As much as I love California, there is occasionally a downside. For example, while winter isn't the 15-degree days of snow and ice we experienced in Kansas, winter in Northern California is cold. And it rains. Buckets. I think we went three or four months after our move without seeing a single drop of California rain. It was a little shocking to have continuously sunny days and no rain or variation in the weather. Well, winter more than makes up for it. I think is has rained probably about 30 of the last 35 days. It wouldn't be so bad except for a) it gets kind of depressing and b) I have a dog I have to take out and we get wet and she gets crazy c) the dog park is seriously off limits because it's a swamp and I've ruined shoes and jeans going over there in my optimism.
In other "downside" news, on Tuesday a gasoline tanker overturned on Highway 101, the major north-south highway just to our east. The highway closed in both directions, during rush hour, until after 10 o'clock that night. Because it happened within just a few miles of here, traffic trying to find alternate routes was pouring onto side streets, causing major bumper-to-bumper problems. People having to get home had to take El Camino Real (a busy thoroughfare on a normal day) or get to a highway to the west--both of which require congesting side streets. I've never seen anything like it. I left to go pick up Alan at 5:52 and didn't arrive to pick him up until 6:32. A 40-minute drive to go 2.8 miles. It then took us another 15 minutes to get to the Stanford Shopping Center, which on a normal day would take about a minute. We stopped to get some food, hoping that the mess would clear up a bit by the time we finished eating. There were tons of other diners in the same boat who had stopped for sustenance, fearing they wouldn't be able to make it home before starving to death.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Busy Bee
You'll at least be happy to know that while I've been neglecting my blog it's at least because I've been busy. Since my last blog I've been up to San Francisco for dinner; off to Las Vegas for two days; to the doctor for crazy dizziness; and skiing again with Alan. I'm celebrating the fact that trip 1 of 3 to Vegas is over and that I only have an inner ear problem, residual from sinus issues from my last illness, rather than a brain tumor. The doctor said it would go away on its own, which it did, coincidentally, the day I went to the doctor. At least now Alan and I have a doctor to go to out here.
Thanks to a Christmas gift from Lorrie, Alan and I made it up to San Francisco for dinner at the Beach Chalet. It's a cool restaurant right on the ocean. Of course, we went at night so we didn't get the full view, but we did see the fog roll in right before our eyes, which was really crazy. Tons of bonfires were going on the beach, so it made for very cool scenery and a great meal we wouldn't have otherwise had. We walked across to the beach, which was fun, but a tad on the blustery side. Ok, a LOT on the blustery side. It's no wonder there were bonfires every 10 feet.
The view of the restaurant itself looks awesome at night because it's all lit up. Unfortunately, that doesn't translate well for night photography, so I have the obligatory sign shot. We also saw a tsunami warning sign, which isn't something you see every day.
Alan and I also got up to Kirkwood again to ski over the weekend, in fresh snow, and it was a huge improvement over the conditions last time. We had such a good time, although at one point I thought I broke my ankle, and Alan slid headfirst down craggy rocks. We both recovered. All in a day's ski.
Thanks to a Christmas gift from Lorrie, Alan and I made it up to San Francisco for dinner at the Beach Chalet. It's a cool restaurant right on the ocean. Of course, we went at night so we didn't get the full view, but we did see the fog roll in right before our eyes, which was really crazy. Tons of bonfires were going on the beach, so it made for very cool scenery and a great meal we wouldn't have otherwise had. We walked across to the beach, which was fun, but a tad on the blustery side. Ok, a LOT on the blustery side. It's no wonder there were bonfires every 10 feet.
The view of the restaurant itself looks awesome at night because it's all lit up. Unfortunately, that doesn't translate well for night photography, so I have the obligatory sign shot. We also saw a tsunami warning sign, which isn't something you see every day.
Alan and I also got up to Kirkwood again to ski over the weekend, in fresh snow, and it was a huge improvement over the conditions last time. We had such a good time, although at one point I thought I broke my ankle, and Alan slid headfirst down craggy rocks. We both recovered. All in a day's ski.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sucker Punched
I think my last blog would have won the Reader's Choice award, if I were to give such an accolade to myself for my blogs. It elicited more emails (and fewer comments) than any other blog I've written. While it'll be hard to top and probably won't be topped, ever, I'm just going to jump write back in.*
Alan and I made it skiing for the second time this year at Kirkwood on Sunday. We went up to stay Saturday night, and rather than pay $199 to stay near the resort we opted to do a bit of a drive the next morning and stay a little further out. The next morning was a little bright, and since Alan doesn't have a decent pair of shades, he opted to drive in his ski goggles.
I never take my camera on the mountain for fear of impaling myself with it, so here's the closest thing I can really get to an action ski picture.
