Wednesday, January 24, 2007
More about the puppies...
And Ric made a webpage for the puppies already! Click here ---> Idgie & Ruth.
First Morning with the Girls
The girls slept through the night, waking up only when I started making "get the puppy" food noises. That definitely excited them!
So we took them out back, and they are in heaven back there. They have already started making the rounds, circling the yard (and each other!) and rolling around like crazy. It seems like the backyard was designed for them.
Here they are, wrestling about...
So we took them out back, and they are in heaven back there. They have already started making the rounds, circling the yard (and each other!) and rolling around like crazy. It seems like the backyard was designed for them.
Here they are, wrestling about...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
New Additions to the Family
Yes, it's true... our family is growing. Please welcome Idgie (the blonde) and Miss Ruth (the redhead).
They are both sisters, born 03 November 2006. They were the litter of a friend's dog, and Ric and I just couldn't say no. So now we have two new little ones to watch over.
Welcome Idgie and Miss Ruth!
They are both sisters, born 03 November 2006. They were the litter of a friend's dog, and Ric and I just couldn't say no. So now we have two new little ones to watch over.
Welcome Idgie and Miss Ruth!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Command of the Grill
Active duty and reserve Marines at 10 military installations around the country took up their tongs in the ultimate battle of the barbecue. They marinated, seared, and sauced in an all-out battle for top grilling honors. This book showcases the winning recipes from the competition, along with steak recipes from famous former Marines like Lee Trevino and Ed McMahon.
All proceeds from the sale of the book go to charities that support wounded or killed U.S. Marines and their families.
Click here for more information on the book and a link to order!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Date Night - Very International
Ric and I have decided to explore different world restaurants each week on our Date Nights. Living in San Diego, we have nearly every cuisine available to us, so it's time to start exploring. So far this year, we have eaten Brazilian and American. (Sorry, Ric really wanted a burger!)
Last night, we decided to try Greek food. We went to the Greek Islands Cafe at Seaport Village. We got down there just before sunset, so it was absolutely beautiful. The cold weather meant that very few tourists or locals were around, so it felt almost like having the entire area to ourselves.
This was the view looking across San Diego Bay towards the Coronado Bridge.
And the sun as it began to set behind Point Loma.
And this is Ric, trying not to look cold.
And the view from inside the cafe. The sun had just gone down.
Here I am, much warmer inside the cafe.
And Ric and I after dinner. It really was beautiful.
And the dinner itself was fantastic. We sampled a bit of everything - gyros, the shishkabob, spinach and cheese pie, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, a cucumber dressing and a greek salad with feta cheese. It was inexpensive, delicious and filling.
Next week? Mexican. (C'mon, it's San Diego. Why put that one off when we can find a good Mexican restaurant on every corner?)
Last night, we decided to try Greek food. We went to the Greek Islands Cafe at Seaport Village. We got down there just before sunset, so it was absolutely beautiful. The cold weather meant that very few tourists or locals were around, so it felt almost like having the entire area to ourselves.
This was the view looking across San Diego Bay towards the Coronado Bridge.
And the sun as it began to set behind Point Loma.
And this is Ric, trying not to look cold.
And the view from inside the cafe. The sun had just gone down.
Here I am, much warmer inside the cafe.
And Ric and I after dinner. It really was beautiful.
And the dinner itself was fantastic. We sampled a bit of everything - gyros, the shishkabob, spinach and cheese pie, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, a cucumber dressing and a greek salad with feta cheese. It was inexpensive, delicious and filling.
Next week? Mexican. (C'mon, it's San Diego. Why put that one off when we can find a good Mexican restaurant on every corner?)
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Anything Goes - My 40th Birthday!
What can I say? The night was better than I could have wished for!
Ric is working on a great webpage recapping the entire night. Click here to check out all the photos.
