cronaim thu

Tired.

2011-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tired of trying.

Tired of fighting.

Tired of stress.

Tired of money.

Tired of snow.

Tired of a lot of stuff...

I wish I was rich. I need a vacation.

i am alive.

2011-02-11T09:40:00.001-08:00

Obviously, I am not very good at updating this blog... I do apologize. Over the past six months I've been very busy. I have worked lots, celebrated Ryan and my 4 year anniversary, we both got A's in our Political Science class (YAY!), took a vacation to LA to visit the fams over Thanksgiving, went to Disneyland (duh), celebrated Ryan's 26th birthday, had a wonderful white Christmas and a super fun New Years.

Spent our 4year anniversary in Sacramento.

Picture of the Sacramento bridge.

Ryan enjoying his QN4U BBQ in Clovis, CA.

We went down to Fresno for a friends wedding that I sang at.

Ryan has been smoking a lot of meats. He's gotten really, really, really good!

And then winter came... and there was snow everywhere.

Christmas came... We chopped this 10ft tree right outside of our house!!!

Ryan with his Pink Floyd birthday cake!!!

Gia, Ryan & I at Disneyland

2011 has been good to me so far.

i am twenty two years old...

2010-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

....really?!?!?! I don't feel twenty two at all... can't time go backwards, and I can be seventeen again? That was a good age. Twenty two just feels.... old?? I know it's not old, but I don't really have much to look forward to in the upcoming years besides turning 25, when I can rent a car without any extra fees for being young! Either way, I am still enjoying getting older and wiser, HA.

I had a wonderful birthday. I could barely sleep the night before because I knew I was getting a camera for my birthday, and I had dropped some hints to Ryan about what kind I wanted, but I didn't know exactly what kind I was getting. I woke up at least ten times during the night, I swear it felt like Christmas!!! Ryan woke me up to say goodbye as he was going to work, and the first thing I said was, "CAN I OPEN MY PRESENT NOW??!?!?!" He laughed, and grabbed the bag out of the hallway closet. I first opened up a memory stick for the camera... that was exciting. And then came the camera. I was in shock. It is incredible. He bought me a Sony A230 SLR. A FREAKING SLR!!!!!!! (For those who don't know a SLR camera is a Single Lense Reflex, meaning that rather than having auto focus with a point and shoot camera, you focus the lense.) In other words, it makes you feel like a paparazzi! Haha.

Since I had the day off so I spent it ~~cleaning the house in preparation for a party~~... no I didn't clean... I was too busy playing with my new schnazzy camera! DUH! I took lots of pictures of Kiefy. He started posing after a little while, it was too funny. I also picked up some cupcakes from the bakery. They were lemon cupcakes, with lemon curd and lemon buttercream. They were a smashing hit!

The meadow across from our house.

Kiefy posing... silly boy.

CUPCAKES!!!!

Playing with Kiefy.

Otherwise we spent the night with good friends, great food and lots of music!!! Ryan BBQ'd a bunch of burgers and hot dogs, and my friend Alesha brought zucchini boats filled with cous cous. It was delicious!!! I have quite a few friends that play guitar and bass and bongos... even an electric drum kit, so they all came over and set up shop. It was great!! When it started getting late and people started leaving, Ry, Mark and I all went into the hot tub, til very, very late... Couldn't have asked for anything more. I am one lucky girl!

Ryan BBQing & the boys jamming

A big thanks to Ryan for making it so special!!!!

Same Old... Same Old.

2010-06-24T08:44:00.001-07:00

Not much new going on here...

Work. check

History Final. check

Work. check

Live Music. check

Beach. check

Work. check

Beach. check

Live Music. check

Work. check

Beach. check

Ryan and I finished up our History class last night. Ryan and I each had to write three essays. One on the Constitution and how it solved the problems of the Articles of Confederation, a second one on the formation of political parties in the 1790's, and the last one was about Federalism.

Oh, sorry, you fell asleep reading that?? I know... trust me. It's was boring! :)

Unfortunately there are NO good classes being offered during the summer quarter!! I would love to take a night class, but there aren't any, only online and during the day. Ryan and I decided that we will take a PoliSci class in the fall with the same teacher we had this quarter for history. He is so smart, he makes you feel dumb just being in his presence. He knows SO much it's crazy. He will take something relevant to what we are studying and then contrast it with three other times in history where something similar has happened and explain it all. He's CRAZY! Can't wait to learn more from him!

I'm staying really busy with the hotel and bakery. But it's been lots of fun. So many new things to learn at the bakery, and I swear we get busier by the minute!

No exciting summer plans besides hanging out at the lake, going out on friends boats and going to as much live music as possible. Elton John and Stevie Nicks both have concerts at the Harvey's Outdoor Amphitheater, so I will definitely be hanging out in the open field across from the venue listening to them for FREE!!!

New York... Finally

2010-04-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, during my senior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to sing in Carnegie Hall with my school choir, under the direction of Christine Enns. A month ago, Caitlin was just as fortunate and sang in Carnegie Hall with the same choir and same director, except this time her name is Christine Tavares. It felt so good to be back in the big city. Especially since last time I went I was still grieving the loss of my mom. It was so wonderful to spend a lot of time with Cait, and we had so much fun together.

The first day I got in, I took a ~~death ride~~ taxi to the hotel and found the choir. Our hotel was right in the middle of everything (on 55th & 7th) so we walked everywhere, like real New Yorkers.

I spent the night roaming Times Square with some of the choir kids, and Christine and Becca (Christine's ex-sister-in-law... long story, but they're still best friends).

(Some non-english speaking man wanted to take a picture with her since she was 'famous' - her picture was on the side of Carnegie Hall)

Later that night the choir was practicing for their big day, so I stopped at the famous Carnegie Deli - across the street from the hotel - for a BLT. It was the size of my head... so I had to eat it with a fork.

Me n' my BLT

The next morning was spent walking around the city. I hung out with Cait. We bought cheap sunglasses, passed Radio City Music Hall and the famous LOVE sign. Then the choir went up to the top floor at Rockefeller center called Top Of The Rock. I decided to wait outside for them, and did some window shopping at a three story Anthropologie (THREE STORIES! It was incredible!)

I also hung out at the ice skating rink, saw where they film the TODAY show and waited for them to come down. After they were done with Rockefeller we went to the MOMA museum... The Museum of Modern Art. It was really cool. They had a Tim Burton exhibit that was sold out - big bummer.

Starry Starry Night at the MOMA

Radio City and us in our cool cheapy sunglasses

We spent a lot of time in there, they had all sorts of stuff, even live art. That was kind of weird, but since I had never seen live art it was pretty neat. Later that night we went to SoHo and Little Italy with Caitlin, her friend Bridget and Jordan, and Bridget's mom (as the chaperone). We went window shopping in SoHo, and then had some gelato at a cafe in Little Italy. It was wonderful.

Even later that night my friend Melanie and I went out for a drink. We ended up at a bar called Faces & Names.

John Malkovich & The Rolling Stones

Bubble Gum Martini (not so good) Me & Melly

It was a really cool spot with caricature paintings of celebrities on the wall. I stepped outside to make a phone call to Ryan, and on my way back in MacGrueber from Saturday Night Live also known as Will Forte opened the door for me! How polite! He is MUCH cuter in person, he really doesn't photograph all that well, but he was so cute when I saw him! We ended the night with Ray's Pizza and Mel's dad giving her a field sobriety test (he is a sheriff, it was too funny - she definitely didn't pass!!)

The next day was spent with the choir rehearsing (again... they did this a lot) and I traveled back to SoHo with the Jazz choirs and Christine and Becca. I bought two dresses, since it was so hot in the city (it got up to 90 degrees and humidity) and I was dying! Later that night it was Broadway night. All the students chose one show to go see.

I wanted to see Wicked again, since Christine's old friend from high school is Elpheba, and we were able to go backstage, but the show was sold out. I ended up getting a free ticket to see Avenue Q. Avenue Q is a raunchy, hilarious show with half the cast as hand puppets. It was a little awkward watching this show with two rows filled with teenagers... but what was even more awkward were the chaperone's faces. They were SO embarrassed. But wouldn't you Google what Broadway show you are seeing before you get into the theater, so you have some idea of what is going to happen? Guess not.

Later that night some of the adults went out for drinks. We tried to go to Al Pacino's bar, but they were closing, so we ended up at a bar that also had some sushi specials. We all had some good white wine and some delicious spicy tuna sushi. Becca and I decided to go a little wild with a shot of Patron, that surely got me buzzing.

The next day was the choir's performance at Carnegie Hall. They spent the day rehearsing... duh, and I spent it walking around Central Park with Melanie and hanging with cousin Renee!!

Central Park

The Dakota -where John Lennon was shot

She was too sweet to take a four hour train ride from Boston into the city. Her friend Adam said she could crash at his place in Brooklyn, so she came and visited! She took the subway into the city, she saw Cait before she went off to rehearsals, and then we decided to go to Brooklyn, find Adam and go to her friend's whiskey bar. We took the subway out to Brooklyn and ended up at Sycamore Bar. We had a few beers and talked, when her friend Adam showed up.

Look at ALL that whiskey

At that time it was getting late, so I headed back into the city, and she went to Adam's to freshen up. We met up at Carnegie Hall later that night to see the show. It went really long. The choirs were wonderful, I cried.

Cait is not in this one but some of her choir is in the top two rows! You aren't supposed to take pictures inside of Carnegie Hall... so I might get in big trouble for this!!! Haha

Seeing Cait up there with my old choir and teacher brought back all of the memories of when I performed. It made me miss my mom a lot. There was an after party at a restaurant down the street, but Renee, Adam and I decided we wanted sushi. We took a ~~death ride~~ taxi to East Village where we ate some incredible sushi! After sushi we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hotel, and they headed back out to Brooklyn. It was so wonderful to see Renee, since it had been WAY too long.

Once I got back to the hotel, I met up with Christine and the chaperone's for some more celebratory drinks. We had a GREAT time, to say the least. The night ended with me getting everyone down to the bus at 4am, to get to the airport for their 7am flight. I said goodbye to Christine and Becca, and gave Cait a HUGE hug and lots of kisses, and lots of tears. It was so hard saying goodbye to her. I wish I could just keep her with me forever. After calling my dad to tell him everything went well I went to bed at 5am and woke back up at 7. Grabbed some starbucks and got into the last ~~death ride~~ cab ride back to the airport.

It was one of the best trips of my life. I loved every minute I spent with Cait and her friends. We all had so much fun. I can't wait for next year, when Ryan and I go as chaperone's to Cancun!!!!! Wooohooo!!!!

Christmas '09

2010-01-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

After we visited LA for Thanksgiving, Ryan and I decided that for Christmas, we would fly his mom and sister up here for the holiday. Jan works as a manager at an apartment complex (the same one she lives in), so the poor woman can't even go to the mailbox that is right outside of her door without being hounded by tenants. Heck, she can't even have surgery without one of her tenants a few doors down in the hospital (true story)! Anyways, Jan needed to get away.

We had a wonderful week before Christmas came. Ryan and I took Kellie and Jan up onto the mountain to go snowboarding.

In all of our gear.

Kellie had been before, but Jan had never tried snowboarding! It was so much fun! Kellie got real good by the end of one run, and Jan did one run and was pooped (I understand, it's a crazy workout, and I could never imagine trying to learn snowboarding when I was over the age of 35!), so we all went down to the bar/deck and got food and some drinks. Jan and I both had tequila sunrises... and at 8,050ft we sure felt the alcohol!!

There was so much snow!!!

Jan, Ryan and Kellie (at the midstation) Me and Kellie

Christmas was spent making dinner from a box (thank goodness for supermarket's that pre-package dinner). We had a honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and Sugar Pine Bakery french rolls - YUM! Then we opened presents. Kiefer got some Fancy Feast... From this picture you can tell he was VERY excited!

Ryan got some beanies, and a new sweater. Ryan got me a diamond bracelet! It's so beautiful, I love it. Ryan and I got Jan a snowman soap dispenser. She loves decorating her house in holiday attire. But she doesn't like to have Santa all over, she prefers snowmen. We are helping fill her collection of snowmen decorations! I bought Kellie a necklace off of Aunt Elizabeth's etsy site. It was an owl, and Kellie is obsessed over owl's so it was perfect!!! She loved it.

Christmas Time!

Diamonds??!?!!??!!!!!!!!

Jan was so excited with her snowman soap dispenser

Ryan and I in our scarves and hats and mittens!

They left a few days after Christmas, and it was so sad to see them go. Ry and I decided that we are going to kidnap them when we are visiting at the end of May (Kellie's graduating, so we have to go and see her get her diploma!) and bring them back up here for a graduation trip/present.

New Years was right around the corner after that. Ryan and I both had to work the next morning, so we stayed home and drank apple cider and were in bed and asleep by 11pm. I think that it's a sign that we're getting old.

It's Still Winter...

2010-01-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Yep, no doubt in that. We got about 3 feet out on my front deck in the past week. It was just one storm after the other. The snow was definitely more than necessary. At the end of the week, there was one day where the weather couldn't make up it's mind. It was rainy, and then snowy... and then slush.

Slush = no good.

