Good weekend

So Friday night I had my clothes party, which was a lot of fun. The pizza guy had a hard time finding our house for some reason. He called me to ask the address. I told him. He asked me if I was sure that was my address number. Um, yes. I went outside to find him. He was down the street at someone else's house.

Saturday I woke up and my calves were so sore from Kickboxing on Thursday night. There was no way I could go to the gym. I could barely walk. I was cat sitting Snagglepuss (pictured below). So I headed over to check on him and hang out. He is a sweet cat who loves to cuddle. He will cuddle with you like a baby--it is so cute. I hung out with him for a couple of hours reading Us Weekly and watching Lifetime Movie Network. I tried to knit--but that was hard since he wanted to be near me.

I went home and hung out with Curt. I napped since I woke up super early. Then Curt and I headed to Filipos for an early dinner.

After dinner I headed back to check on Snags. At one point I had to use the bathroom ... I am sitting there and he just jumps on my lap. Well, then. HA! After checking on the cat I did a little shopping in Bay Street. I went to Ann Taylor Loft--I had some gift cards and a coupon. I found a great dress to wear to my second cousin's wedding in Tucson in May. After Ann Taylor I went to the Apple store to get a new "skin" for my iPhone and a plastic cover for the screen--I hate fingerprints.

Sunday morning still sore calves. So no gym. Dang! Went to check on Snags. All was good with him.

Yesterday afternoon Joey had a vet appt. It was stressful on Mama and Joey. Not to mention that he pretty much won't let me feed him medicine (that supposedly cats will eat) or stick an ointment in his eye--I totally get that one. You can read his blog about the whole event.

Yesterday evening Curt and I headed to McNally's. I had my first Black and Tan. I am not a Guinness fan. It wasn't too bad of a drink. Curt is trying to gear me up for the beer drinking in Ireland (and England).

It was kinda dark when Curt took these pics with his iPhone. But you get the idea.

Clothes party

Last night I hosted my own CAbi (Carol Anderson by invitation) party. A great group of women came over. I had munchies and wine for everyone to snack on. You gotta be well-fed to try on clothes and spend money. My friend Jennifer brought champagne, which was a hit and yummy.
Jennifer, my CAbi friend, presented the line to the seven of us. Once she was done women were literally running to the rack to try on clothes. It was great.
We all tried stuff on. Purchases were made. I know a few more women still have to put their orders in. For every $250 sold at my party I get one item for 50% off, which is a great deal. I didn't host the party for that reason. But I never mind getting clothes at discount.
It was a fun night. And I enjoyed spending time with all the women.
Thanks ladies for coming and buying stuff and for supporting Jennifer.

One-on-one yoga

I almost didn't go to yoga this morning. But I thought I need to go. Get up! So I did.
(Oh, and last night I finally--after months and months--went back to kickboxing. Man, it was tough. A co-worker, Kim, joined me, which made it a little easier.)
There is this yoga sub at my gym for some reason I am not a fan of. I have started reminding myself to not let his style bother me and to just appreciate the practice. I knew he was subbing today. I went into class and I was the only one. It ended up being great. We focused on strengthening my core and stretching out my back. He asked me what I wanted to work on and we pretty much focused on my needs. Normally you would have to pay top dollar for a private yoga class.
Happy Friday everyone and have a great weekend!

Jury Summons

So the other day I got my seventh jury summons since I have lived in California. Yes, I have only been here three years. And, of course, the date is right before we head to England and Ireland. And I just don't want to take the chance. So I went online to defer it. OK, this is nuts. I have to defer at least six months from my jury date. I have never had to do that before. I was prepared to select a date about a week after we get back from our trip. Nope, doesn't like that. So I had to think, what am I doing in six months?

My third beanie

Are you tired of seeing beanie pictures yet?



I had a really hard day at work yesterday. So I had some wine. I asked Curt to take some pics of me in the third and probably best beanie so far. He likes to just start clicking before I am ready and posed. This beanie is a camouflage.
Curt wants a beanie with a vertical stripe. I gotta practice on that one first before I start the actual beanie. It will be a little bit of a challenge. But I think I can do it.

