Quarter of a Century

Today I turn 25! For some reason I've always wanted to be 25. I think it's the perfect age - finally out of the college-aged group, and moving on towards responsible adulthood! It's a comforting feeling having a rewarding career, a loving boyfriend, and the best friends and family - all at age 25! 2007 was definitely good to me. I do not take one single part of my life for granted, because I still remember the crappy times. I do know that from this day on, my life is only going to get better!

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes from all of my lovelies. You mean so much to me!

The DOW is down!

Boo stock market!!!

(I never thought I would know anything about the stock market, so it's a huge step that I actually care how stocks are doing these days.)

Investing for the future...you should too!

Homemade Chocolate Candy

My grandma sends me homemade goodies every holiday. Last year she sent me the recipe along with her famous Chocolate Deluxe Candy, so this year I decided to make it myself! It turned out soo yummy, so here is the recipe for everyone to try!

1/2 pound baking chocolate
1/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup spanish peanuts
1 1/4 cup rice krispies

Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it isn't melted, heat again for a few seconds or until melted. Be careful not to overheat since chocolate burns easily. Mix in nuts and rice krispies. Spread a thin layer of mixture on a large piece of wax paper. Put in fridge and let dry for an hour. Break into pieces and store in a sealed container. Now you have a scrumptious candy to serve during the holiday season!!


Enjoy!!!

Homemade Chocolate Candy

My grandma sends me homemade goodies every holiday. Last year she sent me the recipe along with her famous Chocolate Deluxe Candy, so this year I decided to make it myself! It turned out soo yummy, so here is the recipe for everyone to try!

1/2 pound baking chocolate
1/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup spanish peanuts
1 1/4 cup rice krispies

Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it isn't melted, heat again for a few seconds or until melted. Be careful not to overheat since chocolate burns easily. Mix in nuts and rice krispies. Spread a thin layer of mixture on a large piece of wax paper. Put in fridge and let dry for an hour. Break into pieces and store in a sealed container. Now you have a scrumptious candy to serve during the holiday season!!


Enjoy!!!

Charter Sucks

--Original Message--
From: jaime_lois@yahoo.com
Date: 12/13/2007 6:02:14 AM
To: info.cc@mailegain.chartercom.com
Subject: Support / Other My Account Inquiries

Message:

I receive several letters in the mail every month from charter about upgrading my service. The letters and phone calls are becoming aggresive and annoying! Not to mention, you are wasting so much paper by sending me constant junk mail. I also do not appreciate being called at odd hours of the night asking if I would like to add telephone service. I did not want telephone service the first time you called, and I still do not want telephone service. In fact, I will never want telephone service! If I continue to receive an overwhelming amount of advertisements for charter services, I am going to discontinue my current service with charter. Please stop harassing me!


Charter Communications wrote:

Dear Mr./Ms. Rogers,

Thank you so much for contacting Charter Communications. My name is Rhia. I would be glad to assist you in the best manner possible. I apologize for the inconvenience. For us to properly help you process your request to have your contact email deleted form our list so that you could no longer received any advertisements from Charter, please join our "LIVE CHAT" sessions or call our Customer Service Representatives with this number 1-888-438-2427 for further assistance. There are necessary information that we need to ask you for verifications. If there is anything further I can help you with, please let me know.

If you have any additional questions regarding with your services or need further assistance please contact us via our website http://www.Charter.com.

The Charter High-Speed internet service is now available in your area. We offer personal antivirus and firewall security suite, telephone service, 5MB Internet speed, parental controls, games, music and so much more. We invite you to "Live Chat " with us; we would love to hear from you!

Great news! Charter offers you the Digital Biggest+5M+Phone for $139.97 for 12 months package so that you can save money while enjoying same quality services. Call our toll free number at 1-888-438-2427 to learn more and sign up for Charter’s great offer.

Thank you for your email submission to our website! Have a wonderful day!

