Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday in Review
The alarm was set for noon anyway. However, I was not happy about being told to get up. To make myself pretty as he was getting ready to get in the shower and be over. I admit it takes me a while to get ready and I can be easily distracted but I didn't want to hear that before I had even rolled out of bed.
I listened though. I got ready, ran a quick errand, and sat on the couch to wait for him. Mark the day! I was ready and waiting.
After he arrived, we exchanged gifts.
All of his goodies were in this . A box he can use again. Being green is good!. The box is full of things he won't buy for himself but I know he will use.
He knows me all too well. He blessed me with three new striped scarves, a book, and two absolutely beautiful handmade bookmarks. They are almost too pretty to use.
Post gift exchange we headed out. First up was getting a bite to eat. It is a darn good thing where we ate offered buckets of because I was starving. He was too but refrained from snarfing on the nuts.
Our service was horrible. Absolutely terrible. Ace had to flag down someone to take our drink order and even then it took at least ten minutes before we got a strawberry lemonade and a tea.
A single man was seated after us and he got his order taken before us. Um, excuse me? Then, it took at least twenty minutes for us to get rolls, a burger, and a salad. Did I mention the joint was empty?
And lord help me, I was honey until she took my card and overheard Ace and I talking about how that is one of my pet peeves. I didn't like to me called honey or sweetie when I lived in the South and I surely don't like it now. Especially if you are giving us piss poor service.
She almost made us late to the movie. I recommend you do go to see . It is inspiring. The audience in our theater applauded at the end. Post the movie we wandered around the mall for a bit and then headed back to my place.
I promptly put him to work getting my new computer up and running. After a call to Qwest, my new desktop tower is internet connected but it looks like my iTunes library is indeed lost forever. Oh, and my speakers work again.
Did you know the backs of the computers are color coordinated so you know what accessory goes with what input? Ace got a good laugh at my expense.
I have said it before and I will continue to say it. I am not mechanically inclined. I need help and am not afraid to ask for assistance when it comes to putting electronics together.
After a few harrowing minutes, everything was in working order. I decided we needed ice cream. So we went to Cold Stone and treated ourselves to a like it size treat. Ace was denied lots of butterfinger for his combo. See how boring his looks compared to mine? I told him he should have asked for more but he went with the flow and took it as it was prepared.
Bellies full of a sweet treat, we went our separate ways. Another day spent with one of my favorite people.
Weekly Challenge #13
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thank You For Coming
Words usually spoken by service workers or a host/hostess right?
Words you don't expect to hear from the po po sitting on your way out of a restaurant.
But words T and I heard as we passed the three policemen getting a bite to eat at Puerto Vallarata after ten tonight.
My response? "No. Thank you for all you do."
Who knew my city's finest would be so polite?
Now that you know where we ate dinner, I just know you want to see what we selected don't you? Don't even try to hide or deny it. You have come to know and love the food pictures.
On the menu this evening was none other than .
We splurged and had two cheese enchildas, rice, beans, chips and salsa, and a glass of ice tea.
All this after a girly night of running errands.
A perfect way to end a crappy two days.
Remember how I said earlier this week I was blessed to have great friends? I called T earlier today and asked her if she would mind coming over tonight. I needed some girl time with one of my best girls.
Without missing a beat she said she would be over.
We started off with the Starbucks drive through, hit up Paper Zone (got the paper and envelopes for the New Years cards), Impress (who doesn't love to browse their LSS?), Bed Bath & Beyond (still out of the gadget), Bath and Body Works (last of Ace's Christmas present), and Ulta (Christmas shopping for T).
Good times.
T, Thank you letting me vent. For listening. For laughing with me. For a fantastic night of just being girly with me.
Earlier in the day I was fortunate enough to have a long lunch with Maricel. We were totally caught up in catching up I forgot to take pictures. Shocking I know and goes to show you how off of my game I really am doesn't it?
She picked up Pho for us and we gabbed and gabbed at my place.
We had a surprise visitor come a knocking mid way through. Ya' wanna guess who that might have been?
Ok, I won't make you do that right now.
It was Pete. Haven't heard that name in a while have you?
He read a book and kind of listened in while we talked. Later in the evening he asked if we ever stop to take a breath in between gabbing and I said he should see it when we all get together. If he thought he heard cackling through the door when it was the two of us, he hadn't seen anything yet.
Boys. They just don't get it do they?
I'm tired, frustrated, irritated, and just plain tuckered out so I am outta' here for the time being.
I hope you and yours are in a much better frame of mind and body than I am right now.
Peace and Love Peeps.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
It's On
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
For Anna and Cheryl
I thought it would be easier to answer the questions in a separate entry than an answer on the comments section.
