David & Emily's Blog Home

Let Down

2012-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

I am usually the last person who wants it to snow and be cold and icy, but this week I have never wanted it more. The weather teased me, said maybe, and then didn't put out. I have bad knees and have discovered parts that ache when it's too cold that didn't ache before. Cold weather is not my friend. What is my friend, and why I wanted it so badly, is my warm bed.

I'm sitting in my office getting ready to start my work day and I'm still pouting a little. Last night was supposed to be the last (and best) chance this week at my snow day. There is no snow. There is rain. Lots of rain. And wind. The weather got one last jab at me on my way in to the office this morning. I climb out of the (sexy) car rain jacket and hood on. My hands are full of purse, keys and work bag. As I'm walking from the (sexy) car to the door the wind decides to blow my hood off and the now pouring down rain right at me.

It's lucky for everyone that there is hot coffee and hot soup in my bag (that did not spill-surprisingly).

Last Sleep!!

2011-12-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

Puppy and I are excited. David comes home tomorrow! We thought we would celebrate the good news with some cute pictures. Enjoy!

I think maybe she thought she was hiding.

I love her nose!

Awwww!

Stretching

Watching my foot.

Lil pink tongue!

She's still hanging out in the same room as me and hasn't tried to bite, punch or hiss at me so I'm assuming she was down with the photo shoot. I think we are both ready for David to be home :)

Sleepy Post

2011-12-06T00:09:00.000-08:00

So I don't have any pictures or neat things to post. We did go have a lovely time at the coast last weekend. It was lovely-cool and clear and the ocean air was perfect. We got home and let puppy know we still love her. Then this morning David had to hop on a plane and head to CA for two sleeps. Puppy has been adorable, and I think she misses David maybe as much as I do! She's been curled up in his favorite places and when he called she was all cute and twirly in my lap making cute little meows and purtles (cute little purr chirp things). I think we both feel a little gimpy when the man of the house is away. He is our rock, our security (and he is the one who remembers to feed puppy when I'm not awake enough to do much more than make coffee). Two sleeps, and all will be restored. :)

Lack of Sleep+Bad Dreams=Emo Post

2011-11-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I had an awful dream. In my dream something had happened to David, and I was suddenly forced to go on without him. You know the type of dream, and how icky it feels and how sometimes you just can’t wake up and stop it. It made me think about some things.

I can remember growing up and having those dreams except instead of losing David (as we did not know of each others awesomeness yet) it would be losing a parent(s) or sibling(s) or the family pet(s). Occasionally I still dream I lose a family member, and they are no less devastating. I’m older now, and I have a support system all my own now. Things are so different when you are a child and still dependent on your parents for everything.

It makes me realize how completely intertwined my life is with his. How just about everything I do every day he is a part of. He is my coffee slurping partner every morning. He is the moisturizer of my tattoo. He is the person I have to email the really silly crap that happens that I know only he will find silly, and I email him almost daily. We talk every day at lunch, even if briefly and no matter what mood we are in. He is the one I text every day just before I leave to let him know I’m on my way and to see if there is anything I need to get for our evening. He is my zombie apocalypse partner. He is my opener of wine. He is the person I seek comfort from after a really bad day, his hugs can cure just about anything. Can I live without him? Sure. But life is so much better with him.

Loss is the risk part of letting other people into your life, I understand that. It’s the trade off for getting to share even the smallest amount of time with someone amazing. My. Heart. Hurts. at the thought of not hearing my husband call me “lady.” The life we share now is so worth the broken heart. My life has been so much more full, and wonderful with him in it. He has helped me become a stronger person and I know that I will be okay no matter what happens. That is one of his ongoing gifts to me. I can only hope I have done something similar for him.

Losing people you love just flat out sucks. No doubt about it. No way to change it. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about family no longer with us and feel sad. Some days I can talk about it or share a memory with out crying, some days I have to bawl my eyes out. But at the end of the day, and the thing I guess I’m trying to say with this post (other than I love my husband) is that the good memories and the good things you experience from loving those people and letting them be a part of your life is worth the heartache of eventually having to say goodbye. If your lucky, someone feels the same way about you. Cherish those people who make you feel as loved as you do them. We’ll all pull through okay.

Squirrels vs. Crows

2011-11-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

As I am sitting at my desk watching the clock slowly wind its way to 4:30-I mean working really hard I will glance out the window and catch the battle of the ages taking place. Yes. Squirrels vs. Crows.

Across the street from the office I work in is a grassy plot of land with room to roam and a few trees to lurk in. It’s like a mini-park. Really, it’s just a piece of land that has not been built on yet. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. But for now, it’s ground zero.

On a cool clear day like today the squirrels are out in full force. I honestly don’t know how many of them dwell in the land across the street. I have seen at least 8 at a time running around twirling their tails and doing squirrel things. Today there are three, one watching and two covering the land. And when I say covering the land I mean hopping about through leaves (I bet they going “boing boing boing” in their heads as they hop about) and chasing each other up and down trees to hop through more leaves. All in all, very cute.

Then the crows descend.

That’s when the squirrels turn from chasing one another to full on assault on the crows. Any spot the crows land, the squirrels charge at. I have never seen a squirrel move so fast, and I have never seen a crow get chased of by something so small! After about 3 minutes the crows give up and head for the skies again and the squirrels resume chasing one another.

I love mother nature’s drama!

My First Tattoo

2011-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

This year for my birthday I wanted a tattoo. David was on board, and supportive. Ok, he's been beyond on board and supportive. He is the one who washed it for me, put the icky sticky goo on for the first three days and then the lotion after. My sister, Sara, introduced us to the amazing artist that did her tattoo and the rest is history! So here is it, part one, healed and ready for part two (shading and color):

Art and tattoo by the amazing Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland, Oregon

More pics will come after part two has healed up, so sometime after Thanksgiving. :)

October Bend Trip

2011-11-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

I will update this more soon-just wanted to get the pictures up :)

Bauman's Farm, 2011

2011-11-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

This year David and I got to share the farm with my parents. It was their first visit, and hopefully not their last. My sister Melanie and her family were able to join us this year. This was not their first visit, but it had been awhile since they had been there and a lot had changed. Ben and Sara were going to join us, but Sara was getting over a cold so they met up with us after for lunch and visiting. It was a lovely day. Here are some pictures from the farm. I have to say, I loved seeing all the things through the eyes of W and Peanut. I can't wait to see how they tackle things next year!

Getting ready for the fun!

A word of encouragement and she's off!

Waiting for apple canon fun

Figuring out the fort

W has things figured out!

Crazy, in the crazy cage!

I kind of look huge, but aren't we cute?

I'm the apple of someone's eye!

Duck...

Duck...duck...

GOOSE!

W had a lot of fun with the peddle cars!

It's about time to head home for lunch!

Thank you Bauman's, for another fun way to celebrate fall!

Hopefully this is something we can all do again next year. It was nice to hang out as a family and watch the kids go down slides and eat apple cider donuts. Thanks everyone for coming down and hanging out with us at one of our favorite places!

Piece of Candy, Go For a Ride?

2011-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

So I have been hearing “Trunk or Treat” and even saw a sign in a church parking lot for a “Trunk or Treat.” I thought it was a typo because, come on, we’ve all had it happen and just sort of run with it at least once (my blog is proof of my embracing mine). Today being Halloween I was thinking about this “Trunk or Treat” business and decided to google it.

I like to go to Wikipedia for my answers. Wikipedia: Trunk or Treat

The Wiki Answer to “What is Trunk or Treat?” is:

“Picture this: a huge parking lot with the back ends of vans and trucks decorated in a variety of fun themes; complete with games and treats. Maybe in one section of the lot there is an inflatable bounce house and in another section there is a puppet show. From babies on up to grandpas and grandmas, there is something for everyone. What a fun way to spend the evening as a family! In many communities churches sponsor the fun event and families plan their own theme for their vehicle. Sometimes elementary schools, sororities, and large neighborhoods sponsor one as well. The best part of Trunk-or-Treating is that the parking lot is roped off, freeing kids to skip or stroll from place to place.”

And lastly, here are pictures.

WTF??!!?

Who really thought it would be a good idea to encourage children to go up to decorated trunks for candy? What is stopping some total creepo from doing just that and nabbing your child? Come one, seriously. We complain about all the bad poop going on, but aren’t we just making it happen by doing totally stupid crap like this?

It’s just great how the churches are putting these “lets give small children the idea that it’s okay to take candy from strangers with decorated cars/vans” ideas (vans? really? Nothing creepy about that, right? *eye roll*). What is so hard about going door to door with a parent/older sibling/approved adult? Or what about going to a party?

It’s a sad world we live in if walking door to door for free candy has become an inconvenience. I get that some people don't live near people, but when I was growing up those people went and trick or treated in a friends neighborhood or went to a Halloween party. If you don’t want to do the door to door, there are parties or fall festivities to be enjoyed. Try that, instead of activities that only help bad people steal and molest your children.

Hello Blog

2011-10-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

I miss blogging. I'm trying to get back into it. I'm lacking brain power and motivation. The cat is curled up on the foot stool with her back to me, an intended gesture I'm sure. I found her under the blankets on my side of the bed this morning and removed her. She was not happy about that, and has been giving me looks all day. I'm trying not to let it get to me. I can handle the cold...butt?... from the cat. I'm just gonna sit her and watch Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Yup. Not letting it get to me.

Time Sure Flies!

2011-10-21T17:13:00.001-07:00

11 years. That is how long I have been married to the love of my life. It may not seem like a long time, and to others it may seem like too long. Well, I’m of the school that there is never enough time with the one you love. Never. And to me, 11 years is a pretty big deal.

In the 11 years we have been together we have watched other marries fall apart. We have experienced losses together, something not all couples can survive. We have experienced disappointment, our immediate family consists of the two of us and a cat who only tolerates us on the third Tuesday in months that don’t end Y, H, T and R. We have experienced fights (more of them my fault than I’d care to admit) but we don’t go to bed mad (often). And David has put up with more than his share of my crazy train.

In the 11 years we have been together we have watched our extended family grow. We get to be the Uncle and Aunt to some pretty amazing kids. We have faced every one of the things in the above paragraph that could of pushed us apart and only grown closer together. We have a cat. We enjoy our time together going to places we both enjoy and doing things we both enjoy (beer). We have laughed more than we have fought (at ourselves and some of the really stupid things we have seen). And I know what the shit comes down (Zombie Apocalypse) David is going to be there for me 100%.

In the 11 years we have been together I have learned a lot. Marriage is not easy. Marriage is worth it. The best things in life, you really do have to work for. It’s like this intricate song you don’t get the sheet music for, you have to figure out the notes as you go. Sometimes you are going to hit a wrong not or miss a note. You just have to keep playing and work out those runs/cords. You can’t get caught up on the small stuff, you have to play through the tough stuff and most importantly DON’T GIVE UP. When you take a moment, like I am now, to look back you don’t remember all the wrong notes and mistakes. You see this beautiful body of music you contributed to. That part that sounded strangely like Bjork was mine, sorry.

For the last 11 years I have been incredibly lucky. I am proud of all we have worked through and experienced together. I’m lucky that I have a husband who is in this for the long haul and sees what we have is something worth all the work. Thank you for the 11 years of love, security, growing and incredible memories. Here is to more years of our funky song and hopefully some head-bites. I love you sweetheart!

~Emily (quack)

Family

2011-07-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

While my sweetheart was away, my sister came down to keep me company and brought her munchkins with her. Here are some snapshots of the afternoon!

"Why yes, I am pretty!"

W was copying Peanut, but she didn't seem to mind!

Sorry Melanie, I had fun being goofy with you and while we might look a little medically altered (which we are not) you still have a great smile :D

"And this is my pony... and this one..."

That scary pink nappy thing W is holding is a snugglebum. Anyone remember those creepy things?

~Emily

There Can Never Be Too Much Puppy!

2011-07-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

These pictures are for you David. Since you are away, you need your cute kitty fix. Here comes some cute!

She is planning how to eat me. She hopes it is soon.

She is clearly impressed by everything I do!

Bird watching-we are going to have to get her some feeders!

Pretty kitty <3

4 sleeps and a really long day and you'll be home to us! Hope you had a good Monday night. We love you!

~Emily

Wallowing

2011-07-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I couldn't really tell you what I've been doing. Lots of stuff? Maybe. Right now I'm too busy feeling sorry for myself because David left this morning for CA for the week. I know he's just as miserable as I am, so I'm wallowing for him too. I need to get ready for work, but I'm having trouble finding the motivation. I hope this week goes fast. :(

~Emily

A Girl and Her Car (A Love Story) Part 2

2011-02-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, for part one go here.

