Snow on the mind...

This is ALL I want to be doing right now.  I can't think of anything else.  I'm dying to get on the mountain.   Soon...but not soon enough...

Me?  Nope, I'm goofy-footed...but I like how mellow this picture looks...

My own naive political rant...

Arggghhh!  I keep asking myself if there's SOMETHING else going on that we all  don't know about because NONE of this makes sense...at ALL!  Doesn't compromise mean you give some and I give some, you get some and I get some? 

Why wouldn't we stop the tax breaks for the richest Americans?  Heck, if I made that much, I would expect to pay more!  And if we need a compromise, if the amount of $250k includes too many small business owners, how about we raise it to $500k?  

Why should we extend the tax breaks if its going to add $407B to the deficit?  And if we need a compromise, why not only extend it for one year and not two?

Why is it ok to add $407B to the deficit, but apparently the $56B that would be added to the deficit by extending unemployment benefits is something the Republicans cannot tolerate? And if we need a compromise, why don't we make it just a little bit harder for people to receive the unemployment payout (meaning, more proof that you're actually looking for employment, etc...) in order to make abuse of the benefit less prevalent? 

Is it better to get nothing done or something done that you don't quite agree with?  

I hate the power trip the Republicans are on.  

How are we THIS broken?  And how do we fix it?  

Is either side right?  

How do I get the tea party reps to shut up?

Holy shit...I'm now one of those "frustrated Americans".  

Its Christmas Time...

I LOVE Christmas! I go bezerk every year...crazy in decorating, buying presents, wrapping, spending money.  I'm a scene.  This past weekend I took the time to spruce up the homestead.  I admit, it looks a bit like Christmas just vomited itself all over my house, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.  LITERALLY, no REALLY, SERIOUSLY, the most WONDERFUL time of the year!  :)

O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum...

Hanging snowflakes...love this...

This is only 1 angle...doesn't even show the other 4 poinsettias and 6 other hanging Christmas paraphernalia!

Someone came and stole my poinsettia.  :(  But at least its preserved in pictures!

I have a problem...

...I'm a shopaholic.  Sometimes, I can control myself.  But around the holidays, I let loose and become a maniac.  Case in point: Black Friday.  7 retail sites, 10 orders, 4-digit damage.  Look at all the boxes that are trickling into my office each day...and this isn't even HALF of it!  I may need a U-Haul to take it all home.

Now that I'm over the high of ordering it all, I'm stressing about wrapping, packing, and transporting it all during the Christmas rush.  (Ok, I'll be honest...at least 1/2 of it is for meeeeee!!!!!)

Taking the plunge...

Not me...just someone with a much hotter body...

After what seemed to be a marathon process, I finally can announce that I got a new job!  Woot!  More details to come, but all I can say is that I'm excited for a new opportunity and the chance to be challenged to do the things that I love to do!  I think this is gonna be a great next step for me in my career.

Now, here's to ending well at my current job and being totally prepared for success at my new one!  Cheers!

Boots!...

I bought 2 new pairs of boots...and I want to wear them every day!!!!!

These are boots from Fergie (who knew she designed shoes?).  I am OBSESSED with these...

And these Mia boots...I love, love, love...

Now, on to a perfectly-fit cardigan (no such luck so far) and a really great tote bag, and my winter shopping is done...maybe...

What a parade!...

Having never lived in a city who's won a world championship (I don't count the time I was in LA and the Lakers won because, well...its the Lakers...and its LA...), I wanted to take in EVERY part of the Giants World Series victory and celebration. 

Yesterday was the Victory Parade.  Some amazing things about this day:

• It went off w/o a hitch (or so it seemed).  The crowds were massive but well-behaved!
• I met people who flew in from the East Coast for this!  The Giants FIRST championship since they moved to SF in 1958, these fans have waited a LONG, torturous time.
• It was estimated that 1 million+ fans were in attendance.  Amazing! But the numbers didn't scare anyone.  No one wanted to miss this!

• The Giants organization paid for the parade, not the tax payers.
• This band of "misfits" seemed just as in awe and excited as the fans did!  They were taking pictures and filming the whole thing as well!

(Tim Lincecum...seemed in awe, himself! Kinda love this guy!)

What a day of camaraderie, community, celebration...what a blast!  And best of all, me, as a long-time Padres fan, got to have a tiny bit of additional satisfaction that both the head coach (Bruce Bochy) and the 3rd base coach (Tim Flannery), played for the Padres back in the day!