Ric is working on a great webpage recapping the entire night. Click here to check out all the photos.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Dance, Dammit! - The Birthday Edition
Last night was crazy fun! Andrea and I started mid-day, enjoying mimosas and watching trash TV. Then, after a quick nap, I was ready to go. We started at Top of the Park, where the Stoly boys were making their rounds. I have no idea how many Stoly Cranberry drinks I had, and at one point the boys mixed a huge vanilla Stoly drink. Lord oh mighty!
From there, we stopped into Pick-Up Stix for some dinner. Always a good idea when you are out drinking. Then it was across the street to Flick's and then over to Rich's for dancing. What a fantastic night!
Pictures will be coming, but my camera is somewhere lost in the living room and everyone else is sleeping.
Thanks to everyone who showed up last night. It was a great way to end my 30's and start the 40's!
From there, we stopped into Pick-Up Stix for some dinner. Always a good idea when you are out drinking. Then it was across the street to Flick's and then over to Rich's for dancing. What a fantastic night!
Pictures will be coming, but my camera is somewhere lost in the living room and everyone else is sleeping.
Thanks to everyone who showed up last night. It was a great way to end my 30's and start the 40's!
40 at Forty
Happy 40th birthday to me! And in honor of turning 40, I have created a list of 40 things I wan to accomplish or experience in the next year.
- attend Pride in a new city
- see a bullfight
- take a classic road trip
- clean out my garage
- convert video tapes to DVD
- go to the Del Mar horse races
- find and play on park swings
- fly a kite
- get a merman tattoo
- go sailing
- go to a beach bonfire
- have a "hand-craft holiday ornaments" party
- take a hot air balloon ride
- kayak La Jolla cove
- learn a magic trick
- make a birthday calendar
- play a song on the guitar
- purchase an original piece of art
- ride a bus
- ride a roller coaster
- ride Amtrak
- ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles on a bike
- ride the Palm Springs tram
- rock climb at Joshua Tree
- rollerblade the Silver Strand
- run a marathon
- experience the San Diego ghost tour
- see all five best picture nominees
- snow ski
- spend an afternoon in my hammock
- enjoy the stage trifecta: Old Globe, LJ Playhouse, Civic Theater
- swim naked in the ocean
- throw a clay pot
- try a trapeze class
- use my passport
- volunteer 40 hours
- wear a tuxedo
- paint my bedroom
- enjoy a picnic in Balboa Park
- write another play
Saying Goodbye to Thirty-Nine
What an incredible year it's been. And then just like that, it's gone. But, oh the things I did and the places I went.
Thank you to all my friends - old and new - for another fantastic year. I am blessed to have such great friends, family, and husband in my life.
Now, here's to 40!
- Enjoyed a great birthday bash weekend
- Went ice skating
- Became SCUBA certified, basic open water and advanced
- Went quad riding in Glamis
- Spent a weekend in New York City, and ran a 4k in the snow
- Temecu-Gras, the annual wine tour
- Went to Phoenix for Gay Pride
- Was the top fund-raiser for the Being Alive AIDS ride
- Diving at La Jolla shores... a lot!
- Went to Cataline aboard the Horizon
- Rode in the Urban Assault Race
- Spent 9 days diving in Hawaii
- Dove the Ruby E & The Yukon
- Ran the Camp Pendleton Mud Run (twice!)
- Dove the Channel Islands
- Vacationed in Yosemite
- Welcomed our Marine buddies back from Iraq
- Started date nights with Ric
- Finally went to the Birch Aquarium
- Watched the Padres play (and win!)
- Reconnected with Marine buddies from way back when
- Held my own 5k fund-raiser
- Managed to get down to a 32 inch waist!
- Traveled to Bridgeport
- Returned to Boot Camp for the Marine Challenge
- Held a retirement party for Grant
- Spent a crazy weekend in Vegas
- Reunited with my friend Juliet!
- Toured the Midway with my Grandpa
- Discovered Neutral Underground on the web
- Spent a fantastic birthday weekend with Ric in Hollywood
- Enjoyed "Dance, Dammit," the birthday edition
Thank you to all my friends - old and new - for another fantastic year. I am blessed to have such great friends, family, and husband in my life.
