant so much to us then and still means so much to us now. I don't know if we expressed our delight and appreciation enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Another thing that I was reminded of while watching this video, was just how much we owe our bridal party - especially the American members. I loved our entrance into our reception but I'm sure it wasn't the most comfortable of situations for our bridal party. For those of you who don't know, about three minutes before we arrived at the reception, we told everyone that we were going to walk in and the party would make a tunnel for us to walk under. Mark and I would then stand behind our chairs at the head table and watch as our party danced "Albanian style" for the remainder of the song. Now, don't forget that four of the girls and six of the guys had never even heard Albanian music before, let alone knew how to dance to it. But, did anyone complain? Of course not. And for that, we owe you guys!
Another thing that I was reminded of while watching this video, was just how much we owe our bridal party - especially the American members. I loved our entrance into our reception but I'm sure it wasn't the most comfortable of situations for our bridal party. For those of you who don't know, about three minutes before we arrived at the reception, we told everyone that we were going to walk in and the party would make a tunnel for us to walk under. Mark and I would then stand behind our chairs at the head table and watch as our party danced "Albanian style" for the remainder of the song. Now, don't forget that four of the girls and six of the guys had never even heard Albanian music before, let alone knew how to dance to it. But, did anyone complain? Of course not. And for that, we owe you guys!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Adventures with Facebook
Some of you may have gotten a friend request from a Miss Melissa Marie tonight. It so happens that I forgot the password for our existing facebook account so I started to create a new one. But, I couldn't figure out (in a whole 3 minutes) how to hide my email address and then I got frantic about being exposed to the world and the ability for just anyone to contact me and then I deactivated our account. We had a second facebook account tonight for a whopping 7 minutes. I came, I saw, I ran away.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Roll Call!
If you read this post, please comment with your name. I want to know who my audience is and, while I can venture a guess or two about who reads my ramblings, every once in awhile someone tells me that they "saw that on [your] blog" and I never had any idea that they even knew my blog existed. Just curious. Thanks!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Happy Cesar Chavez Day!
Today was a holiday for my school district (gotta love L.A.) and I spent it putzing around the house getting things done. As I do every Cesar Chavez Day, I also took a moment to reflect on my life and count my many blessings. I set some goals for myself for the next month (before we go to Michigan), mostly to do with weight loss. Viva Cesar Chavez!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Congratulations!
Our very good friend Dave and his wife Robin welcomed their daughter, Riley Michele, into the world earlier this week and we couldn't be happier for them. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well, they should be coming home today.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Getting Moving
Monday morning I rolled out of bed at 5:00, awoke a very sleepy and confused Kingy, and the two of us jogged/walked 1.7 miles. Monday during my break at school, I walked another 3/4 of a mile. Yesterday, we did it again. By this morning, I was quite sore, so we took a break. We'll be back out there again tomorrow morning though. I must say that it has given me a definite extra boost of energy and King loves it too! While I hate getting out of bed in the morning, it's nice to be out before the world has awakened. It's quiet and calm. Wish me luck in developing this new routine!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Hilarious
Mark's buddy sent him this jibjab card and I just have to share. I know most of you don't know his friends but the dancers in this video are Mark. Andy, Craig, Dave, and Dennis - all of his beloved "homies" that live in Michigan.
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/uaUnIAe9MDVCrhqr
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/uaUnIAe9MDVCrhqr
St. Patty's Day Fun!
Mark and I woke up early Tuesday morning (after Mark went to sleep at 4:30!) and headed to Arizona for a Dodgers Spring Training game against the Cubs. Unfortunately, we lost. But, we had a great time checking out the beautiful new digs in Glendale. This is the first year that the Dodgers are training in AZ. They had previously held camp in Vero Beach, Florida. Many die-hard fans were upset by the move as it meant a shift in tradition, but it's nice for us fans who can't get away for longer than a couple of days at a time to check out a game. Mark and I looked at this two-day trip as the first of many, hopefully we'll be able to make it once a year.
After the game, we went to our hotel which was not too far away at all. After checking in and greenifying ourselves for the festivities, we walked to the Westgate City Center for a night of good 'ole Irish fun!
First, we hit the quad area in the middle of all of the shops, bars, and restaurants where they were giving away free green beer and listened to some live music. Next, we were off to a place called Bar Louie for dinner and another round of beer and music. We then went to a place called Hell's Half Acre where we had more beer (shocker!) and a more live music (the band at this place was great - they played some really great covers and kicked up the energy level of the night). We were astonished when we got our bill at this place, 3 Guiness and 3 Killians for $15! In fact, the entire evening was extremely affordable for the two of us, considering one drink in L.A. runs between $10-$15 at many places. After the band finished up, we were off to a dueling piano bar called The Shout House but not before Mark snapped a couple of pictures of me on the strippers pole that beckoned to me the entire time we were at the bar - classy, I know, but these people will never see me again anyway!
The Shout House was really fun, as dueling piano bars always are and then it was back to Bar Louie for one last drink and a little more grub. Finally, we walked back to our hotel and hit the hay.
The next day, we woke up slowly, enjoyed our free hotel breakfast and then, hangover free (thank goodness!), drove from our hotel to ASU to check out how much campus has changed. It was crazy to drive past the places where I lived and worked more than 7 years ago (it's CRAZY how long I've been in L.A.!). It felt like just yesterday until we'd turn a corner to see an enormous new building. The street where the pizza guy would deliver is no longer in front of my apartment! In its place is a cable car/electric train track. Craziness. We also went by my dad's old house, which I almost passed on the street and checked out how much the surrounding area had developed. There was still a fair amount of desert when they left AZ but it is now all built up and seriously almost unrecognizable.
In all, we had a fantastic time. The weather was beautiful and we drove all the way back home with the top down on Mark's car - enjoying the desert, the sunset, and the stars. On the drive home, we talked about how our next St. Patty's Day may very well be much, much different and how our life is going to change in the next year or two. As much fun as we had, we are both so super excited for the adventures that are ahead for us on this crazy road called life.
The Shout House was really fun, as dueling piano bars always are and then it was back to Bar Louie for one last drink and a little more grub. Finally, we walked back to our hotel and hit the hay.
The next day, we woke up slowly, enjoyed our free hotel breakfast and then, hangover free (thank goodness!), drove from our hotel to ASU to check out how much campus has changed. It was crazy to drive past the places where I lived and worked more than 7 years ago (it's CRAZY how long I've been in L.A.!). It felt like just yesterday until we'd turn a corner to see an enormous new building. The street where the pizza guy would deliver is no longer in front of my apartment! In its place is a cable car/electric train track. Craziness. We also went by my dad's old house, which I almost passed on the street and checked out how much the surrounding area had developed. There was still a fair amount of desert when they left AZ but it is now all built up and seriously almost unrecognizable.
In all, we had a fantastic time. The weather was beautiful and we drove all the way back home with the top down on Mark's car - enjoying the desert, the sunset, and the stars. On the drive home, we talked about how our next St. Patty's Day may very well be much, much different and how our life is going to change in the next year or two. As much fun as we had, we are both so super excited for the adventures that are ahead for us on this crazy road called life.
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