Oh, he's not gonna make it!

Curt and I headed to Triple Rock for dinner last night. We hadn't been there in a long time. Actually we tried to go Thursday night for Curt's birthday dinner. But it was packed with people lingering waiting for an open table. So we ended up at Barclay's closer to home.
Anyway, so we are sitting at this light, we are in the left-hand turn lane. There are two lanes on either side of us. The light is red for us. It has been green for a little time for the other side. All of a sudden this little old guy (and I am talking old) starts out into the crosswalk with his walker at a slow speed. I am talking slower than a turtle speed. I say to Curt, Oh, he's not gonna make it. The old guy stops right next to the car in front of us in the turn lane. So the light is now green for us. The car in front of us motions to the old guy to keep walking. He doesn't. Cars are coming from the other side. He is so not safe. Finally two people are able to run out to him. They are obviously telling him he needs to cross. We see him point to the Do Not Walk sign and shake his head. He had stopped in the middle of the crosswalk because the sign said don't walk! The two people finally convince him to go and they help him across the street safely.
Curt and I couldn't help but laugh about it a few more times last night. Poor little guy. But man, he could've been killed. He never even turned to look at the traffic coming at him.

Happy Garden Day!

Curt and I don't really celebrate Easter. We aren't religious, we don't have any family here and we don't have kids, remember we have a cat--or let me rephrase, I have a cat. So Easter Sunday is just another day for us.
So today we went to Home Depot and stocked up on stuff for our garden. When we got home Curt shoveled the dirt up and I hoed it. That was hard work. It's a good thing I didn't go to the gym today--got my workout in the dirt.
We planted only three tomato plants this time (instead of 6 like last year). Last year we planted Early Girl tomatoes. This year: one Big Boy, one Better Boy and one Roma Grape tomato plant. So we will see who performs better: the girls or the boys.
Herbs: parsley, mint, chives and basil. Our oregano from last year still looks decent--just needs some water.
We planted green bell peppers, jalapenos, sweet banana chilis and tabasco chilis. We also planted broccoli and eggplant.
We did all plants this year. Last year we did a lot of seeds and that took some time for things to grow and they were just really little--like our one bell pepper and our tiny carrots.
We have some space left for pumpkins. Our friend Lisa is gonna give us some seeds for some
mini pumpkins.












The white salty looking stuff is called Stay Away. Organic, natural stuff to keep that damn cat away from using our garden plot as a litter box. I have to say I find that rather disgusting. I don't think cats should be able to roam around and (expletive) in other people's yard. Dogs can't, so why should cats be able to. Well, dogs shouldn't, even though sometimes they do.

Happy Birthday Curt!!!!

And happy first day of spring, too. Curt says you can always remember his birthday because it is the first day of spring.

Sicko

Have you seen this documentary by Michael Moore? Very informative. OK, even if you have health insurance in the U.S. you could still get screwed by your insurance company. But if you live in Paris, England, Canada or even Cuba--yes Cuba--you will be taken care of for free.

Watch this documentary. It is good. And scary.

5 years

Can you believe it has been 5 years since we went to war with Iraq? That's a long time. It makes me sad to think how many people have died since the war began. The U.S. troops, troops from other countries fighting a senseless war, innocent civilians. Almost 4,000 U.S. troops have died. Unfortunately there seem to be no official statistics on Iraqi deaths--but one number I found shows that it is close to 90,000. Is that right? That's insane!!! I found another count close to 2 million. So I really don't know. But it seems to be a lot no matter how you look at it. You can get more stats from this site. I just googled and found this and I realize it is an anti-war site. I am against the war--I have been from Day 1. But I do support the troops. Even though I don't agree with the agenda I have to say those men and women are very brave to go there and risk their lives for our freedom. I wouldn't do it. I would never voluntarily go and if for some reason I were drafted I would move to Canada or something. Now the government is probably tracking my whereabouts and will wonder what I am doing in England and Ireland in April/May.