Now, here's to 40!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
And it begins!
Birthday Week has begun, and the presents are already rolling in! Yay for me!
The first present is from my Mom, and she decided to get me something using this photo - a favorite of mine - as inspiration.
She had the photo made into a blanket. How cool is this?
The blanket is really nice, and the image is actually woven into it. It's not just printed on the front. If you turn the blanket around, you see the opposite imagine interwoven through the fabric.
And yes, I notice that they even included the stupid scratch I had right in the middle of my forehead. (Doh!)
I LOVE this blanket, and I think it is the perfect way to kick-start my birthday week celebrations. Thanks, Mom and Jesse, for the unbelievably cool present!
The first present is from my Mom, and she decided to get me something using this photo - a favorite of mine - as inspiration.
She had the photo made into a blanket. How cool is this?
The blanket is really nice, and the image is actually woven into it. It's not just printed on the front. If you turn the blanket around, you see the opposite imagine interwoven through the fabric.
And yes, I notice that they even included the stupid scratch I had right in the middle of my forehead. (Doh!)
I LOVE this blanket, and I think it is the perfect way to kick-start my birthday week celebrations. Thanks, Mom and Jesse, for the unbelievably cool present!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Date Night - Brazil Style
Last night was date night, so Ric and I decided to have dinner in Hillcrest at a place called Brazil by the Hill. It was delicious, though not quite the style of restaurant I was expecting. I was thinking more of the traditional type, where they keep bringing you whatever meats you want. But this was more of an American style, where you order an entree from the menu.
The steaks were delicious, though, and Ric and I had a nice evening. We kicked around the idea of choosing restaurants each week that represent a different country. We figure we could do that for most of the year, selecting a different type of food each week. We'll see how that goes. At some point, Ric will insist we go "American" and make our way to a burger joint!
The steaks were delicious, though, and Ric and I had a nice evening. We kicked around the idea of choosing restaurants each week that represent a different country. We figure we could do that for most of the year, selecting a different type of food each week. We'll see how that goes. At some point, Ric will insist we go "American" and make our way to a burger joint!
Off to a great start...
I am back in action at the gym, my friends. I have worked out a new schedule that I can stick with, at least for a while. Then I may change it up just to keep things interesting.
I have been three mornings in a row, riding the bike for an hour each day. I am feeling pretty good, and I have also been much more careful with what I am eating.
Just in time for 40, this kid is back in the fitness business!
I have been three mornings in a row, riding the bike for an hour each day. I am feeling pretty good, and I have also been much more careful with what I am eating.
Just in time for 40, this kid is back in the fitness business!
New Year's Eve - Welcome 2007!
What a fantastic New Year's Eve! This year, we decided to make a real night of it, including dinner, dancing and a nice hotel. So Grant made reservations at the Park Manor Suites, and we made it to the hotel just in time to catch the last of sunset. It was beautiful, with just enough cloud cover to make the sky light up. Gorgeous!
After sunset, we walked across the street to Jimmy Carter's Cafe. For most of the meal, we were the only customers, so it felt like having our own private restaurant. We had a delicious five course meal. I couldn't even finish everything.
After dinner and drinks downstairs in the room, we all wandered up to the roof. The Top of the Park was really nice, decorated from end to end and ready for the New Year.
This is the whole group, having a great time while counting down.
Here is Grant, enjoying his drink and clinging to the rail for dear life. (Not a fan of heights, you know...)
And Joel and Sook-Jin, dressed for the formal occasion.
And Pauline and Brooks, having a great time.
And Ric and I, topping off our formal wear with some informal headgear.
For more photos, you can check out Ric's website.
Happy New Year, everyone!
After sunset, we walked across the street to Jimmy Carter's Cafe. For most of the meal, we were the only customers, so it felt like having our own private restaurant. We had a delicious five course meal. I couldn't even finish everything.