Unless you count this.
We had a good time, me trying out my new skis and Alan ripping up the mountain as always. We're already planning our next trip.
And while we didn't take Martikins on this ski outing, we did check her into the posh PetSmart PetsHotel for the evening. Let me tell you: I fell for the place hook, line and sinker. From the fireplace in the lobby to the hypoallergenic lambskin blankets, I ate it up. Yum. It only cost $5 more per night than the bare-bones, unheated metal-and-concrete kennel we took her to previously, and it saved us a lot of guilt.** And I'll admit it: We splurged so that she could do doggie day camp on Sunday and play with the other dogs. Our rationale was that if she had the best time ever on her first stay at the PetsHotel, she will never be afraid to go back. I take my dog's psychological well being seriously, folks.
And trust me, the splurge paid off. When we saw her Sunday night she was worn out and calm and wasn't following us around like she had been abandoned. And here's the best part: She got a Pawgress Report. Here's how our little girl did:
Meal time
3 out of 3 paws: Dinner disappeared quickly.
Marti says: "Loved my food."
Play/TLC Time
3 out of 3 paws: Had a great time playing at PetSmart
Marti says: "Played with my new friend Daisy-Belle." (Me: Can you seriously hear me giggling?)
Bed Time
2 out of 3 paws: A little tossing and turning
Marti says: "Exciting events & all left me restless."
Potty Time
3 out of 3 paws: Took care of business
Marti says: Champ here!
The Whole Time
3 out of 3 paws: Carefree, calm and comfortable
Marti says: Ran and romped and had so much fun.
Yes, I am officially one of "those people." But I promise, as blog as my witness, I will NEVER call to talk to Marti while she's on "vacation." Yes, you can do that. No, I'm not kidding.
*Yes, the pun was on purpose.
**Seriously, little Marti was shaking and frightened after a week there over Christmas and I will never do that to her again.
Alan and I made it skiing for the second time this year at Kirkwood on Sunday. We went up to stay Saturday night, and rather than pay $199 to stay near the resort we opted to do a bit of a drive the next morning and stay a little further out. The next morning was a little bright, and since Alan doesn't have a decent pair of shades, he opted to drive in his ski goggles.
I never take my camera on the mountain for fear of impaling myself with it, so here's the closest thing I can really get to an action ski picture.
Unless you count this.
We had a good time, me trying out my new skis and Alan ripping up the mountain as always. We're already planning our next trip.
And while we didn't take Martikins on this ski outing, we did check her into the posh PetSmart PetsHotel for the evening. Let me tell you: I fell for the place hook, line and sinker. From the fireplace in the lobby to the hypoallergenic lambskin blankets, I ate it up. Yum. It only cost $5 more per night than the bare-bones, unheated metal-and-concrete kennel we took her to previously, and it saved us a lot of guilt.** And I'll admit it: We splurged so that she could do doggie day camp on Sunday and play with the other dogs. Our rationale was that if she had the best time ever on her first stay at the PetsHotel, she will never be afraid to go back. I take my dog's psychological well being seriously, folks.
And trust me, the splurge paid off. When we saw her Sunday night she was worn out and calm and wasn't following us around like she had been abandoned. And here's the best part: She got a Pawgress Report. Here's how our little girl did:
Meal time
3 out of 3 paws: Dinner disappeared quickly.
Marti says: "Loved my food."
Play/TLC Time
3 out of 3 paws: Had a great time playing at PetSmart
Marti says: "Played with my new friend Daisy-Belle." (Me: Can you seriously hear me giggling?)
Bed Time
2 out of 3 paws: A little tossing and turning
Marti says: "Exciting events & all left me restless."
Potty Time
3 out of 3 paws: Took care of business
Marti says: Champ here!
The Whole Time
3 out of 3 paws: Carefree, calm and comfortable
Marti says: Ran and romped and had so much fun.
Yes, I am officially one of "those people." But I promise, as blog as my witness, I will NEVER call to talk to Marti while she's on "vacation." Yes, you can do that. No, I'm not kidding.
*Yes, the pun was on purpose.
**Seriously, little Marti was shaking and frightened after a week there over Christmas and I will never do that to her again.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Poor Mr. Hedges
So, there has been another serious injury to a friend in Marti’s posse. Mr. Hedges, Marti’s beloved hedgehog, has officially gone to the dog toy repair bin. I think the members in the repair bin outnumber the healthy members of the dog toy family. Mr. Hedges’ severe internal injuries looked quite familiar. He had the same severe head trauma that Goat had, only Marti took Hedges one step further and removed his entire spinal column and stomach (aka “squeaker bag”).
Marti, claiming innocence in the face of nearly irreparable damage.
