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.

thank goodness it's thursday!

I always dread this day. It comes twice a year and I'm never quite ready for it.

TEETH CLEANING! Woohoo!!! (Not!)

I had a load of fun with my 'favorite' hygienist who takes an unnatural pleasure and diligence in scraping plaque and tartar. She apparently takes her job very seriously. Normally, my time in the chair consists of a lot of scraping. And I mean a LOT. I think I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but I always try to brace myself for the jamming of pointed tools into my gums. Ugh! Jay, on the other hand, gets the lame sonic method of cleaning, which he claims is superlative to the old fashioned method. Weeny! I think pain and teeth cleaning go hand in hand like peanut butter & jelly.

Thankfully, however, I can proudly say that the scraping was minimal today and I managed not to rinse out a bloody clot or two into the bowl.

Here's to good hygiene!

waiting patiently

for these two yummy shoes to be delivered. I ordered them online last week because the selection at the brick & mortar Nordstrom was abysmal. Yes, that IS a 3 3/4 inch heel! Fabulous isn't it! Don't know yet where I'm going to wear it, but it's HOT!


Thank you Nordstrom Anniversary sale!! Without you I would never buy shoes because nice Size 4's can sometimes be so darn expensive.

Can I Just Have Some Time to Unwind?

Inspired by Jay and the Lupus Awareness Month I started running and lifing weights again a couple months ago for my health. Since May I’ve maintained a daily schedule of alternating run days and weight sessions. While I’ve gained, both in running and strength, I seem to have lost something quite precious to me: my weeknight evenings. Gone are the week nights spent watching TV, in my scraproom creating, or reading on the chaise sandwiched by two tiny dogs. No, my evenings now consist of working out, eating dinner at 9am (maybe earlier if we're lucky), packing our lunches for the next day, and washing dishes. When all is said and done, it’s already time for bed.

The weekends aren’t any better with household chores, errands that I can’t do during the week, and cooking meals for the coming week, I don’t get the time I need to just unwind and chill. Needless to say, I’m looking forward our vacation for some quiet time to rejuvenate my spirit. I know that sounds kind of corny, but it’s been feeling shabby lately despite the exercising.