Debuting my second beanie

My second beanie came out a lot better than the first. I was worried it would be too small and I would have to give it to my little friend Lexie. But it fits me. The next one will be camoflague. Not sure who that will be for. Maybe me again. Or maybe I can set up a little stand at work and sell them. :) I am planning on making one for Curt soon, too. Just in time for summer. :) Since I have been knitting I have never made him anything. Most of the stuff I can make is kinda girlie. And he didn't want a scarf so I have been quite limited in what I can make him ... until now.

The first pic I was barely putting the hat on when Curt snapped the camera. But I thought the pic was funny. And I guess I am willing to put myself out there for some humiliation for the sake of a laugh. I am not stoned in the second pic. I have this habit of closing my eyes when a picture is taken. And the third is just a different angle.

Happy St. Patty's Day

After work last night I met Curt at McNally's for a beer. The place was crowded. I am not a big fan of crowds. I had one beer--Smithwick's--and then was ready to go. Afterward we went home and watched Three Sheets marathon. It's a show on the Mojo channel where this guy named Zane Lamprey goes all over the place to learn about other places' drinking cultures. It is quite entertaining. We watched one where he went to Munich for Oktoberfest. That was pretty cool. And got us excited about going next year for Curt's big birthday celebration.

I've Got You Babe

While I was in the locker room this morning getting dressed after my yoga class this song was playing. I have to say that is not a very gym-like working out, sweating song. Weird.

Good weekend ...

Saturday afternoon after I went to the gym, hit the grocery for salsa supplies, took Joey to Petsmart for a nail trim and ear cleaning (which he hated), came home, showered and then made salsa, Curt and I headed to Becky and Cyrus' for Becky's Birthday Barbecue! The weather cooperated for the most part. It got a little cool. But luckily didn't rain. We had yummy strawberry margaritas, had really good food, good conversations. And then there was the game of Taboo. We didn't do girls vs. boys. But all couples were separated onto different teams. I have to say it is quite enjoyable to watch partners get snippy with each other. I definitely do with Curt.

Sunday's A Drag ... Mia and I headed into the city yesterday morning to meet Alex for brunch and a drag show. It was a ton of fun. Harry Denton's Sunday's A Drag was a blast. We had a nice buffet brunch for the first hour. Then the second hour was entertainment by Donna Sachet and her girls. Amazing performances and some funny stuff, too. I will post pics soon.

Remembering

Yesterday Onyx brought in a counselor for people to talk to about the death of our co-worker. For the first hour we went around the room and said something about him. I didn't know him well. But he was a kind and good man. And I loved hearing things about him I didn't know--the good and the funny. What I forgot to mention when it was my turn was that before I came to Onyx I lived in Phoenix and before he came to Onyx he lived in Scottsdale. So we used to reminisce about the Valley of the Sun. The time we spent with the counselor was so good and healing. I am really glad I went--even if it was emotional. The second hour was saved for anyone who wanted one-on-one time with the counselor.

I found out that my friend Dan's grandma passed away March 1. (Via Facebook no less.) Dan's grandma was a pioneer female journalist. I had the privilege of meeting her. Dan said when she came to visit the Statesman Journal newsroom (in Salem, Ore.) she was so happy to see so many women working in the newsroom. The Chronicle wrote a wonderful obituary on her.

My second beanie

I started it yesterday. I started on the rim and it was just not looking right. I kept going and decided to rip it out and start over. So I did. Then I realized I was doing it right and it looked good. So I am glad I decided to start it over. The yarn I am using this time is a little tighter and so my arm got tired quickly. So I only knitted about 10 rows of the beanie. But I am excited to make a second one. The more you do it the better it gets. I hope this one fits me! Maybe I can start making some for little people, too. Those ones would go quick.

Speaking of little people ...

I got this forward called Why God Made Moms. And the answers are given by second-graders. I love this stuff! Cracks me out (ala Faith).