Here is a picture (from my phone, so it comes out a little blue) of the snow on my deck

What you can't see in this picture (because I couldn't get a good angle) is that the snow is leaning over the railing about 6 inches. It just leaned. I pulled an Aunt Heather and drew all over my picture to show ya'll.

We're expecting a little bit more this Friday and Saturday. And then again on the Thursday and Friday following. However, I am sure this will change another five times over the next week. The 10-day forecast changes every day!

I can't believe it's already been a month since Christmas! Crazy! I haven't posted about Christmas, so that is the next entry I have to do.

Work Holiday Party

2009-12-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Last night we all went to my boss Cara's house for a holiday party with dinner and drinks. She made guacamole & a spicy queso dip for an appetizer and a wonderful homemade lasagna, ceasar salad and garlic bread for dinner. We finished the night off with brownies, cookies and a cake for our co-worker Thea's birthday! We had a few different bottles of red wine, which were delicious! We all had such a wonderful time and it made me remember how lucky I am to have such fun and awesome ~~co-workers~~ friends.

Me, Stephanie and Thea (all front desk girls)

Me, Pennie & Stephanie (Pennie is in reservations)

Me, Thea, Cara, Pennie, Nettie & Yoko

(Cara is the best manager, EVER)

James, Taylor, Pennie & Jordan (her husband and step kids)

Thea's birthday cake!

Cara burned her hand on the oven while getting out the lasagna...

and we were told putting lettuce on it helps the burn?!?? We'll see if it works.

Pennie & I

Birthday Girl Thea & I. Can you believe she's 34?!?! She doesn't look a day over 26!

T & Steph

After Ryan and I came home from the party we finished decorating our tree. We went and purchased our permit from the Forest Service, so we were able to go into the woods across from our house and chopped down our own tree! It was only $10 and last year I paid $55!!! So it was a STEAL! We still need to get some more ornaments, because the ones we have from last year are a little ratty... and they were the cheapy kind from Target... I also need to get a new tree topper. We had a metal one last year, but Ryan and I decided one that lights up would be better! We also need to get one more strand of lights. Since our tree isn't very full of branches, (it's kinda bare and has lots of room inside the branches) I want to add more lights to make it look more full.

Dun dah dah DAH!!!! I can't believe Christmas is in less than 10 days! I gotta get shopping. I get paid tomorrow, so I know where all of that money is going!!! Hahahaaaa

Thanksgiving in LA

2009-12-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh... Los Angeles. The city of smog, jam packed freeways,

over population and also home to my lovely and wonderful family.

Long time no post! Ryan and I visited LA for Thanksgiving a few weeks back. And I figured I should post some pictures... and some stories!

We drove all the way down and stayed with my friend Victoria's mom, Janiece. She's one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. She's from the south, so she can cook! We ate well every night that we were there. Her specialty is Chicken Parmesan... the BEST!

We took Ryan's mom - Jan, and his sister - Kellie, to City Walk at Universal Studios for some shopping and to eat at Tony Roma's. We took pictures in front of the giant tree, and giant guitar outside of Hard Rock Cafe. We kept joking about looking like tourists... but now that we live in Tahoe, we ARE tourists! Haha.

Kellie, Ryan and Jan in front of the tree!

Jan being distracted by sights.

Me & Ry at Tony Roma's

Kellie & I in the parking lot.

We had a fun time going into all of the shops. The magnet store, the candy shops. Jan bought almost a pound of Jelly Belly's. (Later she told me that next time tell her to stop sooner, because she made herself sick!

The crazy Marilyn Monroe made with candy... and weird Twizzler Haired Girl.

That was on Tuesday... Wednesday I took my sisters shopping, and Kellie tagged along. We bought lots of fun lady stuff and I got myself a really cute coat. I'll show you a picture of it later. Wednesday night was chicken parm night at Janiece's house! We had lots of friends over, played some cards, ate some chicken parm and drank some good champagne. We finished the night off with Janiece's Death By Chocolate Brownie... best thing EVER! It was a wonderful evening.

The next day was Thanksgiving. Ryan and I normally get lucky with our families both having their Thanksgiving in Redondo/Hermosa area... but this year his aunt decided to have it at her house in Pasadena area... So we drove to Hermosa and visited my family for a little while. We walked down to the beach with my cousins and played a little volleyball.

The sisters

Big Waves

We then took 5 different freeways to get to Pasadena (reason #349 why I hate LA). Saw his family and ate some food.

Ry, Jan & Kellie

Crazy weird salt & pepper shakers that I just HAD to take a picture of.

After we visited his family we drove back to Castaic to visit our friends - The Miulli's. We have visited them for the past 3 years and I don't think the tradition will stop anytime soon. They always have the deep fried turkey and sausage stuffing. They're half italian and half mexican so there is ALWAYS enough food to feed us by the time we get there.

From left to right: Back row: Dana, Brett, Nick, Robie, Ryan, Joey and Brenn

Front row: Allison & Me

The next day on Friday we went to Ventura and visited my grandma and aunt Linda, aunt Heather and cousins Jennifer and Jeremy. We also went and saw my friend Anna who just had her baby Ryder a few months back. He is so precious! I don't have any pictures of him quite yet, but he is SO cute you're just gonna have to take my word for it. He was the first baby Ryan has held since his sister!

The rest of the trip we spent with our friends and my dad and sisters. We went out to TGIFriday's a couple of nights with old friends and had some drinks. This is when I wore my new coat!

Left to right: Karah, Chelsea, Kelly & I

Me & Kelly

Me, Kelly, Gerry (I've known him since 4th grade!) and Chelsea

Another night with friends... it was Karaoke night... and there were some crazies!

Me, Argia and Ryan

Kristen, Claire, Me and Argia

We drove back home on Saturday and came home to lots of snow. I was surprised that we made it back in to town! It was so wonderful to see everyone, especially all of my family! I miss them SO much.

Another Blog That Touches My Heart

2009-10-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Like Matt Logelin, Erynn lost her husband a little under a year ago. Patrick and his father died in a terrible airplane crash in Colorado, while she was pregnant with their second child, daughter Reese. Erynn is so incredibly strong to be able to still be there for Will and baby Reese. Reading her blog is a true inspiration to all of us to over come the terrible things that may happen to us. I pray for Erynn, Will and Reese every day. As I do Maddy & Matt. Here is a link, if you want to look at what a beautiful family Erynn has. Rolling With The Rooney's

Three Year Anniversary

2009-09-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Ryan and I celebrated our 3yr anniversary last Monday, Sept 7. We both had to work that day so we didn't do much. However this week we decided to go and visit a few friends in Berkeley, as well as two of my cousins from my dad's side. We didn't have much time, only two days, but we packed in a lot of fun in two days, one night. When we were driving out of the mountains we stopped at Joe's Crab Shack in Sacramento. It is right on the river, and it was a beautiful day so we decided to sit out on the deck.

After Joe's we continued onto Berkeley/North Oakland and to our friends house. We dropped off our stuff and used our GPS to find a mall to get some new shoes. Our GPS tells you how to get there, but not where you are going. We ended up in West Oakland, very, very, very scary. Once we found the 'mall' we went into the one shop, that looked safe, and then we left, empty handed. Figured we could find a better and safer mall somewhere else. The rest of the night was spent at Zachary's pizza with my friend from high school Brit. We had an awesome time.

The next day we ended up in Emeryville at their mall. We went to Teacake Bakery and enjoyed some fresh cookies. Went into H&M (the best clothing store in the world) and found a shirt and some shoes. Then Ryan and I met up with my cousins Julie & Katie for a quick chat at the mall. One had just finished a run, and the other was at work so they only had a short time to catch up. We did a little more browsing and then went back to Brandon & Alisha's house so Brandon could show us UC Berkeley's campus and the view. We drove all the way to the top of campus, near the science center and took some pictures.

The whale was an art/science thing the students did

Golden Gate Bridge

At the top of the science center & another view of the bay.

It Works At Work... Again.

2009-09-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Finally, I can get onto blogger, via work internet. I have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to blog at home, and I couldn't get onto the website at work for a while... So now the question is what have I been up to that keeps me so busy?? Well after Ryan and I came back from Southern California we worked and worked, and we both picked up second jobs so that we can sustain ourselves during the slow season (Oct-Nov). I started working at Katie Cakes, she makes awesome, delicious and beautiful cakes. For now I am making ganache, mousse, batter, icing... all the good stuff. I also answer phones, return e-mails and finish contracts and help with cake tastings. It's all a lot of fun. Other than that I celebrated my 21st birthday, by seeing Willie Nelson & Bob Dylan, that was amazing.

Here are some pictures of the past few months.

Evann and I driving to get my new car

Caity and I did a photoshoot

With a fancy schmancy camera

Ryan and his little sister Kellie

Jenn & I

Kellie and I!!!!!!!!!!

These are all from when we visted LA and went to Disneyland with Ryan, his younger sister Kellie and Cousin Jennifer!!! We had an awesome time. It was kinda busy, but we got a bunch of FastPasses and ran around the park. The only ride we didn't get on was Space Mountain, but that is okay, because we went on Pirates twice, and on Big Thundermountain Railroad twice as well. At the end we went on Splash Mountain, and all got soaked, and then left right as the fireworks were starting to beat the rush.

Fireworks!!

If you look at my shirt and pants, you can see they're kinda wet.

During July Ryan and some other friends took me out into the hills of Carson City, NV and we went shooting!!! I never had held a gun until that day. I shot a 20-gauge and almost landed on my butt! The kick of the gun scared me so much, I started crying. After about a minute of that, I realized everyone was okay, and I started laughing. I can't believe I fired a gun, and then cried. Here is a shot of me & Ryan from that day.

Then on August 16th, I turned 21. That's right 2-1!!! I had a great day at work, and then went home and got ready for my night out on the town. We went to Chart House for dinner and that is where I had my Lemon Drop Martini. It was delicious!! After that we went to the concert and had a wonderful time. Bob Dylan was rocking for being so old, and Willie had so much energy the crowd really loved him! I also got an awesome cake, made by Katie (from Katie Cakes). It was 'Queen of Hearts' theme... and it came out even better than I ever could have imagined!!!

Me & my lemon drop

THE CAKE!

Hope you all enjoyed catching up with me. I will have another post very soon! :)

Before I Leave...

2009-06-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

For Los Angeles this morning, I found two of the funniest pages ever. The first one is 'Unusual Canned Foods From Around The World' on the FoodNetworkHumor blog. It's kind of gross, but really funny.

http://foodnetworkhumor.com/2009/06/unusual-canned-foods-from-around-the-world-45-pics/#more-1563

I can't believe that people out there produce these items!! Canned cheeseburgers?!? EWWWW. Or the eels, so gross.

The second one is '25 Ugly Food Tattoos'. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my tattoos. I love looking at them and I love getting them done... However I can't imagine how any of these tattoo ideas crossed these people's minds. It's from the same FoodNetworkHumor blog...

http://foodnetworkhumor.com/2009/05/25-ugly-food-tattoos-what-were-they-thinking/

Honestly, who wants to have the McDonald's 'M' on their back when their 80??? Weirdos.

On another note, Ryan and I get on a plane in 3 hours and fly to LA. We're gonna pick up a car, and visit family and friends. On Monday, Cousin Jennifer, Ryan, his sister Kellie and I are all going to Disneyland. YIPPEEEE!! Kellie was going to go on the day of her junior Prom, instead of attending the dance, and her friends were all lagging, and then she got a call from another friend saying her boyfriend broke up with her... Soooo Kellie, being the sweetheart she is, decided to drop Disneyland plans, and console her friend. When I heard what had happened, I called her and told her that there was no way that she wasn't going to Disneyland, and that Ryan and I would be more than happy to take her. Especially since I need a Disney fix at least once a year. Hahaha.

Should be an awesome weekend, I hope everything falls into place. I will post pictures when I get back. Love to all!!

Thanks a lot California.

2009-05-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

I don't even want to get started with this state and their court's ridiculous and unmoral decision to uphold Prop 8. But I will say:

I BELIEVE IN THE FREEDOM TO MARRY

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/meetinthemiddle

If only I had tomorrow off.

Life Has Been Kinda, eh

2009-05-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

...crappy lately. Okay, just the past three weeks. I don't know if crappy is really the best word... but luck just isn't going my way lately. Don't get me wrong... I am still very happy that I have a roof over my head, a job to make money at, and someone that I love to enjoy my time with..

So most of the fam knows what has been going on... but for those who don't here is a timeline.

5/10 - Total the mommy van. On mommy's day. ~~With no mommy to call.~~ So I called my Daddy. He's the best dad in the world. He calmed me down, and walked me through what to do. He told me what I wanted to hear, which was 'everything's going to be okay'. And I know that everything is going to be okay and work out... it just takes a little time for things to work themselves out.

The accident wasn't that bad, no one got hurt, just mangled the front of the car, into a 'v' shape. I crashed into a pole, swerving to avoiding a woman who was backing up and was going to hit my driver side... She clearly wasn't paying attention, and gunned it.

My immediate reaction is to swerve and gas. Obviously my reaction sucked.

And you can't see it... but the pole, which was handicapped, was the ONLY POLE in the parking lot! ~~Yep, my luck.~~ So... I towed it to the yard, and started figuring out what to do from here.