After dinner and drinks downstairs in the room, we all wandered up to the roof. The Top of the Park was really nice, decorated from end to end and ready for the New Year.
This is the whole group, having a great time while counting down.
Here is Grant, enjoying his drink and clinging to the rail for dear life. (Not a fan of heights, you know...)
And Joel and Sook-Jin, dressed for the formal occasion.
And Pauline and Brooks, having a great time.
And Ric and I, topping off our formal wear with some informal headgear.
For more photos, you can check out Ric's website.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Last work day of 2006...
And I am swamped today. We are supposed to leave at noon, but I have a lot to do and little time to do it. I know, I know. Had I been more focused all week, today would be a cake walk. But I wasn't, and now I am paying for it.
So, off the blog, off the web, and back to the grind. I still want to get out of here at a decent time today!
So, off the blog, off the web, and back to the grind. I still want to get out of here at a decent time today!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
And a time to wake...
After nearly two months of avoiding the gym, eating whatever I wanted, and slacking off on in every area of physical fitness, I can happily report that I am back.
I got a great night's sleep last night, woke up at 5:00am, and made it to the gym for an hour of cardio. I managed 17+ miles on the bike, which is about 17 miles more than I have accomplished in any other recent morning.
So I'm back and ready to get after it again. My dormancy period of recharging is over, and now I need to begin my focus on my new training goals. In the next six months I will be riding 550 miles on a bike, and in the next twelve months I will be running a marathon in Las Vegas. Both of these will be significant physical challenges, and I need to get started now if I am going to bike and run successfully!
I got a great night's sleep last night, woke up at 5:00am, and made it to the gym for an hour of cardio. I managed 17+ miles on the bike, which is about 17 miles more than I have accomplished in any other recent morning.
So I'm back and ready to get after it again. My dormancy period of recharging is over, and now I need to begin my focus on my new training goals. In the next six months I will be riding 550 miles on a bike, and in the next twelve months I will be running a marathon in Las Vegas. Both of these will be significant physical challenges, and I need to get started now if I am going to bike and run successfully!
A Season Of Slumber
(I share this because it is a more touchy-feely version of what Ric suggested the other day, when I told him that I was struggling to find the motivation to get to the gym. He said I may just be recharging, almost like being dormant for a bit. And the I read this a day later. As the say, sometimes it's all in the timing...)
From the Daily OM...
In times past, the bare-limbed trees, long nights, and biting chill of winter signified to all that the time had come to slow down. Humanity emulated the animals, retreating into cozy dwellings where they sustained themselves on foods harvested late in autumn and passed the time in peaceful reflection. Today, most people proceed ruddy-cheeked through winter’s frosts, ignoring the profound effects cold weather has on their bodies and their minds. Yet the beauty and significance of wintertime cannot be so easily overlooked. As the temperature plummets, leaving the air crisp and the landscape bare, we tend to crave warmth and relish rich foods. The presence of loved ones seems more comforting when blustery winds rattle window panes and we feel compelled to conserve our energy by engaging in only the most soothing of activities.
Though your daily schedule may remain more or less the same no matter what time of year it is, you will find in winter many opportunities to honor the way in which you are impacted by this most magical of seasons. At first glance, the world may seem desolate during the coldest months. Yet there are many unique and stimulating sensory experiences to be had—in the intricate beauty of individual snowflakes, the patterns of frost that form on your windows, the tang of smoke from wood-fueled fireplaces, the crunch of freshly fallen snow under your feet, and the briskness of the air. Do not be afraid to venture joyfully out into the cold and the snow as you may have when you were a child. A tingling and reddened nose is a small price to pay for a clear mind and invigorated soul. If your body articulates a desire to rest, give yourself permission to spend your free time reading, writing in your journal, daydreaming, engaging in artistic pursuits, playing board games, working a puzzle or meditating.