What was different this morning was David was the one trying to put my bag in the car and safely get my coffee in the cup holder. The passenger side door did open for him, but it was moist inside and the getting the cup into the holder was not an easy task. I got in and started the car to warm it up so I could shift out of park. While the car warmed up David said with his most serious of faces, "we need to get you a new car." I think I gave my usual response of something like "it's paid off, I'll drive it until it dies" or "we will at some point." As annoying as the morning routine was, I was kind of getting used to it. As much as I wanted a new car, it was nice not having to make the payments. I could wait awhile longer. The car warmed up, I was able to shift out of park and away I went. Thinking noting more of the morning car routine.

I had been at work for an hour or so when David started sending me IMs about cars. He told me it was time to seriously start looking, and that prices were not so bad right now. He sent me links to cars at our local Dodge dealership and we talked about what I really had my heart set on (a charger!) and what I could live with out (sun/moon roof). I really wanted a silver or dark grey colored car. Nothing in red or blue (the Jetta was blue). I had had some time to really think about the car, and given that there were some better deals and options on cars that were not my Charger, if I was going to actually get a Charger I would be happy with whatever features it had. I agreed that I would have to be flexible on color, but David agreed that a spoiler was a complete deal breaker (we both think they look horrible on the car). We tentatively talked about going to the dealership that weekend and checking things out. There were a couple online that David said he was going to call the dealership about and do a little research before we went down. I was not looking forward to the car buying dance, but the thought of no more jetta issues was really really nice. I didn't hear anything back from David for the longest time, and then I got busy. I figured he got busy with work and we'd talk about things more when I was home. I completely forgot about it.

Work got really busy, and it was one of those days where we had people coming and going. For us, that is a crazy day. I was in the middle of a project when I happen to glance out the window and see David walking up. I head out of my office to go out to meet him, as I head past our windows I note his truck isn't visible. Larry was also standing at the windows and he says to me as I'm walking out the door "wow that's nice!" I have no idea what he's talking about until I get to the front door. David met me in the lobby and asked if I could come out side with him for a few minutes. That's when I see the Charger. He takes me over to it and asks me what I think. It's silver, there is no spoiler, and I see the magic word "hemi." I tell him it's beautiful! Then he says a bunch of other stuff that I hear but not entirely because I am in a state of shock that this silver beast is sitting in my parking lot! He said something about the blue Charger he was first interested in ended up having a spoiler, as did the others he was interested in and that they sales guy kind of thought it was funny that that was a deal breaker and showed David the car I was now looking at. I may have muttered something about it having a hemi, and he quieted that with a "it's actually not that much more for the hemi, and it is at a great price right now." Then he introduced me to the sales guy, who I didn't even notice was there. He told me that they needed a little bit of information from me and that the sales guy wanted to check out the trade in. I opened the car so he could check it out, and I gave David copies of the things he needed. Before he left he asked me if it was what I wanted, and still in shock I told him yes. I asked him if it was fun to drive and I got his big grin that told me it was. They left and I was utterly distracted the rest of the afternoon.

Just as my day was coming to an end I got a text from David telling me not to leave, he was on his way with some paperwork. First I wondered to myself if he had spent all day at the Dodge dealership. Then I wondered if that sexy silver beastie was going to really become ours. I was anxious for his arrival. When he pulled up to the office he was in the Charger, followed by his truck. The sales guy was driving the truck. David came in and handed me a funky looking key "it's yours after you sign a stack of papers!" Giddy doesn't even come close to describing what I was feeling! The sales guy had all the documents for me to sign, and I signed and initialed until I couldn't feel my hand anymore. I didn't care. I knew what was waiting for me in the parking lot! David had spent pretty much the whole day down at the dealership working everything out, getting the paperwork as done as he could with out me and even getting the car registered and my license plates put on. The sales guy had come with him to my office so we wouldn't have to drive back down to the dealership. He would drive the Jetta away and I would be driving home my dream car! We emptied out the Jetta, I told it a civil goodbye (it had at least mostly driven me around without leaving me stranded) and then was in complete awe (and a little nervous) about driving the Charger. David gave me a quick run down of all the things I needed to know. I started the car and it roared to life. I love that sound! After David was sure I knew enough to drive it home, with a huge grin left me to sit in our new car and grin like a fool (which I still do when I remember it's really ours and I get to drive it). The first thing I noticed was it didn't take much pressure on the gas to get it to go. I would have to remember that, and be really careful! It was not a big as I thought it would be, it only felt a little bit bigger than the Jetta-definitely longer. I giggled and grinned the whole way home. It really is my dream car! And I have my husband to thank for making it really happen. I know it was more than we wanted to spend, and I know gas is going to make me cringe, but... but... it's pretty!! Every day I get into our car and drive to work I know how much my husband loves me. I love to drive it, I love it when he drives it. It's been a dream! I have a feeling I'm going to be a grinning fool every time I see it for a very very long time!

And that folks, is the story of how my David surprised me with my dream car. And now, off we drive into the sunset. :)

~Emily

PS-for those of you who said I was going to get a ticket... NO TICKET YET!

Why I Love Safeway...

2011-01-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, this is me making lemonade out of lemons. Stupid stuff happens to me at the store (nothing bad David-just people not thinking before they speak) and the positive is it gives me something to come home and blog about!

I was at Safeway today. I've been cleaning out the fridge and pantry and am restocking before David comes home, and this was my restock stop. So keep in mind, I was buying more than one of each item (not that that should matter). I was in line with my cart of stuff and was pouting about how disappointing the produce was. I picked up an onion and my thumb went into it *shudder* :S. I loaded up my purchases, leaving the multiples of heavy things in the cart. Before she started scanning I let her know how many of each item I had. One of my multiple purchases was some wine. After the holidays we had made a dent in our wine rack and I was taking the opportunity to stock up. I had 12 bottles total in my cart. The checker says to me "That's some wine! That's like what my dad would buy and he was an alcoholic." I was thinking "What? Excuse me?" I looked at her and said "Thank you for comparing me to an alcoholic, and pretty much implying I am one. You know nothing about me. Maybe I'm stocking up for a party or a book club meeting. Instead you assume the worst." She looked taken aback and sort of tried to apologize. I looked at her, I probably had that cold pissed look I get when I have to deal with another crappy experience at the story, and said, "Thanks, don't worry, I have 12 bottles of wine to comfort me." This wasn't a checker I had seen before. I don't know if it was a new person, or if this was not a normal shift for her. At any rate, she only mildly ticked me off. I may have flustered her for the rest of the night. I think that's a win for me. Off to go drink one of my 12 bottles....

~Emily

Wednesday

2011-01-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm restless. It's just one of those days. I was tired at work all day. I came home and managed to clean out the freezer and then the fridge. I have some other things to do, but I keep pacing around and looking at my phone. Maybe I need to combat the fur bunnies floating around.

Two more sleeps... two more sleeps...

Tuesday...

2011-01-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

...really? It's only Tuesday? I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. My back still hurts and my deep paper cut keeps doing sore icky things. It's like I fall apart when David goes out of town! Maybe he has part of my brain with him? That would explain a lot...

Today's excitement was the afternoon flurries. Around 3 pm today it started to snow. I don't think it lasted very long and it didn't sick. My boss kindly let me leave early, which was nice for my peace of mind as well as Davids. There is supposed to be freezing rain tonight, but it's been pretty quiet so far. It is only 9:30, the winter storm warning for our area started at 3 pm and I think was to go until midnight. Puppy and I are unfazed. She is curled up on David's footstool with her back to me. I think I am being shunned. I tried to get her to pose for a picture with me to send to David. She really wasn't into it and I ended up with fur in my mouth. Anyway, hopefully I will wake up to clear roads and can go about my normal business tomorrow.

I'm gonna go try to move something from one place to another place (well, other than myself). Three more sleeps and then David is home. :)

~Emily

Monday Monday...

2011-01-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't posted here in a while. The last time I posted David was in California and I was waiting for him to arrive. Well, David is again in California but I have 4 sleeps before he comes home to me. The cat is sitting on his couch, in his spot, looking at me with this look that says "Where is daddy? What. Did. You. Do?" And then she looks away and gnaws on her leg. Cats are so strange.

I have my to do list, but I'm not feeling as good about it as I usually do. I tweeked my back this weekend and it is still sore. It makes carrying stuff up and down the stairs not so much fun. There is also word that there may be a bit of a storm coming in tomorrow. I might find myself headed home from work early to avoid driving in some nastiness with my sexy silver beastie. Have I mentioned how much I love our new car? Before he went out of town, David cleared a spot in the garage for the car so now it's warm and happy for me in the mornings. I don't have to go out in the rain and get into a cold car, and David doesn't have to go scrap ice off for me either. I think I'm finally getting the hang of getting it in and out of the garage too. Every morning I have to smile because of how sweet my David is, and because I get to drive our car.

Sorry for the sort of rambling meandering post. I just finished organizing my desk and now I'm watching some TV before I try to get some sleep. I'm watching and episode of Hoarders on A&E. This episode has a rat hoarder (over a thousand rats) and a cat hoarder (over 50 cats). I'm thinking the show needs to get these two people together and let nature do it's thing... just a thought. The rat guy just said he will have rats licking his face and eye lids while he is sleeping. Um, I like rats but that would be a big fat ICK! I have to say, the rats are awfully cute but I think that many of them scurrying about freely would sort of freak me out. I also have to say I think 50 cats would freak me out, so David I promise you I will only ever have 2 cats at a time.

I guess I better think about some sleep. 4 more sleeps until I get David hugs, YAY!!

~Emily

At Last-Friday!

2010-12-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

This week has been just, crazy. Work has been crazy busy-and building up to be even more so in the coming weeks. David is in California. And I think I'm fighting with my sinuses. But, as of 4:30 today (no offense to my boss of course-who is going to be really busy this weekend) things started to look up. I get to climb into my sleek sexy car and come home. I have all the ingredients I needed to make Pasties, a favorite of David's. I get to see one of my friends this weekend and we are going to eat cookies, drink mochas and make cards. There is a chance we might try to glitter the cat-I bet if we did that and caught it all on video it would be a bigger hit that Mariah Carey's Glitter movie (don't worry David-puppy is safe, I'm just kidding). And-the best thing of all... ask I write this entry David is on the plane headed home!! In a few hours, the balance in my world will be restored, and I think I'm going to sleep like the dead tonight. This weekend rocks already!

~Emily

A Girl And Her Car (A Love Story)

2010-12-02T22:06:00.000-08:00

This story starts like many love stories do. A bad relationship, and a dream for something better.

Ok but seriously, things were bad. The car I was driving was a 2003 Jetta. It got me from point A to point B, and we had paid it off so it was a car with no car payments. No car payments makes it hard to walk away to car payments again. For about the last year, things were starting to go south with Jetta. Last fall/winter it started to leak. If it froze outside, there would be a layer of ice on the inside of the windshield, as well as the outside. Same with the back window. Also, the trunk was leaking, so if I opened it to put stuff in there was like a layer of dew, except not, in the trunk. Frosty mornings sucked, but thankfully in Oregon, where we live, we get more rain than super cold/ice.

Then maybe 6 months ago (give or take a month or so) it would not shift out of park. I'd get in the car in the morning to go to to work and I was stuck. I called the dealership we bought the car from and take it to for service for advice. What did they tell me to do? "Get out of the car and shake it. That should release the locked gear." Seriously? How exactly does one shake a car enough to do that without being a superhero? What I really had to do was let the car warm up for anywhere between 5-15 minutes. Then my ongoing battle with the cup holders took a turn for the worse. (For those of you not familiar with the cup holders of the 2003 Jetta-they were like praying mantis mandibles and held things not as well. Also, if you are a music fan they were inconveniently located right in front of the radio. You couldn't swap CDs or see what station you were on if you had a beverage.) If I turned to sharp (or really turned at all) my precious cup of coffee would come tumbling out of the "holder." And then, to add insult to injury, my passenger door stopped operating properly. In the mornings I go out to my car with my work bag and put it on my passenger seat before I get in the car and go. The door lock was not working correctly, my key fab wouldn't unlock it all the time. I'd have to get in the car and open it from the inside. And, on the days that I did that, it wouldn't lock with the key fab and I'd have to lock it, and then lock the car.

Obviously it was time to take the car to the shop for usual service and to see what was possessing it. I told them everything it was doing (or not doing) and asked them to replace the batter in my key fab. The next day when I picked up my car, they told me they couldn't get it to act up so maybe there wasn't really a problem. And that there is no leak in my car or trunk. But that they had done the usual service and replace the battery my key fab, and to call them if it acted up again. I drive home, mostly confident in the service department.