5/11-5/17 - Dealing with the bs of towing yards, finding transporation to work and school, new vehicle, and the Fleetwood Mac concert coming up on Monday...

5/18 - Finally it was the FLEETWOOD MAC CONCERT!!! I had decided that there was no way in hell I was missing this concert. The hotel room was only $39 bucks, the tickets were paid for, and it's only like $40 round trip for gas to Sacramento. So I called my friend Monique at the AVIS desk in my work, and she hooked me up with a car. Told me to be there with a credit card and driver's license. Well I show up... and since my piece of plastic that says VISA also says, DEBIT, the authorization hold was going to be $400 instead of $75 on hold in my bank account. I didn't have that much... Yep, my luck. The extra $300 would be put back later in the week after I returned the car.

So I called the best dad in the world. He saved me again, and helped me get the money to have the authorization hold in the account. Got into my rented Silver Pontiac GT and got down to Sac. Checked in and checked my e-mail, and saw that there was a letter from ARCO Arena, the venue FM was playing at. And there it was.

FLEETWOOD MAC CONCERT POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS

Ugh, my heart sank. I really wanted this 'pick-me up'. I had been waiting for this for a while now... heard about the tour in the fall, purchased the tickets in March. All I wanted to do was be at this concert. So, Ryan and I discussed what to do. I mean everything was paid for... kind of a done deal. We ended up having a really good night. We went out to dinner, and went walking down around Old Sacramento. I had never visited this part of town before.

It was sooooo cute! We walked into this tunnel that goes beneath the main street, and it's full of colorful murals. There were turtles and crazy shapes... super cool. We got some ice cream and went into this super cool candy shop.

We drove back to the hotel and ended up falling asleep to Benjamin Button.

5/19 - We checked out of the hotel in the morning, the drive home was so gorgeous. The snow is melting and the streams and waterfalls are huge... and rushing so fast.

It was also a special day because my little sister Evann turned 12. Yaowza!! TWELVE?!?! She got a purple ipod, with her name engraved on the back from the best dad in the world. And a cute card from her loving big sister. Happy B-day Eeepers!

5/20-5/26 - Worked graveyard on Tuesday night and Wednesday night, and took the weekend off hoping that there was going to be a car waiting for me in LA. The best daddy in the world has an awesome friend named Peter who works at Keyes on Van Nuys (all I can ever think of is that damn jingle!). He is helping us 'shop' for a car, as my dad explained it. He kept his eye out all weekend for something that is within our price range, has good mileage, will last a while and is durable and will work in the Sierra Nevada Mountains... ~~not the streets of Beverly Hills.~~ Still nothing.

Waiting, waiting waiting for a phone call. Nothing. So instead, I spent my weekend soaking up rays with Wendy and Liz at the lake. ~~Both longtime friends who moved up to Tahoe from Castaic after we left~~

I really don't like this picture of myself, but I love the beautiful mountains and lake so much!

Wendy and I. We've known each other since 4th grade!!

And other times were spend with the these two troublemakers.

They really do love each other... Chase one another all around the house. Entertaining stuff.

5/27-5/29 - Worked graveyard, Tues and Wed again... and had yesterday off. Then I worked this morning. And I came home to another e-mail.

FLEETWOOD MAC CANCELS SHOW IN SACRAMENTO

DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Yep, my luck. Honestly, I am really dissapointed in the band, and the venue. I really want to know who isn't making it work?!?!?! I really really wanted to see them, and I am worried that this tour might have been there last. ~~She did turn 61 this past week~~

Eff. Well at least I get my money back... and guess where that money is going.

AUGUST 16, 2009

~~MY 21ST BIRTHDAY~~

BOB DYLAN & WILLIE NELSON

HARVEY'S OUTDOOR AMPITHEATER

Yep, my luck!!! Tickets go on sale on Monday, and my refund will be in my account within 3-5 business days... and ticket prices are comparable!!! Cha-ching, purchase!! I am so excited. Another music god. Definetly on the same lines as Stevie Nicks, maybe even better. I am going to try and get Jennifer and Jeremy up here. They both need a vacay super bad.

So other than that I will be visiting the LA area soon... so the best dad in the world and I can go purchase a car. It's probably going to be short notice, so I will e-mail.

Oh - I do believe that this is my longest blog ever... dang.

This Made My Day...

2009-05-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

This picture came from http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com. Not all of the photos on the website are that funny. But a few are pretty damn good.

I just have to wonder, who made her dress??? It's a circus tent for small animals and children.
Well, at least they match... each other and the decorations.

5 Things I Learned From My Mother

2009-05-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

In spirit of Mother's Day... I decided to do a post about five things I have learned from my beautiful mother.

1. You must love yourself, before you can love another.
She made sure that I understood that you can't accept someone else, and love someone else, if you don't love and accept who you are. My mom made sure I knew that I had to know who I was before I ran off and fell in love.

2. (I never believed it when I was younger and when should would tell me this repeatedly but...) I am very blessed to have such beautiful red hair.

3. (I didn't believe this one when I was a kid either...) WEAR SUNSCREEN LITTLE MISS ALABASTER
After a few too many sunburns I finally understand, that I can't get away with 'tanning', and not wearing sunscreen.

4. That one day I will love my sisters and we'll be best friends
I remember fighting with Caity so much growing up. Always wanting to punch her and kick her out of the house for being an annoying brat. I remember wanting her to stop copying me and stop following me. Then when she started getting older she started using my stuff... I would get so pissed to come home and find something of mine in her room, or notice her wearing my makeup or jewlery. I didn't fight with Eeepers too much, because that's what Caity was there for.
But of course, mom was right. I love my sisters to pieces. I never want to punch them or kick them out of the house anymore. Evann is almost a teen, and Caity is already on her way to being 16, and we are super close. I can't wait to see what we will be like in a few years -- we're gonna be best friends.

5. "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need."
Great song. Great band. Great lesson. She told me this a lot... a lot, a lot. I always remind myself of this when I get into a situation where not everything is going my way. It doesn't always calm me down... but it helps.

Love you, and miss you Mommy.

Romancing The Stone

2009-05-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Don't kill me.

I haven't seen this one either.

Jimney Crickets...

2009-04-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

Time is flying! I can't believe it is already almost May! Crazy. I don't even wanna know how short a day is going to feel when I am 60.

So this week, Ryan and I packed up all of our things and moved into a new place. It's still in South Lake, and it's only about 4 miles down the road from where we were living. We moved into a 3 bedroom house with our friend Dave. He actually had been living there by himself for a while, and decided to let us move in to help with rent. And... we had a little problem with the landlord... But that isn't something I need to be blogging about. ;) If you really wanna know, e-mail or call me.

I love the new house, it's going to be perfect for summer. It has a huge backyard, (imagine the size of my dad's backyard in Castaic... now times it by 2). Niiiicceee, I know. Haha. And we're getting a hot tub!!! Ryan and I have the master bedroom, and a bathroom attached. I am stoked cause now I don't have to run out of the bathroom dripping wet to my room after I get out of the shower.

Dave has a dog named Little Girl, but we call her LG for short. Ya know, it doesn't sound the best when you're calling for her, "Little Girl!! Little Girl come back!!" And she met Kiefer today... he's not sure what to think of her... And she thinks he's something to play with. Slowly but surely they will get acquainted. It will probably take a week for them to get used to each other, but then I'm sure they'll be best buds.

Still working graveyards... Until atleast June. I am getting used to it though. Two days a week grave, and the other three on mornings. At least it's a set schedule, and I'm not bouncing around all over the place. School is going well for Ryan and I. We're both enjoying our Speech Communication class... learning lots about how to communicate.

Well I am going to go back to reading Breaking Dawn now, almost done, only like 300 pages to go. I figured I needed to post that I was alive and not a victim of Swine Flu and that all's well up here.

Top Gun

2009-04-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

I have a feeling some family members are going to kill me when they find out that I just watched Top Gun for the first time... tonight.

I can't believe Goose dies!!! So, so sad. I have never been a big Tom Cruise fan... To tell you the truth I find him creepy. But holy moly was he HOT back before I was born. Tee hee hee. But he's not as hot as Val Kilmer. Mmmmmmm Val...

My mom loved Val.

Anyways, back to Top Gun. It was a really good movie. Besides the same three songs being played over and over. I was surprized by how good the action shots were for being an 80's movie. I don't know if I would ever have wanted to see this movie in the theaters, because I was getting a little sick just watching the airplanes go round and round. If it were any bigger of a screen, I don't know how long I would have lasted.

Great movie though... I'm glad I had time at work to watch it. Hahaa. That's what happens when you work grave, and there is nothing on the internet to do... we watch movies. ;)

Mirandasings08 Should Not Sing...

2009-04-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

If you think that American Idol finds the best and worst singers in America... I ~~think~~ know I have a woman that tops William Hung (the She Bangs guy).

Her name is Miranda... and she's 23 from Tacoma, WA. She's kinda got the crazy eyes, and she's always talking about being a professional singer, and how much she loves her fans. She's always telling the haters to back off, because they're just jealous... Oh and her eyebrows and lipstick are too much to even begin to talk about.

I don't know why I can't stop watching the videos... They really are absolutley hilarious!!!!!
Here is her youtube account.
My ears are bleeding.

I gave you a fair warning.

http://www.youtube.com/user/mirandasings08

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok... so I did a little bit more digging on this Miranda girl. Looks like I was fooled. This is a woman named Colleen Ballinger, who is a professional singer (been on Broadway and everything)... Colleen created Miranda as a joke...

Kinda smart if you think about it. Be a really amazing singer, and pretend to be bad.

Uhm... Excuse Me Lady??!!?!?!

2009-04-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/09/brown-asian-names/

CRAZY CONGRESS WOMAN ON THE LOOSE!!

Busy, busy...

2009-03-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

I am working graveyard shifts at my work for a little while, until my co-worker's fiancee is more stable from central nervous system vasculities. The minimum recovery time right now is 6 weeks. This is my first time ever working all night long (11:30pm-7am). I've done pretty well over the past two nights. But an energy drink, or two, is definitely necessary.

Other than that -- school starts in two weeks. Ryan and I are taking a speech communication class, that we need to get into any CSU college.

Michael Jackson Week on AI... Shoot Me Now

2009-03-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, lord. I don't know how I feel about this. I just posted in my last blog about American Idol, that I hated Michael Jackson. The only songs that I enjoy of his are 'Billie Jean', and 'Thriller'. That's it.

So I am thinking about just skipping AI this week, because I truly don't know if I can sit through the performances. However, it's going to be quite interesting to see how America reacts to the songs sung, and see who they vote through to the next round.

I Got a Date With Fleetwood Mac...

2009-03-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's right. I just bought myself two tickets to the Fleetwood Mac Unleashed: Hits 2009 Tour. Woah, what a lengthy tour name.

The concert is Monday, May 18, in Sacramento at the ARCO Arena. I guess that's where the Kings play...??

I also booked me and Ryan's room, at the Homewood Suites less than three miles from the arena! How sweet is that?!?! What's even better is the room rate... ha!

I really am so excited to go to this concert. I have loved Fleetwood Mac all of my life. I have a drumhead signed by Mick Fleetwood himself hanging on my wall!!! I can't wait to see Stevie Nicks perform. I bet I am going to have goosebumps the entire time!

To be honest though, I would have always thought this would have been a concert I would have seen with my mom. But I think she'll be there in spirit's, and Ry will be rocking out with me.

Happy Belated Birthday Auntie Heather!!!

2009-03-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Oh goodness am I behind. I haven't blogged about anything relevant in weeks!

So I am two days late in posting this blog for Aunt Heather. She celebrated her birthday on 3-3. Just a few days after my dad and mom's birthdays! Since she's in Mexico, I can't quite call her... and I should have Skype'd but, I didn't.

Happy Birthday to Aunt Heather! Hope you had a great birthday.

Later this week I will post the pictures of the flowers I bought for mom's birthday. They were these gorgeous yellow rose arrangement. I fell in love with it and had to have it!

American Idol: Top 6 of 12

2009-02-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Jeez, I am not that impressed so far. Is America deaf and blind?!?!?

We already had Alexis Grace make it through. She seems super sweet, and has a great vocal... It's surprizing to see that tiny frame and hear that humongous voice. America also put through Michael Sarver, who's the oil worker. He's quite easy on the eyes, and has a pretty good vocal. I don't know if it's enough to get him all the way through though. Last but not least, Danny Gokey, he's kinda dorkey but genuine, and has a good story of his wife passing away that I'm sure the producers love.

Out of the new three that got through, Allison Irrahetta is the best of them. She's sixteen and has such a mature voice! She seems a little weird, (don't confuse weird with boring) but America might find her qwerkiness appealing.

I can't believe that America voted for Kris Allen, and Adam Lambert. Kris' song was horrible. Maybe I am just biased because I don't care for Michael Jackson, but honestly, Man in the Mirror?!??!?! Terrible, terrible song choice. And that Adam Lambert kid... I orignally liked him because he was a cast member in 'Wicked' at the Pantages... But his overdone black eyeliner, and the way he licked his lips made me want to puke.