With respect,
Rhia
Charter Email Support Team


My response:

Rhia,

Are you kidding me?? First of all the problem is not with my email. It is with my regular mail and phone calls. I do not want advertisements in paper form or over the phone. Not only did you not help me whatsoever, you tell me to sign on to "Live Chat?" Live chat is about as useful as asking a 3-year old for internet help. That's going to get me no where. Also, I find it quite interesting that you managed to prove my point in your response. My complaint was about receiving promotional ads and yet at the bottom of your email, there were two advertisements about Charter services. Come on, get a clue! Charter pretty much has the worst customer service of all time. I am done with this crappy business.

Respectfully,

MS. Jaime

Holiday Cheer!

This is the first time in awhile that I am giddy with holiday cheer! My cottage is decorated with a miniature Christmas tree, pink sparkling lights, and a wintery centerpiece. I spent 30 minutes putting up white lights outside on the balcony, only to find out they didn't work, so today I bought some new blue lights, and now everyone will know just how festive the cottage is! I've done a little bit of Christmas shopping, mostly ordering things online. I am having a fun time this year trying to figure out just what to get those special people in my life. I actually have a little extra cash (I got a raise!!!!), so finally my heart can beat with some gift-giving generosity.

I am more than excited to visit Steve's family this year because he tells me I am going to be "royalty" there. Wahoo! He has also told me so much about the place where he grew up, and I am anxious to see it all! It's amazing how it worked out so well, that we have enough time to visit his family, AND my family. We will be going to Tahoe after Christmas to visit with my dad and brother for a couple of days, and stopping to say hi to my Aunt. I get to show Steve around Gardnerville, where I grew up too. We'll also be able to see my mom and Philip on our drive back down south. She will be staying at my aunts in Danville, so we're going to spend one night there as well. It's going to be so much fun I can hardly contain myself!!

I'll be going to the work Christmas party solo this year - only because not everyone knows about us yet...but he promised me next year he'll take me :) He did say he will take me out for a nice holiday dinner sometime this month to make up for it! He is THE BEST.

Happy Holidays!!!!

Last Christmas

Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
You gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special

-Wham!

So You Think You Can Dance?

Heart Breaker

I think Brad of The Bachelor was paid top dollar to reject both women. This was a sneaky move to create "the most DRAMATIC ending in Bachelor history!" Reality tv is moving away from predictable and towards "stunning" and "jaw dropping" but is this true REALITY? No! I think it's a crime that these networks are willing to pay someone millions of dollars to manipulate a show, just to get good ratings. How about they keep the millions, donate the money to someone who really needs it, like ME, and let the Bachelor do whatever he wants. It would have been better tv if they made him beg on live television to bring Jenni's limo back because he really wanted her afterall.

Thanksgiving

It will be the first year that I won't be spending Thanksgiving with family. But, Stephen will be here and we'll be cozying up in front of the fire place. I am making a feast for two on Thursday. I will either make a cornish game hen, a chicken, or a turkey breast. My vote goes to the turkey breast, but S really likes dark turkey meat. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, apple sauce are also on the menu. I have to think of a creative veggie since S doesn't like most traditional vegetable dishes like my favorite green bean casserole. (Is it possible to make green bean casserole for one??) So, I think I'll either make a salad, or hide some corn in the potatoes. I haven't quite decided what to make for dessert. I am not a fan of pie, but I might make a cake! Yes, that's what I'll do, bake a Thanksgiving cake :)


I hope the rest of you have a lovely Thanksgiving with your family or friends. I am thankful for having two days off of work :)


I am also thankful that I get to see the So You Think You Can Dance tour on Sunday with Lachel!! Hoody hoo!

