Meet Max & Sparky

I took some fun pictures of our boys on Friday while Jay and I were in the kitchen cooking. They usually don't stay still, but I think the warm sun streaming in made them really patient. I took a ton of shots, but I think these are the best of the bunch. Thanks for looking!

Post Christmas Fun

Wow, it feels like ages since I last blogged! First, a belated Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas full of the wonders only the season can bring. I had a wonderfully crazy last two weeks finishing circle journals and last minute Christmas shopping that I had no time to do any blogging.

I had a great Christmas. The best gift actually came the Friday before Christmas when I got the call that I landed a long term temporary position at a firm in San Francisco. The downside was that I was starting the next Monday. All in all, I'm very excited about working again. I've been happily waking up at 6 am to get ready for work.

Jay and I had Christmas dinner at my brother- and sister-in-laws' home in Santa Clara which was a bit of change because we've had it at our house the past couple years. On Christmas Day we went to Mass then had lunch at the mother-and father-in-law's home immediately after. The rest of the day was spent just lounging. Ahhh!

Meet my new friend, the Cuisinart coffee maker! Yay!! My Krups decided last Tuesday morning that it would no longer operate itself so I have not had a morning cup of coffee since then. Ughhh! Anyway, I slogged through those days and finally picked this one up yesterday when Jay and I went to so do some Christmas returns. So very happy happy!

Jar of Whimsy

I participated in a swap on SISTv called Christmas Jar of Whimsy. We each filled a jar with fun scrappy stuff for our partner. Well, I got my jar of goodies yesterday. Thank you to Vivian for all the scrappy goodness, I'm in heaven. I'm still working on my December Daily so everything will be put to good use!

Holidays & Coffee

I started a new Christmas tradition yesterday: holiday coffee! The inspiration came while I was grocery shopping (at Raleys if you're from NorCal) on Saturday. I came across Don Francisco's Dark Chocolate Mint coffee. Yummy! I had a couple cups yesterday and it is absolutely heavenly! It's like having a mint mocha, another Starbucks Holiday favorite of mine!

I tried to snap a couple shots of Max & Sparky with reindeer antlers on, but as usual they won't cooperate.

And so it goes

I don't know why this is, but I just can't get back into the swing of things. I was doing so well before Thanksgiving, efficiently checking off my to-do list. (I am temporarly unemployed so I have no excuse.) I have tons to do, but I just want to be lazy! To make matters worse, my normal routine was thrown into a tizzy on Wednesday when I had to prepare for a last minute interview (which went well). I like a lot of structure, but I'm usually able to recover quickly

I haven't finished pre-making my December Daily nor have I taken any pictures (except for Monday) or done any journaling! Aacck! Here are some of the picture that I took on Monday of our Christmas tree.

Hello December

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was very low key and casual. Jay and I took care of the turkey and the fixings and BIL and SIL provided the pumpkin and whipped cream. Everything was so yummy! We cooked a 20 pound bird which is big for only four people. I think we'll be eating turkey leftovers until the end of the week!

I didn't partake of any Black Friday or Saturday and Cyber Monday craziness. Luckily I don't have a ton of people to shop for this year or any year for that matter. This year the "kids" (ie. me, DH, SIL and BILs) are doing a secret Santa type of gift of exchange.

I'm so happy that December if finally here! I can finally sing Christmas songs freely and without shame! I have to say that I LOVE Christmas! Family, food, singing! I miss the big get-together that my mom's side of the family has every year. I have a large extended family and it seems to get bigger every year with new babies. With so many people in one place it is loud, but it is also so comforting.

With all the time I have, I decided to do Ali Edwards' December Daily album. It's such a fabulous idea to document everyday blessings and traditions of Christmas. I hope it will make this Christmas even more meaningful for me and Jay. I'll post the cover as soon as I take a stinking picture of it. Another fabu project is Tim Holt's 12 Tags of Christmas. I'm thinking of playing along and maybe using some in my December Daily. His projects are full of great techniques and are simply gorgeous!

Please pass the turkey!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful turkey day with your families. With all that is going in the world, today is a great time to stop and be thankful for what we have. Me, I'm thankful for the many blessings in my life.

So from my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

T Minus 2 Days

I'm so excited, it's almost turkey day! I'm looking forward to the smell of roasting turkey filling the house, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and football! I love Thanksgiving! This year I'm cooking the turkey (again), mashed potatoes, and yams. My SIL is bringing dessert: bread pudding (yummy)! Of course, it wouldn't be complete without wine!

I won't be participating the any of the Black Friday festivities. Instead Jay and I will be driving up to Sonoma for a day of tasting, eating, and shopping.