I liked Megan Corkrey's vocal and song choice, but her dance moves were ridiculous. She shimmied her shoulders like a three year old during her first tap dance class... Poor thing, she probably didn't get through because of the moves.

So those are my feelings on the top 6 of 12... We'll see what next week has in store for us...

Something to Occupy My Time

2009-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love icanhascheezburger

Who Seriously Gets Pulled Over Entering Their Driveway?!?!?!

2009-02-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

I do.

Last night a group of us, (Ryan, Troy, Wendy, Liz and I) all went to our friends Mark & Josh's birthday party. We all had a great time and decided to head home around 1130pm, since I had to be at work at 7am. I'm driving home (I am sober driver) and pull onto my street and am about to pull into my parking spot, when WHOOWHOOP the police siren goes off, and all I see are the flashing blue and red lights. I start thinking, ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?! IN MY FLIPPING DRIVEWAY!!! So I pull over right infront of my driveway. I turn off the car, put the keys on the top of the car and keep my hands on the wheel. He comes to the driver side and asks me,

Douchebag Cop: "Do you know why I pulled you over?"
Me: "No sir, I don't"
Douchebag Cop: "The reason why I pulled you over was because your license plate lights are out"

WHAT???? Okkkkaayyyy, so you don't have anything better to do or what?!?!?

He asks for my license so I give it to him and explain to him that this is my house, the addresses match up and that we were coming home from a friends house. He ends up taking all of our id's and left us for 15minutes to run all of our id's. None of us were on probation or had any outstanding warrants, so he comes back up to my side and gives us all of ours id's back. He then says that "It's not that big of a deal, so I'm not going to write you a ticket, just get it fixed" and told us to have a good night and he went back to his car.

I see the cop get into his little cop car and drive away. At that point I had to back up 10ft to pull into my driveway. When I turned on my reverse lights I see another cop car behind me, but this one was a SUV cop car... There were TWO cop cars!!!! This cop had called back up on me!!!! Unbelieveable!!

South Lake Tahoe PD was trying to catch a mommy van with people in it drinking and driving and didn't get shit on me, cause I don't drink and drive (like a smart person)

So ha ha ha ha haaaaaa neener neener to the SLTPD. Go bust a meth lab or something.

Watching History Happen.

2009-01-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009. 12:04pm

Barack Obama took the oath that made him the 44th President.

I am still in shock that I witnessed history happen yesterday. They are going to write about what happened yesterday into history books, and children, years from now, are going to study America's history and learn about our first black President.

I am going to tell my children and grandchildren about the event. I get to tell them how it felt getting goosebumps when he said his speech.

I am excited to see what the next four years bring us. It's going to be hard but I have a lot more hope and faith in Barack then I ever did in Georgie.

Matt & Maddy in PEOPLE!!

2009-01-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

I picked up the People issue yesterday and immediatly turned to the back few pages to find the article on Maddy & Matt Logelin. I know my cousin Jen and aunt Elizabeth read his blog... But if you dont' you should. http://www.mattlogelin.com

He had the birth of his first child and the lost the love of his life all in 27hrs. Originally aunt Elizabeth sent out the link to the family to let us all know of the blog and how amazing he was. I started reading it every day. Matt is such an inspiring man, and Madeline is such a sweet baby. I can relate a lot to Matt and his struggles. He reminds me a lot of my dad, and I can tell that he loves Liz just as much as my dad loves my mom. I can also tell that he loves Maddy as much as my dad loves me and my sisters.

Even though he has had so much crap thrown at him this past year, he still laughs and smiles, and tries to make the best of the situation. Having one of the cutest babies in the world doesn't hurt either. I can't imagine having to wake up each morning and take care of a baby that reminds me only of the one I lost.

So, if you haven't read the blog, I suggest you do so. It's very moving to see how many women have reached out to help Matt through this. If you haven't picked up your copy of People (the one with Patrick Swayze on the cover), I suggest you do so as well.

Time to Pray Again...

2009-01-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

We're outta snow. Last time I posted a blog asking for you to all pray, and we had snow in less than a week.

So please, go wash your cars and pray, pray, pray!!!

We're desperate!

CSI: NY Tonight!

2009-01-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight's CSI: NY is a must see!!! Sharon Little & Scot Sax will both be performing a song from Sharon's debut album at the end of the episode. Bonnie McKee is playing the dead subway singer -- and my Dad did her demo quite a few years ago. What a coincidence that all three of my dad's clients are on the exact same episode!

It plays on CBS at 10pm. If you don't want to stay up, TiVo it!! ;)

Three Years...

2009-01-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

One of the best pictures I have ever taken.

Three years ago tomorrow was my mom's funeral. January 3rd was the three year mark of her death. It's been a painful three years, and it's getting a teensy bit easier each day. I am so lucky to have a family that loves and supports me as much as they do. My dad is such an amazing supporter for my sisters. And my sisters are an amazing support for me. I am so glad that we all understand that it's okay to be sad. I was very lucky for my dad to put us into grief counseling after it all happened. I can't imagine how much worse we would be right now without it.

Ryan has been such a blessing, because he understand what it was like to loose a parent. He's been so understanding and loving and I hope I show him the same love and compassion he shows me.

This year I had to work on the day and everyone who I worked with was so sweet and supportive as well. When Ryan and I got off of work we went to the store and picked up a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They were pink roses and callililies. They were a little bit over my price range, but I knew that mom would have loved them. I really liked the pink bow, and I got a vase out of it!

We also made some spagetti and garlic bread for dinner. It was delicious. Later that night I wasn't feeling too well (emotionally), but Caity cheered me up by sending me TONS of pics of mom and family. It made my day... Here are some that she sent me.

Dad, me and Mom

This was when she was sick. She had her wig on. I would always brush it for her, or wash it and put curlers in it. I don't know why, but I really like this picture.

This one was taken by Aunt Linda, and we were on a hammock, in Grandma's old backyard in Ventura -- I believe??

Rose, Elvis and Mom

Everyone at work says we look a lot alike in this picture!

She was GORGEOUS!!

Update: Typical Christmas Eve...

2009-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

If you have ever been to my dad's house on Christmas Eve, you know that as soon as we finish eating dinner... the men go to the couches for an 'after dinner nap'.

This year, even though we weren't there -- it was no different.

Kiefer included...

We had a great dinner and decided to wait until Christmas Day to open our presents.

The presents under the tree

Here is Ryan opening my present to him.

Ryan got me a beautiful pair of Juicy Couture earrings and a Juicy Couture ring to match. Pictures of those will be up later. I got him some cologne. We also got a Wii for each other and some fun games. We've been having a blast playing with it. Our friend Andy actually got us an expansion pack with the tennis racket and baseball bat. My roomate Liz got Ryan a really awesome sweater and she got me some Paris Hilton perfume. It smells really really good. Definetly the best smell out of the entire perfume line.

It was a wonderful Christmas. We missed everyone so much though!

Robyn -- Be Mine

2008-12-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

I found this little Swedish singer named Robyn on perezhilton.com. He had posted her song 'Be Mine' that she performed at Nobel Peach Prize concert this year. I listened to this song and had goosebumps the entire time ~~and teared up as well, because I'm such a sap~~.

I had to see where this amazing voice came from, so I searched her on myspace and listen to the original, and it's very very 'poppy'. I really like the acoustic/piano arrangement more, so I thought I'd share.

Enjoy!

http://perezhilton.com/tv/index.php?ptvid=ede5f35e66e93

Re: Snow.

2008-12-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

We got it!

Thanks.

:)

It's been a sweet storm so far. We're expecting it to dump tonight too!

First White Christmas here I come!!!

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

Ooooooo. What a nice looking tree :)

We picked out our tree last weekend, and bought all of our 'shatterproof' ornaments at Target.

I ♥ Target.

Our star on top is super crooked, because we picked a tree with a crappy top.

But I think it gives the tree some character...

Ryan and I decided to buy each other a Wii for Christmas. We went to Carson City, and stopped at Wally World and they were out of them, we then went to Target to get the rest the stuff on our list, and to see how much it was there, THEY were out.

Jeezzz, Wii's must be popular or something. Hahaha
Finished at Target and headed to Game Stop. Thank goodness they had it! We also picked up another remote and nunchuck, and a Mario Kart wheel, Mario Party 8 and some old school fighter game... Definetly worth the amount spent!

It's been a while since I have loaded any pics of us... So here are some holiday ones. :)

Here is a funny one of us attempting to take a Christmas photo.

Kiefer was being funny and wiggling.

He is getting so big right?!?!

Our stockings. Ryan, Meghan, Liz && Lil Kiefer

Tree!!!

Pray for Snow

2008-12-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Tahoe is dry and to get some business in this town we need snow. ASAP.

In town different restaraunts host 'Pray for Snow' parties, where everyone gets together and grabs some food and drinks and pray for snow. There are also snow dance competitions... it gets pretty crazy. But clearly these parties aren't working because we still have no snow.

So now, I'm asking everyone to:

PLEASE PRAY FOR SNOW

thanks

Bratz Be Gone!

2008-12-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Would you want your young daughter to play with these?

Or these?

Well I was surprised my mom let my sisters play with them... They are called 'Bratz'. There has been much speculation over the past few years about these dolls being too risque for kids. They have extremly short skirts, and terrible eyeshadow, hoochie lipstick, and worst of all, you swap feet, not just shoes. The feet come off with the shoes?!?! CREEPY! Can you say bad example for young children?!?!?

A federal judge ruled yesterday that their manufacturer, MGA, would no longer be able to produce these slutty dolls.

Hip-hip-horray!!

All because a dude named Carter Bryant was working for Mattel, when he came up with the idea of the dolls. (I'm assuming that he probably pitched the dolls to Mattel and they said no). Then later moved to work for MGA.

Well, the companies were fighting over the billions these stupid little skanky dolls make, and Mattel won! ~~GO BARBIE!~~ MGA has to stop manufacturing and will take all dolls off the shelves after the holiday.

Hip-hip-horray!! Hip-hip-horray!!

Benefit Enrollment

2008-12-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year to re-enroll for my medical, dental and vision benefits.

I first enrolled in July and it was really hard to tell which plans I needed, but finally I made some decisions and it all worked out well. I could see doctors for a $25 copay, and my prescriptions were only $7 for the generic version. And they only took like $75 outta each check. HA!

Well of course now that it's December, something has changed with the benefits package. You now can 'Build Your Own' package. I don't wanna build my own, I just want the same damn one I have been receiving! Plus they don't make it very clear which benefit you had coincides with which new plan.

For crying out loud someone save me!

Less Than 24hrs!!

2008-11-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Until I get to see my friends and family! WOOOOOOOO

I am so excited. What I am not excited for is the time from now to landing in Burbank... I get off work in two hours, then go home, finish some math homework, pack, pack, pack, go to math class, eat dinner and pass out.

Then wake up tomorrow morning at 230am to take a shower and get ready for the flight, drive to my work to pick up the 315am shuttle to the airport. When we arrive at the airport we get to sit and wait until our flight leaves at 7am.

Wow. That's only the beginning of our day!
Then my lovely cousin Jen will pick us up from Burbank. We're gonna see Grandma and have some lunch and pick up the Trooper. Then I have a hair appt at 1pm with my friend Anna ~~Haines~~ Quigley (She got married too... but her maiden name has such a great ring to it... I can't stop calling her Anna Haines).

After I get my hair did, we'll drive into SCV and check into the hotel and see all the family and friends... and hang out with them.

Well that's all for now, I have to go back to work.
See some of you all soon!

Move Sundance Film Festival...

2008-11-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to see that the LGBT community hasn't given up the fight against THE MAN.

Well, now their fighting against the Mormons. Has anyone else heard about this? I guess since I don't live in LA, where there is a temple, and don't get any news on tv regarding California (damn Nevada news... it sucks soooo bad, and it's soooo cheesy) I wasn't very aware of all the protesting. I had to go onto myspace to see that my friend's had all posted bulletins about going down to the temple to protest this past Saturday. Otherwise I had seen some things about the $20 million dollars they gave for YES on Prop H8TE (during the election), and I think it's pretty ludacris. Especially since Mormons are 2% of the United States faith, and they all mainly live in Utah, not California... I don't understand why the entire Latter-Day Saints community would put forth SO MUCH F*CK**NG money!!!! (sorry Grandma -- I am just a very passionate person) :)

Ya know, when I was growing up I had a lot of Mormon friends. A lot, a lot. I still keep in contact with some... But when I was between 7 and 10yrs old , I would join some Mormon friends at their church, to do fun things with their meeting groups. However you could only join the fun times, if you attended church on Sunday. So every Sunday I would get dressed up and have one of the families pick me up, but sometimes I would not wear the right outfit and not be allowed to go (i.e. if i showed my shoulders). Eventually I got old enough to realize that they are somewhat of a cult. I wont get into it... because I don't really want to offend too many people. But in my opinion the LDS church is a cult... ~~actually in my opinion most organized religon is a cult~~

I think they do a lot of discriminating... For instance, if you were to date a Mormon man, you were together for a long time and decided to get married, you would have to convert to Mormonism, aaaaannnnnddddd if you wanted to get married in the temple, all of your wedding guests would have to be Mormon, otherwise they can't enter. HOW LAME!! You're own family wouldn't be able to see you get married, because of the religon!?!? It just doesn't make sense. Jews are allowed to enter a Catholic church, no problem.

