8 Years

One guess as to who the romantic one is in this relationship:

RJ: So tomorrow's a special day, huh? (with a little smile)

Me: Oh, really? What's tomorrow?

RJ: .....?

Me: D'oh!! (a la Homer Simpson complete with forehead slapping)

Tomorrow, April Fool's Day, will be the eighth anniversary of when Rusty and I met. Cuh-raaaazy! At dinner tonight, we started talking about everything that has happened in the past eight years and couldn't stop. A lot has gone down for us, both as individuals and as a couple. And there are some days when I still cannot believe the way everything turned out. It has been quite a ride so far and it ain't over yet!

The icing on my double chocolate cake? How awesome is it that I found a guy who always remembers important dates?! :)

Harley Bear

I'm all about the pictures these days. :) I've been starting out slow, trying my hand at Picasa first before I start playing around with Photoshop. So what are your thoughts on this one? I messed with it a little but I'm not sure it looks as good as I think it does.

Either way, I love how peaceful he looks with the water from the hose in the background - something that would normally have him and his brother frantic with excitement.

A Portrait of Silence

I'm just really proud of this picture. You have no idea what it takes to get them to be quiet and sit still like that!

Aren't my boys handsome? :)

TGIF!

Seriously, I am so happy this week is over and the weekend is finally here. I really need a couple days to sleep in and relax. Okay, maybe the relaxing part won't be happening in spades, but close enough. :)

Yesterday was a pretty nice day so I left the front door open to let the dogs bask in the afternoon sun. As I was petting them, I looked up and saw our grape vines are starting to grow back!

For the past 6 months, the main stem and branches have all looked like the one on the right. Pretty dreary if you ask me. Not to mention, that's the only "separation" we have from the house next door. So we feel especially exposed during the winter. Sidenote: That's one thing I don't like about California - how close together all the houses are. I'm more used to having some serious space in between each house. A girl needs her privacy sometimes! ;)

I'm going to try and take a picture of this every couple weeks or so to see how it grows. Truthfully, I didn't pay much attention last year because our landlord had said not to worry about or touch it and they would deal with it. Well... that didn't happen. It got a little unruly and they ended up having to pull out one of the main plants, so this year I'm going to take care of them whether they like it or not! Wish me luck!

Oh, man... I hope I don't kill this little guy...

Sixth Sense

Proof that dogs are indeed smarter than we are.

From now on I promise to investigate when Brodie is staring intently at the wall for 30 minutes at a time. Who knows what might be in there!

Menaige Trois Bonne Anniversari Extravaganza!

I had a chance to get my butt down to L.A. for a visit with Jess to celebrate her birthday (yesterday), my birthday (last Sunday) and Jess's friend, Sam's, birthday (next Sunday). We kept things low key on Friday night with some Chinese food, warm chocolate chip cookies and a couple episodes of What Not to Wear. Ahhh, my kind of night. :)

Saturday, Jess, Sam, me and about 20 of their closest friends met up at Eclectic, a fantastic wine bar and grill in North Hollywood. Yum yum YUM. And that was just the pomegranate martini! After dinner, we headed down the street to Skinny's Lounge to dance the night away. As Jess would say, "the drinks were strong, the bartender was friendly and the lights were dim." All good things except when 2 of those 3 things lead one to fall and sustain some very minor injuries. Not that I have any idea what that would be like....

All in all, we had a blast, which of course meant that I was doomed to a Sunday filled with nausea and headaches (aside from the pain from what felt like getting punched in the face). And somehow I still managed to get through what felt like the longest 1-hour flight I've ever taken in my life.

Anyway, here are some pictures from a great weekend that I will not soon forget. Thanks Jess, Chris and Indy for putting me up for a few days!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESS!!!! :)

Furbabies

Meg's scare with Gordon today really got me thinking about my dogs and how even with all the stupid stuff they pull we still love them to pieces. Both of our dogs have had weird things happen to them where they very easily might not have lived to chew up another shoe.

Brodie walked through the railing and off our second floor balcony when he was only about a year old. Then a year or so later was hit by a car in front of our house. Both times he walked away with pretty minor injuries if anything.

When Harley was about 13 weeks old (3 weeks after Rusty gave him to me) he got really sick to the point where he peed the bed multiple times in one night, wouldn't drink or eat and was completely unresponsive. We rushed him to the emergency animal hospital and a few hours later he was back to his old self. Albeit with a sack of fluid sloshing around on his back, but still back to being a puppy.

Last week I posted about how Harley chewed up that green highlighter. It was pretty funny at the time, but the next morning, we woke up to find that he had actually eaten quite a bit of the plastic pieces from the marker. He had thrown it up in the middle of the night, but we can't help but wonder what might happen if he does it again. Will we be so lucky that it won't damage any internal organs? Our family dog, Jaxx, ate something when he was about 4 years old and ended up needing a really expensive surgery that resulted in him losing about 18 inches of intestine. We were all grateful he made it through to live another 5 awesome years.