(Bruce & the trophy)

Thanks for this, Giants!  

(photo via Emilystyle)

Special Birthday wishes...

...to my girl, Jeannie.

You are truly one of the most amazing women I've ever met.  

I want to be just like you when I grow up. 

Happy Birthday!

World Champions!

Look, I'm a San Diego native and a Padres fan at heart.  But, it has been impossible NOT to jump on the bandwagon for the Giants in their quest for the World Series title.  The entire city has an energy and excitement that is contagious!  So, it was really, really exciting to see "our" boys win it all last night!  Way to go, Giants!  The Bay Area loves you.  Thank you!

Bender...

This past week was a whirlwind of activity and has left me exhausted and my liver, quite possibly, pickled by all the alcohol consumption.  

Monday - 1st date w/ a guy I met on BART. I know, random. But, promising.  We went to Jupiter in downtown Berkeley, which I thought I'd hate, but actually found to be pretty awesome. 

Tuesday - hosted the LAC meeting for October.  The theme was mixology and I taught the gals some tips and tricks to bartending along with making a bunch of classic cocktails.  It was a blast!

Wednesday - Game 1 of the World Series. What a scene! I camped out at Jillian's from 2:30pm just to save a section for the friends to arrive (yes, it was THAT crowded)! Ran into an old friend, had way too many pints of Bass, and enjoyed a Giants victory...the first of more to come...

Thursday - Date w/ GG (Google Guy - he works there). This was our 5th.  I enjoy his company. This time, we met at The Refuge in San Carlos and had some crazy-good pastrami sandwiches, Belgian beers (Kwak is my new fav), and watched the Giants bring it home again!

Friday - Happy Hour bar crawl in the 11th & Folsom area. Some great new (and old) bars lining these streets. We hit up Bar Agricole, Butter, Wish, Mercury Lounge, and Nihon. So much fun. So very tired.

Saturday - Giants game on Polk St (Royal Oak, R Bar, Mayes), brief stop at a house party, and Halloween in North Beach. 

Sunday - did nothing. spoke to no one. did not have alcohol. BEST DAY EVER.

I am too old for this much fun.

Inspired...

I have a great desire to do something amazing with my life...heroic...inspiring.  But, to think of myself...flawed, mediocre at times, a midget, lazy...as someone's hero?  Well, its a stretch.  I don't have superhuman strength.  I'm not a genius. I'm not a gifted mobilizer nor a major influencer.  

When I first heard about the trapped Chilean miners, I just couldn't believe how LONG it was going to take to get them out! Darkness. Cramped quarters. Limited supplies. You could imagine how crazy the situation could drive someone and no one would blame them for being angry, bitter, and even turning on each other. Yet, when the cameras finally made their way down, it wasn't images of fighting, sadness, frustration, but rather singing, smiles, community.

Yesterday, the world was captivated by the effort as one by one, the miners were rescued and finally today, Luis Urzua, the 54-yr old shift lead credited for keeping the men calm and the supplies rationed, was the last to reach the surface.  Strangers were brought to tears, people from nation to nation celebrated, and amazingly, we adopted the miners into our hearts and lauded them.  

Heroes.  Yes, the rescue workers for their efforts - but, the miners themselves...Not for anything requiring super-human strength. Not for anything requiring genius-level IQ's. Not for anything requiring the mobilization or influence of the masses. But for simply remaining positive in an intensely difficult situation; for having great attitudes, patience, resilience, and hope.  

I'm inspired. Looks like heroism doesn't have to be so far out of my reach.  Great attitude. Patience. Resilience. Hope. 

I definitely can strive to do that.

Alameda Flea Market...

I have been DYING to go to this since buying my house but never took the time to do so.  This past weekend I FINALLY did and I'm so glad! 

What a treasure chest of goodies!  If you're thinking of coming, be prepared to walk...this place is HUGE.  Wear layers. Bring cash. And your own fold-up cart will come in handy (or you can rent a grocery cart for $5).

Here are some of the things that caught my eye:

I really wanted one of these old gas lanterns.  I thought they'd be gorgeous outside in my patio.  But alas, these were genuine railroad lanterns going for $60/ea!

Would have loved to buy and refurbish these beauties, but for my first visit, I decided to focus on small items.

WANT!

So cool! If only I had the space in my house...and enough wine bottles to fill it up!