So -- to get to the point... Sundance Film festival is coming up. It has been held in Salt Lake City since 1978. However this year, with everything that happened, a lot of people and celebrities are trying to have it moved to New Mexico. New Mexico is an understanding state, that doesn't (and has never) allow(ed) predjudice into their state laws. I think that they should definetly move the Sundance festival. Especially since visiting I have found out that the host hotel is the Park City Marriott. The entire Marriott corporation is owned and operated by a very important Mormon, J. W. Marriott, Jr. Greeeaaatt. Oh and I actually just found out from a former employee of Marriott, not only do they have a bible in the room, but they have a book of mormon as well. I just don't feel like we should shine light on a place like Salt Lake City.

I feel terrible for the LGBT community. They fight and fight and fight and get nowhere. We have gay marriage, then we don't. Their voices aren't being heard, and people turn a deaf ear. It's sad to me that the government gave Mormon's the right to have 8 wifes, but a man can't have a husband, and a woman can't have a wife. Maybe moving Sundance will get the voices heard.

It's time for equality damnit!
I guess... that's all.

(Just so you all know, I wrote this on 11/20, slept on it and then did some more revisions and changes... slept on it again... made some more changes and actually posted it on 11/24... because I know its a sensitive subject -- I hope it doesn't come off as hateful...)

The Perezzies!

2008-11-20T09:05:00.000-08:00


Hottest Hookup	Biggest Breakup
Lindsay Lohan and Sa...	Hugh Hefner and the ...
Favorite Jonas	Breakout Star of the Year
Nick	Lady Gaga
Baddest Bad Girl	Biggest Scandal
Amy Winehouse	Lindsay Lohan and sa...
Best Dressed	Worst Dressed
Anne Hathaway	Amy Winehouse
Hottest Hottie	Cutest Celebuspawn
Megan Fox	Violet Affleck
Most Improved	Worst Trainwreck
Lindsay Lohan	Amy Winehouse
Most DVR-worthy Series	Biggest Box Office Blowout
Gossip Girl	The Dark Knight
Celeb of the Year
Angelina Jolie

Who would you vote for?
Go to PerezHilton.com to vote!

And that is how obsessed I am with celebrities., and proof that I really have absolutley nothing to do at work.

These awards are called the Perezzies, and are off of Perezhilton.com, and he's a celebrity blogger. But he also blogs about anything else that is controversial or interesting (he was awesome during the election). I find him funny, most find him annoying or stupid. He always draws nasty things on the celebrities faces and makes fun of their pathetic lifestyles. I don't know why I am obsessed, but maybe it's because I used to see all of these people all the time when I lived 25mins from Hollyweird. Who knows.

Wordle...

2008-11-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

So I was reading my friend Melissa Dell's (oh wow, the first time I have typed her married name!) blog and she had this collage called a Wordle on her page. I thought it was pretty cool. So I clicked on the link... and typed in my blog url, and this was what came up.

A bunch of words, all that I use on my blog. Clearly I use Ryan the most. Then get, just, people, animals.... blah blah blah.

Try it: www.wordle.net

I Guess You Can't Win Them All.

2008-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

I am still in shock. I think it might take a while for it to really hit me that I am alive -- and the United States of America, just voted the first 1/2 black, 1/2 white President, Barack Hussein Obama. It is truly amazing. I am so proud to be an Obama supporter. And I am proud (for the first time in a while now) to be an American. I am so thankful that people got out there and voted in what they believed in. I was amazed to see the numbers just keep climbing and climbing.

I can't wait to see what the next four years have in store for us. I really think that Obama has the power to turn around this country. And I voted for him, because I believe he will make a change. When he was giving his speech on Tuesday night, I was in tears. I was so moved. For the first time in eight years, the president sounded competent. I believed what he was saying, not making fun of it. He is full of knowlege and strength, and I am just delighted.

However... Prop 8 passed. Which I think (Grandma , WARNING -- close your eyes), is utter bullshit. I think that marriage is for everyone. Love is love. I can't imagine how all of the gays & lesbians feel right now. I bet they feel stripped of their rights. I am straight, I have no problems with gays. They don't affect me. They do their thing, I do mine. I have quite a few friends who are gay and are just outraged. And there is nothing I can say to them except that I'm sorry so many people are so ignorant.

I have family members who are gay. My deceased aunt Mary-Ellen was a lesbian, with a partner and a son. I never met her because she did pass away before I was born. But I commend her for coming out during a time where it was against the norm to have such a relationship.

I truly thought that Californian's were over it. I hope that in two years we can overturn this terrible prop, and give everyone what I someday will have. A beautiful wedding, a beautiful family and a beautiful life.

Futuristic Arcades

2008-10-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my day off, so Ryan and I decided to go and see a movie at the Horizon Casino. Inside the casino there is the movie theater, Starbucks and an arcade. All of the casinos have arcades in them and we never really checked them out. We ended up at the theater early so we decided to play some games. When we got into the dark and loud arcade we looked around for some old Street Fighter or Centipede games, when we noticed all of the games had these card scanners. They looked like credit card scanners, and they were right where the slot to enter quarters would have been.

Ryan and I walked to the ticket counter to see what was up. Sure enough you have to buy a "play card". Certain dollar amounts add up to a certain amount of points that you can use on the games. You can't just use quarters!!! CRAZY! We decided to put $10 on a card and go wild. We played the Jurassic Park game, where you get to kill the dinosaurs, and Ry and I killed the T-Rex!! Ryan played some Street Fighter, and almost beat the hardest guy to beat. We also played a few of the Cruiser games, where you drive at extremly high speeds around corners and don't crash. I really can't play to many arcade games, I would rather play air hockey, or skeeball.

We had a good time. The movie was okay. We saw SexDrive. Not as funny as Superbad. I won't get into it, it would be a waste of time.

Introducing: KIEFER the KITTEN!

2008-10-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

The hole that has been in my heart has been filled. Ryan and I adopted Kiefer (yes, as in Sutherland), yesterday from the Carson City Animal Shelter. There were so many orange tabbys but this little guy won us over. He has such a spunky personality, and is extremley affectionate.

There is one problem though. He is not potty-trained. I guess I got really lucky with Frances, because he came potty-trained. Not this one. Ryan and I went to the store yesterday to pick up some seasonings for dinner last night, and we come back in, and the house smells like poo or pee. We search high and low, and no poo or pee to be found. We're not sure if he just farted or what.

So, last night I head to bed and was changing into my jammies and just threw my clothes on the floor instead of putting them in the hamper, 8 feet away (Sidenote: I am just like my family, Aunt Elizabeth didn't put her clothes in the laundry hamper and the next morning found Pepper in her socks that smelled like bag balm... HAHA).

The next morning I woke up to my pants with a big pile of poo on them, and my bra with a huge yellow stain. Wow, I was furious. But at the same time I understand that kittens are kittens and you can't punish them for going and doing nature's thing... Then right before I went to right this blog he pee'd on a blanket that was on the couch and floor.

So now we get to potty train little Kiefer. I have been doing a lot of research because I am not quite sure what to do... I am sure someone in my family knows how to help me, so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Now it's time for more pictures!!!

The adoption woman was really sweet. She let us have the entire cat area to ourselves. She let us play with all of them. We picked out 5 orange tabby kittens, and played with them for a while. We narrowed it down to the 2 we enjoyed the most and Ryan picked his favorite! We are going to take him to the vet throughout the next week, to see what he's going to need in the next few months. Shots will come first, then the neuter, then the $30 check from the City of Carson City -- thanking us for adopting a homeless kitten and taking care of it.

Very much unlike the people that were infront of us at the animal shelter. It was a woman and her daughter who had been evicted from their house, but didn't take their animals with them. They had 4 dogs, 3 cats, 1 parrot (with his beak so curled he could barely eat), 2 bunnies, a few reptiles, and a turtle. The woman told us that the house was so full of feces that it took 4 people to bust the door open to get to the animals. Clearly these people could not take care of an animal, nonetheless the 11 or so they horded.

The animal control woman told the mother that there was no way that she was going to give the animals back to them until they could provide proof that they were living in an area suitable for such animals. (Carson City is kinda wack huh?) The young daughter left crying, upset that they wouldn't give her her animals. Ridiculous.

I guess I didn't realize that they're are people who could get so many animals, and not care about any of them, and have them all living in such a disgusting, unhealthy environment. Especially since I am so happy with my new little boy, I would never want him to have to live like that.

However I would like it if he learned how to use the litter box.

Happy Shanksgivin'!!!

2008-10-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's official!! Ryan and I will be down for Thanksgiving.

Can I hear a "HORRRAYYYYY!!! YIPPEEE SKIPPY!!! WAAAAHHOOOO!!!"

We had to wait on my work to give the me A-okay on getting my holidays off. (Because, when you work in the hospitality industry you have to understand that you work on holidays, no if's and's or but's about it. The world will continue to travel, so hotels have to stay open.) I guess my co-worker's and I all saw eye to eye on what days we wanted off, and the schedule rounded out perfectly.

So I (nope not me) Daddy bought the plane tickets... Well, I didn't want the tickets to get any more expensive, so he put his card down, and I will cut him a check next week when I get paid. (thanks Dad!)

We fly down on Tuesday Nov. 25 at 7am from Reno and arrive in Burbank at 9:35am.
We then go from Burbank to Grandma Margo's house (method of transportations TBA) to pick up the Trooper (thanks Grandma!).
Then we get to spend the next 3 days in LA. Eating lots of turkey, stuffing, yams, green beans, cranberry jelly, and to top it all of -- dun dun dun dahhhh -- PUMPKIN PIE!
Now let me hear the "Oooooooohhhhh, Aaaahhhhhhhh"

Oh boy, I can't wait to gain 10lbs!

Then on Friday Nov. 28, we go back to Grandma Margo's house to drop off the Trooper, and go back to Burbank (method to transportation still TBA) hop on a plane and fly back from Burbank at 3:30pm, and arrive home in Reno at 6:40pm.

Not too shabby.

I am very very excited, and so is Ryan. We both can't wait to see all of our families, since this will be our only trip, we will make a valiant effort to see EVERYONE.
Yikes! That's a lot of people.
Well maybe not everyone, but ~~only the important ones~~ most everyone.

Now you know what I am doing, make your Thanksgiving plans around me!

HAHAHAAAHAAHA

Just kidding.

:]

Old Halloweenie Pictures from the Crypt

2008-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Heador. After my Pinktober post I recieved an email with a barage of pictures from my younger days. I figured I should post them, to show everyone how cute I ~~was~~ am.

I loved 101 dalmations when I was young... So I had to be one for Halloweenie.

This was also from when Caitlin was a "blide" and Eeppers was Baby Bop. I can't remember who in the world thought Baby Bop was a good costume, but EP looks pretty darn cute!

This was when I was a medieval queen. I believe I was in 8th grade.

As Aunt Heather mentioned in the comments on a previous post and email, my mom and her would have the best time on Halloween at our houes. They would always break open a few bottles of wine and stroll around the neighborhood with all of the kiddies, while dad stayed home and passed out candy. Then when it would get late we would come back to the house with our pillowcases full. Mom and Heather would inspect the candy to make sure none of them were poinsinous. Then Dad would come over and tax all of us, by eating all of our starburst (those ~~were~~ are his favorite).

I am excited to see what Halloween in Tahoe is like. I know back at home so many teens dress really skanky because they can get away with it, and the temperature is still kinda warm. I am sure it's going to be nice and cold, maybe that will make for less risque costumes... No one really decorates from as far as I can see. There are some pumpkins here and there but not like at home. I know in Castaic, it was always a big deal breaking out all of the decorations putting them all up in the trees, and all over your front door. Hanging spiderwebs and scary looking spooks and then going to your neighbor's homemade haunted houses in their garages.

Anyways we are looking forward to the festivities. Can you tell that work is slow and I am bored?

Funny, Funny, Ha, Ha, Ha!

2008-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

I found a new website that made me laugh. And if I know my family well enough they will all find this funny as well. I am thinking about giving these out for Christmas presents, so if you want one, let me know which one is best for you.

www.despair.com

Check out the coffee mugs, the shirts, and the demotivators. They are all extremley witty and hilarious, and for the most part -- the TRUTH.

Enjoy!

Cassowaries...

2008-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Are birds that are native to Austrailia. They are flightless birds with 3 huge 5inch claws (almost like daggers), a big scary beak, can charge up to 35 miles an hour and can leap over 3 feet in the air (according to the Guinness Book of World Records, they are the worlds most dangerous bird). Some Cassowaries can reach up to 6feet tall! Supposedly, according to a few reports that I have read, they haven't killed anyone since 1926, but there are many close calls, with broken ribs, legs broken and gashed. Other than that they love to go into the towns and cities, and peck at windows with their crazy beaks, and torment pets and other animals.

These birdies are a little too scary for me. Who would want to deal with that everyday? Look at these things:

I don't think that I will ever be visiting Austrailia after seeing these strange prehistoric looking creatures. Eeeek.

It's October PINKtober!