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd GET rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

My first beanie

I am crankin' out projects these days. I finished my first beanie last night. It came out pretty well. It actually is a little big--I was worried it would be too small. My friend Alonzo at work is my guinea pig. And he has a big noggin so it just may fit him. I tried on the beanie and I had Curt try it on and it was a little big on him, too. My next beanie, which I will start today at knitting club, I will try it a little smaller and see if that fits me.


If you would like to try this very easy pattern check it out here. Thanks Bev!

It's finished!

I have finally finished the throw for my brother and his girlfriend, Jessica. It is a belated Christmas present. I started out super gung-ho on the throw and then after awhile I got bored with it. Then I told myself I HAD to finish it before I could start another project. So I just pretty much didn't knit. I finished knitting the throw Friday night. I weaved in the ends Sunday night (that is my least favorite part) and then sewed on my "Knitted Especially for you by Ann" tag. And now I just gotta find a box to shove it in and mail off.

Since my throw was done I could start another project, which I did Sunday night. I am working on my very first beanie. And I think it will be done tonight. I am really excited about it. My friend Alonzo at work said he would be my guinea pig. I told him it could end up being a blob on his head. But I think it won't be too bad. I messed up the first part a little--but I think it is hard to tell. Will share pics when it is done. Yea, I am loving knitting again. Every once in awhile I get in a funk and don't want to make anything or get sick of the project I am working on.

Bleh!

So yesterday the time change didn't seem to alter me at all. Well, this morning was another story. I went to bed at a reasonable time last night--between 10 and 10:30. But when my alarm went off at 6:15 there was no way I was getting up. The weird dreams probably didn't help either. So I didn't go to yoga this morning.

As I was logging on to Yahoo this morning I saw one of the stories was about "new sins" that the Vatican is letting us know about. Just what we need, more sins to worry about. For practicing Catholics and those who no longer practice (like me) we already have enough Catholic guilt to worry about.

Oh, and it has been about 3 years since I moved to the Bay Area. I can't remember the exact date. But I think our going-away party was March 7. I am not sure why that date is sticking in my head.

My cat is smarter than your honor student

I saw that on a bumper sticker today while walking to Galaxy Nails to get a mani/pedi (badly needed). The bumper sticker had me laughing, so I thought I would share.

Yesterday went to the gym for the elliptical and then the evil abs/core class. I will have abs of steel. We do a lot of work with the ball. After the gym I headed to work to meet with our patent consultant to go over some patent stuff. I have pretty much had no time to work on anything patent-related. Luckily Winsome is patient with me and really shows me how to do things. Once we have a new admin I can really focus on my patent work and feel comfortable doing it all on my own.
After work came home and did a little more house cleaning. (Also did some Friday night. Our house was a total mess.)
Curt and I watched Eastern Promises last night. Eh. There was not a lot of violence--but when there was it was pretty gory. I pretty much like Viggo Mortensen in anything I have seen him in. And I liked him with the Russian accent. I don't know. The plot was bleh. I have also been catching up on Season 4 of The L Word. I think it is currently in Season 5. So I am almost caught up. Then I will have to find another show to start watching before my shows come back on next month.
Today got my mani/pedi. Curt and I went to REI and North Face outlet. We used our 20% coupon to buy me a new suitcase for our England/Ireland trip next month. This bag is much lighter and easier to handle than my current suitcase. I also got a nice wind breaker at the North Face outlet. While we were standing in line I heard a guy trying to return shoes he had already worn. Dude!
Anyway, I started cleaning my closet earlier and I should finish that up.
Oh, so far so good with the time change. Usually I am all messed up. We will see how tomorrow goes.

About a year now

So about a year ago I started working out (first in the gym at work). For a month I walked about 3-4 times a week. Then in April I started the walk/run thing. My goal was to be able to run for 30 mins straight--because it is easy cardio and you can do it anywhere. Well, I hate running. But I was determined. I think it was Day 3 that I hurt my knee and had to rehab myself. I decided then and there that I hated running and it really wasn't for me, I mean, who was I kidding? I started on the elliptical. Love that machine. Sometime in June I joined Mavericks, the gym I am still with. This is the longest I have continually worked out--a whole year. Yes, I have joined gyms before. But usually working out was sporadic. I have had a few times in this past year where I didn't work out for a week or two or three--usually when I have been sick. But for the most part I have been very vigilant. I am proud of myself. Because I still really don't like exercise. I like how I feel afterward. And exercise is just part of my life now--just something I do. And I amaze myself every time I get up at 6:15 for the 7:15 morning yoga class. I do really enjoy yoga. My arms are getting slightly buff (well, buff for me).