The next morning, the Jetta is up to it's usually tricks. They tell me to bring it back. Again, they keep it over night and send me home with a car that they said was fine. Oh, but the guy suggested that I check to see if my brake lights come on when I hit my brake, because if they don't it could be that my car isn't registering that the brake is on. I ask him how I'm supposed to do that by myself (yes, I know I can have David help me but how is that feasible to do every morning?). My confidence is rapidly dropping.

I tell David I'm not taking the car back again, even if it acts up. Which it does. My morning departure routine gets altered by 15 minutes allowing for time for the car to warm up. Oh, and did I mention my key fob starts working; the key fab they put a new battery in? David feels bad for me, he puts up with my complaining and offers me various cars. But I am stubborn. There is a specific car I want, and I stubbornly refuse to change my mind, insisting I'd rather drive Jetta until it falls apart (which at this point could be sooner rather than later).

So what car did I have my heart set on? This:

2010 Dodge Charger (with a Hemi)

And so life went on. Bad Jetta became the norm until one cool morning. David was helping me load up the Jetta and I think he was kind of amazed what I had to do to get the car rolling in the morning. Looking at it now, it had to be sort of comical, the way I would contort to open things or manage the coffee into the cup holder maneuver. While I think he was impressed with my crazy morning skills, I do not believe David was impressed with Jetta.

To Be Continued....

~Emily

Thursday blah blah blah

2010-12-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

I tend to feel better when I blog. It's like public therapy. I just don't blog as often as I should because if I did it every day it would be my stream of consciousness ramble and is that really entertaining? That concept completely conflict with my desire to amuse and entertain my 3, no wait I think I have 4 now, readers! David and I have been busy doing things around the house to de-clutter, so we have been busy with that. It's been good. We've been working on it together and the house is starting to feel more open and user friendly. We still have a bunch to do, but now I feel like I can have people over (even though the cat might throw up).

I'm sitting here watching Vampire Diaries, and texting with a friend who is watching from Georgia. It makes it more entertaining. It looks like the baby witches are self destructing. I better go pay attention! More later... I have a story about a girl and a car that I need to share :D

~Emily

Full Snark

2010-12-01T21:59:00.000-08:00

So I guess I woke up in snark mode this morning. Given the lack of sleep (thank you puppy for the strange face sniffs at 3 something this morning) and the fact that I'm always even more "off" when my David is out of town I shouldn't be terribly surprised.

So what set me off? What gave my snark button a super good push? I was at a grocery store getting some lunch today. The store was busy, and they had several lanes open to accommodate the masses, including two express (12 items or less) lanes. I had like 3 items so of course I head to one of the two express lanes. The other lanes had some lines with very full carts, and my 30 minutes for lunch were quickly ticking away. As I stand in line (and several people get in line behind me) I find I am not moving very quickly. There were 4 people in front of me. The woman at the check out was talking to the checker rather than writing the check to pay and get out of the way. The person next in line was coughing and acting impatient, in hopes that the chatter would hurry and get along little doggie. The hint gets taken, the check gets written and the next person is up. This person had 12 items, and wanted to know the price for EACH item before it was scanned in. Then, a pair of shoes caused a brain freeze and "should I, shouldn't I" was tossed back and forth. The other express lane is also pretty packed, but they are actually moving. I contemplate line jumping, but there were only two people in front of me now. The shoes were put off to the side and the transaction was finally finished. I am impatient, and anxious to get out. I notice that the people in front of me have placed their items on the conveyer belt. It looked like a lot of stuff, so I count the items. Lets just say they both have more (quite more) than 12 items. That really ticks me off. The person checking out adds 3 gift certificates to their transaction, and kept changing their mind on the amounts. As I'm standing there, getting really pissy about the number of items people have a cashier comes through our line to tell us we can go to the "self" check out. Now, I say "self" because really you can't just go over there and use them any time, you still have to have help from a cashier. So I don't really see how that is "self" check out. It's more like supervised check out. I don't pay what I pay for groceries to help pay for employees wages to do the work myself. I nicely tell her I actually hate using those, that I'm in the 12 (said loudly) items or less line because I expect people to have 12 (again said loudly) items or less so things actually move along. She walks away. Now, the woman in front of me with her 22 items is being checked out and she is fighting about coupons and prices. In my head I'm telling her to piss off and take it to a non-express lane and let the rest of us get back to work, in real life I'm willing my eyes to pierce the back of her head with laser beams. She gets all huffy and says "never mind, just take those items off and I'll come back later." When it was my turn the checker apologized for the wait. All I said to him was "I remember the day when people were actually told they had too many items and were asked to move." Yeah. I felt old, but I did work at a grocery store and I did have to tell people that they had too may items for a lane (if that was true). And we were nice about it.

So I am just fed up with people being inconsiderate. I am not trying to give the impression that I think I'm more important than anyone else. I am not counting each can of soda, or bottle or banana as a separate item. I just don't understand why people are so selfish and can't read a simple sign and be courteous. If the store is slow, and there are no lines I don't care where you go. If the cashier is doing nothing and waves you over because you are waiting I don't care, that is different. When the store is BUSY and the express lane has a line, look and see if it's your fault. If you are being the express lane douche bag. There. I said it. Strangely, I do feel better.
/end rant

~Emily

/Facepalm

2010-11-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

3D Yogi Bear? Seriously? WHYYYYYYYYYY????? Did the powers that be learn nothing from the whole "Garfield" experience? In Zombieland even Bill Murray said he regrets Garfield. Don't even get me started about Alvin and the Chipmunks.

See what happens when I'm home alone? No, that's a lie. This happens when David is home too. My snark knows no bounds.

Miss you sweetie!

~Emily

Movies movies movies

2010-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

So over the last two weekends we have watched a bunch of movies. I meant to blog about the first batch last weekend but I lacked the motivation and brain power to do so. So I will do it here in one happy movie post.

Drag Me to Hell
IMDB Page. This movie was written and directed by Sam Raimi (Spider Man, The Evil Dead and Army of Darkness are also some of his works). I liked Spider Man, and I thought maybe this would be good balance to the girl movies I had picked up. I was wrong. This movie made all the girl movies I have ever seen look brilliant. The lead actors were Alison Lohman and Justin Long (you know, the guy who plays Mac on the PC/Mac commercials). They are both talented actors and I have enjoyed them in other work they have done, it was just the movie that was bad. It was more gross that scarey, and it wasn't funny cheesey like Army of Darkness it was just, well, bad. On a positive note, I did learn a valuable life lesson: When buying something second hand take just a minute and think about it. You never know. It's quite possible an angry, juciy, gypsy put a curse on that item and by taking ownership of said item you become the cursed one. Is it really worth it? Watch this movie and you decide. (Also, don't eat while watching this movie.)

Easy Virtue
IMDB Page. This is a remake of a 1928 movie that was directed by Alred Hitchcock. The 2008 remake was directed by Stephan Elliot and starred Jessica Biel, Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth (to name a few). To sum this movie up, a young Englishman marries an american woman with a passion for speed and a bit of a past. The young Englishman takes his new bride home to meet his family and events unfold. I thought the movie was casted well. The story was amusing, and the music was perfect (but only if you are a Cole Porter fan). If you want a movie that you can just sit back and enjoy I would add this to your list.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur
IMDB Page. We are Ice Age fans so we went ahead and added this one to our collection. All the actors came back to lend their voices to the characters we know and love.

My Life in Ruins
IMDB Page. This movie stared Nia Vardalos, writer of and lead actress in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This was a sweet little store about finding love in the last place you would expect to.

The Ugly Truth
IMDB Page.

Star Trek
IMDB Page.

So yeah, I ran out of steam. Star Trek was too awesome for words.

Friday, YAY!

2010-11-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here on my nice cozy couch with my warm lap top on my lap. I just consumed a cup of earl gray (or is it grey?) tea and some shortbread. Men in Black is on and David is all cute and snoozey on his couch. All those lovely things mean today is Friday. I'm looking forward to a weekend of hopefully getting some projects finished around the house that I have been wanting to do for a while and watching movies. I don't want to use my brain if I don't have to. Happy weekend to the two people who actually read this blog! :)

~Emily

Caller ID

2010-11-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

I am a secret ninja. Ok. That was a lie. I just like to think that in my head when I can see who is calling on my work caller id. So imagine my disappointment when one of those "out of area" or "Salem" people call. That means I have to use my brain and try to associate a phone number (if there is one) with a client. That takes a lot of brain power. So what really amuses me is those people who call, but won't leave a voice message if no one picks up. Instead, they will call every five minutes until someone answers. And what happens when I answer? I put you through to the bosses voicemail. I don't see how my involvement in the process was necessary but ok.

My Job-Funnies

2010-10-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, I work in a law office. This job has allowed me to see a side of people that not everyone gets to see. When people call, or come into the office they have (or think they have) been seriously wronged and are coming to us for justice. I think we have been lucky with our clients so far, we have a pretty good group and I enjoy working with just about all of them. However, we do get some pretty wackadoo calls and I have learned SOOO much about people. Thought I'd share some of my giggles and frustrations along the way. No names or specifics are being given to protect the crazy (someone needs to look out for them).

Warlock? Really?
A woman called upset because someone she looked up to had betrayed her and caused her to make some poor choices. In her next breath she told me she shouldn't have been surprised because this person is really a warlock and can't be trusted. I had to bit my tongue. I had to take it all down and give my boss the potential client memo without laughing.

Keep in mind, I am a World of Warcraft (addictive computer game) junkie and one of the classes/characters you an play in the game is a warlock so I was thinking about that as the potential was talking to me.

You Think This Will Make Me Want To Help You?
I wouldn't do these things to your attorney.

You saw my post about insisting on scheduling an appointment, making said appointment and then client no-showing? Well, the follow up to that... don't show up the next day and expect to see the attorney. My boss is kind so he met with him anyway. Saying you stay in a house with a bunch of people and your alarm isn't working and you slept through your appointment because no one woke you is lame. Even lamer-saying you didn't think you needed to call and let anyone at the office know what happened. You just look like and ass now.

This just bugs me, my boss is more tolerant than I. Just showing up. We have a few of these types. They just show up whenever hoping the boss is free for a few minutes (which usually is more like 20-30 minutes). I don't see what is so hard about calling to see if the boss is available, or to let someone know you are coming in. The exception to this? People who drop in to drop off a payment. People who just come in hoping for time with the attorney make me crazy. This goes for clients-because they should know how busy their attorney is, and for potentials-who are hoping to get some free attorney time.

Service/therapy animals. I may have already written something about this and how much I hate people who abuse the service/therapy animal boundaries. I hate people who call to complain that their boss won't let them bring their therapy cat to work and want an attorney to tell their boss the cat has to be allowed. The sad thing? The cat probably does need to be allowed because those laws are sooo tricky and you can't question a person to much about why they need the animal in the first place because that is violating their rights. Oy. MY (my very own) opinion is if you need a therapy animal-maybe you should be seeing a doctor more regularly and not going out into the world until you can do so without animal comfort. Having said that-I am not directing that towards people who really need an animal, like a service dog or people who have a serious medical condition and have an animal to assist them should they have a stroke or seizure. I'm not totally heartless!

Alright, time to go to the job. I'll add more as I remember them/come across them :)

~Emily

Long Weekend-Never Long Enough

2010-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

It was time for a long weekend at the beach. We got lucky, it was cooler and overcast most of this trip. We even go rain on our last full day there. Here are some pictures from that lovely stormy rainy day!

This horse did not seem to thrilled to be out in the rain.

Pretty waves :)

I enjoyed the peace and quiet-I'm ready go back!

~Emily

The Tattoo I Want!

2010-10-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

I am kind of addicted to the tv show LA Ink. At some point, I really want to get a tattoo, or two. I really want an owl. I have a thing for owls. Corey Miller does AMAZING owls, this is sort of what I have in mind:

I'm still thinking about it. I won't rush into anything... but someday....

~Emily

Bauman Farms, October 2, 2010

2010-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

We were able to share a "first time" experience at Bauman Farms with my friend Angela and her family. It was their first visit to the farm, and it was our first time witnessing the helicopter pumpkin drop. Here are some pictures from our day!

This alpaca looks all sweet and innocent, but just after this picture was taken this alpaca went and started some "poop" with the geese and caused quite a ruckus!

The geese just after the alpaca incident. Is this enough geese for a gaggle? Anyway, this is the goose gang. Don't mess with them!

This goose and I were trying to figure each other out. The gang came up to the fence where we were standing acting all tough-necks shaking and squawking like no body's business. They did like to be called pretty birds.

David made friends with the two calves in the animal barn this year. They are such sweet things. Sometimes (only sometimes) I wish I could have a cow in the back yard.

They both wanted attention.

David getting some calf kisses!

Pretty bird!

David's happy face after shooting an apple canon. I think everyone should have one of these...

The Strehlow family! Angela, Avery and Dave.