Autumn

Ten things I love about Autumn:
1. red trees
2. cool, crisp air
3. Thanksgiving vacation
4. snuggling in bed all weekend
5. peppermint mocha's
6. the sound the leaves make when you step on them
7. cute jackets
8. yummy comfort food
9. Halloreunion
10. holiday shopping

Ten reasons why I love Stephen:1. he tells me I'm pretty
2. he holds me close all night long
3. he is understanding and patient
4. he watches The Bachelor with me
5. he has soft, warm skin
6. he washes my dishes after I cook for him
7. he takes me out for drinks
8. he holds my hand
9. he buys me corn
10. he appreciates me

Ten of my favorite places to be:1. my cottage
2. the open road
3. a big city
4. asleep
5. Ralph's
6. Vienni vai
7. with my family
8. Long Beach with Helya
9. at an animal party
10. lounging in the sunshine

SCBA

Today I learned how to use SCBA, or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. It was really cool!!! I was hesitant at first, thinking I'd feel claustrophobic or something, but really it was awesome!! The tank was pretty heavy, and we had to wear full tyvek suits with it, so that made handling the equipment a little more difficult. I had to wear the smallest size they had available, XL! I'll take some pictures on Friday when we suit up again, so you can see how ridiculous I look. :) Thank god I don't have to wear a chemical suit for my yob!

The class has 8 students. There are three guys who speak english as a second language, and they are seriously the nicest people ever! (not that people who speak english as a second language are typically mean, but whatever). There's another guy who won't shut up about being in the army. He is pretty cuckoo! I think he has been forced into the gas chamber one too many times. Today, he told me that he can no longer have children due to a shrapnel hit "down there". He also explained some of his parenting techniques (I'm afraid for his daughters!) where he inspects their bedrooms for proper cleanliness using a white glove! He is loud and obnoxious, and quite clearly insane. There is also a sniffly dazed girl about my age who just needs a little caffeine and maybe she could be normal. Anyway, it is a very unique group, which is part of what makes the class so interesting. It's also an ego boost because they all look to me for the correct answers, and call me "The Chemist" hahaha I'm not even a chemist. Boy, do I have them fooled.

So I have two more days here. My hotel room is nice and cozy, and I've been enjoying the city life. Helya came to visit last night for dinner, and tomorrow I'm going out to a fancy hotel restuarant with a friend from high school. I miss SLO and I miss my magnet!!!!

Interruption

Do you ever have to stop and go poo midway through your meal?


I do.

LA

Hello from downtown Los Angeles! I will be working here for the week, learning all there is to know about hazardous waste. Yum! Today, I realized that everytime I drive through LA, Tupac's "California Love" is always playing on the radio. I think the LA radio stations have some sort of pact, requiring 24/7 broadcasting of this ridiculous song. Why are they torturing us?! My two guesses are: 1) to warn tourists about the rough streets of LA, or 2) to let everyone know that only California knows how to party. You choose.

Anyway, this is the first time I have been alone in a hotel and it's quite eerie! But before I go into that, let me just say how proud I am for making it here without getting lost! I almost missed an exit, but resourcefully crossed a few of those horizontal do-not-attempt-to-change-lanes-you're-out-of-time! lines. So, I made it to my hotel right before dusk, had the bellman bring my 50 pound cooler to my room, and made my way a few blocks to Ralphs. But, this was the eerie part...imagine...little me...walking three blocks down an unfamiliar city street all by myself, just before dark, where the sidewalks are filled with crazy Laker fans, homeless people, and ticket scalpers...I was a bit nervous. I walked so fast, acted like I owned the place, made a few phone calls, and finally I was home! Oh, Ralphs how I love thee. This grocery store was pretty much the nicest one I have ever been in. It was inviting, warm, friendly, everyone had a smile on their face! Ralphs was a safe haven from the danger looming just beyond the doors! There was a fancy salad bar, soup bar, olive bar, cheese bar, deli, hot food counter, sitting area, I could go on and on, but now you have proof of how crazy in love I am with grocery shopping. I could have spent at least an hour in there, but it was getting really dark outside. So, I grabbed a few things as quickly as possible and ran out. Ralph, don't you fret, I WILL be back! Now, here I am, half relaxing in a nice hotel room with free internet and quality television, and half freaking out because, I am LONELY! It's strange being by myself in this place, miles and miles away from those I love! It's going to be a looong week. Just so you all know, I am not THAT scared or anything. In fact, I am giving myself a pat on the back as you read this, because god damnit I am brave! If I can spend a week alone in downtown LA, I can do anything, right?! RIGHT!