Education in California

The DJs this morning were talking about some news in the education world. One is that homeschool teachers must have a teaching credential. This, of course, has caused a huge uproar. I imagine most parents who homeschool don't have the credential. Since I am not a parent (and don't plan to be one) I can only imagine how horrible the public school system is. I did OK. But I know the classes are too big, the resources suck, the learning level of the kids is so different, etc. And private school is very spendy. So if you can't afford private you gotta do public or homeschool. I personally am against homeschooling for the most part. I think in certain situations it is OK. But kids need the socializing and to make friends. That part of school is so important. I think also having different adults as a leader is important, too. I think my 5th grade teachers were the best teachers I ever had. Though my kindergarten teacher was pretty great, too. And even though I said I hated Mr. Rueben for government my senior year he brought the fiestiness and the fight out of me. Oh, and I can't forget Mr. Kluck for AP English. Crime and Punishment--now that is an intense book.
Anyway, I could go on and on.
And there was a report about cutting funds for education. I better not get started on that one. I will never stop. But the big guys in goverment just remember this, Children are our future. Let's invest in them!

What a great article

I just read this article on SFGate and I had to share it with you.
Here's the headline: Men Who Do Housework May Get More Sex
And a quote from the story: "And if a woman feels stressed out because the house is a mess and the guy's sitting on the couch while she's vacuuming, that's not going to put her in the mood."

$35.08

I just checked to see how much the ads have been making. We have now passed the $35 mark! Gotta hit $100 to get a check. So keep reading and cliking my friends.

Just talk louder

So yesterday I was talking to Curt on my cell. I was telling him something ... I am sure it wasn't important. He told me I was breaking up. So I just said, OK, I will see you tonight. He tells me again that I am breaking up. So what do I do? I kick it up a notch or two and talk much louder, you know cuz that really works if your voice is breaking up over the phone.
Happy Hump Day!

More sad news

Found out yesterday that over the weekend a co-worker died. I can't believe it. He was young--probably early 40s. I guess he had been sick for some time. I had no idea. Sounds like the family wants to keep it as a personal, family matter and I want to respect that.
I am just in disbelief over this. He was a nice and kind man who I enjoyed working with. My heart breaks for his wife and 6-year-old daughter.
Makes me realize how precious life is. We need to all remember that.

Meet Cookie

This is my cousin Jackie holding Cookie. Cookie was originally my grandma's dog (for like 2 weeks) and was named Lucy. Now my mom has her and has renamed her Cookie. She is so tiny. Thanks to Jackie and her Facebook page for providing me with this pic of my new sibling.

Meet & Greet

This morning Onyx's new CEO (well, March 31 is his first official day) came to meet with the employees. I have to say the team that picked Tony Coles as our next CEO did a great job. He appears to have a lot of the same characteristics as Hollings, Onyx's current CEO. Tony is friendly and kind and has a great attitude. I am sad that Hollings is leaving. But I am happy with our new leader. I think he is going to do a great job.
Welcome Tony!

Sad news

My dear friend Kate's dad, Ted, died Saturday. He went peacefully and quickly. Ted is now with Kate's mom, Carol. Carol died four years ago. When Carol got sick Kate moved back to Phoenix for a little more than a year to take care of her mom. This past summer Kate moved back to Phoenix to take care of her dad. She is an amazing person and daughter. Ted and Carol were so lucky to have such a wonderful, caring daughter.
Ted traveled to Connecticut in September to walk his daughter down the aisle on her beautiful wedding day.
I am so very sad for Kate. My love and prayers are with you Kate.
I love you, my friend.