Gorgeous vintage radios. Love the teak one on the top right.

But when all was said and done, I made 3 AWESOME purchases:

This small vintage desk fan...(and it works!)

These cute owl trivets...

And this amazing genuine Baccarat crystal scotch decanter...

I'm officially hooked.  I can't wait to go back next month!  I want a vintage bar cart, a vintage typewriter, a small chandelier, and possibly a teak side table...and...and...and...

Fourth quarter...

Its a given that the fourth quarter in a football game is the most important.  You've gotta dig deep, push, and end strong.  

October 1st...start of the fourth quarter...3 months to go...

Here's what I'm going to tackle Q4'10:

I'm going to become a bouldering machine. Just you watch. And my arms are gonna be sick! :)

I'm going to DC for 4 days...to visit my beloved Jeannie...and to see my heroes, Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert

The parentals have decided to visit the Bay Area over Thanksgiving...which means, I'm cooking my first TURKEY!  

I'm painting and redecorating my spare bedroom and office...even if it KILLS me!

I HAVE to get the hell out of Dodge, yo's! I want to take an EXTENDED vacay...far, far away...

Good times, good times.  Ending strong.  

Oh Justin...

...how I heart thee. Really.

Justin Timberlake is the man of my dreams.  I just saw him on ESPN's NFL Countdown talking football.  And now he's rapping with Jimmy Fallon.  And as always, looking smoooooth...

If he can't be my luvah, can I at least spend one night with him at a club dancing the night away?  Just one?

...And Jimmy Fallon...he's the guy I'd want as my best friend.  

Just sayin'...

Grown up tastes...

I want to simplify my bar from this:

to this:

I'd rather spend $200 paying off this:

than buying this (not really, but kinda...):

Saturday nights feel happier with this: 

than this:

Oh yeah, and I found this:

OLD.

Armed and dangerous...

Last night, battling a bout of insomnia, I sat and watched tv in my living room.  About midnight, I heard someone walk up my front porch stairs (creaky old wooden stairs...unmistakable when someone's there, really...).  My front door has a fan window so you can see who's standing outside, but I had already turned the porch light off for the night.  My heart stopped, but the sounds went away and I reminded myself that I'm inside, behind a locked door, and whoever I heard is not. 

An hour later, I went to bed, turned off the lights, and nervously went under my covers.  I swore I heard things moving in my living room and kitchen.  I have wood floors with a crawl space underneath.  You have to really tip toe around my house not to be heard.  But still, I was paralyzed with fear.  I prayed "please don't let this be happening to me".  I gripped my phone, ready to call 911...and in the other hand had my pepper spray.  I couldn't breathe.  I thought of an escape plan.  I thought of how I'd fight back.  I even thought of what it would feel like to be shot.  I even wished I had one of these:

(No this is not a real gun.  Its an airgun.  My 9 year old nephew even has one.  But, I felt that if I had one of these at that moment, I'd feel safe.)

Its all insane...fear.  Paralyzing.  Debilitating.  

And for the first time, I felt that with all the freedoms of living alone, FEAR made it the one thing in my life I wish I could change. 

Back in the saddle...

Remember when my bike got stolen? 

Well its been almost a  year now, and I think I've finally started getting over the trauma! (hey, I'm a slow healer).  To prove it, I bought myself this:

Yes, its pretty much the exact same bike.  But upgraded just a bit.  And it actually has 2 tires now!  And, I got it for almost 1/2 the price of the original (so if it gets stolen again, I don't have to feel so sad).  Oh, but just in case, I also got these:

You can never be too careful.  

Lastly, I'm also on the brink of getting this: 

Yes, I do realize that makes TWO new bikes.  But one is for grocery shopping and the other is for off-roading.  :)  

Beware women and children and small pets...I'm back on the road!

And I ended up wearing...

...this one (purple'ish):

Found it in my sister's closet.  She bought it for a wedding she's attending in October.  She didn't want to even show me...sneaky sister!  But, after agreeing to buy her an entirely new dress just to let me BORROW the one she had, she agreed.  She drives a tough bargain.  And me? I was comfy, colorful, and had a great time at my friend's wedding.  Success!

Love him...

Yes, I still love him!  So all you haters can just back off!  :) This picture makes me want to go on a vacation on a lake...even in Florida.  And that, in turn, would be good for the economy. So, he's doing his job. Done. 'Nuff said.  :)

(August 15, 2010, St. Andrews Bay, FL - official White House photo)

Grouchy...