Many plants, like the tulip and the apple tree, would not blossom in the springtime were it not for the period of dormancy that is the gift of winter’s chill. Their example can inspire us to use this season of slumber to cleanse ourselves of spiritual and emotional detritus like flora shedding lifeless foliage so that we, too, may emerge from under the frost refreshed and renewed when spring arrives.
From the Daily OM...
In times past, the bare-limbed trees, long nights, and biting chill of winter signified to all that the time had come to slow down. Humanity emulated the animals, retreating into cozy dwellings where they sustained themselves on foods harvested late in autumn and passed the time in peaceful reflection. Today, most people proceed ruddy-cheeked through winter’s frosts, ignoring the profound effects cold weather has on their bodies and their minds. Yet the beauty and significance of wintertime cannot be so easily overlooked. As the temperature plummets, leaving the air crisp and the landscape bare, we tend to crave warmth and relish rich foods. The presence of loved ones seems more comforting when blustery winds rattle window panes and we feel compelled to conserve our energy by engaging in only the most soothing of activities.
Though your daily schedule may remain more or less the same no matter what time of year it is, you will find in winter many opportunities to honor the way in which you are impacted by this most magical of seasons. At first glance, the world may seem desolate during the coldest months. Yet there are many unique and stimulating sensory experiences to be had—in the intricate beauty of individual snowflakes, the patterns of frost that form on your windows, the tang of smoke from wood-fueled fireplaces, the crunch of freshly fallen snow under your feet, and the briskness of the air. Do not be afraid to venture joyfully out into the cold and the snow as you may have when you were a child. A tingling and reddened nose is a small price to pay for a clear mind and invigorated soul. If your body articulates a desire to rest, give yourself permission to spend your free time reading, writing in your journal, daydreaming, engaging in artistic pursuits, playing board games, working a puzzle or meditating.
Many plants, like the tulip and the apple tree, would not blossom in the springtime were it not for the period of dormancy that is the gift of winter’s chill. Their example can inspire us to use this season of slumber to cleanse ourselves of spiritual and emotional detritus like flora shedding lifeless foliage so that we, too, may emerge from under the frost refreshed and renewed when spring arrives.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas with Friends
Today was an unusual Christmas. We had lots of company over - Little Jon, Brooks, Donna, Mike, Verna, JW and Luis - and we had hot dogs and hamburgers hot off the grill! Not typical holiday fare, but it was just what we all were in the mood to eat.
After dinner, we settled in for a movie. It was set at Christmas time, but that is the only thing "holiday" about The Long Kiss Goodnight. Again, not what you think of as a typical holiday selection, but it was definitely what we were wanting to watch. It had lots of violence, lots of action, and no one died of natural causes.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope your day was as enjoyable as ours.
After dinner, we settled in for a movie. It was set at Christmas time, but that is the only thing "holiday" about The Long Kiss Goodnight. Again, not what you think of as a typical holiday selection, but it was definitely what we were wanting to watch. It had lots of violence, lots of action, and no one died of natural causes.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope your day was as enjoyable as ours.
San Diego Christmas Weather
As much of the rest of the country struggles with snow and other chilly weather, San Diego is enjoying 71 degrees and sunshine.
This is what our Christmas day looks like.
Christmas in San Diego
It's Christmas morning, and we are already having a fantastic day. Ric is in the kitchen preparing for our company, and I am browsing through photos from Christmases past. I can hardly believe this is our 10th holiday season together.
This is Ric earlier this morning, opening up our present from Grandpa. It's a box of different barbecue sauces from Budweiser. You know that will be appreciated... we LOVE to grill.
And just for fun, this is one of our favorite ornaments. It is a Merman, and we have him on a spinner so you really notice him!
This is Ric earlier this morning, opening up our present from Grandpa. It's a box of different barbecue sauces from Budweiser. You know that will be appreciated... we LOVE to grill.
And just for fun, this is one of our favorite ornaments. It is a Merman, and we have him on a spinner so you really notice him!
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