2008-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

My, my, the year has gone by fast. I can't believe that it is already October 1st. But the month of October has some really fun things to look forward to. First of all it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Which means I get to wear pink all the time! After my mom passed away, I became Breast Cancer crazy. I buy pretty much anything that is pink and gives a good percentage of their profits to Susan G. Komen, or any other breast cancer research. I have multiple shirts, 2 bracelets, 1 necklace, 3 pins (I wear those at work everyday), a gardening nozzle and a broom. I actually donated my old vehicle (the '97 champange colored Ford Escort Wagon -- which was so lovely donated to me by Aunt Linda), to the Susan G. Komen fund. Too bad I didn't see the amount on my tax 'refund'.

The other reason why October is so fun, is of course because of HALLOWEEN! Halloween is so much fun. I love getting dressed up and seeing everyone in costumes. My favorite costumes are the most creative ones. When I was a kid, I remember dressing up as a dalmation, Cinderella, 50's poodle girl (which Grandma made a poodle skirt for me) and a witch. Then my freshman year some girlfriends and I got together and decided to be the crew of Sleeping Beauty. My friend Natalie was Sleeping Beauty and made a pink shimmery dress. Then Brittney, Kelly and I were the three fairies. I was the blue one, Merryweather. Brittney was Flora, the red one, and Kelly was Fauna, the green one. I wish I had a picture of us, but all of my pictures were lost in the move. This will have to suffice.

"Actor Killed Cat In Jealous Rage"

2008-09-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is TERRIBLE!!!! My manager showed me the headliner today, because she knew I loved cats. Here's the scoop on this horrible "mistake" (the stupid excuse the actor gave to the courts)

NEW YORK - A trial has begun in the case of a baseball player-turned-actor accused of brutally killing a cat in a jealous rage after complaining that his ex-girlfriend cared more for the feline than she did for him. Assistant District Attorney Leila Kermani said the cat named Norman died with broken teeth, broken ribs, a broken leg, a torn tongue, massive internal injuries including bruised lungs and a bruised liver and a chest cavity filled with blood. "The defendant, in a fit of anger and rage, beat a defenseless animal to death," Kermani told the jury in her opening remarks Wednesday. "The defendant killed Norman simply because he was an angry, jealous and drunken bully."

Former New York Mets baseball minor leaguer Joseph Petcka, 37, is on trial on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals for killing Norman on March 27, 2007, after a night of heavy drinking. He faces up to two years in prison if convicted. 'Tragic accident' Petcka's lawyer, Charles Hochbaum, admitted his client kicked the 8-year-old tabby and "swatted him really hard" after the cat bit him, but he said his client did not mean to kill him. "This was a tragic accident," Hochbaum said. "It was not intentional." Hochbaum complained the district attorney's office never offered his client a plea deal. He said outside court he believes that was because of the publicity the case attracted and the urgings of cat fanciers.

Norman's owner, Lisa Altobelli, testified she had dated Petcka about six weeks before he killed her cat. She said one night they quarreled and he began drinking heavily. She said she went to bed to avoid him but he woke her around 3 a.m. by putting his knee in her ribs and complaining that Norman had attacked him. Altobelli, a Sports Illustrated reporter, said she left the apartment after Petcka refused to calm down. She said Petcka had complained, "You love that cat more than you love me," but she had no idea Norman would be in danger. When she returned home Norman did not meet her at the door as usual. She found his body under her bedside table.

Petcka, a pitcher briefly in the Mets' minor league system in 1992, later appeared in a paper towel commercial and had small roles in "Sex and the City" and other television shows. Hochbaum said his client had more recently worked as a bartender and waiter.

San Francisco Has It All Backwards...

2008-09-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

Wow. What an adventorous weekend... Ryan and I celebrated our 2year anniversary. We drove down to San Jose and spent the night at the San Jose Hilton. We had a really nice room up on the 12 floor. Ryan and I both said to each other that we don't think we've ever stayed that high up in a hotel before. We had a beautiful view of down town San Jose. When we checked in the agent was really sweet and gave us 2 free coupons to the bar/restaraunt (up to $11.95 per coupon). Ryan and I ordered some porkchops from room service and enjoyed our night.

The next morning we were up and ready to get to San Francisco. The drive was easy, no traffic and we didn't get lost. We drove through the city and stopped for some lunch and over the Golden Gate bridge we went to get to our second hotel in San Rafael. We checked in at the Embassy Suites San Rafael and hung out in the hotel room, and ordered more room service for dinner. The next morning we ate our breakfast, checked out and started driving to the bay. We were heading back over the Golden Gate bridge, when we hit a toll booth.

First of all I would like to point out -- they didn't have any prior notification of how much the toll would be. I had $2 in cash, so I figured that should be enough. And sure enough we get through all the lines, and the toll is $3!! I only had my debit card and we had used all of the change in the car for the parking meters. The gentleman was nice enough to say that he would find a dollar and that we were free to go. And off for a wonderful day in the bay.

Ryan had never done any of the touristy things like Fisherman's Wharf or the wax museum. So we started out at Ghiradelli's square. Went through the shop to get our free chocolate and bought something so our parking could be validated. We walked down the street to the pier, passing all of the nifty stores and street vendors. We ended up at Pompei's Grotto for lunch. It was a nice little seafood restaraunt right on the shore. Ryan had a lobster and shrimp pasta, and I ate some of the best cod fish and chips, I have ever eaten. And their tartar sauce was to die for. After we were done, we rolled ourselves out of the restaraunt in search for Fisherman's Wharf. When we found it we walked all the way down and back, peeked in all of the shops -- including the cutest purse shop! We decided it was getting late, so we headed home.

We got into the car and headed over the Bay Bridge. And got stopped at another toll. Once again, no notification of how much the toll was, and there was no sign saying "if you do not have cash get off NOW". So once again Ryan and I pull up to the toll with $2 and some change in my hand. The toll was $4! I explained to the man what the situation was and tried to hand him the $2 and some change and he wouldn't take it. He told me that I would recieve a fine in the mail, and it was up to 100 fine! I was appauled. That put the biggest damper on our wonderful weekend.

Between one way streets, toll bridges and hippies everywhere... San Francisco has it all backwards.

Update: I recieved the fine. And it was $25 for evasion of a toll, and then the original $4 fee. Hmmmm... have I mentioned that San Francisco is REALLY backwards?

To Be Replaced.

2008-09-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hopefully what I am assuming is true (that good 'ole Francy-Pants is in kitty heaven), really is true or Francis wont be very happy when he comes home to find a replacement cat. We're getting a new one!!! That's the only thing that is going to cheer me up. Ryan and I are going to wait until maybe November to get a new kitten, but we already have one type of kitty in mind. We both want to get a orange tabby or maybe a calico, it has to be a boy... and we kind of want a kitty with blue eyes. I know, I'm crazy for thinking I'm going to find a blue eyed, male, orange kitty... but I guess it's just some wishful thinking.

Missing Frances Francis

2008-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

He is gone. My little kitty ~~Frances~~ Francis is has dissapeared. There is as long story about the spelling of his name, but I will shorten it. I always wanted to spell it with an "es" since that's the way my mom had it spelt (if we're getting technical it's the female way to spell it), but since he is a boy Ryan pointed out it has to be spelt Francis, but I guess it doesn't really matter no one ever called him a boy anyways.

Anyways, we noticed that the house was too quiet mid-Monday morning. We had friends from SoCal visiting us for the weekend so it was possible that the door was left ajar and he had gotten out. He has escaped a few times before but has always come back the next morning for food.

Well now here we are after 2 days and 2 nights, still no sign of him. I am really upset... he was my child and now I don't know where he is. I don't know if someone else took him in, if a bear or coyote ate him for a snack or if he is hurt, scared and alone. It's all just too much for me.

Since I am missing him so much I figured I would post some pictures of how silly of a kitty he was.

Here he is sleeping on Ryan.

Staring out into oblivion.

Resting on my chest

Sitting in the bathtub. His favorite spot in the house.

The house feels so empty without him here. I wish he would just come home or I would find him dead. I don't rest easy not knowing where his furry butt is.

So now all that Ryan and I can do is wait... Hopefully he will come home.

Free Tickets To Where??? I'll Take 'Em!

2008-08-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

I know, I know its been a while since I acutally updated about me. I celebrated my birthday last week -- thank you for all of the birthday love. I had a great time. I worked all morning and came home to a bouquet of flowers, a present and a cake! The present was in a Disney Princess gift bag, the present itself was Peter Pan on DVD. And then the cake was Alice in Wonderland!!! Ryan did an awesome job tying Disney into everything! I was so proud of him, lol.

Hold up... I was just interuppeted at work with a man holding a camera phone. He asked "Are you Meghan?" and I answered, "Yes". And he says, "Smile to your Aunt Heather!!" I was so confused... My Aunt Heather?? How does this dude know her?? Sure enough Mr. Fordyce works with her... and she told him I work at Embassy (I think), lol. Anyways we had a nice chat about Auntie Heador... And I asked him how his room was and he told me he had a stinky 2 queen smoking suite. I told him that the room just wouldn't do for a co-worker of my Auntie, so I switched him to a much better room. A king non smoking suite on the 6th floor looking over the Gondola. He was stoked... I love to make my guest's happy.

Anyways -- to the actual reason why I am writing the blog... I got to see a Sheryl Crow and James Blunt concert last night. The venue was the same place that Robert & Alison played at... but this time I was in the bleachers... I guess I can't be VIP everytime. Now the story of how I got the concert tickets. I was at work (as usual) and a guest walked up to the desk and asked if he could ask a stupid question. When guests say that, I try to be as positive as possible and reinforce like a kindergarten teacher that "no question is a stupid question". Then he mentions that he had 2 back up tickets to the show and he's not going to use them because he got some 5th row seats and wanted to know if I could use the tickets. Well DUH I can use the tickets... I loved Mr. Nakamoto. (Odd, an asain at a Sheryl Crow concert??) JUST KIDDING!!! :)

I had an awesome time, I ended up going with Ryan's friend Will, since Ry had to work. We had an awesome time, minus the two drunk old couples next to me. They were so drunk one of the ladies kept saying she wanted to leave unless Sheryl came on, but then her husband is telling her he bought Sheryl Crow tickets just for her, and they just have to be paitient. So he sends her off stumbling to find another beer to shut her up. Ya know the best way to deal with a drunk is to make them get more drunk...??? RRRRIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHTTTT

James Blunt was an awesome performer, for his songs being so depressing his show was so lively. He cracked a few jokes about his 'miserable' songs. He was super cute too, gotta love the Brits! Sheryl looked great for being in remisson with breast cancer and over 40, her vocal was phenomenal (of course), granted she did get a little horase around the end of the show. She was pretty political as well. She wrote a song "Gas Is Free" talking about in 2012 how she thinks gas could be free, blah blah blah. She also talked about peace and the war, this and that...

Well that is about it for now, getting off work and it's my FRIDAY! WEEEEEEE!!!!!

Baffs

2008-08-21T12:11:00.001-07:00

This made me laugh.

The Dummy Picture of the Day.

2008-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

No explanation neccesary.

Thanks Georgie.

Funny E-Mail

2008-07-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

Got this e-mail from a co-worker and I knew immediatley that my ~~weird~~ family would get a kick out of this.

Dog and Cat Diaries

Excerpts from Dog's Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
6:00 pm - Oooh, Bath. Bummer.
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpt from Cat's Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

Hail in July?!?!

2008-07-15T00:10:00.000-07:00

I have never lived anywhere where it is less than 80 degrees in the middle of July. So you can imagine it was quite a surprise when I was driving home from getting a sandwich with Ryan and it started raining, and then by the time we got home it was thundering and lighting and HAILING. I mean serious hail. I decided to go outside and take some video to show you of this freak event.

Crazy, crazy stuff. Well my sister, Caitin has been getting really creative lately with digital imaging. She has a program called Photofiltre that is basically free photoshop. I wanted her to make something cool for me so I sent her a bunch of random pictures and look what she did

I think it's perfect. Thank you Caity! So since I am so bored and I can't sleep tonight I am also going to post more pictures of the Alison Krauss & Robert Plant concert. And also some from Victoria and Carlos' wedding. :]

The Man With Common Sense

2008-07-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

I absolutley adore this man. He had an amazing view of life and I feel this message should be spread around to [re]open people's eyes.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember, to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

The Family Went Home...

2008-07-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

And so they went. It was a great weekend with the fam. It was awesome to see my sisters, Caitlin has about another inch until she is taller than me. And EeppsterPeepster is growing up so fast!!! We all went to dinner at Hard Rock the first night they got in. The next day I worked and got off at 3:30, went to willcall with my dad to get the tickets and then we all went to the show. I had to be at work the next morning (again) at 7am, so I was exhausted by the end of the weekend. On Sunday my dad and the girls went on the gondola only to find that they couldn't get off and had to ride all the way back down because of t-storm and lighting warnings (thank goodness he got a refund!!!). Later that night we had dinner on the beach at Ryan's work -- he is a very good waiter. We all watched the sunset, went down to the water and played on the jungle-gym like the crazy kids we are. Monday morning we went down to the beach for some more fun and I decided not to wear sunscreen and got a massive burn! The other two girls were smart and wore sunscreen but I was just trying to get any color, and now I am a lobster.