You know what I just don't get?

• San Francisco weather. Holy crap. It jumps from 65 to 95 in a day and apparently, right back down again this weekend
• Men and their mixed signals.  They say women are emotional?  Sheesh...men are the moodiest mo-fo's around
• The people in the city sitting at the outdoor cafes in the Marina or Russian Hill at 2pm. Don't you have jobs?
• Stores that charge $300 for a really ugly dress.
• A woman's metabolism after 35. Seriously. Can't I eat ANYTHING without gaining weight these days?
• Salespeople that think its ok to be rude to the customer.
• People who just don't know how to accept hospitality. No, your whole family is NOT all sleeping on my 1 guest bed. You're not putting me out by sleeping on my bed (clean sheets) when I'm not even there!
• Refusing to put on your AC when its 100+ degrees. Goddamn cheapskates.
• Not dressing for your body type...I know random...but it confuses me.
• The lady who puts her bag on the bus seat next to her hoping that no one sits there...even when the bus is FULL.  (Trust me lady, I WILL sit there...and I'll push myself uncomfortably close to you.)
• Women who wear heels that they CLEARLY can't walk in. Take a class or wear flats.
• Jerks who try and cross the street when the countdown is at 3, 2, 1...you're NOT gonna make it before the light turns AND you're in the way of the cars trying to make a left turn. Share the road, people!
• Men who wear bike shorts (and the full get up, frankly) when they're only riding casually to work
• Men with ponytails
• Why hot weather makes me this grouchy...

What to wear?!!...

My friend Laura and her dear fiance Cameron are getting married next weekend.  So, all of us are packing up and heading out to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho for 4 days of madness.  Laura and Cam are two of the most FUN and CRAZY people you'll ever meet and their relationship is all about laughing and loving.  It speaks volumes that so many of their friends are making the trip to a state none of us have any business being in to help them celebrate!  Trust...this will be the party of the year...and we ALL know it!

With that being said, between the 1st night out on the town, the Friday night rehearsal dinner cruise, Saturday's ceremony, and Sunday brunch, its crucial that the wardrobe be JUST right.  Leave it to me, the "Girl With 100 Dresses", to have NOTHING to wear.  I'm at a loss.  Friends have found their dresses months ago.  Me?  I've gone through 10-15 purchases...none of which have been a keeper.  I'm starting to stress.  

Bright color? Solid or print? Nothing that requires Spanx since its a warm, outdoor wedding. Nothing form fitting...I plan to eat and drink a lot. Something comfortable...there will be the "dance party of the century" during the reception!  MUST FEEL SUPER FLY!  :)  Cleavage or none? Shoes...strappy sandals (sexier) or wedges (we're on grass)?  Ack.  

Some options still in the running (namely because some haven't arrived yet, I haven't tried them on, and in my warped mind, I imagine them looking fabulous on me...I'm in for a rude awakening, I'm sure):

Great color. Pretty cut. But the fabric is unforgiving and if I sweat (given), game over.  Wonder if my belly pooch will be pronounced in this get-up...

This dress would allow eating, drinking, spanx-less-ing, and breathing. But, I fear I'll look like a tent. I hoped the embellished neckline would make it feel fancier.  Who knows.  The key: length. If its short enough, could be cute.  Too long and it will look matronly.

I ordered this dress in a dark purple.  The shoulder "strap" is embellished.  Its a nice loose fit (jersey).  Waiting for it to be shipped so I can see if 1)my left boob will look HUMONGOUS and 2) will back fat be an issue?

The beige dress in the middle (from my shopping spree in LA a couple months ago) is still in consideration.  It fits well and I feel comfy in it.  HOWEVER, its a high, buttoned neck (potential sweat issue), and its beige (will it photograph "dirty looking" next to the bride in white?)

Lastly, I bought this dress tonight.  I know what you're thinking...BUT it actually looks a lot cuter on than in this picture.  It fits well and I like that its different.  Now, there's no boob support in this dress and I'm having trouble getting over the fact there's a giant bow draped across the front.  It actually looks less "frou frou prom" when on...or maybe I was so tired of trying on dresses, I just talked myself into it.  I'll try it again tomorrow...

Not really loving any of them...and that's proving to be a problem.  Well, I've got until next Thursday to figure this out.  Wish me luck...