license renewal fun

Wednesday morning I went to renew my driver's license at the DMV. I had to take a new picture (yuck, at least I have a great tan) and provide a thumb print. Just the thought of having to step into a DMV makes me shudder. I had an appointment for Monday to avoid having to wait, but the cancelled flight on Sunday night completely killed that. When I got to DMV there was already a line starting to wrap around the building and I braced myself for a painfully long wait. But to my surprise, DMV workers were very organized, assigning people to letter groups prior to the doors opening. Then once inside, we each received a number within our assigned letter grouping. Another worker administered eye exams as people waited to be called. Very efficient! Not words usually used to describe the DMV. What I thought was going to be a couple hours of hell turned out to be 15 minutes of not so bad. Props to the Fremont DMV at Dusterberry for totally making my day!

finally. . .home, sweet, home

I'm so over the moon to be back in the comfort of my own bed and home. Jay and I spent two days in a nightmare of cancelled and missed flights that warrants a separate post . You'll just have to trust me that it was utterly ridiculous. The vacation part, of course, was wonderfully relaxing and invigorating: pure bliss. Wish we could have stayed longer.

So looking forward to lots of "me" time this weekend: it's birthday weekend. The plan is to get my scrap on on Friday in the confines of my forlorn scraproom which I dearly miss. Then on Saturday some pampering at the spa with a massage and facial in the morning, then more scrapping in the evening. Culminating on Sunday, my birthday, with an Indian buffet lunch after a morning run. Love it!

burger, fries & a glass of wine

Whenever we're in Napa, we often pass this little burger joint across from Rutherford Grill that ALWAYS has a long line. I'd roll my eyes and wonder why would anyone want a greasy burger when they are in Napa with so many great restaurants. Well, the burger joint is Taylor's Automatic Refresher and was chosen by Food Network and one of the food magazines (I forgot which one; it's either Gourmet or Food & Wine) as the second best burger in the nation. (Unfortunately, the best is on somewhere on the East Coast and I'm not going there anytime soon.) Since Jay and I are always on the lookout for a great burger we, after a little bit of wine tasting on a hot Memorial Day, went to Taylor's Automatic Refresher for a of tasting of our own.

We got there relatively early for lunch, but there was already a line, but that's no surprise. The menu was surprisingly extensive and even included an ahi sandwich which Meng decided to order. The one item on the menu caught my eye was their sweet potato fries. After much deliberation over whether I wanted bacon, I decided on a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries and a glass of wine (next time, definitely an iced tea).

The burger was great, not greasy and had a just the right amount of melty cheese. The highlight, however, was the sweet potato fries, which were cut perfectly to allow a nice, crisp texture. There was no need for ketchup on these fries.

There are a couple downsides. First, all seating is outdoors and consists of picnic tables and benches with umbrellas which on a nice day is great, but on a hot day is excruciating. Second, there is just one bathroom. . . for everyone.

That being said it's great place to stop for lunch when you're wine tasting in Napa.

Enjoy! xoxo

so lovin' this

six years ago today

I married my best friend. Thank you, my love, for being there to help me stand (literally & figuratively), to guide me, to hold me hand. I love you even more than the day we said "I do" and would happliy do it over again and again and again.

Happy Anniversary Rome!!

open letter to my knees

Let me begin by saying thank you: for all the support you've given me so far in my young life. From jumping jacks in grade school to the silly cheerleading jumps in junior high; to aerobics in college and my 20's. You've proven yourself a worthy partner. But recently, you've, well, um, you've been letting me down. As much as I gripe (which I haven't been doing a lot of lately) about running, I am learning to enjoy it. However, I haven't been able to enjoy it because I've been sidelined by YOU! First you hit me with tightness in my right knee which made it difficult and almost painful to bend. Then, simultaneously, you hit me with swelling in my left knee which left me unable to straighten it. I hobbled around for a couple days like I was 85 instead of 35. I rested you for four days, but after my run on Tuesday all the symptoms are back, although not as intense. I know I'm not young anymore, but I'm not old either. I still see many years of running and bike riding ahead of me. So I beg you to please find it in your heart to have mercy on me. And I promise to take better care of you from now on!

BART sucks

Going on strike. Starting on Monday. Bay Area commuters are [add your own expletive] six ways 'til Sunday (pardon the pun). What a nightmare! There is still hope that a strike can be avoided since both sides plan to continue negotiating until Sunday.

august + me = birthday

The other day I did something I haven't done in quite a long while: blog surf. It's so amazing where just one blog can lead you. I stumbled over this blog and was completely at a lost for words. I was particulary enamored with her birthday book. What an awesome idea, right? And with my birthday is just around the corner, it's the perfect project for me to tackle next. How serendipitous! Still, it feels a little daunting to come up with 36 things to do in the next year! I'm sure I can find some fun ones.

The August kit from Cocoa Daisy can probably help me with the creative process. I just love these color pallette!

good food & good friends

No better way to spend a Sunday evening than sharing a meal with old friends and new friends to celebrate another milestone. From the prime rib to the roasted potatoes to the pasta salad, everything was great! But the best part was the Cheesecake Factory Oreo Cheesecake and berries!

almost goodbye

Tonight is the last Friday that I'll get to spend scrapping at Picture Me Perfect. I've been scrapping there every Friday since Suzy announced her decision over a month ago to close the store to be a full-time SAHM. (The store doesn't actually closes its doors until next weekend, but I won't be able to attend the very last crop because I'll be going crazy trying to pack for our vacation.) I'm sad that's she's closing the store, but I know in my heart it is what is best for her and her family especially for her sweet kids.

Plans for the rest of the weekend: family BBQ (tri-tip, corn, & cold watermelon), birthday dinner for a friend. No rest for the weary!

Happy weekend!

is it really august?

That means summer is almost over. . .CRAZY! I feel like summer just started. Jay and I haven't done any of our normal summertime activities like biking and going on picnics with Max & Sparky. *Sigh* I guess we just have to make the best of what is left.

Speaking of summer activities, Jay and I spent last Saturday afternoon at the annual Fremont Festival of the Arts. It was a beautiful day, albeit a tad bit windy. We lunched on fried rice and teriyaki chicken; both were were good. Then did a little window shopping. One of the reasons we go the the Festival is decor shopping. While most of the vendors are a little too kitchy and country, we always end finding one that really catches our eye. This year it was Chris Bryant Pottery who makes some absolutely stunning pottery. Unfortunately, he sold all of his larger pieces in the morning and for a good price. Lesson learned: the early bird gets the worm.

I always love walking around and checking out the vendors. However, I didn't quite enjoy the bar-like atmosphere of people congregating in one small area just drinking, nor did I enjoy the confusing beer/wine/margarita set-up. Too many intoxicated people in one dang place makes for big problems. Props to FPD officers whose presence was definitely felt.