Happy Halloween!

I think it's funny that people say, "HAPPY Halloween!" Shouldn't it be "Spine Chilling Halloween!" or even "Bloody Halloween!" I guess the candy part makes everyone happy, until afterwards when they've gained 10 pounds and/or lost 4 teeth. This morning at work, a co-worker filled up my candy bowl with REGULAR SIZE candy bars!! Skittles, starburst, 3musketeers, and M&Ms!!! Jackpot!

On another note, I decide to go ahead and buy the domain for "jaimeblogers.com" So you can either change your bookmark (becuase i know there's so many of you out there who have this site bookmarked), or you can keep the old addy, and it will be redirected automatically. I'm pretty excited about it. I also added a "Subscribe" link, so please subscribe! It's a cool tool where you can keep track of what's happening on my blog as well as all of the other blogs you read all in the same place. Try it!

Halloreunion!

It was another successful Halloreunion. The cub, pup, and roo all came to stay at the cottage for a festive fall weekend getaway. This year, we ventured out in the rain to the Avila Barn to pick out our pumpkins, and take our annual family photo. Each of us found a unique pumpkin. Kara's was a red chode, Rachel found the perfect mini, Scott's was bright orange and the perfect shape for a good carve, and us goat's picked out a yellowish one to cover the fall color spectrum in our photos. Carving would not be complete without some tasty pumpkin cake, a few bevs, and some poot. Roo carved stars, Pup carved a ghost, Cub carved some bats, and Goat and Bun carved Sweet Kitty.

After all the detailing and poot pictures, we cleaned up and got ready for the birthday celebration at Shins. We couldn't do Sake BOMBS! but we managed to have some fun anyway with our chum sake, and mickey mouse birthday dessert. After dinner, we crammed into a nearby apartment where we sipped strange Dr. Pepper bevs. Black Sheep welcomed us with open arms, but Kara's Dirty Martini combined with sushi gave her a belly ache. Rachel sobered up quickly, and Steve got his beer spilled on his crotch and almost got in a fight. We had to carry another pal home, and put her to bed. It was quite an interesting night, but a memorable one nonetheless. Sunday we Gussed, lounged, tivo'd, and laptopped until the animals had to depart.

I loved seeing my wonderful friends. They always make my heart real warm. It's nice having a few girls around the cottage to help me pick out clothes and make-up. I miss that. I miss you!

Decade of Difference

As most of you know, my boyfriend is nearly a decade older than me. Although our maturity levels are about equal, there is a noticeable difference between who we are and how we look at life. The biggest difference is how we relate to our parents. I am very close with my mom. I talk with her almost every day, sometimes twice a day. Stephen talks to his parents about once a month, and never reveals anything about his life to them. He told them he was dating me, the day before they actually met me (7 months after we've been together). This is neither good or bad, it's just the way it happens to be once you've been out of your parents house for 17 years.

Another age related difference is the stories. OH man, Steve has some great stories. He has lived like 5 lives, and I have lived one, single, dull, boring, pathetic life! He grew up in a small mountain town, graduated highschool and joined the army, lived in Texas, Alabama, and Korea while in the army, finished the army and moved home and went to junior college, moved to Santa Barbara to go to UCSB to pursue dentistry, changed majors to chemistry, double majored in chemistry and biochemistry, got his masters in chemistry, and now he is a super smart senior process research scientist. WOW! What a freaking amazing life! Let's see, I grew up in your average suburban town, went to college, got a job. I am so lame! We've discussed this difference and I told him I am afraid he will soon get bored with me because I don't have as many cool stories as he has...but he tells me how awesome I am for going straight to college and starting a career at age 24...so our perspectives are slightly skewed...and that's exactly why I love him! He tells me he is worried that since I am so young, I haven't done everything I need to do before settling down. I see his point, I am only 24, but most of you know me pretty well, and you'd probably tell Steve, "Jaime is ready! She's had like 405,394 lame boyfriends so PLEASE be the ONE good one for her. She is the most loyal girl on earth - she isn't going anywhere!" So, Steve....I am done. I do not need to go be crazy and wild and skanky...been there, done that.