David enjoying one of our new favorite things-the apple slushie! (Sara & Ben, we can't wait to introduce you to these!)

Avery in hay jail-Angela giggling in the background :)

Pretty lil pumpkins!

This is the beginning of something awesome! This helicopter is lifting a HUGE pumpkin. In a few moments it is going to let go of the pumpkin and hopefully drop it into a kiddie pool. It. Was. Awesome. We saw it happen three times-David has video footage we'll post at some point. :)

Avery really liked this hay bale dragon, so it seemed like a good time for another family picture.

We had a great time! I think we'll be making a few more trips to the farm-and I can't wait! Hope you enjoyed the photos, I'll post more from any other trips.

~Emily

Some Movies NOT to Watch...

2010-08-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

It seems David and I have hit a streak of movies we probably would have been better off not watching. That happens sometimes. I guess you have to see some really rotten ones to appreciate the really good ones. Anyway, I thought I'd let the two or three of you that read this blog know what not to watch.

There may be spoilers-which really is ok because you really don't need to watch either of these movies... I just had to be fair and warn you regardless.

First: The Killer Inside Me (Internet Movie Database) (see this link for cast and plot summary) Great cast. Interesting story. Horrible violence. This movie really disturbed and upset me. I can handle aliens popping out of chests, or most of anything Quentin Tarantino can throw at me. The violence in this movie wasn't unlike what you would find in a Tarantino movie, but it was different. It wasn't choc-a-block full of violence either, it was just a few scenes (and quick flashbacks). I guess it was the subject matter. The main male character beat two women to death and it was incredibly graphic and upsetting. My poor David was just as shocked as I was, and was at a loss to deal with how it upset me. If I could remove/edit those scenes I would actually recommend the movie. The acting was good, the story was interesting. But the movie in its current form is just too upsetting.

Second: Life During Wartime (Internet Movie Database) (see this link for cast and plot summary) Another movie that had a good cast. The trailer looked like it was going to be a off-kilter comedy. The movie ended up not being so funny. It kind of drug on and on and on...and never really went anywhere. (Drinking did not make it any better. Seriously.)

So what have I been watching that I have actually enjoyed? Well, let me tell you. David and I got hooked on The Tudors, the Showtime series. I'm kind of hooked on that time period and just finished reading The Tudor series by Philippa Gregory (she wrote "The Other Boleyn Girl"). I just get sucked into the different possibilities of what King Henry was like, and what the lives of his many many wives must have been like.

Ok. I should get back to my list of things I want to get done around the house. Just had to take a minute and say hello!

~Emily

FYI

2010-08-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

If you schedule an appointment with your attorney-an appointment that you requested-you should really make sure you are clear about the date and time. Just a thought, write it down even. Otherwise, when you no-show, no-call, and completely blow it off... the staff is going to think you are a total ass. And the staff never forgets. NEVER.

~the Staff

You Just Know...

2010-07-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

...the evening is going to be awesome when you come home at the end of the day with your arms full of stuff from the hot car to find presents from the cat. And by presents I don't mean "ooo yay!" I mean gifts left for me by Linda Blair kitty. So I follow the trail of puke from the living room, into the kitchen and around into the laundry room. I put my dinner in the microwave, where it is just going to have to live for awhile. I clean up the mess, thanking god most of it was on the non-carpeted flooring. I carry out the bag of bio-harzad and hurry back into the cool house only to find the cat at the top of the stairs glaring down at me as if everything is my fault. It's my fault she ate so much fur and made herself sick. Maybe it's even my fault she has so much fur. Who knows. She is such a strange little cat. She seriously gets strange when I clean the house, which I've been doing this week. So, my one or two blog readers, in the future if you come to my house and it is dirty it is because that is how the cat likes it and she obviously runs the joint.

How Monday Night Went...

2010-07-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it went into Tuesday morning. I have learned that my imagination is really a terrible thing sometimes. And I think everything in the house (including the cat) was screwing with my mind last night. Every single crappy scary (and not scary) movie I have seen somehow found its way into my mind last night. There was no rest for the wicked.

I decided to take advantage of my inability to sleep and watch some late night talk shows. I used to love watching Letterman, so that is where I started last night. I was incredibly disappointed when I found out who his guest was. Of ALL the nights it figures it was the one night I was watching that this guest was on. There are really only two people that would make me change the channel. One is Billy Bell from this season of So You Think You Can Dance. There is just something about that guy that gives me the willies. I just can't stand him. The other is...Nicholas Cage. I hate Nicholas Cage. So I had to go watch huge chin-fat head Leno. Then I went and watched crappy Hallmark Channel movies.

I am hopeful that night will go better. If all else fails it looks like I can watch a bunch of episodes of Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Monday Monday

2010-07-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

The house feels so empty when David is away. But someone seems to relish in claiming new territory:

Me: "Hey! Do you belong there?!"

Puppy: "I don't see how it's any of your business if I belong here or not!"

She is still there. She may still be there when David gets home. You just never know with here. I'm working up the, hmm, what is the word I'm looking for. I need to start vacuuming and I'm trying to get the get up and go to do it. I'm just feeling blah today. Buddy (Cake Boss) is making a dragon cake. That is more my speed right now. :(

~Emily

Heirloom Rose Garden - June 12, 2010

2010-06-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

David and I went and visited a rose garden in our area and had to share some pictures. I did not write down any names, so you will just have to make up your own names for them.

I shall call this one Marie! Now you get the idea ;)

If It Comes Out of Your Dog...

2010-05-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

it's your poop to pick up. That should be LAW. Well, it sort of is in our neighborhood rules.

So you are thinking "Whoa, where is this coming from?" Well, let me tell you.

David and I are walking again and every morning I find myself having to dodge dog poop. It's not just one random occurrence. It's repeated and multiple. Oh, and it's DISGUSTING. I'm told by the rules in my CCR that I'm not supposed to let my cat out (and people are suppose to clean up after their dogs). Puppy is strictly indoors. She poops in a box that David or I clean. She in no way poopulates the neighborhood. Why is it no one else seems to follow these guidelines? Really, I'm just tired of lazy people getting away with being lazy. I'm tired of dodging poop. People of Parkmeadow-If I see you with your dog, or I know who your dog is, and it poops without you picking it up I am going to say something. That, or you will find a pile of poo on your porch....

end rant. ><

~Emily

You Say...

2010-05-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

So I went into a business this afternoon to obtain and mother's day gift for my mom. Since I have no clue what she wants/needs I was walking in with the intent to purchase a gift certificate so she could shop for whatever she wanted. Easy, right?

So I walked in, went up to the counter and waited for service. When asked "how can I help you?" I answered "I need a twenty-five dollar gift certificate." The woman, we'll call her Betty, went to attend to my request. From somewhere else within the business a woman says "You mean a gift card?" My first thought was to wonder what concern it was of hers. Betty looked confused. I guess I should have said I entered this business expecting this to be an easy transaction and had little to no patience for stupidity as I had spent it all at work already. I looked at Betty and said, "Seriously? It's the same thing." I believe Betty was in agreement because she was continuing to process my request. The disembodied voice proceeded to explain the exact difference to me (one is a slip of paper, the other is a card. The card is used like a credit card...). I say to the voice, "It's the same thing, I'm quite happy to go elsewhere for a gift whatever if this is going to be a problem..." Betty looks at me apologetically, finishes my request and I head out. I don't understand what is wrong with people. Betty knew what I was asking for. It took every fiber of my being to not find the location of the voice and explain that talking to people like that is a HUGE turn off and if she doesn't care about how the business does then to continue on but if she does care to perhaps not make the customer feel stupid. I don't think I'll be assisting that business any further after this mother's day.

Why can't things just be easy for once?

~Emily

What Does it Say About a Person...

2010-05-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

when they are talking "dirty" to their dog? Seriously.

So I get that to some people (probably lots of people), their pets are like their kids. Not having any (kids) myself our cat has sort of filled that void (poor cat-she pleads for help daily). What I saw today surpasses that and in my (crazy) opinion well crosses any sort of line in the human/pet relationship.

I was loading my groceries into my trunk this afternoon when I witnessed human/pet behavior that I just can't understand. A woman came dashing from the store to her car. She seemed to be empty handed. She went first to the passenger side of the car and started talking to the dog sitting in the front seat. It was a mangy nappy looking little thing, and I apologize but I have an extreme dislike for smallish yappy little doge that look like they are dirty nappy rugs. She was saying things like "I'm here baby, I'm here my big boy." This dog was not a big dog. "We are gonna go home soon and you can give it to me big boy." She was talking to this dog the same way some people come on to a member of the opposite sex. It was really creepy. Those are things I just don't think a woman should say to her dog, in any context. Meanwhile the dog is totally freaking out and has probably peed with glee all over the passenger side of the car. She went around to the driver side and got in, the dog got in her lap and she let it lick her mouth. I had to get in my car and leave before I vomited in the parking lot. I wasn't the only person who was close enough to hear that all. I can't imagine talking to anyone or anything like that in a public place. A small part of me died having seen that display. I have to go take a shower now and wash off the creepy cooties. :(

~Emily

My New Distraction

2010-03-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

One of my all-time favorite movies is the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice (P&P). I could watch it over, and over and over again. In fact, I watched it twice this weekend and would have possibly gone for a third if there was more time. I will have to devote a whole post someday as to why I love that movie, but that is not this post.

While looking around Border's one day I found The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins. I picked it up to skim through it and see what it was all about. I am always skeptical of a sequel especially when not written by the original author. I am a Jane Austen fan, and as much as I would love to see what would happen next in the lives of my favorite P&P characters I had a hard time believing someone not Ms. Austen could convincingly write such a thing. I am glad to say I was quickly (and I do mean quickly) proven wrong. I was sucked in and hooked in the first few pages and the book had to come home with me. I devoured it. It started where P&P left off, the carriages pulling away and the happy couples embarking on their new lives together. I think Ms. Collins did a wonderful job of staying true to Ms. Austen's cherished characters. Her writing is very Austen like, but yet very much her own. When I had finished the book (I think I read it in a day or a day and a half) I was left wanting more. Lucky for me she has a whole series, The Pemberley Chronicles Series. If you are a P&P fan like I am, and would like a possible story about the continued adventures of the Darcy's and the Bingley's check out Ms. Collin's website.

I have almost read all the books that she has published in this series and will be eagerly waiting for the remaining books to be published (looks like I have 2 more to look forward to). I may have to branch out and look at some of the sequels that have been written for some of Ms. Austen's other works.

If any of my readers (I make it sound like other people read this blog other than my husband, LOL) are Austen fans be sure to visit The Republic of Pemberley. It's a great site, I'm just too shy to participate in any of the discussions but it makes for some good reading and there are some very creative, clever and dedicated fans out there.

~Emily
(wow a post with no Riley pictures-she would be so disappointed!)

My Own Daily Squee

2010-03-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

I know, I look like one of those crazy cat people, but I don't have kids. Yes, that explains it all. I don't have kids, so I must post pictures of my cat to fill that void. Yes, that's it. Anyway... here:

She is meowing at me here, telling me to stop taking pictures.

So pretty. So going to try to figure out how to eat me.

That's all from the crazy cat lady today.

~Emily

Daily Squee

2010-03-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

When I'm feeling down, and I'm in need of one of those "awwww" moments, this is the website I go to (when I remember): Daily Squee

This site is full of animal cute. Check it out. Go! ;)

~Emily

Queen of the House

2010-03-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

You'd think that would be me....

....well, it's not. Not with a cat in the house! There is no competing with a cat. They have their own rules, ideas, and plans for the day. The only influence we have is in the feeding department. Well, we have the ability to move them, but that just turns things into a war zone until the queen calms down...

Here is our furry queen:

~Emily

New Hobby?

2010-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

So I learned something really interesting yesterday and I think it might have to become my new hobby. I complain about a lot of things, but until now I have not had a way to get some sort of follow through. So, I ask you my few readers, would you like to unite with me and take a stand? Let me share my joy with you.

One of my pet peeves are people who smoke in their cars with the windows down and at the end fling their smoking butts out into the road. I think it's disrespectful, and rude. If they don't want their cigarette smoke around them when they are driving what makes them think I do? But what can you do about it, short of rolling down your window and saying something to them which will only resort in a fight in varying levels. You know anything from name calling to some form of road rage. Well, my readers, you do have an option. If they throw their smoking cigarette butt out the window it is an offense. So what can you do? Simple. Call the local police, not the emergency line-they do not like that, and report the offense. An officer will have to take the report. You will have to sign it. They will track down and server the offender and they will have to appear in court. You will as well, but in my opinion it is worth it to take a stand. When you make the report you need to know the license plate number, the location it happened (parking lot, street name and closest intersection) and it helps to know if the person is male or female. They have to come and take your report, it is your right.