Its not the best picture (since it's off my phone) but you can still see the red and the white. That is the last time I am ever going to not wear sunscreen again. I forget we are a mile closer to the sun than the rest of you... lol. Then the family left back down to LA. I miss them so much already. I think my sisters are already bugging my dad about when they're next going to visit. They're ready for the snow!

WOW

2008-06-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

...is all I can say. Last night was amazing!! The Robert Plant & Allison Krauss concert was absolutley fantastic. Sharon Little opened up for them -- and if you don't know who she is you need to go check her out. Her new album is called Perfect Time for a Breakdown, and she has one of the most spectacular vocals I have ever heard. I am a very lucky girl to know her. She started working with Scot Sax (who my dad has known for over 10 years), they wrote a bunch of songs together... actually they wrote a bunch of really really good songs together. Sharon was hand picked by Robert and Allison to go on tour with them, which is one of the coolest opportunities of a lifetime.

Sharon went on at exactly 7:30, and Ryan and I were dead center 12 rows back. My lucky dad and sisters got into the 6th row. She sang a set of 7 songs, which all were amazing. She wrote the song 'Child in a Storm' for my sisters and I. It's about my mom... and she could barely get the words out to dedicate it to us... But Scot helped her. Sharon said "This song is very close to my heart....**pause pause pause**" and then she and Scot said together "this is for Evann, Caitlin and Meghan". And next thing you know I am crying uncontrollably. It was beautiful. She finished her set and the entire crowd in front of me stood up and applauded. It was wonderful.

They changed sets and then Allison and Robert came on. Their voices together are awe-inspiring. Robert played a few Led Zeppelin songs, and Allison sang backups. T-Bone Burnett was AMAZING as well. And of course, they played quite a few songs from their album together.
My dad came back over with the backstage passes and we hung out in Sharon's trailor and watched the show on a big screen on the side of the stage. Caitlin and Evann had so much fun hanging out with Sharon 'The Rockstar'. Hahhaahaha. Evann was 5ft away from Robert when she went out to got to the bathroom. But everytime Robert or Allison would leave stage we would all have to go into Sharon's trailer because they didn't want to be bothered.

I came back into work today and talked to a few co-workers who were also there who said that Sharon was better than Allison, and she would have rather watched Sharon perform the whole time.

I will have more pictures coming soon!

My Family Says I Need To "Update"

2008-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

So here I am... updating... My 'vacation' was not much of a vacation, that's for damn sure. Ryan and I had a great time, but there was very few minutes that I was able to relax and sleep. Our drive down the 395 was beautiful. It was my first time ever going through Mammoth, Bishop and Mojave. We stopped a few times to use the restrooms and saw the highest gas price EVER -- $5.19/gal -- of the medium grade... It's CRAZY! We made it in to Valencia a day early because Ryan and I both had the day off and I got an employee rate at the Best Western I used to work at. We surprised our families and hung out with friends that night. The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of friends, family and fun.

The wedding was beautiful. Our friend Victoria looked like a princess, and Carlos looked very handsome. The ceremony was short and sweet, the pastor is the same pastor who orchestrated her father's funeral, so we heard a lot of stories about what V's dad wanted to say to her on her wedding day. I cried (granted I always cry at any wedding... it's just so beautiful, I know I am a major dork). We stayed in Pasadena since the wedding ended around 1:00am.

The next morning we got up a little late and drove back to Castaic for the family brunch. I was a little nervous because it was the first time that Ryan's mom had met my dad (after dating for almost 2 years and living together just about the same amount of time). Jan is one of the sweetest women I have ever met, and she adored my dad - whew what a big weight lifted off my shoulders, lol. Otherwise the brunch was delicious and it was great to see my family. All of my favorite aunts and uncles. I met my aunt Linda's new roommate who had the CUTEST little chiuawha EVER. It was so nice to see my dad and my uncle Vince and his kids too! Then we drove to Saugus to pick up our friends Wendy and Troy. They drove back up with us and helped us save on gas.

We got back around 10:30pm, and we are driving down the main road and all the sudden fire trucks are rushing down the street followed by ambulances... We heard there sirens for another 2 hours, which is a big deal up here in this small town, which means stuff is going down... I got up the next morning at 6am to get to work by 7am and sure enough come to find out it my work on fire! A dryer has some combustable material in it and when it was turned on it got hot enough and combusted!! The fire was contained inside of the dryer so nothing was damaged, but boy did I have to comp a bunch of rooms the next morning!

Frisbee Golf aka Hippie Golf

2008-05-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

First off -- Happy 11th Birthday Evann! Today is my youngest sister's birthday. And she makes sure that everyone knows that Evann and eleven rhyme :) Hope she's enjoying her special day! I think we are going to chat on Skype tonight.

Other than that since it's been getting so warm up here, Ryan, my roomie Simon, his friends Jeremy and Chris and I all went to the Bijou Park and played some frisbee golf. This was Ryan and my first time playing the game, but we had a blast. The park has an entire frisbee golf course set up with 19 holes and signs that show you which way you should be going and how much the par is set as so on and so forth. If you have never heard of frisbee golf aka hippie golf (as Ryan calls it) how it works is everyone has their frisbee and you throw it towards the goal, and wherever it lands you walk over to it, pick the frisbee up and throw it again. It's pretty simple and easy and a lot of fun.

Now the reason why Ryan calls if hippie golf is because it's extremley cheap. Once you get a frisbee -- that's all you need! It's not like regular golf where you have to have a club for this, a putter for that and some other weird doohickey for that. You also don't have to go buy special clothes or special shoes for the silly dress code.

We had so much fun, the boys were drinking beers -- not ME -- and we kept loosing our target and we didnt know which ways to go, but Chris led us back to the right course. Simon, Chris and Jeremy were a LOT better than Ry and I were. I think I was 5 over par every time. I tried to keep throwing like an acutal frisbee but it always veered wayy over to the right. Ryan eventually gave up on throwing like a frisbee and started doing the 'tomahawk' throw, that's when he started getting more accurate.

All in all I had a great time. I think when I get off work today we might go do a round... Until then I get to stand here (I don't ever get to sit because I work at a hotel) bored outta my mind!

Happy Mother's Day...

2008-05-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!! I love this day because it gives me a reason to talk about my amazing mom, all day long... lol. If you never met her -- she was pretty fantastic, and anyone who has met her can attest. So, Ryan and I went to Safeway yesterday and picked up the most gorgeous flowers to celebrate mother's day. We brought them home and I trimmed the ends and put them in a pretty red vase. And I think they are so pretty so I decided to post some pics...

aren't they so vibrant!

And since it is mother's day I am going to share a few stories about my awesome mommy.

When I was a toddler she would put me in laundry baskets and she would push me down hallways... I felt like I was going 100 miles an hour -- I laughed for hours.
I remember when she won Alanis Morrisette tickets on the radio, this was back in 1995, and we drove down to Irvine and the concert was at Irvine Meadows, now known as the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater. My mom booked a hotel room in Irvine because she didn't want to drive home. At the concert I kept smelling this weird smell from people smoking "cigaretts" behind us and I kept bugging her about it... well she explained that to me later. The concert was amazing and one of my most fond memories with her. :]
I can always remember when I would record really late at night with my dad, she would turn off the tv and just listen. When I went upstairs to bed she would always have me come into her room and she would always tell me how much she loved to hear me sing.
I remember a few weeks before she passed away we went to AAA to get the handicapped placard for the van. I drove her to the AAA building and she was so happy that we could go christmas shopping and park right in front at Target and the mall!

Otherwise I have to show you the most ridiculous thing I saw regarding mother's day today on the internet...

I found this on MSN today and it had some of the WORST advice -- ever. All the article mentions is how some people can feel. It barely gives any actual advice. She talks about acknowledging that you are sad and upset that you are missing your mother -- which people do on a daily basis, and if you have been through grief counseling you already are over this step. And then she mentions also acknowledging no one can replace your mother... Something I have also done a long time ago... She also mentioned on focusing on being a good mother yourself (which couldn't help anyone who is like me and not a mom -- except to Frances but that is different). And that was about it. Oh and she also talked about having an estranged relationship that today is a good day to get back in touch -- which also I could not relate to.

Overall, I found none of this information helpful, what so ever. To be honest, I would have expected a little more from MSN.

May Flowers...

2008-05-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

The snow has melted -- finally! There is green grass everywhere except my front yard which is full of dirt. The skies are blue and its gonna be a high of 75 this next week! I am so excited! My dad is coming up to Tahoe and visiting me at the end of June with the girls. We are going to go out onto the lake and go up on the mountain, maybe do some hiking. Also one night we are going to see one of his friends open for Robert Plant and Allison Krause at Harrah's. Before that happens though I have to go back down to SoCal for a wedding on June 5th. This wedding is going to be really expensive. Between gas, hotel rooms, dress & tux, food, and the wedding present Ryan and I are going broke! But it is going to be a beautiful wedding!

That's all for now. Maybe I will post something funny later

This Is How I Feel About Coffee...

2008-04-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Coffee is a godsend. I swear. Every morning I have to be at work at 7am. Therefore I wake up around 6 or 6:30 depending on if I have to shower. I am a crabby mess in the mornings and anyone who has ever spent the night at my house or has lived with me knows that I do not wake up on the good side of the bed -- ever. I whine and bitch about everything - I'm tired, I don't want to wake up, my hair is ugly, the shower isn't warm enough, I can't find my sock, I'm hungry, I don't want to go to work. I say all of these things every morning. I'm surprised Ryan puts up with me.

Anyways the second I stumble into work I start my coffee. The aroma fills the air and it smells so good, plus breakfast is being served on the second floor - so that smells pretty good too. But as soon as I pour my first cup and put some Hazelnut creamers and have one sip I am a completley different person. I am chipper and happy and the fog in my brain starts to clear out.

I love all kinds of coffee. I love frappicinos from Starbucks, I love my regular coffee with hazelnut at work, I love iced caramel macciahtos from Starbucks, I love white chocolate mochas from Starbucks... mmmmmmm coffee coffee coffee. The only thing is, I don't like plain black coffee, something about it doesn't do it for me. Maybe the caffiene isn't enough and I need the extra sugar too.

So coffee count for today is 3 cups.

Caitlin Got Braces?!?!!?!?!?!?!

2008-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

So I call my dad yesterday to let him know that I had my 90-day review at work, and it went over very well! (I got a 3% raise!! YIPPPEEE!) And we were catching up and then he gave the phone to Evann and we were talking about how much extra homework she is getting to prepare her for 6th grade, her 4/4 on her Science test and how she trims Sara-Bella's nails. Next thing i know she tells me that Caitlin got her braces on today. And I was shocked! No one had told me ANYTHING about Caitlin thinking about getting braces, let alone actually getting them put on. I don't have a problem with braces - granted I am a little jealous because her smile is going to be SO beautiful, and mine needs some work. But I was just shocked that I didn't know. I talk to my dad everyother day, and text Caitlin all the time. And it just came out of no where. She sent me a picture though and I have it right here.

I am definetly jealous. She's gonna be so gorgeous! I can't wait. She's gonna keep them on for 2 years and then after she gets them off she is going to have a upper retainer and a wire on the back of her bottom teeth. I love my sisters!

Summertime is Approaching!

2008-04-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is definetly right around the corner. It's been getting warm up here. Our high last weekend was 70. When I spoke to my dad he said that he was in Moorpark for Cait's soccer game and it was in the upper 90's. Holy Smokes!! The high 90's in April?!?!? This is proof of global warming. It never got that hot in April, maybe only once, but he said its been crazy hot the entire week.

I know we all wish that we could have more money. But I wish that I could have more money to go see concerts... I recently found out that Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick are playing at Harvey's (across the street from where I work). Heart is one of my favorite bands - ever. My mom got me really turned on to them when I was younger, and I have been singing their music ever since. It would be awesome to see Journey too since the only Journey songs I have ever heard live were from a Journey cover band my friend Garrett use to play in. I really wish I could go but tickets are so damn expensive. Its like $49.99 for one ticket and then you add on all the taxes and it comes out to over $150.00!! And I don't have $150.00 to spare.

The other concert that I am really interested in seeing is Death Cab For Cutie. They are kind of an unknown Indie band. They have had one or two hits on the radio, but for the most part people haven't heard of them. I saw them perform in New York when I went with my choir during my senior year, and they were AMAZING!! I was checking on ticketmaster for their upcoming tour and noticed all of the shows were sold out. So I checked on E-Bay to see how much tickets were selling on there - it was close to $200 per ticket!!! So then I go to work a few days later and sure enough sitting right on the counter is a print out of Death Cab's NEW dates... I go onto Ticketmaster to see how much tickets are - and for 2 tickets with all the stupid taxes it comes out to 108.19. Ugh. I guess that this summer will not be the summer of concerts.

Otherwise - I talked to Aunt Heather on Skype for the first time a few nights ago, and that was tons of FUN! It was so crazy to have her in my computer! Hahaaaa. She looks nice and tan! I also won a free nights stay at the Hilton in San Jose at my work party! Yay for work parties - free food, free drinks, free night stays! Gotta love corporations!