Time for Tea

I gave myself a little treat last week after my make n' take here and I went to for a spot of tea at Thyme for Tea in Niles District in Fremont. Actually, it wasn't just a spot it was Victorian high tea complete with scone and lemon curd, cucumber tea sandwich, chicken sandwhich, a yummy petit four and a whole sort of other goodies! I had a wonderful time! The only unnerving thing was that they were already playing Christmas songs. I'm a goof, I forgot my camera so I don't have any picture of the loveliness!

Anyhow, this was the perfect inspo for pictures from my friend's bridal shower.

Used the May Cocoa Daisy Kit

Post it like you stole it...

and that is exactly what I'm doing! I got this from Laurie's blog. All the things that are bolded are things that I've done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (many times!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke (every chance I get!)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (I was little and it was done by my uncle!)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (Good times!)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (does Creative Memories count?)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (hehehe. . . met The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson while I was working out!)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Just a Suggestion

I think libraries should be open on a holiday, especially on one where both parents and children have off (of course this should not apply to July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas). A library is a wonderful place for families to spend a day or at least part of a day. I decided yesterday that I would visit my local library to get a card and maybe check out a book, but it was CLOSED. Acckkk! I'll head there tomorrow after my make and take for another try.

Here's a new page a did from our recent vacation.

Just want to say...

THANKS to all our armed forces!

Get out the funk

On Friday, someone said that I looked sad, which really perplexed me because I wasn't feeling particularly blue. I later realized that my subconciense must be hard at work with negativity. Thus I woke this morning at 7 a.m., and after taking the dogs, worked out. Yes, I did weights and a light walk/run. Much to my surprise, it felt very invigorated! I've taken care of my to-do's and I am ready to tackle the fun stuff!

I need to get into a routine while I'm job hunting! I think I'm starting to go kind of stir crazy being at home all day.

Election Day

I LOVE election night!! I hope everyone has done their civic duty today (or in the past couple weeks) by VOTING! We are so lucky to live in a country that allows us freedom of choice. This is going to be a long night!!

I trekked into San Francisco yesterday afternoon for a couple interviews with recruiters and got caught in the downpour after my last meeting. Luckily, the entrance to the BART station wasn't too far away and I was out of that mess quickly.

J and I had a great weekend just relaxing. Here are two layouts I did.

Off to enjoy election night results!

Finally. . . FALL!

Just loving the overcast sky and cooler weather today. . . the typical Indian Summer is finally coming to an end and it's feeling more like Fall than ever! It has even drizzled a little! The forecast for the weekend is. . . RAIN! Only I could be happy about rain. It's indoor activity weather, ie. scrapbooking, reading, scrapbooking, movie watching and scrapbooking!!!

I finished my Christmas tag swap and I love them! I hope the girls in the swap like them too!! I had a lot of fun designing these!




We're having the perfect dinner for this cold day. I'm trying a lentil and sausage stew in the slow cooker. I hope it tastes as good as it smells! I'll let you know tomorrow.

Week in Review

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a week. Here's a quick rundown:

• Voted via absentee over the weekend!
• Had a good interview last week. Yah!
• Attended Mass for the first time in a while on Saturday. I can't tell you how good it felt to be there. Listening to the sermon, I remembered how important Mass once meant to me and I realized how important it still is.
• Took a wonderful ATC class with Debby Schuh at Picture Me Perfect. I had an awesome time AND the project is just gorgeous!!! I'll post a pic after I finish punching the cards!!
• Picked up my new glasses and I absolutely LOVE them!!

So excited for the new week! I'm looking forward to this Friday when J and I are going to spend all day together. I'm not sure exactly what we're doing, but we're definitely having Indian food at some point. Yum!

It's a Miracle!

I actually got crafty the last two weekends! Last weekend I worked on a circle journal. The theme for this book is "I Would Love to..." I had a lot of fun with this one. I'll post all of my entries after our final exchange in December. I can't wait to get mine back! Anyway, I had my camera out for some reason so I decided to take a picture of my desk. It's quite a mess, isn't it? Of course I had to clean it before I could start another project.

This weekend I created this card for a swap at Picture Me Perfect. I had a lot of fun with all of the ladies: Suzy, Shelley, Vickie, Patty, Jeanne and Linda.

I also finished the images for the Stamped Image swap at SISTv. Here's a little sneak.

And it's going to another scrappy weekend for me. Debby Schuh is teaching a couple classes at Picture Me Perfect and will also be at a crop on Friday night. And I'm going to be there. The class I'm taking is just adorable!

trick or treat?

Got this from my SIL the other day. Given the state of the economy I thought it was funny. Hope you got a laugh out of it!