First up is for Anna. She asked who Hasse is. He is quite simply one of the best people you will ever meet.
I realize more and more I am so very blessed to have great people in my life. People I can trust. People who love unconditionally. People who will be there for you in a heartbeat. People of integrity and character. People who will stand beside you, behind you, and in front of you depending on what is needed or desired. People who celebrate the big and small with you. People who will hold your hand, lend a shoulder, and pass the tissue if you need to cry. People who support you. People who give hugs just because and laugh with you more than at you. People I love and that love me.
I know I am blessed because not everyone has these kinds of people in their life. I hope you do.
Hasse is one of those people. His name is Tyler. We call him T but I called him Hasse long before T, To keep him and T (Traci) separate here, I refer to him as Hasse.
Anyway, he and I work together. In the same building. Our paths cross quite frequently. What I do impacts his success and vice versa. He is, without a doubt, the best of the best. I'm not just saying this because I love, respect, and admire him. He has the awards and results to prove it.
He was my first house sitter. He helped me get back in the game and helped to keep me sane while I was going through my divorce. He has a heart of gold and will give you his last quarter if needed. He's a good ole boy who loves to hunt, fish, camp, and his big truck.
We exercise together. We share a love of Mexican food. We vent with one another. And trust each other with our deepest, innermost goings on.
He's my boy and I love him dearly. When Maricel said he was a good friend, she was right. I go a step further and say he's a great friend. I am glad God brought us together outside of work so we could love, laugh, and live together.
Now for Cheryl. I started out with Stampin' Up. I have T to thank for this. Bear with me if you have heard this before. I think I have blogged about it once before.
I woke up one day about six years ago and realized I didn't have any hobbies other than reading to speak of. My life consisted of work, work, and more work. Still does but now I would like to think I have struck a balance.
She was invited to a Stampin' Up party and invited me to go. I went, realized how much fun this could be, and placed an order. The rest is history.
Unfortunately once I moved, T went to Cali, and the demonstrators I knew moved too (gotta' love the Navy), I relied more and more on Paper Zone, Impress, and Rubber Soul for my supplies, ideas, and classes. Oh and publications and the internet too.
My primarily creative outlet is making cards but I also art journal, scrapbook in a non traditional way, and other miscellaneous projects.
I sit down once a month and try to make the upcoming anniversary, birthday, and holiday cards in advance. It is for me just as much as it is for the recipient. There is something comforting about playing with ink, stamps, paper...cutting and gluing...takes me back to a simpler time. A bonus is when I can combine the creative with time spent with my gal pals.
The only downside? The amount of money you can spend on this hobby. One of these days I think I will add up the amount spent on stamps and punches. It will be staggering I am sure but honestly I can say, I use my supplies on a regular basis. A single stamp may set you back seven plus dollars but it can be used over and over and over so in the grand scheme things, it is cheaper than buying cards in mass quantity.
So, with all that being said, allow me to break down the supplies and stock used for this year's cards. Thank you for you interest Cheryl!
Creme Paper: Virtual Pearl Curious Collection from Paper Zone
Blue Accent Paper: Plasma Blue Iridescent Curious Collection from Paper Zone
Square Scallop in Blue: Scallop Square punch from Punch Bunch (purchased from Impress)
Square Punch in Creme: Square punch from Family Treasures (purchased from Rubber Soul)
Snowflake Stamp: Stampin' Up Frosty set stamped with Tim Holtz's Distress Ink in Weathered Wood
Joy Love Peace Sentiment Stamp: Single stamp by Impress stamped in Stampin' Up's Classic Brilliant Blue Ink
Glitter: Squares sprayed with adhesive spray purchased from JoAnn's and sprinkled with Prisma Ultra Fine Glitter obtained years ago from Rubber Soul
Next up? Happy New Year cards. I already have two designs in mind. When should I expect you? I'll put the music on, make sure there is more than water in the house, and munchies too...
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
For Cheryl
The next time I decide glitter on multiple cards is a good idea, y'all be sure to remind of Christmas of 2007 ok?
No Dreaming Here
I wish I could have gotten a better picture for your viewing pleasure but for now, this will have to suffice.
How is the weather where you are?
Hope you are having a great day!
Monday, December 24, 2007
For Those Who Celebrate
Friends Make It All Better
I guess I should clarify huh? What I mean is did you brave the crowds and get some last minute shopping in?
Yea, that was some good times y'all.
He pretty much needed to do all of his shopping and I, "oh the horror of it all", needed to pick up some personal items for myself and the house.