I guess where I'm going with this, is why do we do this to ourselves? I'm an enormous animal-lover, so its no question why I love having dogs. But we all know that they eat things that aren't supposed to go into their bodies and do stupid things that have the potential to make them sick or even worse. We know that with having pets there is an inherent risk that something could go wrong at any moment through no fault of our own. Yet, we still bring these animals into our lives and then blame ourselves when things do go wrong.

I shouldn't have left the door open.

I should have cleaned up the house better so there would be nothing to chew up.

I should have paid more attention.

Shoulda coulda woulda. There's really no point. These animals are in our lives to make them better for the time they're around. We all know that dogs don't live as long as we do, so we adopt these little furballs knowing they're only going to cause us heartache in the end. But it is so worth it when you get moments like these...

Hang in there, Gordon! We're all pulling for you!

Birthday, Part 2

All I seem to do is whine on this thing, so to lighten things up a bit, I thought I'd share the rest of my birthday weekend fun with ya'll. :)

Saturday night was amazing. Our dinner at Picasso's was undeniably the best meal I've ever had. I'm drooling just thinking about it!

Sunday, we woke up and just lounged around for a while. Then we braved the valley winds and headed off to Great America. I LOVE amusement parks and rollercoasters and what better way to ring in another year of getting older than by screaming your lungs out like a little kid?! We had so much fun. And the best part was not having to wait in line for more than 10 minutes - the upside to going on the first day the park opens! Although it did occur to us that maybe going to ride dangerous rollercoasters when the teenagers who work there are still being trained on how to operate them, might not have been the brightest idea we've ever had. But it all worked out, we survived and I even had a chance to wear my new cashmere scarf from my momma!

Unfortunately, someone (ahem Rusty) drank a few beers before we left for the park, and I'm sure you can imagine what being flipped and turned and spun around did to his belly full of beer. So after going on every ride that was open, we decided to head home where Rusty made me dinner. I've been told birthday cake is forthcoming because we'll both be out of town this weekend and contrary to popular belief the two of us cannot down an entire cake in less than a week... although we've tried.

Thank you to everyone who remembered me this weekend and especially Rusty who went above and beyond to make sure I was spoiled all weekend long. I love you!

Hey, Google? You Suck.

Gah! Is anyone else out there having trouble with Google Reader?? For a week now, it has given me the same stupid message:

Information is temporarily unavailable.

Hmm... forgive me, but in terms of all-things-internet, "temporary" is a few minutes or hours, right? But not days! Things should have been up and running, smooth as silk within minutes of a problem occurring. Especially at Google! Or are all of their employees too busy playing beach volleyball or eating at one of their 11 (yes, 11) gourmet cafeterias on campus? I mean, seriously? That's more than my college had.

Anyway, being located so near to Google's headquarters, I get pretty tired of hearing about how they've been voted the #1 best company to work for a hundred years in a row, they’re so cutting-edge, yada yada yada... and yet I find a lot of their gadgets to have so many bugs you'd think you were in Florida! (HA! I'll be here all week, folks!)

Since it is driving me nuts today, we'll use Google Reader as an example. It's a simple device that allows you to enter the blogs/websites you peruse frequently. It will then notify you when one of these sites has updated, therefore saving you time and energy – since we were putting in so much effort before with all that typing. The point is that it is incredibly addicting and easy to get carried away. Once I figured it out, I started adding websites willy nilly without a care in the world! Tra la la! And subsequently, I got addicted to every single one. I can't even remember the exact web address for all of them, but that's okay, because Google Reader is an internet lover's best friend and takes care of everything for me!

Unfortunately its not all sunshine and roses because I have problems with this stupid thing all the time. I tried to add a pretty popular blog, dooce.com (Btw, if you live under a rock and have never checked her out, you should. She's immature and funny and gross and imperfect and I love her.) But for some reason, it would only link to a certain post with comments attached instead of the main page. (Sorry for those of you who don't use GR, you probably think I've lost my mind. You would be right.) I cannot figure out for the life of me how to fix that. I’m sure I’m not the first person to try and add this particular blog, so why is it being such a snatch?? Grrr…. Anyway, I guess I’ve come full circle back to what started this rant in the first place:

Information temporarily unavailable.

i.e. We’ll get to it when we feel like it. I’m pretty sure the "Googler" who is supposed to be monitoring this little gadget is probably eating a filet mignon while getting a mani/pedi at their desk instead of fixing what has come to be a staple in my life of never-ending procrastination! Damn you, Google! You and your incredible benefits and perks! Stop distracting your people from fixing my shit! ..... Okay, I admit. Maybe there's a small amount of jealousy here too, but that's totally not the point!!