A huge change from all my other boyfriends is the fact that Steve is an ADULT. He is responsible. He saves money. He cleans. He flosses every day! And we do adult things like go out for wine on Sunday nights, run errands together on the weekend, pot plants, cook dinner, take vacations and weekend road-trips, we TALK and LAUGH, and sometimes we just lay for hours just listening to music! And we don't just babble about stupid stuff - we talk about exciting, interesting things like family, work, investments, what types of cool things we want in our first house, places we want to travel to, music, and of course we're constantly telling each other how wonderful and hot the other person is. I wish all of you could sit and hear our personal conversations...you'd absolutely understand why I am so dang smitten! Oh, and my favorite conversations go like, "wow, when you were 21, I was 11. Pedophile!"

Side Note: We work together, but no one at work knows we are together, so occasionally as Steve walks by the stairwell leading to my office, he yells random things for me to hear like "Cawcaw!" or a gross burp, and sometimes he just grunts really loud. As I am writing this, he just yelled, "OVER IT! I am OVER IT!" Ha, I bet everyone else thinks he is such a freak.

Scruffy Love

Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur

change your name, change your life!

So I am thinking about changing the addy for my blog to something better. Don't worry, it will automatically re-direct you to the new address if you have this blog linked somewhere. But, I am trying to think of a catchy, simple, clever, memorable blog title.

So far I only have:

JaimeBlogers.com get it??

Anyway, please send me your thoughts and creativity! I am purchasing this domain, so I want it to be good!!!

Thanks!

I KNOW I Can Dance!

I never realized how much I really missed dancing until I joined the gym. The dance class is relatively basic, but I get to move, shake, and shimmee my way through an hour of non-stop fun. I love being in my own little world, doing something that is not only healthy, but puts me in a really fantastic mood! It's amazing how just an hour of chassé, pas de bourrée , pirouettes, chaînés tournes, kicks, ball-changes, cha cha's, and stretches can get rid of stress, worry, fatigue, and feeling like a complete blob. So, if anyone who is a member of Kennedy and wants a gym buddy, email me and I can tell you when I'm there.

National Fire Prevention Week (click)

National Fire Prevention week starts October 7th through the 13th. The theme this year is "Practice your escape plan" so take a couple of minutes to look around your home or workplace and find the nearest exit. I always think about the ONE thing I would grab on the way out of my house if there was a fire. MY COMPUTER! :) The San Luis Obispo Fire Dept, is holding it's annual Open House on Saturday, October 13th from 10-3, so take your little kid/brother/sister/niece/nephew/babysittee to this event so they can sit in the fire truck! :)

Okay, so now you all get a glimpse into my worklife. I think about safety, health, fire, hazards, exposure, cuts, spills, burns, regulations, inspections, training, flu shots, blood drives, all freaking day long, every day! Yeah, it's a relatively easy job, but it is also very important and at times, scary! You'd think I'd be a stresscase by now!

Speaking of fires, I am going camping this weekend and I plan on making a lovely campfire. :) What a good role model, eh? We are going to this campground called Plaskett Creek up hwy 1 near Gorda. I have been wanting to go camping for quite awhile now. My dad got me a tent for graduation, and I haven't used it yet (and I graduated almost two years ago, how pathetic!) So, I got some new chairs, an air bed, bug spray, a cooler, some rain ponchos (JIC), and of course lots of food and beer! Woot!

In other news, I will be going to Steve's parent's house in Mountain Ranch (Calaveras County in northern CA) for Christmas this year. I am thrilled that finally I get to spend Christmas with a lover! Steve has told me all about where he grew up, so I am really looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes, and meeting more of his family. He said he has never taken a girl home for Christmas! Wahoo! Afterwards, he is coming with me to my dad's house in Gardnerville, then we will probably take our time coming back home...new years plans are still up in the air. It will be nice having 11 (paid) days off in a row!!!!!!!!!! Life is good.