This is the same for drunk or erratic drivers, so if you witness or are a target in road rage you do have ways to fight back. Given it's not right in that moment. But I'm ok with it biting them in the butt after the fact. So what am I saying? I'm saying unite, take back our roads and make them cigarette butt free and maybe a little safer. I'll go to court if it means maybe one more person things before chasing someone down or flipping that smoking butt out the window. Spread the word and join me in some karma.

~Emily

I'm Not Asking For The Moon, Or Am I?

2010-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

I pay for a service. Ha ha! That sounds almost dirty! Let me rephrase that. I pay for the "privilege" of playing an on-line massive multi-player blah blah blah (World of Warcraft). I do this, for the opportunity to slay beasts with complete strangers, some of them being incredibly immature and obnoxious youth, and some of them being people I enjoy knowing on a pixel-basis. I like being able to log in and either run around by myself, leveling a toon to the mighty level of 80 so I can do whatever level 80's do in their spare time, or with a group of pixel approved friends for a greater purpose. This might be running instances for loots and fun, or doing dailies for to make money for all those most-have items. Where am I going with this (besides sharing what an geek I can be)?

Well, for about the last maybe month, the game has been barely playable. The lag has been intolerable. When I kill a big fat ogre (I affectionately call them "fatties") I want to be able to immediately loot my treasure and move on to the next fattie. That is the way of the game, and the way it normally is. For the last few weeks things have not been like that. For example, today it took me 40 minutes to log in. I spent 20 minutes waiting for the character screen to come up, and then another 20 minutes at the loading screen. Once I finally made it in, the game was still not playable. There was a huge delay in interacting with the characters in the game-which made turning in quests, picking up quests or selling garbage in my bag impossible. It's been like this every night I've tried to play for the last month. Some nights you can patiently play through the lag. Might I suggest a drinking game? Every time you have to wait to loot take a drink. Every time you have to wait to talk to an npc, take two drinks, etc. You get to the point where you really don't care about the lag, or playing for that matter.

But now to my point. This is not the service I am paying for. I am not paying to wait 40 minutes to log in. I'm not paying to sit and drink with my lap top while I attempt to play. What completely blows my mind is that even though others complain, many many others, Blizzard Entertainment can't seem to be bothered with such trifle problems. They blame my internet connection. Yeah, nice try. Try again. I would be way less frustrated if they would acknowledge the instability of our server, and would even say that they are working on improving play-ability. Oh, and it would be nice if they would credit my account at least a month of play time, for the month of un-play-ability. Grrr.

~Emily

I hate SPAM

2010-01-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

I am SOOO sick of these:
__________________________________________
From: Ms.Hendrik Beuker
Subject: UBS International Holdings BV (Business Proposal)
Date: January 20, 2010 4:35:32 AM PST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Reply-To: hbeuker2010@aol.com

UBS International Holdings BV
Herengracht 600
NL-1017 CJ Amsterdam
www.ubs.com/investmentbank

Greetings,
I am an investment consultant working with UBS International Holdings BV in Amsterdam. I will be happy to work this deal out with you if you have a corporate or personal Bank Account and if you are capable to keep TOP SECRET. I need strong Assurance that you will never let me down, as I can arrange and provide you details/documentatal proof so that funds ($8.5million) will be transferred into your account as the next of kin to the late depositor whom you share same last name with. During one of our periodic auditing I discovered a dormant accounts with the said balance {Eight million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars only} this account has not been operated for the past years. As at this moment I am constrained to issue more details about this business until your response is received. If you are not familiar with my Bank profile, please take a moment of your very busy schedules to read about my Bank website: (www.ubs.com/investmentbank) I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. If you are interested kindly revert back with your C.V (Curriculum Vitae) which should include the underlisted:

1, Full name
2, Contact phone and fax numbers
3, Occupation
4, Age
5, Marital status
6, Contact address (office or home)

contact me only at hbeuker2010@aol.com or click on reply and send me your response.

Thank you for your time and attention.
Warmest Regards,
Mr.Beuker Hendrik
Investment Consultant.
UBS.
______________________________________
I want to email these people back and ask them why they think I'm stupid. Do they know me? Are they looking at my test scores? And, why isn't there a better way to combat stupid spam/scan/enhance your midlands emails? There are really smart people out there (they don't get sucked into these stupid emails), why haven't they found some way to send some sort of nasty something or other back to the jerk sending out the crap? A girl can dream I guess. If you have any good ideas on how to deal with these kinds of emails please share! :)

~ Emily

Bacon Surprise

2009-12-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

I think the box is labeled wrong....

"Northwest Gold, Premium Sliced Bacon"

She likes to get into everything, sniff everything, cover everything in her fur and just be a huge pest. But we love her anyway.

~Emily

Puppy Approved

2009-12-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

We decided it was time to get some new bedding. The old stuff was getting, well, old and flat and it was just time to get new poofy stuff. So about a month ago we ordered a new comforter and pillows from Eddie Bauer and got some new pillowcases and a cover for the comforter.

Everything arrived and we got things washed, fluffed and stuffed and made up the new bed. I was out of the room for not even 3 minutes and then.....

I removed her, and turned around only to find her jumping back up on the bed and working her way back under the fold. Naughty little thing... but at least we know she approved of the new bedding!

~Emily

Today's Thought

2009-11-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

Is it still called "walking the dog" if you are carrying the dog?

As I'm driving into work today I see an elderly couple walking down the street. The elderly woman is holding the elderly man's arm. In his other arm is a sturdy little weiner dog. The little dog is adorable, sometimes he has a little plaid jacket on. He always has a harness and a leash on. The elderly man is always carrying him. So there are a few thoughts I have about this.

1. The elderly man has stolen the elderly woman's little dog and is trying to carry it away. She is trying to stop him.

2. The dog is actually the oldest of the group and in order for it to do anything but lay in one spot it must be carried.

3. The dog is really a hand bag.

In all seriousness I think it's pretty sweet. I hope that someday when I'm elderly I am able to walk with David while he carries puppy (becuase she needs to live a really really long time too).

~Emily

I Extremely Dislike Going to the Store (50% of the time)

2009-11-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today was just a really stupid day at the store. Maybe once a month I will have an experience t the grocery store that just makes me question, well, everything.

You've already read my post about the inbred crap hats that sexually harassed me at the store last month. It wasn't something that personal this time, just a bunch of little things that added up to Emily having a serious case of the grrrrs.

Today I was only running in for a few things, including some roast beast sandwiches. My first stop was the deli/sandwich area. I ordered David's sandwich and that was all fine and dandy. I order my sandwich and they don't have the bread I want. They. Never. Have. The. Bread. I. Want. (Seriously) I don't understand how a STORE that has a BAKERY in it can run out of a popular bread at any time of day. When I asked the gal making the sandwich this question she just looked at me like I was speaking in another language. *sigh*

So I'm grumpy because I had to settle for a sandwich I really could have made at home only only to encounter the most wonderful people in the beer and cheese isle. I seriously believe I went to the store the day all the Meth addicts decided to go. There were several vapid, dirty, strung out looking people blocking the isle to stare mindlessly at the beer. In my head I was pointing out to them that they were beyond the point of taste mattering and they should go for the pretty bottle. Yeah. That would have gone over well. Instead I had to stand there sayind "excuse me" while they sort of made their way out of whatever fog they were in to realize I was asking them to MOVE.

It was like this just about every isle I went down-except the people varied. The next isle is was the overwhelmed mom with like 4 out of control kids and she obviously didn't know what was going on, and really should have been in the store. I think I almost came home with a strange child because one was trying to crawl into the bottom of my cart. Is it really kidnapping if the kid wants to go home with you? (I know... I'm just sayin...)

I finally became disgusted and just got in line before I was done. In line, two people ahead of me was a woman who thought she was the coupon queen. The queen proceeded to question and argue why she should be able to use all the coupons she was presenting the cashier. I can honestly say, at that point, I understood what the cashier was thinking and was right there with her. The woman in front of me joined the cashier and I when the queen accidentally dropped her envelope of coupons and they went everywhere and then she had some sort of panic attack. The demon in me really wanted to hide one under my foot. (And no, I didn't).

I hate the store. I can say that I have been there at all times of the day and there is no good day or good time to go. It is just one of those necessary evils. All I can do is vent about it here. Sorry.

~Emily

Drive Back Home

2009-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

High Desert Museum

2009-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Old St. Francis Hotel

2009-10-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Pretty fall colors (you'll see lots of these kinds of pictures).

The entrance to the hotel.

There were a bunch of these round disks on our wall. They all had something painted on them.

This one kind of creeped me out.

This one watched me while I slept.

Bend Weekend!

2009-10-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

So for our anniversary we decided to go down to Bend. We came here maybe a year ago now when I had to go to a work retreat. We didn't get to sight see as much as we wanted so we felt cheated. This was our weekend to make up for that.

The drive down Friday was lovely. We didn't get up early, we slept in and enjoyed stress-free packing and leaving when we were good and ready. It was raining, so we didn't stop and snap any pics on the way down, which is a shame. The fall colors were just stunning. This really is my favorite time of year. By the time we made it to the McMenamins in Bend the rain had stopped. We had a nice lunch while we waited for our room to be ready.

The room is very calming. If it only had wi-fi... and maybe a little more light, it would be perfect. I'll post some pics of the art from the room when I'm home with my own wi-fi. I'm currently lounging in the pub enjoying a nice Irish Stout (pardon any beer typos!).

Today, Saturday, we went to the High Desert Museum. We ended up spending serveral hours here. So many cute animals and things to look at, the time flew by. We saw all kinds of plants, birds and cute lil furry beasties. I'll post pictures from the museum once we are home as well, but for now let me tease you with this picture of Thomas the otter:

We intended to go to Crater Lake next but the day really got away from us and the drive was longer than we remembered. That just means we will have to come back again after the snow and hit Crater Lake first. :)

Tomorrow we head back home. Hopefully the weather will be cool and clear so we can get some pretty pictures of the drive home. I hope my two whole readers are doing well! More to come in the next few days!

~Emily

People Just Really Suck Sometimes...

2009-10-13T16:47:00.001-07:00

Post to come later. :(

So this is still not the whole post, but my sister (last weekend, see how slow I am!) asked about this post and I feel like I need to offer up something other than more to come later.

So a few weeks ago now I was doing my weekly shopping at our local Safeway. The store was moderately busy, there were only a few lanes open and there were at least 5 people waiting in each line. This is not uncommon. Back in the day when I was a checker at a grocery store we were supposed to call for additional checkers when there were two or more people waiting in line and there were less than 2 lanes open. But whatever. So I was minding my own business waiting in line. Behind me was a group of... well, pigs (I'd call them men, but they were not of respectable conduct so pigs it is.). There was the parental pig, and four piglets with him that could have been sons/friends/cousins/brothers or all of the above. I really don't know how much I want to say about these pigs. Typing this is just making me feel icky all over again-hence my delay in posting. Basically, they were making inappropriate comments about my body, what was wrong with it and what they wanted to do to it if they had me alone. I have never felt so dirty, degraded, self-conscience-all of those description words that mean feeling really really bad. What did I do? Probably the coward thing. I did nothing except pretty much wish I could die.

So, I'll write more later. It's just kind of one of those things... *sigh*

~Emily

Bauman Farms, pt 2

2009-10-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

We love visiting the animals at the farm. Here are pictures from this years visit!

Hello Mr. Turkey!

Pretty chicken. The turkey is a ham!

Another pretty chicken.

These guys were very chatty.

Hello!

He needed some alone time.

The calves were really cute and sweet!

This guy really liked sucking on David's jacket, *giggle*

What a sweet face!

They came and said hello to me.

He was friendly, and chatty!

Shy alpaca!

I kind of wanted to take him home with me, isn't he cute?

This picture looks innocent enough, until you look at it larger. Look at his eye. This is no bunny to trifle with!

She was licking water off the fence.

He was very stinky!

I promise it does have a head, it's just very good at hiding it.

He's trying to lick David.

Bauman Farms, pt 1

2009-10-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

These are pretty plants and food. I'll post the animal pics (our favorite part) next.

Riley Play Time

2009-09-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Riley loves to play in paper.

I think she likes the way it feels and the sound it makes.

I just like her crazy eyes in this picture.

Drive to Newport

2009-09-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

We took a drive down the coast to Newport today. We stopped at almost all the scenic spots along the way.

I liked the foam in this picture.

Verda being silly!

Pretty!

Another cute picture of Sara. :)

I liked the way the water ran off the rock here.

I like the way the water looks here.

Verda, Ardis and Sara showing off their hoods.

David and I found this cute lil squirrel on the trail around the Devil's Punch Bowl. He was cute and friendly!