It is something like a crisis to think of a couple of days without my perfume and eye cream. I readily admit I am a high maintenance girly girl. The thought of running out of Wallflower refills makes my heart skip a little beat in horror.
I love that my friends get this about me. You would think he was giving me crap when he said "oh the horror of it all" but nope, he meant the intention in a loving way. He knows it could turn into a mini crisis for me.
So, there I am. Late Sunday afternoon and I decide I am going to go for it. I am going to brave the elements. The wind. The rain. The traffic. The unseasonably not so happy people and head out.
Off to the local mall I go. Not a parking spot in sight.
I say a few curse words and head north. To the dreaded traffic infested shopping area. Luckily, traffic was not too bad and I was able to find a parking space somewhat nearby.
Basket in hand I enter Ulta. I quickly fight my way through the crowd of people, mostly men picking up last minute items I suppose, gather my goodies and proceed to wait in line. And wait and wait and wait.
I then go down a few storefronts to Bath and Body Works. What a mistake this was. If I thought Ulta was bad, it had nothing on Bath and Body Works.
As I maneuvered my way to the back of the store all I could think was, "Please lord let me get out of here in one piece and without wanting to kill a bitch."
Purchases were made and I decide to head over to Party City, which is also a few storefronts down. No such luck in finding gift bags or a reusable container to give a gift in.
At this point I am starving. I realize I have not eaten since breakfast. The spinach, mushroom, two egg omelet I made was not going to hold me over. I quickly called Hasse, who was in my home city doing his shopping, and agreed to meet up for dinner.
One more stop to go. Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Here the parking lot was the worst of the experience.
People! I am going to say this once. It is ok to park and walk. Really it is. Circling in hopes of finding a spot up close is a waste of time on a day like yesterday.
I enter the mecca in hopes of finding the latest gadget I want and a reusable way to wrap a present (it's all about being green right?) only to find the gadget is completely sold out. Not one in stock.
I will be back after the holidays in hopes of getting one. And before you go hating Ace, it will make my life easier while I am on the go. Therefore, it is a needed gadget. Just like all the rest of them. So there. *Pfft*
As I maneuver my way from the parking lot, I call T to see how her shopping excursion(s) are going and if she is at the point of wanting to kill a bitch too.
We talk all the way until I meet up with Hasse for dinner at Red Robin. *Waves hi and thanks T for putting me in a better frame of mind*
Hasse and I sit down and wait And wait. And wait some more for someone to take our drink order. It is a darn good thing we have patience. And knew what we wanted to order or we would have been there for ever and a day.
In case you are wondering, he had a fatty bud light and a bruschetta chicken burger. I selected a glass of tea, the queso dip for us to share, and a santa fe burger with garlic fries.
As we chowed, vented, and assessed where else we needed and wanted to go, we decided to give it a go together and take in a movie afterward.
Target was not that bad but dang people, could you lower the temperature? Dripping sweat down my neck from the heat and seeing Hasse red faced is not pretty on any day.
A final stop at Borders, where god bless his soul, he let me browse and browse before making the final selections.
Off to the movie we went. What did we see you might be wondering?
None other than . For the record, are the blue eyed people taking over? Not that I want you to be distracted should you decide to see this flick, but if you do, pretty much everyone in the movie has blue eyes.
I know. I know. Only I would notice something like that in midst of all the action my in real life peeps are saying right about now but it is true.
Are you wondering how the movie was? I would give it a thumbs up. It flowed nicely. It moved along at a nice pace. It wasn't too far fetched and if you like history, it intrigues.
As we were walking out of the mall/theater, I turned to Hasse and expressed how thankful I was he called out of the blue to shop together and spending the back half of the day with him was fun in spite of it all.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Weekly Challenge #12
Saturday, December 22, 2007
What Are You Doing?
Last night the exact phrase exclaimed, no less than four times, by some of those closest to me, was "What are you doing home on a Friday night?!?"
I didn't know it was that unusual for me to stay in on a Friday night, alone with the kitties, curled up as snug as a bug but apparently it is.
Who knew?
It didn't last long though.
Ace was coming through and was hungry so as I got dressed, he blew out the candles and we headed out to one of the only places open after midnight to grab some grub and a drink.
Ace had his very first beer since he arrived back from Vegas. A nice tall Bud Light for the gentleman please.
He took a fabulous picture there, It would have been outstanding if the setting wasn't on digital macro. This is why it looks a bit blurry.
I shook things up a little bit and chose Sprite instead of lemonade with da' goose.
He ordered a bacon cheese chicken grill without the cheese.
I opted for a grilled chicken cheese BLT.