Worthwhile

Things that are worth the extra money:

- quality linens
- avocados (on everything)
- soft toilet paper
- a high-end digital camera (you won't be disapointed)
- easy-glide tampons (NT, cardboard!)
- 401k planning
- first class airplane ticket (so I hear)
- MAC makeup
- chocolate ganache new york cheesecake
- an incredibly cozy couch
- pants that actually fit
- Sensodyne toothpaste
- bunion regulators
- SYTYCD live show tickets!

Gym

I just joined Kennedy Club Fitness. Weird.

I never thought I'd actually cave and join a gym. Don't get me wrong, I am not worried about my weight....but holy crap I am bored out of my mind! There's only so much tv-watching, cleaning, napping, or shopping one girl can do after work! So, now I will be attending some classes: dance, groove, dance step, and pilates, and maybe even using the pool should I ever get the urge to do something a little more (dare I say it) athletic! So yeah, thats what's new with me. My membership begins October 1, so hopefully I actually go and make use of the $32 a month.

Oh yeah, I also got DVR (TivO)! Now I don't have to watch stupid commercials, or wait around all night for my favorite tv shows. Wow. I'm really cool.

It's funny how now that I haven't travelled for awhile, the gym and tivo are the coolest things in my world. I think that means it's time for an adventure!!!!

Monkey Love

Because this is the sweetest thing I've seen in a really long time...

ISFJ

A few weeks ago, we had an all-company training where we discussed personality types and how to create bliss in the workplace. We had to take a multiple choice quiz in order to determine our personality type based on four categories:

• Introvert or Extrovert
• Sensing (fact loving) or Intuition (conceptual thinking)
• Thinking or Feeling (in respect to decision making)
• Judging (orderly, structured lifestyle) or Perceiving (spontaneous, flexible lifestyle)

As most of you may guess, my results were ISFJ. Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging - or in better terms - I am an introverted fact-lover who considers other people's feelings when making decisions, while living a structured lifestyle. :)

After reading the entire description of what an ISFJ is like, I was stunned to find that they were DEAD ON! I am an ISFJ to the T! So, I will pick out a few points from the report and you can tell me whether or not you agree that I fit the description...

ISFJ's:

• Live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people.
• Are very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
• Remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
• Have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain.
• Value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work.
• Learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. They value practical application.
• Will faithfully and tirelessly carry through any task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
• Have an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes.
• Have a sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, which makes them very likely to be great gift-givers.
• Are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set.
• Feel a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them.
• Intensely dislike conflict, and they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
• Need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed.
• Are warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is out to get us!

Yes, that's the full name of the song! Watch this Sufjan Stevens video. This song makes me cry...not sure why. It is quite lovely...and the BEST part is the fact that Sufjan wears giant wings during the performance and still manages to look HOT. (P.S. I'm not quite sure what is happening at the end, so if you get bored, don't bother listening for the last 4 minutes)

Sometimes

Sometimes...

...I like to blast the ipod while cleaning the dishes
...loud music irritates me

...I get lonely even after being alone for only three hours
...I want to be left alone to make sure I'm still independent

...taking a shower is such an inconvenience
...a shower can wash away stress and fatigue

...silly movies are the perfect way to relax
...even a stupid movie will entertain when the cable is out

...cooking dinner makes me feel talented, powerful, peaceful, and happy all at the same time
...cooking dinner makes me nervous and tired