We wished we had something we could have fed him.

I like the brown pelicans.

Devil's Punch Bowl.

Verda and Ron.

Busy lil bee. He had the rosemary bush all to himself.

More ocean.

We ended our tour down the coast at the Newport bay front. We did not bring home any fresh tuna.

I liked the seagull picking food from the net.

Sara, me, Judy and Ardis.

Me and David.

Tons of seals. We could hear them barking as we walked up to the dock.

Who new seals were into punk!

We had fun watching these guys defend their resting spots. There was one seal swiming around trying to get up there for a nap, and they keep barking at him. He tipped the dock pretty good and got everyone wet.

They are so silly, it's like he's saying hello!

This guy really liked his butt-pillow. Anytime the guy he was layin on moved, he moved with him so he wouldn't be without his pillow.

Saturday-Getting Started

2009-09-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

Whenever we stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, one of our favorite things to do is feed the bunnies. Last time we were here, the area the bunnies had their homes was in a state of chaos. When we arrived this time we discovered the bunny area had been paved over. There was a sad lack of bunnies around the inn. We did find this really cute, almost sad little bunny that really wanted to get into the inn (I can't say that I blame him!). He was looking so intently at the flowers, David had to pick one and offer it to him.
As you can see he did come over and started to nibble at it. Moments after I took this picture two terrible children and their parents came out and stepped right in front of me, and scaring away the cute little bunny. At least I was able to get these two pictures. Sometimes I really dislike people. :(

The plans for today were to start at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and then explore the area a bit. We were given the wrong time to meet, and so we ended up missing the self guided tour. I did snap a few pictures while we enjoyed the must-have ice cream. Here is one of Sara and Dad.

Verda.

Mom and Ardis.

Dad and Ralph.

Mom and Ron.

Cape Meares

2009-09-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

After the Tillamook Cheese Factory we continued North up the coast. I never get tired of the ocean, it is different every time you look at it. I love that is it never the same ocean.

We stopped at Cape Meares. Here, you can stop and see the Octopus Tree (see my next post) or you can visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse (photo coming). I liked these trees. It made me think of one of the many wooded scenes in the movie Twilight.

I like to call this moss/lichen stuff Oregon snow. It is everywhere!

It was fun to come here with Oran and Judy. It was their first visit to Cape Meares.

And here is the Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon's shortest Lighthouse. For more fun facts check out the official website.

Another pretty Oregon coast picture.

There were nice information signs along the trail, I had to take a picture of Oran because he took time to read each one along the way. He probably knows more about the area than I do! I like to skim and move on to the next view.

I told David I'd be good and let him take a picture.

Ralph, Mom and Dad waiting for people to catch up.

David let me take a picture of him. :)

More Oregon coast.

Sara, being cute!

The trail around the lighthouse was nicely paved and pretty well maintained. It was a nice walk!

Wood is neat!

Octopus Tree

2009-09-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is one of those places that can be fun to drive to, and is not a real pain to get to. Parking can be a hassle, but the walk to the tree is pretty quick and easy.

It seems a little out of place. It's in it's own little fenced off area. There is just something about the tree that made me want to climb the fence and go sit by the tree, or climb it.

There had to be a group shot in front of the Octopus Tree. There is one with all of us, I think on Judy's camera. This is all I got.

From left to right: Ralph, Ardis, Judy, Oran, Ron and Verda.

New Sonic=Poor Execution

2009-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sonic has come to Keizer, and they had their grand opening this weekend. While David and I were out and about today, we thought it might be a nice treat to stop in and get one of their ices (because I have never had one).

Our new Sonic has a funky entrance. You have to actually turn into the apartment complex next door to get to the driveway. So we do this, and are stopped before we even set tire in the Sonic parking lot by a young lad with a walkie-talkie. David rolls down his window to see what the hold up is. There are no cars, so we aren't sure why we can't just proceed on our merry way. The lad asks us if we want the patio or a stall. David tells him neither, we want the drive through. The lad makes a face indicating that this might be a problem. He turns slightly away from the window to talk into his walkie-talkie but we can still hear what is said. He says to walkie-talkie dude "Um, they want the drive through." We hear the walkie-talkie dude mumble something incoherent. David turns to give me his "what the heck" face. The lad turns back to the window and tells David to pull forward. Now we are turning into the driveway that leads us up into the actual parking lot. We have maybe the front bumper in the parking lot before we are stopped by a second lad with a walkie-talkie. He asks us the same question, and David gives him the same response. This lad also makes the same face that made it seem like we asked if we could go to the moon to place our order. He turns away from the window to address walkie-talkie dude. Mean while, David and I are getting irritated because now we can see that there are maybe three people on the patio, 3 cars in stalls and no one (NO ONE) in the drive way. We hear him say "They want the drive through." And we hear walkie-talkie dude give that a negative. Did I mention there is no one in the drive way and they aren't super busy? The lad turns to us and you can tell he has seen the look on David's face and does not want to repeat what walkie-talkie dude said. "Um, we're not taking anyone in the drive thru right now..." he sort of stammers. "Seriously?" David says. "There is no one there" he points out. The lad turns and looks, and can't seem to come up with a good defense. Meanwhile, David and I have pretty much decided they have lost our business and are going to just leave. The lad says "just go to the drive thru." David says "you know what, since it seems to be such a problem we'll just go somewhere else" and we leave.

I won't be giving Sonic any of my business. I've heard the food isn't that great, and it's not really stuff I want to be eating. So not only will I not eat their crap, but I also won't be supporting a business that can't seem to figure out how to treat their customers.

~Emily

Pretty Kitty

2009-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite picture of Riley. She so rarely behaves and lets me get a good shot. This little fur-depositer makes me happy, and I feel so lucky to have her in our home. /end kitty mushiness.

~Emily

Disneyland (Part 3)

2009-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

The last part of our day we spent in Disneyland. Since this was David's first time, we headed to the place he really, really wanted to go. We went to visit Tigger! Of course when we found him, we found out we had to get in line to see him, and we had to go through Pooh and Rabbit first. I was bummed I didn't get to have my picture taken with Eeyore. That will just have to happen on our next trip! :)

We had to visit Pooh first.

Then it was on to Rabbit. I think Rabbit was afraid of Onua.

And then FINALLY, TIGGER!

I love how happy he looks in this picture! It was very cute, he ran up to Tigger like a little kid for his hug, and Tigger gave him a proper Tigger cuddle right away!

I got to get in on the fun. As we bid Tigger a fond farewell, he gave me a hug smack-a-roo on the head, complete with satifsying smacking sound.

We are waiting in line for the Haunted House ride.

I'm not really sure what Deader is doing here. I don't know if this is a poor balance moment, or a "ta-da" moment. I guess I'll never know!

Mongrid, I think he was tired of having his picture taken.

A mother-daughter moment as we stand in line for Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Hemma

~ and Mith

Kori likes to strike this pose.

Some how Denotar got stuck with the happy fun backpack. I guess he's probably happy he didn't have to hold hands with Onua and skip around the park. :)

This is the last picture of the day. I'm sunburned, it's late and I'm sleepy and I'm wearing a silly hat. I think that is explanation enough for the the face. :)

I love that I got to be with David for his first trip to Disneyland. It was nice to be able to share the experience with a group of people that we completely enjoy. This was my fourth trip, and it was just as much fun as all the previous visits. I do have to say it seemed more crowded than I've ever experienced it before, which made me a little sad. People are so self-absorbed and rude, that it made doing things that should have been enjoyable very frustrating. To get from point A to point B you had to weave your way through people and hap-hazardly parked strollers, meanwhile avoiding being bashed into by strollers in use. If I was a dishonest person I could have made a fortune in stroller stealing. (I just have to say that I would never do something like that, but when you are pissed at people all kinds of nasty thoughts go through ones mind.) The good times far out weighed the bad, and I think that is because of the 11 other people with us. The day went by so fast, there were still rides to be riden that we didn't get to. It just means we are going to have to make another trip down. We had a great time!

~Emily

Disneyland (Part 2)

2009-06-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Into the park we go to begin the crazy part of the day. Once we were all inside, we headed to our first ride. Heck if I can remember the name, maybe Soarin'? It's the one where you "fly" over different parts of California like you are in a hang-glider. It was pretty cool!

We are greeted by a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge as we walk into California Adventures.

Hemma waiting in line for our first ride.

Kori: Pick it, and then...

...flick it!

Waiting in line for our second ride, the rapids one. I'm horrible at remembering the names of these rides.

We all got pretty wet on this ride! This is a shot of us that got wet. It was already starting to get warm so the wet ride was refreshing (and a lot of fun!)

The shirt says it all!

"Well Garsh!"

Kori and I have a taking a picture of each other taking a picture moment. This is my point of view.

Kori's point of view.

David, Kori (yes, he's giving himself bunny ears) and Deader.

Onua, Mith and David.

~ and his mom.

We rode a few rides and it was time for lunch. The lines were pretty long, so we found ourselves waiting in line more than actually riding anything. We found an Italian themed restaurant and had a nice sit down lunch.

David and Hemma waiting for our table to be ready.

Kori took this fun shot down the table. There are a bunch of us!

Deader got stuck sitting in a spot that the table umbrellas didn't quite cover, so he was getting attacked by the sun. Someone had the brilliant idea for him to wear his napkin like a head cape. I think it was Kori's idea.

This is what happens to Onua when he has had too much sun. He turns into...

Batman-Onua! (Zoiks!)

Onua and Herf.

Me and my sweetie.

Mith and ~.

So apparently part of Hemm and Mith getting to have the attractive backpack, which Onua is sporting in this picture, was that ~, Onua and Mith had to skip through the park holding hands. And skip they did!

Deader sporting the Bug's Life 3D glasses. Not everyone can pull this look off!

Me waiting in line to ride the rollercoaster, Screamin'. For those of you who know me, and how pale I am, you can see how much sun I've gotten already!

Front: Kori and Mith.

Back: David and I.

Front: Herf and Mongrid.

Back: Deader and Hemma.

I am not torturing my husband!

There is nothing I can say about this picture.

Deader, Me, David, Hemma, ~ and ~'s mom. We are taking a break and gathering energy for the next park!

Onua, Hemma and Denotar. Hemma is being silly!

Mith, ~, Hemma and Denotar.

I think someone made Herf put on this hat. I don't think she liked it very much!

After a few hours in California Adventures, and a few rides we decided it was time to head over to Disneyland. Tigger was calling us, and it was time to answer that call! See Part 3 for yet more pictures!

~Emily

Disneyland! (Part 1)

2009-06-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the day 13 of us gathered together and went to raid California Adventures and Disneyland. For those of you, my gentle readers, that don't play WoW this means we banded together to go forth and conquer evil together. Ha ha! This was also David's first trip to the land of the mouse. The plan was to all meet up at Herf's house around 7:30 am so we could pile into the huge 15 passenger van they rented yesterday, and stop and get coffee on our way to Disenyland. Here is a picture of us while we waiting for someone, who got lost *cough* Deader *cough*:

Me, David, Onua, Hemma, Mith and ~.

Kori helped Deader find his way, and we got on the road pretty close to our target time. It was about an hour or so to our destination. Herf's dad used to work for Disneyland, so he was able to get people in to both parks (Disneyland and California Adventures) for a day, with the help of a few of his friends who also work(ed) for the parks. We had to meet up with them to get into the park. The coffee stop was a morning life saver, and sadly mine was long gone before the drive was over. Regardless, we made it to the park only about 30 minutes behind schedule.

Hemma, Mith and ~ in the parking garage.

Deader on the escalator to the ground level

David, Me and Mith making the big gum decision.

~, David, Me, Deader, Onua, Sean, Mith, Herf, Denotar (behind Mongrid) and Mongrid.

We are waiting to get into California Adventures.

Denotar and Mongrid

Mith and ~

Sean

It wasn't long before Herf's dad and our adopted uncles showed up and set us loose upon California Adventures. See Disneyland Part 2 for more of the fun!

~Emily

"Dip"

2009-06-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today Herf and Onua scored a 15 passenger van for our real-life raid in Disneyland tomorrow. This morning Michael (Squig, also referred to as ~) and his mom flew in. While we waited for everyone to wake up/arrive we played with Herf's crazy pets. The boys and Mith were supposed to go shooting, and the rest of us were going to go shoe shopping. The shooters took the van and ventured off to find a place to shoot, and the mall called to the rest of us. Well, we found Herf shoes, but the shooters did not have luck finding an open range. So, we ended up all going back to Herf's to figure out what do do for food. We went and had pizza for dinner at this yummy pizza place. I can't remember the name, but I remember loving the meat pizza! It was also fun giving the van a test run. Part of our drive took us through what I'm calling the "dip zone." Herf told us it was Hemet's way of dealing with water overflow. It provided a mini-ride for the people in the back of the van. Here is a pic:

David's shoulder, ~'s mom, Hemma, Mith (glasses), ~ and Sean (with hat)

Then it was off to bed for tomorrow's big raid on Disneyland!