As the lights went up (ya' know, the universal sign for get the heck out) the bill was paid and we headed out.
With full bellies, we walked toward the car. In an empty parking lot. And I proceeded to hit my head twice before we even pulled out of the parking spot.
If I had stayed home, that would not have happened. But hey, I am not complaining. I am just saying...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
By 67%
I fear this may disappoint you. It could have been really naughty but in actuality it ended up being more nice than naughty this year.
See, my adopted family (T's aunt and uncle) host the shin ding yearly. The gift exchange is where the naughty part comes in. In the past raunchy has ruled supreme.
This year, just to put it in perspective, gifts we left with include
Ace: A princess/fairy lamp (which is perfect for a friend's newly redecorated child's room)
Snookums: A bar of soap from Turkey
T: A set of serving plates
Mo: A reindeer tea light candle holder
That's some naughty stuff right there folks. Down and dirty raunchy right?
Didn't stop us from bringing naughty gag gifts though. This is how the evening started.
I drove over, picked Ace up, and we took a trip to .
Yep, we went to the local adult store. It isn't a mattress store like a certain someone thought for the longest time. Not only is it a store y'all, it is considered a megastore, a superstore according to the website. We like to do it big. No pun intended.
It took us a bit of walking around to find the gag gift section. Once we did, we grabbed and ran. As we were about to head over to Tarjay for the gift wrapping, as is the norm, I decided we needed to take the above picture.
I promise I wasn't trying to catch the dude coming out of the store on "film". He just happened to walk out as the flash went off. Ace and I thought we were about to get beat down. The looks coming off of this guy were deadly. Stink eye style.
After a quick trip to Tarjay we headed over to meet T and Snookums at their place.
In case you ever wondered where my nickname Mo came from or how it started, this pit stop is evidence of the origin. T was watching a friend's daughter for the day. She was unable to say my name so I was mommy for the duration of our time together.
Sweet but uh, no. I'm not your mommy. My name is *drumroll* Monica.
Little ones seem to struggle with saying it so back in the day, my brothers decided I would be Aunt Mo to simplify the situation. It stuck.
Much better than being called BeeBlee. Don't ask. I don't know how or why, and neither do my siblings, know why or when it started but this was what I was called when I was a little tyke.
Ok, enough digression. You want pictures and the rest of the naughty party update don't you?
We headed over to the party. And promptly took up residence at the table nearest to the food and drinks.
It's not that we are greedy like that. Ok, maybe a little bit. It was more out of self preservation.
This is Ace's newest friend, Max. How cute is he? He does tricks too and gives out the best big dog kisses.
After the drinks were flowing (we only drank water and soft drinks...shocking I know but the absolute truth), this lovely arrived.
I know it is not right, under any circumstances, to judge others. But this? This was too good not to share.
Mullet? Check. Old school jean overalls? Check. Matching jean purse? Check. Poufy shiny jacket? Check. Good look for 2007? Not so much. 1987? Rockin'.
A little bit after this, the gift exchange began. Poor Ace. Every gift he had was stolen from him. It happened to T and me too but Ace, out of all the guests, had the most taken from him.
He was a good sport about everything. And I mean everything. Some I won't speak of here out of respect and a desire not to re-live the asinine.
Post gift exchange, we busted out the camera, set the self timer, and started goofing. Approval was granted for this one . I seriously need to lay off the sweets, carbs, and get my ass back into the gym and off of the couch.
Gifts in hand, tummies full of holiday goodness, hugs were exchanged and on our way we went.
You Choose
I thought I would do something new today.
We're going interactive.
I can't decide what to update next so I am turning the choice over to you.
Leave me a comment to let me know what you want to hear about.
Options include
- Thursday, Dec. 6 and the morning after
- Saturday, Dec. 8 (Holiday and BDay Party in Seattle)
- Sunday, Dec. 9 (Day of RAKs and goofing)
- Thursday, Dec. 13
- Saturday, Dec 15 ("Naughty" Holiday House Party)
Vote by 8:00 PM PST. Which ever option receives the most votes will be first up.
Peace and Love Peeps. See ya' later today...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I Will Take Lots of Cheese
I want to get this out of my system so I can put it out of my world and focus on the rest of the day being much better than this morning has been.
I wake up this morning to discover
- I am out of toilet paper
- I am out of fresh kitty litter
- It took me twenty minutes to clean out my email inbox before I could send one little reminder to some of my work peeps
- One of my pimples (that I picked at prior to my facial) has completely scabbed over
- My hair will be flat and in a ponytail because hey, we have a new system moving in (more rain, wind, snow) but y'all, the CEO is in town
- The black cardigan I am wearing over my black sweater dress does not match
- The tights I was going to wear today are the wrong size so I am bare legged in 40 degree temps
- I have glitter here, there, and everywhere from the holiday cards
On the flip side, I did get a good night's sleep and I will be mailing my holiday cards this morning.