Seriously, the economy is getting more worrisome by the day. While Jay and I have tried to cut back on some things, like carpooling to work (to save on toll), packing lunches, buying only what's on sale unless we really need it, we haven't really bit the bullet and done more. I'll admit that I have a bad scrap supply habit. I could totally do some cutting in that area. Right now I only have one monthly kit subscription, but I go to my lss weekly and almost always buy something (blushing). I'm trying think of other ways to cut back. What are you doing to help yourself during this economic crisis!

If you haven't already done so, PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE! This is an important election! Exercise your right!

i'm a loser

Had to report to jury duty today (yuck!). Woke up super early because I had to drive to Oakland and didn't know how traffic was going to be. So why am a loser you ask? As I park my car, I remember that I have no cash which is the only form of payment that the parking structure takes. What's the problem you ask? Don't you have ATM card? Of course I have a ATM card...but I don't use it very often and don't remember my pin number. So I painstakingly counted quarters, dimes, and nickels for a total of $7. Ugghhh!

The other day I came across a new sketch blog called Inspired Blueprints. It looks pretty cool. Here's the first sketch. I haven't had a chance to play yet, but as soon as I do, I'll definitely post it. Check it out!


In other news, I'm trying to find balance in life. I'm finding that scrapping and reading time are so often sacrificed for TV time. Need to change that immediately! That and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

cupcake dreams

Last week when I went to grab a bite to eat at the Palo Alto Town & Country, I noticed that finishing touches were being put on a Kara's Cupcakes. Since Jay and I didn't carpool yesterday, I went to check it out during lunch. O.Mi.Gosh! Swoon! I was in Cupcake Heaven! (I passed up a Cheesecake Factory cupcake at Barnes & Noble, so I was still totally craving one.) It is a cutest shop with lost of pink!! There are two other locations, both in San Francisco, and another one will be opening in Santana Row in San Jose sometime this month. After surveying the delectable selection, I chose 4 cupcakes: Vanilla Chocolate, Chocolate Velvet, Java, and Fleur de Sel. All I can say is "yummy"!

I'm so excited because local meteorologists are forecasting rain for tonight through tomorrow. Yay! Can I just say that I love a rainy day!! It's the best excuse to scrap or curl up with a book, a warm and cozy blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate. Love, love, LOVE! Fall if definitely here!

the jalapeno incident

Just a quick psa to everyone: wash your hands thoroughly after slicing jalapenos, or better yet, wear gloves! I found out the hard way over the weekend what happens when you don't wash your hands well. I didn't, then touched one eye (that's all it took). I was a mess! In the process of flushing out one eye I managed to also get my other eye. It was excruciating especially after I removed my contacts. It felt like my entire face was burning; the skin around my eyes and nose were so inflamed that it was red. I wish I had the presence of mind to have Jay take a picture of me. That would have been hilarious! End of psa.

Otherwise, I had a great weekend! I got to scrap a little, but got sidetracked with archiving pictures. I've been needing to do that so I'm very happy that it's finally done! I was so engrossed with the archiving project that I didn't have time to take a picture of my layout. I'll post it tomorrow.

it's aloha friday

Yay! This week just dragged on endlessly! I'm very happy that it's over because I'm ready for the weekend! Nevermind that Saturday will be spent waiting, hopefully at Barnes & Noble, while both of our cars get serviced; nevermind that Sunday will be spent working on the landscaping. It's still the weekend.

I'm kicking off my wonderful weekend scrapping at Picture Me Perfect and with Suzy who just came back from teaching in Brazil. I'm sure she's has lots 'o stories to tell! Can't wait! I haven't scrapped since June so I'm really excited!

Blame it on the Mojo

I had every intention this weekend to scrap, but that, of course, didn't happen. I didn't even put my hands on any pretty pattern paper. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME???? I have not scrapped since June. JUNE! Arrgh! I did come across some layouts that I created a couple months ago that I have not posted.

Jay at Yosemite




















Me and my cousin





















On a side note, the Heroes premiere last night was a bit of a disappointment. It has definitely lost the magic it had in the first season.

Must See TV!

In honor of the first big week of season premieres, here is my list of "must see TV" by day.

Monday
Heroes (can't wait!)
My Own Worst Enemy

Tuesday
The Mentalist
Without a Trace
Law & Order: SVU
Fringe
The Shield

Wednesday
Private Practice
Criminal Minds (Shemar Moore, yum!)
America's Next Top Model
Lipstick Jungle

Thursday
Smallville
American's Best Dance Crew

Friday
The Ex List

Sunday
Amazing Race
Cold Case
The Unit

Yes, it's a tall order of a schedule and logistically, I can't watch all of them. I also know that I probably won't be watching all of them at the end of the season, but a girl can try. There are so many other shows slated for mid-season that it is too overwhelming.