~Emily

In Hemet

2009-06-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

So I guess I should explain why we were at the airport and flying away! As all our friends know, we are kind of World of Warcraft (WoW) geeks. We have been playing for at least 4 years, and we have been playing with the same group of people for at least 3 years. Most of our in-game friends live close to each other in CA, a few are further away like Alabama, Texas and Maryland. One thing led to another, you know, planets re-aligned and angels sang, and the idea to have a get together came to fruition. Some of the out of town guildies were going to be there, and David and I decided it was time to take a trip. It became a real life raid of Hemet (where our guild leader lives). In total, there are going to be 13 of us, and I can't wait for the fun to start! So anyway...

We survived our Billy Ray sighting, and our flight. We found our rental car (a lovely copper/orange colored Dodge Avenger) and made it to the Hotel. The Hampton Inn and Suits in Hemet is lovely! Once we got cleaned up and refreshed from the flight we headed over to Laurie's house to start the fun! It was great to finally meet the faces behind the voices! Laurie (Herf) and Erik (Onua) came out and greeted us right away. Alexis (Mith), Rachael (Hemma) and Sean (Mini-Onua) were next. We got to meet the crazy pets we hear about during raids. The dogs and rats were so sweet! David fell in love with Hemma's rat, Zero (or fattie-depending on who you talk to). Next up was dinner at Red Robin. Doug (Deader) and MJ (Kori) were holding a table for us, so we headed there and got to meet two more people. Here is a picture of Kori approving of Onua's choice in beer and Deader oversees the moment:

Deader and Kori

After dinner we went to Kenny (Denotar) and Lee's (Mongrid) parent's house to watch a movie on their big tv. Onua had brought the movie Gran Torino, so we settled in and had a movie night. There are not words for that movie, I'll let David blog about it if he feels so inclined. All I will say is I feel motivated now to work on a will, in my own words. :) We called it after the movie. We need sleep. Tomorrow is going to be another full day, and more people to meet!

~Emily

The Start of Our Vacation

2009-06-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

First I apologize for typos, I am posting from my iPhone and I have sausage fingers.

So we were sitting at our terminal waiting for our flight when this guy dressed in funky colored sweats, a cowboy hat and Elvis sunglasses came up and sat at a table across from us. There was something familiar about this guy.
He settled in and took off his glasses and hat and that is when it clicked. I leaned over to David and said I'm writing you a note on my phone about that guy. I started typing "I think that guy is..." and David whispered "I think it is Billy Ray!" It was indeed Billy Ray Cyrus. I have had his damn song stuck in my head all *ALL* day!
It was amusing watching people walk by and do double takes. A few people asked for autographs, most just kind of stopped for a minute and then hurried off whispering to their friend about the sighting. We opted not to bother him, as we aren't really fans and it wouldn't be nice to say something like "Thanks for brining one of the most irratiting songs in the world to life!" It didn't stop me from giggling.
Before he left, or we left, he actully came over and asked us if we would watch his luggage so he could go around the corner and get a drink and use the facilities. Of course we did, we may not be fans but we aren't rude. He went and came back, thanked us and went on his achey breaky way.
At the baggage claim in California some strange woman came up and asked me if I watched a guys bag at the airport. I told her yeah, and she was all "you know who that was don't you!?" All I could do was say yeah and walk away. It was only Miley's dad, geez.
Here is the pic David snapped on the down low:

~Emily
Edited 6-26-09 to clean up because I am too much of a spaz to make it do what I want when publishing from my iPhone.

Puppy

2009-06-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

She is just too cute!!

I Wonder

2009-05-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had a dream. I wonder if I have stopped dreaming, or if I am still dreaming but unable to recall the dream. Or worse, my dreams are so boring they are not worth remembering. I used to have entertaining dreams (and a little bit dorky) all the time. I feel like I I've lost a dear friend. What is my brain doing at night? Maybe it now plays dead?

How do I get my dreams back, or remember them? :(

~Emily

Accomplished

2009-04-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a snarky morning (I can be quite the cranky pants in the morning) much was accomplished today. Sorry for being snarky sweetie. :(

We got up and walked. It is amazing the amount of poop we encounter on our walks. This morning was not as bad as previous excursions. Our neighborhood association is really strict about some things (like where we can keep our garbage cans) but others they don't seem to care about. It seems like feces strewn about where children play would be something they would discourage. It's like they think "We don't want to see where you put your trash, keep the garbage bins out of view. But please, by all means, share your pet poo with everyone!"

We had a little yard work we wanted to get done today. There was a shrub that needed to come out in our front yard. I had hacked off what branches I could, and this morning it was time to tear the rest of it out. I still have some things I want to do in the back yard, like tear out some lawn and put in a garden. There is always tomorrow. Ha ha!

Today was also the day I entered the world of Hulu. Hulu seems pretty cool. It was nice to watch some shows I had been interested in. The only thing I didn't like, was I was not able to get all the episodes. Instead of being able to watch season 1 episode 1 I had to start on season 1 episode 4. I was able to catch on quick, so it wasn't an issue after I watched my first episode. I look forward to catching more things on Hulu.

And as if today wasn't full enough of fun, David took me to a driving range so I could try out my birthday present! I was actually able to hit the ball, and I think I was hitting it better than when I was on my high school golf team. That's actually kind of sad... but anyway, it was nice to have the club in my hand and balls to swing at. I'm looking forward to spending some more time hitting balls and then actually playing a round of golf.

So, despite my cranky morning, it was a wonderful Friday! :)

~Emily

Failblog

2009-04-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

This website cracks me up. The content is not always the most appropriate, but most of the time I'm laughing to hard to care. This little ditty:
see more pwn and owned pictures

made me laugh so hard I snorted. There is nothing right about this picture, it is disturbing on so many levels. David stopped what he was watching and listening to on his laptop just to see what had caused my outburst. In between his own laughter he agreed it was wrong for so many reasons. I just had to share. If you want to see more (not all of it is this, disturbing ) the link is: Failblog.

~Emily

Weekend by the Ocean

2009-04-04T13:24:00.001-07:00

I am loving the ocean air. We are sitting in our room right now after a nice lunch of clam chowder, and feeding the local bunnies that we could find. Feeding the bunnies is a part of each visit to the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, and we look forward to it ever time. Sadly, they are doing some construction in and around the park where the bunnies dwell, and it looks like that has decreased the number of bunnies quite a bit. We still managed to find some to feed, enjoy these pictures:

We have been so lucky with the weather so far. It rained on us on our drive over on Friday, but it looks like we are going to have good weather for our stay. It's been nice just hanging out, enjoying the ocean air and sounds of the waves. The room has fire places in both rooms, so we've been nice and toasty. I'm definitely feeling nice and relaxed. Here are a few pictures from our room:

Haystack Rock

The Pelican Pub-where we like to eat where we stay.

~Emily

Weekend Recharge

2009-04-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow David and I head over to the Inn at Cape Kiwanda for a weekend recharge at the beach. This is one of our favorite places to go to just get away. I'm planning on bringing some of our favorite movies, a lot of books, my lap top and of course the camera to get some bunny and ocean shots. I'm just looking forward to hanging out by the beach and enjoying the sounds and smells. There is a great pub across the street, The Pelican Pub, and I'm looking forward to some yummy meals there. Now, I must go watch Bones.

~Emily

Wii Fit

2009-03-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

So what is the deal with Wii Fit? You might have to explain it to me like I'm 5 years old. I assumed it was something someone could buy to work out at home or maybe help maintain your current weight and have fun while doing it. I know a little about Wii Fit, my sister has it and sweetly gave us a demonstration. I know you get called fat, and chastised for not being on frequently, but after a conversation (one sided I have to warn you) I over heard today I am confused.

I was standing in line at Rite Aid to pick up a prescription. All the elderly in Keizer were out and about so I had a long wait. While I was standing there, waiting, one of the pharmacists started talking to one of her friends on the phone and I heard her side of the conversation. They were talking about Wii Fit. Here is my recollection of the conversation, I'm going to kindly fill in what I imagine the friend was saying:

Friend: Wuz up my homey!

Pharmacist: Working, recovering from my weekend.

Friend: I hear that! We were together, remember? Hey, I'm still hung over and puking and yucky, could you cover my shift tomorrow morning?

Pharmacist: The weekend was great! I can't cover for you tomorrow because I have my spin class.

Friend: Spin class? Why are you wasting money on that? Don't you have Wii Fit?

Pharmacist: I do, but I need to loose weight before I use it.

Friend: Huh?

Pharmacist: She tells me I'm fat, and scolds me for not logging in regularly, ha ha.

Friend: Isn't that what it is supposed to do?

Pharmacist: Well, my daughter actually got it for the skiing. But the work out part looks good, I just need to lose some weight before I use it.

Friend: (probably called her a dork or something)

Pharmacist: (laughing) I know, I know.

And then they go on to a new subject. But I'm standing there probably thinking the same thing the friend was. She is going to spin class to lose weight to be able to work out with her Wii Fit. I really don't understand. I mean, I'm not saying I want the game to call me fat, but it is good motivation to lose weight to make it stop, right?

Anyway, I just had to share. People never cease to surprise me.

~Emily

Fun Weekend

2009-03-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am fighting a headache this morning, and a good way to do so seemed like blogging. Let us see if that does the trick.

Saturday night we had dinner with Michael and Pamela's house. Ben and Sara were part of the merry party. This was our first time at their house, and they have a very warm and cozy place. We met the Sam, the bunny. He is the softest, cutest bunny I have ever seen! Dinner was wonderful, as was the strawberry shortcake after. After dinner we played Catchphrase. I felt bad because Pamela asked us all if we wanted to play a game, and I think the room went completely quiet. I don't know what my adversio to games is, I guess I hate being the center of attention at any point for any reason. I don't think I'm worried about making a fool of myself, I'm pretty good at doing that without the help of a game. At any rate, we were talked into Catchphrase, and I have to say I'm so glad we did! For those of you who don't know what Catchphrase is, it is a game where have a phrase you need to get your team to guess, but you can't use any of the words etc. So we split into two teams (boys vs. girls) and started passing the beeping electronic phrase giver. That timer ticks fast, and some of the phrases were pretty hard to figure out. Some of them ended up being pretty hilarious! There was "Trigger Happy," "Fish or Cut Bait," and "Pull My Finger." I can't even begin to describe how those were depicted, but you'll have to take my word for it that we were laughing so hard there were tears involved. David and I had a blast, and are looking forward to the next dinner date!

~Emily

Ooo...Monkeys!

2009-03-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a girls night out with my friend Carrie and her Sara and Sara's friend Carrie. We had dinenr at the Rock Bottom Brewery, visited Nordstrom's Rack and saw Wicked.

Wicked was awesome! I was not sure what to expect; this was my first Broadway Musical experience. I was pretty much sucked into the show right from the start. Carrie's comment "Ooo... monkeys!" as they climbed up the sides of the set had me giggling the rest of the night. The music was catchy and fun. The sets were colorful and ever changing-it was almost as much fun to watch the sets move around as it was to watch the cast dance around! The costumes were colorful and exactly what I envisoned they should be. The story was whimsical, and clever. Wicked is the story about how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch become the characters we know in the Wizard of Oz. I love stories that are a spin-off or side story to an already popular story. I can't wait to get my hands on all the Wicked books by Gregory Maguire. It was certainly a magical experience, and I'm so thankful (Carrie-you rock for making last night happen!) I was able to go. I can't wait for the next show!

Of course, I have to take a moment and devote some of this to reviewing the viewers that were sitting around us. Sara and her friend Carrie had a super leaner-who kept leaning back and invading their space. They also had a constant giggler, who giggled loudly through most of the show. Sitting next to my friend Carrie were a couple of girls who were incapable of sitting still or being quiet for more than five minutes. One kept being loud with her water bottle, and finally one of the viewers in front of her turned around and told her to be quiet. The girl sitting next to Carrie, who was wearing pajama pants with a tutu on top-and all in pink, kept crinkling paper. I was ready for one of us to lean over and take away her paper. The people infront of Carrie and I all looked like they went to the same hair dresser. They were all about taking pictures of themselves at the show, and spent at least 15 minutes in different poses. There will hopefully be one picture of them that as an extra finger in it-Carrie, that is going to be my new favorite game. You ROCK! The guy behind me would repeat random lines. If any of you have seen the movie "Emma" with Gwyneth Paltrow, think of the part where Miss Bates is telling Emma about a happy little porker they were enjoying and repeats (loudly and for emphasis) random words like "PORK!" This guy was giving the full sentence, but it had the seem effect. Despite the cast of characters around us, we still had a great time! :)

~Emily

Feed The Crazy

2009-03-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

I really do have the best husband in the world. He is way more understanding and tolerant that most. He has, with only understandable teasing, put up with my infactuation with the Twilight series. He lovingly ordered me the box from Amazon, and put up with me while I complained that they would never arrive. He did not shoot me too many strange looks as I stayed up to read the books over, and over (and probably over and over again) every night. And this morning, he fed me a good breakfast and kept me company as I fretted and twitched waiting for Target to open so I could buy Twilight on Blue Ray. I am a happy little geek-I have the beautiful Blue Ray, I have enough special features to keep me amused for a long time, and I have the movie on my phone because the Blue Ray came with an iTunes download of the movie. David puts up with a lot, but I know without a doubt how much he loves me. I also know how lucky I am to have such a patient and supportive husband. Thanks sweetie, I love you!!