Cheapest Dessert Ever...

2008-04-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who believe Tahoe has expensive dining, you are mistaken. I shall now present to you the cheapest dessert ever. It was only 99cents. Amazing...

These Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Swirl cookies were only ninety-nine cents. So yummy in my tummy. Hahahahaa.

I have been lazy lately, and work has been SUPER busy so I haven't had too much time to blog. I will soon post about my trip down to Castaic, and about my first time snowboarding.

Anyways, I had a great day today because Ryan and I had the day off and we spend it just hanging out and had an awesome Hamburger Helper dinner. :]

much love
-m

My First Day of Snowboarding... Before 36 Hours in Castaic.

2008-03-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right 36 hours in Casteezy. It was one hell of a trip, let me tell you. But before I start on that let me tell you about my First Day Snowboarding!

Ryan and I both had Monday off (consequently St. Patty's Day). The season is almost over and Ryan really wanted me to go up on the mountain and try snowboarding again... this time with his 'experienced' help. I rented my snowboard at work and I took it home and practiced flipping over and standing up. I felt more comfortable this time than I did last time I attempted (might I remind you I only lasted about 5 minutes) Anyways, I made it on to the first ski lift just fine... but getting off the ski lift was a different story. I fell everytime until the 5th (and last) time. I did pretty well on the first green run called Patsy's. I mean there was definelty a lot of standing up, falling down - standing up, falling down. and any time that I felt that I was going too fast I would just fall anyways... because I was scared. I had some really good wipe-outs! After I was done with Patsy's I took another chair lift to a bigger blue run. As soon as I got up to the top of that chair lift I forgot EVERYTHING I learned on Patsy's. I could barely stand up and I kept falling down but there was a small cliff with a bunch of trees on the left side of the run. And everytime I stood up I kept going to the left straight into the trees. It was so scary!! After that I got overly discouraged and started walking. Yes, walking.

Ryan and I trekked about 2 miles across 5 runs to get to his lodge. The views during the walk/hike were amazing!!

The view from up top!

Ryan leading the way to East Peak Lodge

Using my camera to take a panoramic picture!

See!! There is me all the way in the back!

When we finally got there we had lunch from the barbeque, for FREE - if we would have bought the food it would have been close to $45. Can you believe that? We had a great time with his friends and co-workers. Ryan's boss Albert dressed up as a leprechaun. It was the funniest site I have seen in a while.

After we were done with the lodge we took one more lift and got back onto the gondola and headed home. On our way home is when we got the call about a check waiting for Ryan at our community college in Valencia. The check was left over money from his financial aid for last semester and it was a big chunk of money. And that is when we decided to make a little mission back to SoCal.

My Own Opinion On American Idol

2008-03-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm bored... and before I sit down and write about my 36 hour trip spent Castaic I wanted to share some of my favorite american Idol performances so far this year.

First I will start with Brooke White's "Love is a Battlefield"

I love the fact that she went the completely opposite way of the traditional version. And it was one of my mom's favorite songs... ever.

Next is Carly Smithson... she's from Ireland... and basically, I love her. She is amazing. Here is Carly singing "Come Together"

She has the strongest voice of all the other competitors, and she has this charm when she's on stage, I truly hope she wins...

Here is Carly singing "Crazy on You" by Heart... one of my favorite bands... ever.

Might I add... she was out of breath at the end of that performance. Her tone and strength of her voice just blows me away... Everytime.

Lastly my other favorite is Jason Castro's version of "If I Fell", I don't know what it is, his voice is so soothing and delicate. It's a beautiful song...

I will definetly keep updating what I think about all the different performances.

'Round Town

2008-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of around town...

This is up Ski Run Blvd (Right Next to Our House)

Down Ski Run Blvd.

See the Face? It's Heavenly!!!

Ryan fell on ice and slammed his shin! OWWW

Ryan and his NEW Snowboard!!!

Ryan & I after a REALLY long day!

That's about it for now!! Enjoy!

Tour Of Our New Home

2008-03-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

I finally found my camera charger! And I took some pics of our new home.

Front Walk Way

Front Porch

Living Room

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

View From The Bathroom Window

Up next... Pics of the Town && Me and Ryan

Ryan Saves The Day... Again.

2008-03-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

I am going to dedicate this blog to my dear boyfriend, Ryan. He rocks! I have been missing my camera charger since we moved up to Tahoe. Yesterday he sent me a text message saying that he thinks he found the right charger. I was a little weary because I have previously found a charger that looked exactly like mine, but the end didn't fit into my camera. I told him that I'm not 100% sure it's the right one, because of the previous mix-up. Anyways I got home super late last night and sure enough I come home not only to the correct camera charger, but an entirely cleaned house! Ah! What would I do without him? And he cooked dinner. God he's amazing. :]

Triple Whammy

2008-02-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago I started feeling a cold coming on. Of course I did nothing to prevent it. I didn't take any Emergen-C, or Airborne, or extra vitamins... nothing. Boy, I have learned my lesson. Two Fridays ago I was working and that is when I started lightly coughing and my throat hurt a little. I had Saturday and Sunday off so I took it really easy. I did absolutley nothing. I sat in my recliner, watched tv, drank lots of fluids, and took lots of NyQuil and Tylenol Cold. But the cold kept coming on strong. I was coughing, sneezing (green mucus), had a migrane, a fever, and to top it all of two days in a row I had a painful sensation in each of my ears (left ear on Saturday, right ear on Sunday). It was horrible. I called sick on Monday hoping that it would go away, but no luck. There was no way that I could call in sick two days in a row because here at Embassy you have to have a doctors note. I was putting the doctors off at long as possible, because I do have insurance... but the Urgent Care doesn't take HMO which means the visit would have been between $90 and $120, which I don't really want to pay for right now... There are more bills and rent that are a little more important. So frustrating... Anyways, I went to work on Tuesday and Wednesday and I was miserable. Spent the entire time coughing up a lung feeling like I was going to die. Thursday morning I woke up and took Ryan to work, when I got back home I felt a little nauseaous. And the next thing I know I was over the toilet, puking my brains out. Actually it was all stomach acid but it felt like it was my brains. Side note - when I throw up I normally have so much pressure and force that I break a lot of capillaries in my face. I end up looking like I have a rash all above my eyes. I HATE throwing up, I could never be bulemic... hahahaa. Anyways, after spending two hours over the toilet, I call Ryan and tell him to come home and take me to Urgent Care, asap.

Once I get there it takes me 20 minutes to see a doctor (RECORD TIMING I KNOW!!!!) and he diagnoses me with a) Flu b) Ear Infection AND c) Bronchitus. Wow. Thank god I went, I just thought I had the flu. He sends me home with a perscription for some amoxicillian, and two days later I feel perfect. All in all I spent $90 on the visit and $8 on the antibiotics (thanks to good ole AAA). Alas I am all better, still coughing lightly, getting out all of the rest of the mucus. But boy did I learn my lesson... Take your vitamins and your airborne... It's truly better in the long run.

How Depressing...

2008-02-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

So as usual I am at work reading up on all of my celebrity gossip. You know the usual, People, Perez Hilton and some other sites. And today on Perez Hilton I came across this article. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-oxnard14feb14,1,955781.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

When I read this I was shocked. This incident happened in the town next to where my mom's entire family grew up. And to top it all off the kid who was shot (and pronounced brain dead) was only 15. The shooter was 14. I just can help but think what kind of parents allow their 14 year old access to a gun?!?! It just seems simply ludicris to me. And to add more sadness... the kid was presumably shot because he was gay. What the hell happened to TOLERANCE??? That was all shoved down my throat when I was in junior high.

I just read this and thought I would rant a little... Poor kid.

I Can't Tell...

2008-02-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

If This Is A Good Thing Or A Bad Thing

So after a long awaited arrival I finally have my cable and my beloved internet back. And to be completley honest, I have never been so happy. Now I have been thinking, is that a bad thing? Is it wrong that my happiness lies somewhat in these electronic devices? See for me the only internet connection I have had for the past 3 months is via cell phone or at work. However work's computers don't allow internet 'streaming media'... Which is virtually every page on the damn internet...

Anyways, since I am so far away, it was hard to have that sense connection taken away... I don't know if that sounds weird or not...

And honestly I don't care about the cable package... that's mainly for the boy, not me. I have a few favorite shows, but not very many... However we did manage to also get a DVR... oh wow. Now, I can record any show and watch it later. I may never leave the couch, nonetheless go to bed...

It's actually about time to get to bed, I have to wakeup early... Just thought I should do a little rant and rave.

Heavenly Ski Resort is... More Like Disneyland...

2008-02-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day with sunshine and no clouds, so Ryan decided to take one of his work vouchers (free pass onto the mountain) and take me sight-seeing. We got onto the Gondola, where it picks you up right off the street and takes you to a completley different world. It reminded me so much of Disneyland it was ridiculous. You first wait in line to get a ticket, while they have 3 televisions telling you about the resort. Once you purchase your ticket, they have you get jump into the Gondola, which is constantly rotating... The doors close and the ride begins. Its about a 20 minute ride to the top and you can see EVERYTHING. You can see the entire lake (North Shore, East Shore, West Shore) and even Carson City. Since it was so nice today the lake looked like glass. It was stunning. We got off half way to do some sight seeing at a deck they have built. Heavenly is the Disneyland of snow. They charge $13 for a cheeseburger, and $85 to go riding. Pretty insane. However the Gondola ride is something else. Hopefully, when I find my camera charger, I can go up again and post some awesome pics. It's official, I live in a postcard!

Crabby Craberton...

2008-02-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

So Friday at work I was given a $25 gift certificate at work, for being the employee with the most promotion sales of the two weeks. Ryan and I decided that we should treat ourselves to a relaxing sushi dinner. The local place that takes the certificate is called Samurai. Ryan and I have strayed away from sushi lately because we got really sick of it. We were tired from all of the all you can eat sushi buffets, and then when I worked at a sushi restaraunt for about a year, we got REALLY sick of it then. But I had heard some great reviews about Samurai, so we decided to go.

First of all, the drive was horrific. It was just dumping snow... and we weren't really prepared. When we got to the entrance we were COVERED in white powder. It was quite funny acutally. Anyways, we sat down ordered a coke, and checked out the menu. All of the rolls looked great, but then we saw the Crabby Craberton roll. The name was what made me laugh, but the ingredients is what made me order the roll. It was DELICIOUS!!! It was deepfried soft shell crab inside, with tuna and crab in a sauce on top. Oh goodness was it incredible. We also ordered a J-Lo roll, and some mango chicken. Ryan and I both agreed that it was wonderful to leave a sushi restaraunt not feeling sick to our stomachs.

We both had a wonderful evening even with the insane storm. The rest of the weekend was good too. GO GIANTS!!!! The Super Bowl game was AWESOME! It was close, but the Giants came out on top. About time someone smashed the Patriots! Ryan and I went over to his co-worker Roberts house for some cheeseburgers and hot dogs and some drinks. We had a blast, screaming at the tv and B-B-Q-ing in the snow. :)

The storm has passed and now its only sunny skies, thank goodness. No more snow til Sunday... Thats all for now, back to work... Again.

A New Beginning...

2008-01-31T18:50:00.000-08:00

So here I am beginning a new life in Tahoe. I have been here for a little over a month, and I am enjoying it a lot. My job is great and everyone I work with is pretty cool. Ryan and I are doing wonderful. He is my best friend and knows how to make me smile and laugh. I will admit, I am getting a little homesick (only a little). I mainly just miss my friends. It's hard to make friends up here, since I am not in school until April. But I talk to my Dad and sisters just about every day.

It's been snowing a lot lately and it is so peaceful, I absolutley love it! However digging the car out is no fun... Luckily Ryan and I both work right down the street, so we are able to walk. We got about a foot of snow when we first got up here right after Christmas, and then there has just been little flurries every once and a while. But then this past weekend we got hit again with a big storm, and got about another foot, ontop of our 5 inch base. We are expected to get a few snow showers the rest of the week.

Ryan says the mountain is awesome and full of powder!!! Unfortunatley I haven't gotten the chance to get up on the mountain just yet. I don't really have the time or money right now. Plus I am a little nervous to get back up on a mountain again. Last year during New Year's, Ryan and I came up here with some friends and I tried to snowboard on a little mountain on the East Shore, called Homewood. I failed miserably. I barely got off the lift, couldn't stand up for more than 5 seconds, and ended up crying and downloading within 10 minutes. I think that skiing might be more for me. I don't enjoy having both feet strapped to one board. I think I will be more confident with each leg free. But now the problem is I am going to be on a HUGE mountian instead of the smaller one, so I am nervous about the heights and the steepness of the mountain. Maybe I should just get some lessons or something. Oh well, you only live once right? I have met a few people who live up here who just don't enjoy the mountain... maybe I can join that group.

My cat, Frances, is still adapting to the change. Poor little guy isn't used to such a small place so he is going kinda crazy. He still is unsure of what the snow is. He sees it falling outside, and we have taken him out in it twice. For the most part we just drop him in a little pile, and he just stands there and looks around. I don't think he can figure out if its wet, or dry, or what exactly it is. He is still too cute!!! I love it!

Well I guess that is it for now, I should get back to working...