*Sigh*

Alright, now that I've gotten that off my chest, is anyone else having this problem? Or do you know how to fix it?

*Update: After I wrote this whole post, I previewed it and when I went back to tweak one tiny little thing, I noticed that it had reverted to a version I wrote over a half hour ago! (yes, it takes me a long time to write these things) I wonder if that was Google trying to send me a message…. Or if its just another case of their crap not working… hmm... food for thought.

Sip Bacardi like it's your birthday

Happy Birthday to MEEE! Ok, I'm jumping the gun a little since its not really until tomorrow, but the great thing about your birthday falling on a Saturday or Sunday is that the entire weekend is all about you! Or at least it should be. And you can quote me on that. :)

The weekend started out pretty slow as far as birthday fun goes. I had class this morning, followed by more homework for another class. Of course I did make sure to take some time out to go to this cute little place called I.B.I. Boutique nearby that is owned by a girl who went to Santa Clara University, my alma mater. I love her stuff, especially her handmade jewelry. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend going to check it out. Usually I go and just drool all over everything because its so cute. And who doesn't love supporting a fellow Bronco?

After I treated myself to some unnecessary jewelry and hair accessories, I took off to go wander around the local farmer's market. If I had some cash on me, I would have left with an orchid taller than me and some tulips that had a vase waiting for them in my living room. But it didn't matter anyway, because Rusty ended up coming home with enough flowers to fill 3 vases! Yay!

Once we trimmed all the stems and found somewhere to put it all, we set out to walk the dogs. Of course, we realized after it was too late that it was super windy and cold and had forgotten the frisbee to play with at the park. Either way, it was nice to be outside, forget about work and school and just be with my guys.

And to round out Day 1, my super awesome husband is taking me out to dinner tonight for tapas and a pitcher or two of sangria at my favorite restaurant downtown, Picasso's. I can't wait! ("Topless tapas!")

And finally, I wanted to share a conversation between Rusty and I. On our way home from our walk, we passed someone's house where a bunch of people were outside. We glanced over and one of the guys waved.

Me: Do you know that guy?

Rusty: No.

Me: Hmmm... I wonder why he would wave.

Rusty: Maybe he thought I looked like the unibomber and he wanted to be friendly so I didn't pull some crazy shit.

Me: Sure. I can see that.

Rusty: But you make me legit. You in all the argyle. (I was wearing an argyle sweater.)

Me: You're right. It's the argyle. Argyle makes you feel safe.

He does kind of look like the unibomber here, doesn't he?

Blah

Today is one of those days when I really would have rather stayed in bed under the covers than get up and deal with life. And I think everyone around me would agree. Not that there is anything in particular that's wrong, its just... one of those days I guess.

Part of it is that I'm insanely busy and stressed out. I have a full-time job (that I love) and I'm working on getting my masters degree. I've been in school for the past 2+ years, but I still haven't gotten used to the fact that I have ZERO free time to do whatever I want. And if I do take some time out just for me? I end up feeling guilty about not reading the latest chapter of Strategic Human Resources or whatever crap I'm supposed to be learning about. All of this just makes me a cranky bitch that no one wants to deal with. I can't imagine why...

Other things about today that suck? In my grueling 5 minute commute to work this morning, I was unnecessarily cut off at least 3 times. Annoying? Yes. But bearable if I'm at least warned its coming. So will someone please explain to me why the hell people don't use their effing blinkers???? It is not difficult to use. In fact, your pinky can do all the work! Its also a safety tool since it keeps you safe from me trying to murder you when you don't use it!

AND, I'm a terrible wife. Rusty went above and beyond to help me put together a tournament bracket for a bocce ball tournament my company has every year. Instead of graciously saying thank you, I get all pissy because I will actually have to add. Numbers. In my head. I know, right? Someone call an ambulance, I'm about to have an aneurysm! So, I'm sorry sweety. I'm awful. I don't know how you haven't strangled me yet. It must be love!

And last but certainly not least: Harley. I swear this dog will be lucky if he sees is 3rd birthday. Yesterday we came home at lunch to see that he had chewed up some junk mail and a credit card that I had finally paid off and was ready to cancel. The afternoon went by without a hitch and he got plenty of praise for being such a good boy. Today? Lets just say that I no longer have a green highlighter with which to do my homework. How did I know it was Harley, you ask? See for yourselves:

Caught green-handed...

He looks sorry....

... but I'm not taking any chances.

Tag! I'm it!

Oh boy, this should be interesting (I hope!). My dearest Megs has tagged me, so I'll do my best to come up with 7 things about me that someone might care about... Here we go!