Hope your day is starting off better than mine has.
Here is to the rest of the day being a good one...Peace and Love Peeps.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Weekly Challenge #11
Friday, December 14, 2007
Big Pimpin'
Seriously.
For real. My aesthetician Veronika told me so this evening. She said I was one big zit after she finished my facial.
That's me...one big pimp(le).
Don't hate. I am deserving of such love.
I say love because I want the people in my life to keep it real. Tell me how it is. Don't mince words. I appreciate and welcome the honesty when I know it comes from a good place.
My face was tore up. That is what stress, putting your hands all over your chin, failing to exfoliate, and going to bed with your make up on a few nights too many will do.
I'm back on the mend though. She works wonders! But for now, I am big pimpin'. That is my story and I am stickin' to it.
Peace and Love Peeps.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Lesson Re-Learned
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Delicious
You already know I'm a lover of candles. Have I ever shared I am a huge scent oriented person?
I've been told by many, "I can smell you/your house from downstairs."
I like my space to be inviting. Cozy. To smell good.
JP introduced me to Yankee candle tarts years ago. I've never looked back.
I adore the Wallflowers you can purchase from Bath and Body Works.
Room spray from Pier 1? Check.
Then I moved onward to include essential oils in a burner and most recently, reed diffusers, to the mix.
I've tried the home fragrance oils from Bath and Body Works. Others from The Body Shop. Some from Yankee Candle. I have even broken into my soap and candle essential oil supplies.
Last weekend, while stocking up on tarts from my local Hallmark brick and mortar store, I stumbled across the above home fragrance oil.
Very fragrant. Extremely clean burning.
In a word, D*E*L*I*C*I*O*U*S.
I'm in love and felt I had to share this news with you. For my other fellow scent oriented peeps, for a base price of $8.00 you can have happiness, comfort, and scent joy in your home too.
I'd love to share a website with you but I was unable to find them on the website printed on the label; said website is here.
Happy home fragrance shopping. Make your space smell of you...
NOTE: Favorites/Signature Scents are Home Sweet Home Yankee candle tarts, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin White Barn Wallflowers, and Island Orchard room spray from Pier 1
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like . . .
I spent the last hour or so finalizing the color combo for my holiday cards. Then I got busy. Punching. Stamping.
I'm not done yet.
After punching 46 squares, 46 scallop squares, starting the stamping, which began as a warm fuzzy but mid way through reminded me of an eye chart, I decided the assembly line would end for the night.
There are times I wish I could go back to the ease of store bought cards but making cards has become one of the things I am known for. It is a hobby and passion I enjoy but times like these...Hallmark feels right and would be a welcome change.
I hope you appreciate the cards received this year, whether they are homemade or store bought. Either way, someone took the time to think of you and send you a bit of love. I'll be remembering this with each card I am blessed to receive.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Tuesday Tales
Melissa
Melissa' s friend Ladawn (hope I spelled that right. I forgot to check).
We're working on getting T comfortable with taking pictures let alone posting them here.
She is making progress y'all. Lots and lots of progress. That was her with me on the goofy Happy Monday picture and she lets me take her picture most all of the time these days.
We started with a round of drinks. I bet you knew that though didn't you? So predictable...
Melissa had a Smith and Wesson, Ladawn a pina colada, Kyla and T had regular margaritas, and I ordered a cadillac margarita. I'm willing to pay the extra bank for top shelf. It just tastes smoother to me.
As we snarfed on chips, salsa, and bean dip we did what girls do. Gabbed. Caught up on the latest news.
Food was ordered and the stories continued...
Gee, can you guess what the main selection for our table was? Did I hear you think or say enchiladas? If so, you are correct and very observant.
Kyla ordered a shredded beef I believe. Melissa had two cheese. T and I opted for one cheese. Ladawn was the independent one with the beef taco salad.
Ever notice how unattractive the picture of all that cheesy, mexican, oh sooo bad yet so good food is? It takes a lot to get me to turn down a mexican/tex mex dinner. Don't hate. I'm from Texas remember?
Post dinner, Kyla, Melissa, and Ladawn headed out to local Tuesday night hot spot. T and I, being the old boring farts we believe we have become, did a Tarjay run.
The younguns go for more drinks, dancing, and a late night of kicking it.
The oldies go pick up lounging pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a few dog toys before heading to bed.
Boy howdy, times have certainly changed in this girl's life.