...I crave Roscos fried chicken
...I don't want to eat anything but veggies

...I can read a good book all night long
...reading bores me

...I wish I had better style
...I feel good about how I look

...I love my life
...I think I will love my life more in 5 years

Big Sky

As many of you know, my parents moved to Bozeman, Montana two months ago. I went to visit them for the first time over the Labor Day holiday. After being in a big city, and then a tropical island, Montana was like being on an entirely different planet. Needless to say, it was a beautiful place. Bozeman is surrounded by rugged mountains, with miles and miles of countryside spanning the quiet town. My parents temporarily live in a loft-style condo near Main St. It's brand spanking new with heat-resonating wood floors, high beamed ceilings, a gigantic shower with his and hers vanities, and modern kitchen appliances. I told them to buy the place and let me live there once they find a house. They are thinking about buying a plot of land up in the foothills and building a house, but right now they are still checking out homes for sale because understandably, they want a bigger space, ASAP!

My mom and I went hiking through the Tahoe-esque mountains to three different waterfalls. It was about a 3 mile hike and we didn't even reach our Hyalite Lake destination. Oh well, it was a lovely day with Mama. We also drove into Yellowstone National Park on Sunday, which is about an hour and a half from Bozeman. We saw Buffalo, Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Elk, and some bubbling sulfur pools. It's hard to believe my parents live so close to a place where people come from thousands of miles away just to see. Pretty cool. Other than being all outdoorsy, we went shopping and out to dinner of course. (They even have a Macys!) Overall, Bozeman is a damn cool place to visit. I think my family will be very happy.

Waaabash!

Chicago Top 10

10. chills on Steve's arms during Blonde Redhead

9. the constant surprise of a towering city-scape

8. grumpy sketch artist choosing Stephen and all of his manliness

7. the crazy-eyed Walgreen's lady

6. table re-arrangements and weird audience outbursts at Second City

5. Pizzeria Due (NOT UNO!) - first taste of sangria and boys in the bathroom!

4. abundant flowers smothering the city

3. high-fiving passersby outside of the pub window

2. Edwardo's deep dish artichoke pizza (3 times!)

and the number 1 reason I loved Chicago.....

1. dreaming, laughing, and loving for 6 days straight!



THREE reasons why Chicago wasn't exactly Paradise:

1. no toilet seat covers in the public restrooms

2. too many smokers!

3. city stench

A record!

I just noticed that my last 5 posts (over the past 4 months) have been nothing but GOOD NEWS and HAPPY TIMES. I don't think I've ever felt more excited about my job, my boyfriend, my upcoming summer plans, or life in general. Things are going really great for me! I must have done something great to deserve this! My only complaint is that my family moved to Montana so I won't be seeing them as often, and my friends are still far away. Lucky for me, we all still visit each other often and keep in touch on a regular basis. You all are my life-long friends!! No matter what, I know I have you, and that's what keeps me going the most. THANK YOU!

Congrats to Rachi on getting into San Jose State. Part of me is sad that you won't be staying at the cottage as much, but at least you're not too far up north and I couldn't be happier that you get to be near Cub.

I just saw Joanna in Mission Viejo two weeks ago and I got to meet all of her southern friends!! It was a really fun trip. I'm hoping to go out to Arkansas next year for her graduation. By the way, she got an interview with the Pittsburg Steelers.

Helya is coming tonight to visit me!! We have a fun weekend planned! Concert in the park, happy hour, downtown, pedicures, and wine tasting (chauffeured by S.J.D.!!) Can't get much better than that!!

GOOD FEELING

Life is wonderful!!!!!!

Things I currently LOVE:

- my JOB!!
- balsamic vinegrette salad dressing
- clean sheets
- HWY 1
- Stephen in glasses
- road trips around california
- Mondeo's pasta primavera
- Pizza-My-Heart!!
- coke zero
- emailing my loves at work
- Sufjan Stevens
- going on walks
- BevMo!
- sweet text messages
- warm weather!

Hawaii!

Not only am I going to Chicago in August, I also get to go to Honolulu for work! I have to attend a week long course on Industrial Hygiene and I convinced them to let me go to Hawaii since I have a free place to stay (HI HEATHER and Ryan!) So I am off, once again, to Oahu!!

I LOVE my job.

Chicago!