~Emily

Hancock Makes Me Happy

2009-03-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

I know this movie did not get the best reviews, but I really enjoyed it. There was a story. There was action. And, it looks beautiful in HD on our tv. BEAUTIFUL. :)

~Emily

Monster Cookies on the Horizon!

2009-03-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Assuming I have not scared my sister away with the warning that I am currently a snot monkey. Thankfully, I am over the hump of evil and just dealing with the remains of the end of the vile snot. Can you tell how thrilled I am about being sick?

So it's my lunch break and I'm blogging from work. Usually I don't like to visit personal sites from work, but today I'm making the exception. I even Facebooked a few minutes ago. I am a rebel. Life has been good. I can't complain. I've been busy with work, and fighting off the mutant cold. David and I have been slowly (and sometimes with much frustration) getting back into raiding with our Horde guild on WoW. We did our first serious 10 man last weekend and it was quite the success! I've been playing around with our music collection, and making new and beautiful playlists for my iPhone. I've also been given some great music recommendations from friends on Facebook-I need more, I'm greedy for new music!

David and I are still on our road to a healthier us. We were talking about it (as we often do), and I didn't remember we had started this trip last July. Here is it is almost mid March! I'm very proud of the changes we have made so far. I know we both still have a lot of work to do to meet our personal goals, but we knew that was not going to be easy. For me, I can see big differences in David, and I'm so proud of him! I don't see my changes as well, but I can feel them. I'm finding I want to dress better, and present myself better. I think it's all positive! I know we are both looking forward to the better weather so we can start walking together every morning!

I guess that's about it for now. I'm sure I'll have a lame weather update or something equally boring later :)

~Emily

ha ha!

2009-03-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

So in my post from last night I complained about the weather, and now as I look out the window it is a beautiful day! I have no doubt the cold/wet is coming back, I think I still heard the words "snow level dropping," but at least we have a day to remind us of what is to come if we survive the wonky weather.

The cat is sitting by my feet looking up at me. Who knows what she wants. My guess, my lap. For two seconds. *sigh* Cats are so strange!

~Emily (who is going to do her best to please the demanding cat)

Ready for...

2009-03-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

the rain to hold off for a while. To be fair, there hasn't been a bunch of rain, but it was raining today. It's hard to go from some really great days (nice sunny days that were not too hot-good walking weather) to cold wet days. I've been freezing all day. All I really wanted to do was crawl into our nice big poofy bed under as many blankets as I could get my cold meat paddles on. Last weekend we had snow. This weekend snow levels are supposed to drop again. I just want the weather to make up its mind and stick with it for more than just a few days. Is that asking too much?

~Emily

Computer Love dreamy sigh

2009-02-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

I just have to say I love my Mac. I love that I can plug things into it, and they just work. I love that I can take it places with me, and it just works. I love that I can sit here and play with my blog, while I add my favorite cds to my iTunes collection. Right now, "The Wall" is happily loading its way into my collection to be reunited with many of my other favorites. I'm looking forward to making many new beautiful playlists which will keep me humming while working, or will provide me with twirling around the house music (thanks to the super sexy iPod/iPhone dock we purchased with our beyond sexy tv and sound system). Maybe I'm just happy because the sun is out (but it's not too toasty) and it's Friday and I have a weekend with my David to look forward to. :)

~Emily

Dance of Joy

2009-02-19T17:00:00.001-08:00

My David loves me! My very own beautiful boxed set Twilight saga showed up on our doorstep this afternoon. :) I will be reading them over, and over, and over (and over!) again. *happy dance*

~Emily

I Finished The Twilight Saga... So Now What?

2009-02-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

I shall tell you! I am re-reading them, ha ha! (seriously)

Actually, I started a new job! I'm back in the legal world, getting to work with an attorney that I respect. I'm looking forward to helping get the new office in shape, and learning how to do things the right way instead of the fast as you go way. Today was only my second day, but it does feel good to be back in the work world feeling like I'm at least trying to help financially. I am optimistic about the future, which is surprising given how things are kind of struggle right now. I'm going to work hard, and do my best to spread my cheer. I have so much to be thankful for, and I know I'm not the only one.

~Emily

The Twilight Saga

2009-02-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

So I finally got my hands on the rest of the Twilight saga (thanks to Sara Melow, who rocks!) and have finished them. I think it took me four days to read the four books. It would have taken less time, but I couldn’t neglect all my day to day things to read (even though I really really wanted to).

I am torn between feeling foolish for being so addicted to the series (it’s not the normal spin on vampires (Anne Rice fan here), they are geared toward the young adult, and they are way too “in” right now), and not caring because I enjoyed them so much. I absolutely loved these books in a way that makes me feel equally foolish. I shouldn’t be as into these books as I am, but I can’t get them out of my head.

What did I like about it? I don’t even know if I can put it into words. I found myself sucked into each character so quickly; drawn to the mysterious Cullen family and anxious to find out what Bella would face next. It was torture finishing the first book and not knowing when I would be able to get my hands on the next (it didn’t help that I read the teaser chapter at the end for the next book and was left with a worse cliff hanger than if I had just put the damn thing down). The best we to describe my experience reading the series would be to compare it with a Jane Austen novel. You have these characters that you come to care about and you want them to end up happy, but you have to suffer through the heartache and confusion with them while they work up to the point where things happen they way they should, and you get that wave of relief and immense joy when you get to the end. The Twilight series is a modern day sci-fi/fantasy similar to the Jane Austen love story, and I fell for it hook, line and sinker. The author, Stephenie Meyer, lets you intimately know her characters. She lets you into their lives, minds, fears and desires. You know what each one is going through, and you get to have the insight and knowledge of what needs to be said to make things work, but you also get to see why things have to play out the way they do. You get sucked into the story by your own knowledge and you become emotionally invested. It was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. Now that I’ve finished the saga, I want to read them all again and see what new little tidbits I can catch. I guess it’s my way of not wanting to let go yet. I think these books are going to be in my “read over and over again” pile. If you have not read them, I recommend it. If you have silly reasons like I did for not buying the series, get over them. But that’s just my opinion, read them and then tell me I’m wrong. :)

~Emily

My Love/Hate With the Sun

2009-02-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was actually a beautiful February day. It was sunny, and a little warm (but not too much). It was a nice change from the cold we have been experiencing the last few weeks (not that I'm complaining about that either, it's perfectly lovely weather!). I was hoping today would be more of the same, so David and I could walk together and enjoy the almost Santa Cruz like weather. Alas, it seems it was not meant to be. At least we had one lovely clear crisp day. I'm sure another one will come along.

~Emily

We Have Not Fallen Off the Wagon

2009-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

So I haven’t done a diet up date in a while. This is not because we’ve fallen off the wagon and are trying to forget we ever tried. It’s because it has pretty much become our norm instead of our diet. Of course we deviate from it from time to time, especially with the holidays and we are recovering from that and are getting back on track. The thing I have noticed is that in general, we are thinking about things differently and making some smarter meal choices. Sure we ate a fair amount of things that we shouldn’t have, but instead of eating everything we normally would have we only picked a few favorites instead of all of them. The hard thing is, is we still have a ways to go, so when we put even a little bit of weight back on (seriously, even 5 pounds) we can really feel it. It’s hard not to be a little discouraged, at least for me because I know my track record. But I have to look at the positive. I did not have to dig out any of the clothes that are too big. I am not going back to that wardrobe, and neither is my David. It has been harder to get the exercise in, the weather was pretty cold and awful for awhile, and then we both have been experiencing some aches and pains. David has been a trooper, and has been my hero for keeping me on track. It’s been nice to have the hateful exercise bike in the house for those really bad days, and it’s nice to be able to walk with David when he works from home. I need to remember our walks are not just good exercise time for us, it’s also time with my sweetie where it’s just the two of us and the great outdoors. I cherish my time with him, anyway I can get it. ;) The other change is now I get to do the cooking. I’m having to learn some new tricks, and change some of the things I used to cook with, but David assures me that I am catching on quick and so far he hasn’t had to go hungry. I have to say yet again, that I couldn’t have a better partner on this getting healthy adventure. Thank you again David for looking out for me, and our future. Thank you for keeping me on track! You are doing great, and I’m proud of you!

~Emily

Damn Book

2009-01-24T14:19:00.001-08:00

Stupid "Twilight" sucked me right in. I read it in a day, it probably took me less than 5 hours. I was sucked into the mood angsty wanting. Damn it. And then there just happened to be a teaser for the next book (which I did not find where I purchased the first book) which I couldn't help but read becaue I needed more. And it left me frustrated becuase now I'm pretty much dying to find out what happens. My David understands and loves me, and has ordered all the books for me from Amazon. Now I just have to wait for Amazon to hurry up and get them to me. Grr...

~Emily

I did it...

2009-01-23T12:31:00.001-08:00

I finally broke down and bought the first book in the Twilight series. It seems everywhere I look there is something Twilight related. I think I am maybe one of the last few people in the world to break down and read it. It is sitting on the table next to me. I have not started it yet. It is either going to be lame, I mean I read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy and I'm always a little weary of the super trendy, or I'm going to get sucked in and I'm not going to get anything done today. I feel like the book is sitting there staring at me expectantly. I will keep you posted.

~Emily

Two words: Wow Za!

2009-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a banner day in the home of David and Emily. The day started out innocent enough: we woke up, showered, dressed, ate breakfast, and then, all set for the day, we hopped into my truck and drove to Video Only with a plan of spending an obscene amount of money on new AV components to update our 12 year old and failing "technology". We bought a new HDTV (Samsung LN-52A650), a Yamaha AV receiver (RX-V663) with a nice set of Infinity 5.1 speakers, and a Sony PlayStation 3 for Blu-Ray and gaming goodness. All told we spent about $3300 which was well under the $6000 budget I'd set aside for this.

Last night, we watched our first two Blu-Ray movies: Dark Knight and Hancock. We just sat there in sheer awe of our large screen, awesome sound, and incredible video resolution. It was a religious experience to say the least. We're now looking at our vast collection of DVDs and trying to come up with creative ideas on how we can afford to replace every one with its Blu-Ray counterpart. :)

Since we are under budget, we have decided to add a small flat screen HDTV to our bedroom (nothing very expensive) and we'll add a Logitech Harmony universal remote to the mix to help tame our vast array of component remotes. And I will probably buy a couple more games for the PS3. >.>

Emily and I, in general, are very thrify people, so these purchases have been a long time in coming. But I'm happy with the research I did before spending the money and I am more than happy with what we now have to enjoy. Hopefully, I won't have to repeat this exercise in a very long time.

Life is good.

~David

One Word: Me

2009-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for these silly blog things and here is one now!

Type the FIRST word, and only one, that come to mind.

1. Where is your cell phone? Counter

2. Your significant other? Chair

3. Your hair? Straight

4. Your mother? Coast

5. Your father? Coast

6. Your favorite thing? David

7. Your dream last night? None

8. Your favorite drink? Latte

9. Your dream/goal? Clean

10. What room are you in? Family

11. Your hobby? Stamping

12. Your fear? Failing

13. Where to you want to be in 6 years? Here

14. Where were you last night? Home

15. Somthing that you aren't? Perfect

16. Muffins? Chocolate

17. Wish list item? TV

18. Where you grew up? Coast

19. Last thing you did? Blogged

20. What are you wearing? Clothes

21. Your pets? Cat

22. Friends? Special

23. Your life? Complete

24. Your mood? Content

25. Missing someone? Nope

26. Your car? Filthy

27. Something you're not wearing? Hat

28. Your favorite store? Bi-Mart

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When is the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? Monday

32. Who will read this? David

33. One place that I go to over and over again? Safeway

34. One person who emails me regularly? David

35. One place I would like to go right now? Pub

So that is me today!

~Emily