Happy Belated Birthday...to ME!

August 30th to be exact. We just happened to be flying to Hawaii that very day! It's still hard to believe that I've been on this earth for 35 years. Craziness, I say. I don't look a day over 18; and I'm still convinced that people look at me and think I'm only a teenager. Although my age must be showing since I've notice that I'm carded less often and I'm called "ma'am" more. I am happy to be where I am even with all my idiosyncrasies. I wouldn't be me without them!

Anyway, here are some highlights from our vacation. Enjoy!

Snorkeling trip off of Ko Olina, Oahu

"Dolphin stalking"

The friendly neighborhood chickens on Kauai













I'll post some layouts when I actually create something which I was hoping to do tonight! Looks like it's going to be a late night. . .

BACK TO REALITY!

Coming back to work after a vacation, whether short or long, is just plain hard. Every morning I wake up thinking we're still in Hawaii, but when my feet touch the floor, I realize that I'm in Fremont, CA.

This weekend will be our first full weekend since coming back from vacation, so you know what that means, right? It means we will be catching up on all the errands and chores that were left undone while we were away. UGH!

I'll have one small respite: I'm getting a badly needed hair cut and color tomorrow (can't wait for the massage). I want to do something a little different, but not drastic; I'm just not sure what.

Home Sweet Home

I'm back! J and I had a wonderful two week vacation in Hawaii: one week on Oahu and one week on Kauai. I have a ton of pictures to share! Alas I have not had a chance to download the pictures from the cameras. I hope to get to it tonight.

I can't tell you how rejuvenated I feel. Two weeks of doing nothing but eating, reading, playing in the sun, and sleeping does a lot of good for mental and physical health! But as much I love being home with family (I still call Hawaii home, I'll never stop doing that), I'm happy to be back in good old California. And it's also great to be back in our home, with our dogs, and our furniture.

I'm soooo looking forward to getting into my scrap room and scrapping ASAP. As of this moment, I really haven't scrapped in ages! I have so many delicious kits waiting for me I don't know just where to start.

Belated Welcome July!

Okay, I know, I'm a little late, but I can't believe July is actually here! These first six months of 2008 have flown by way too quickly. I wish I could slow down time. Since college I've noticed that each year seems to pass by faster than the year before and I don't have kids!

Had a GREAT July 4th! After sleeping in (oh so wonderful) and getting the dogs' nails clipped at Petsmart, I spent a better part of the afternoon reading "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. If you don't know who Randy Pausch is, you NEED to get to know him. Randy is a professor at Carnegie Mellon who is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is dying. I haven't seen "The Last Lecture," but the book was extremely touching and powerful. I totally recommend this book to everyone!

I just found out this past Thursday that I have to go to D.C. afterall. So this Wednesday I'm heading to D.C. for a week and half for work. Oh joy! I'm not looking forward to the heat and humidity. So beside working, this weekend has been filled with the mad scramble to get dry cleaning done, laundry, and getting my neccessities together.

And the Weiner, I Mean, Winner is ....

David Cook! Woo hoo! Inspite of the fact that I think coming in second would have been better for his career (although coming in first has been great for Kelly and Carrie) I feel vindicated that, in a season of ridiculous voting, the American Idol watchers finally got something right! Twelve million votes!?! (Probably thanks in part to all the "cougars" who have the hots for Cookie...lol!) I can't wait to buy that first CD!

I don't deny that David Archuleta is uber talented, but I sense a disconnect when he singing, but that comes with maturity. I think he should re-think his decision about not going on his mission. It should get him some life experiences that will totally help his music career. that kid as a long career ahead of him. He reminds me of someone, but for the longest time I couldn't figure out who. Then it hits me, he reminds me of Donny Osmond when he was little! What to you think?

Where did the weekend go?

Weekends are always too short!

I got some scrapbooking time away from home on Saturday night at my favorite place Picture Me Perfect. Yay! Had a great time with some truly amazing ladies: Amber, Lonae, Rocio, and Angel. As always thank you to for all the fun, laughs, and inspiration!

I missed a great picture (and scrapbooking) opportunity on Sunday. One of out little guys, Max, is generally a playful dog, but he absolutely HATES getting a bath. What he hates even more is the sound of running water, it completely freaks him out. He'll growl and snap at whomever is nearest (I've been on the receiving end during baths which is why it takes two people. So J had a brilliant idea of muzzling him during his bath over the weekend. It was the funniest sight ever, but there was no snapping and biting! Hooray!