I just booked a flight and hotel for 5 nights in CHICAGO!! Steve and I are going to see Lollapolooza (a huge music festival) in August and decided to turn it into a full-fledged vacation! Wahoo! I can hardly wait!

New Yob!

Today I officially found out that I will be the new Environmental Health and Safety Manager at PBI!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! I worked so damn hard for this, I am so happy!!! Wahoo! Things are looking up. Stephen is taking me to Madonna Inn tonight for some celebration CAKE!!!!! :)

In other news, I completed my very first walkathon....a 9 Mile Walk in Big Sur as part of the yearly Big Sur International Marathon! I am so proud. I finished in 2.5 hours, and got to walk along the beach and beautiful hwy 1! :) It was a fantastic experience, although my legs are definitely aching now.

Also, I have the best boyfriend in the entire world!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I found him, and I just wanna squeeeeeze and cuddle him!

Oh hello!

Youknowwho (Ducky) tells me I am

gorgeous!

SOLD!



(How simple is that?)

Ness

The HAPPY part has been:

- in Hawaii for a week with her best friend Heather. Best. Vacation. Ever. (Hey everyone, I learned how to surf!!!!)
- visiting mom at home for presidents day weekend. Shopping, eating, and sleeping. I LOVE MY MOM!
- LBC girls weekend with the ever-so-lovely Helya. ROSCOES!!!!!
- soon to be VEGAS! Girls-5, Days-3, Nights-2, Rooms-1, Fun-tons, Shots-lots

Rainy night

As I watched him walk through the rain back to his car, I quietly prayed that he'd turn around and run back to me. The car starts...and then shuts off. I gasp, wiping the tears from my pink cheeks. He walks towards my door. A knock. He's changed his mind! He wants to hold me! He will tell me he loves me and will never let me go! Instead, he says, "I forgot those shoes". He came back for the shoes, not me. We hug. He says he is sorry. He leaves. Later, he calls and tells me, "I didn't really need those shoes tonight. I saw you in the window and I couldn't just leave." So, please, don't just leave.


"I'll miss your lips and everything attached to them" - Elizabethtown

101

One of the more interesting reasons I love San Luis Obispo is for it's unique and curious twists off Highway 101 into the little town. You may think I am strange, but every single time I am driving down 101, I look at each offramp and notice how the freeway disappears into the brush, curves behind a hill, or sometimes even drops into the unknown! Bushes, trees, and flowers line 101, like a great wall, maintaining the secret and locking away the mystery of San Luis Obispo. In other cities, each exit and where it leads is clearly visible. Usually, the freeway is flat and straight and every store, restaurant, gas station, and home is dangling, vulnerable, next to the loud rush of traffic for everyone to see. I always imagine what it's like to be foreign to SLO - wondering what's beyond the patch of pavement, hidden behind the foliage. Perhaps the chosen exit will lead home, to a lover, a friend, to a college education, or maybe a career. Maybe a wrong exit will allow one to discover something new; a vintage building, a new restaurant, a dead end. San Luis Obispo is special. It is a hidden treasure. Just at the bottom of Cuesta Grade, San Luis Obispo welcomes travelers and residents into it's loving arms, as if mother nature is protecting the little town, tucking us away between the lush, green hills.

Next time you are driving through San Luis Obispo, look at each offramp and notice where it leads. Invite someone new to come visit our town, and watch their eyes as they wonder what SLO has to offer and what's outside Highway 101.

2007

Well, it's 2007 and I feel fine. I spent the new year watching fireworks over the San Diego bay, after an enjoyable and semi-romantic weekend getaway with Tim. Now it is back to reality, and back to work. Blah. Lucky for me I am going to Hawaii in 17 days! There isn't much else going on in my life...so feel free to call me and spice it up a little.


Things I am looking forward to:
- wine tasting Sunday with Joanna
- wearing my new sweater
- getting my christmas present in the mail from my dad
- Rachel, grey geese, Gus, sushi? next weekend
- Hawaii
- LOST, February 7th!
- rainy weather, where are you?