1) My husband and I met on April Fool's Day. We're just going to leave it at that. ;)

2) I'm very allergic to cats, but still went ahead and adopted a kitty, Jasper, when I graduated from college. He was great, but had a few flaws. First, he had the worst dander EVER. Rusty couldn't breathe in the same room as him. And instead of your typically sweet "meow" of most cats, he howled like a cat being mauled by a racoon. All. The. Time. After we gave him to a friend's family, we found out that my previous assumptions were right and he was deaf and, much like deaf people, couldn't hear what was coming out of his mouth and it affected his ... speech. (?) I loved that cat.... so did Brodie.

3) When Rusty proposed, he did it with a new puppy! Harley wore the ring around a purple collar (my favorite color). I was so excited about the dog, I didn't even notice the ring. Poor Rusty, as if proposing is nerve-wracking enough!

4) One of the first things I notice about a person is their teeth. Probably because I'm obsessed with my own teeth. I had horrible buckteeth as a kid. Horrible. I've had braces twice now. Three years of regular braces in grade school and I just finished a year of Invisalign. While I should have just kept wearing my retainers so that I could have save a few thousand bucks, it was totally worth it!

5) I was born in Redwood City, CA. I lived in San Francisco until I was 7, when my family moved to Rockaway, NJ where I lived until I came back to California for college. Overall, I have now lived in California longer than I lived in Jersey but consider Jersey my home. :)

6) I talk to myself when no one is around. It helps me gather my thoughts and practice what I'm going to say at a presentation or meeting or something. Is that weird?

7) I love reality television. I can't help but get sucked in! Its like watching a train wreck and I just can't get enough!

The only people I know to tag have already been targeted today! I guess I'll just have to wait for Jess to finish hers!

Another day, another dollar

Or in my case, just another day busting my ass at work and not getting compensated for it. If you're ever presented with the choice, go for hourly versus salary pay. Not being paid overtime for the 7 hours of work I put in on the most beautiful spring day (a Sunday no less!) just sucks.

C'est la vie.

My weekend wasn't as bad as I'm making it sound, really. I just like to complain. ;) I had my fabulous cousins over for a sleepover on Saturday night and got to spend some serious quality time with them which I don't do nearly enough considering they live all of 10 minutes away. It still amazes me that they are 13 years old. When I came back to California for college they were 3 going on 4. And now they're taller than me!! Okay, I know that's not hard, but whatever. Shut it.

And the 7 hours of work I did today? Totally worth it in the end because I impressed the pants off the execs at my company with the event that I put together and hosted. WOO! Go me :) The worst part? Other than missing out on amazing weather that I should have been laying out in? My back is KILLING me. Now, I wear heels to work almost every day. They're pretty, they help my pants fit better (see above: I'm short), they're pretty, they make me look taller, and did I mention they're pretty?

Generally at the end of an 8-9 hour day my back feels fine. I could run a marathon in those babies! But on a regular work day I sit at my desk for most of the time. Today was completely different. A hostess doesn't sit! The only other time I felt like this was my wedding day. And any of you that saw my dress that day and/or have worn a wedding dress yourself, you know how hard it is to sit in one of those suckers.

Moral of the story? Invest in some cute flats and hemming my pants. In the meantime, I fully intend to continue wearing those gorgeous heels.

An Open Letter to Harley

Harley, you know I love you. I would do anything for you. And for the most part you are the best doggy ever (after your brother of course).

With one, very stinky, exception.

Your ass. Seriously, I've been sitting here writing a paper for class and within the last hour, you have farted.... wait for it..... 10 times. Yes, you read that correctly. Ten. Diez. Dix. Zehn. I'm sorry, but in my book that is WAY too much. I mean, sure its funny sometimes. Like last night when Rusty told you to be quiet and stop whining. Your natural response?

"Toooooooooooooooooot!"

Who can stay mad at a puppy who communicates with you via his butthole? I know its not your food, so I can only guess that you're doing this to essentially turn our living room into a veritable gas chamber, forcing me to go outside and play with you. Well, buddy, I've gotta hand it to you, that's a great plan.

Now that I know what you want, will you please please PLEASE stop with the farting??

Love,
Your Momma

PS. Feel free to keep farting in your dad's face. Now that? That's pure comedy.

"Friggin Egg." Take One.

Well, hello there!

I'm excited to start this blog and attempt to document more of my life with my husband and our two crazy, adorable dogs. I'm hoping this will give me a better reason to take more pictures and an opportunity to share them with family and friends instead of letting them pile up - unviewed - on my laptop. So expect lots of pictures and random entries about what we're up to!

Blog title inspired by our 2 year old niece. It sounds so much nicer when she says it...