And an update on Mr. Goat. He now has a severe facial injury and is oozing stuffing. His face is even off-kilter.
Marti knows the damage is severe. She prays.
Marti, claiming innocence in the face of nearly irreparable damage.
And an update on Mr. Goat. He now has a severe facial injury and is oozing stuffing. His face is even off-kilter.
Marti knows the damage is severe. She prays.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Orange you glad you're a Jayhawk?
Wow, what a game.
My fingernails may be completely gone, and I may have gotten revenge on the neighbors with all of my cheering, but how often does Kansas win the Orange Bowl? I'm so proud to be a Jayhawk.
This makes sitting through all of those losses in college--in the cold, in the rain, with Natalie as the only one who would stay with me through the end of a losing game--totally worth it.
I knew this day would come. Go Jayhawks!
My fingernails may be completely gone, and I may have gotten revenge on the neighbors with all of my cheering, but how often does Kansas win the Orange Bowl? I'm so proud to be a Jayhawk.
This makes sitting through all of those losses in college--in the cold, in the rain, with Natalie as the only one who would stay with me through the end of a losing game--totally worth it.
I knew this day would come. Go Jayhawks!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Looking back at 2007
Continuing the tradition I started last year, here is this year’s list of favorites, notables and sometimes just plain weird occurrences from 2007.
Best adventure: Moving out to California! Born and raised a Kansas girl, it has been a great experience to move away, and we picked a quality destination. It has been a fun adventure so far! And it helps that I haven’t gone more than a couple of months without going home or seeing family.
Worst addiction: 7-Eleven coffee. Back in my carpooling days, Jenn and I would treat ourselves to QT every Friday for coffee. Now, 7-Eleven is on the way to campus,
so on the days Alan doesn’t bike and I drop him off at work (which is RARE and only when it’s RAINING, cough, cough), we stop and get some java. It’s a surprisingly expensive habit when you do it every day. Thank goodness Santa brought a coffeemaker!
Craziest first, well, kind of: First earthquake. Alan called me frantically, reporting a 5.6 just near San Jose, which means right near us. I was actually in Phoenix, so I didn’t get to experience it. The earth definitely rumbled, according to Alan, and while I kind of wish that I would have felt a minor earthquake, I’m not going to go wishing for one any time soon.
Best extracurricular activity: A self-defense class. I’d always wanted to take one, so when I got a brochure in the mail I signed myself up. It was definitely worthwhile and I’m glad I took it. I highly recommend for all the women in my life. Gouge the eye! Slap the ear! Knee them in the groin!
Best purchase: A new bed. Having always slept in hand-me-down beds, it felt great to go purchase a brand-new bed. Plus, Alan and I felt very grown up.
Most welcome addition: Reagan Jean! Now I have an adorable niece to call my favorite. What a cutie!
Favorite nephew: Kenny gets the grand prize again this year. He gets to be more fun by the day. He’ll chat on the phone, sing Jingle Bells and count for me. Plus, he’s shaping up to be a great big brother. Hopefully he won’t throw pickles at Reagan's head when he grows up.
Most shocking display of flesh: A lady breastfeeding at our apartment complex’s garage sale this summer. With no cover up and full breast exposure. I did a double take because I didn’t believe what I’d seen.
Most interesting neighbors: We live next to an assisted living facility, and I think most of them have Alzheimer’s. There’s a fenced in patio, so they’ll say hi on occasion and I get to see some of the strange goings-on. It’s really quite sad. Elmer yells “help” for hours on end because he thinks that’ll get him home to his wife; one guy talks nonsense to himself in what he thinks are actual conversations; another asked me if I was Glenda because she said she’d be there. It makes me sad, but sometimes you just have to laugh. Such as when one of the guys was walking toward the fence and me, I thought, to say hi to Marti. But instead he doubles over, says he has to “go” in rather colorful language, and drops his drawers on the patio. I didn’t know whether to go get help for him or just ignore it completely, but he ended up shuffling, pants around his ankles, back inside. You never know what you’re going to see at ALF, but I do know that the nurses there are saints.
Cutest couple: Alan and Marti.
Most embarrassing Netflix confession: I’m watching The O.C. I never watched it when it was on air, but I’m “renting” it now and am super hooked. It’s interesting to watch it now that it’s a couple of years removed though, because I recognize actors that are now in bigger roles on bigger shows. Such as Grey’s Anatomy’s Denny Duquette, who played a guy in jail; or Alex, who is now on House.
Craziest work day: My magazine held an equipment showcase in November. The manufacturing guys were all pestering me to go up in a boom lift, and I finally complied. I’ve never considered myself afraid of heights, but my heart was sure racing at 45 feet up in the air. That doesn’t sound like much, but let me assure you, it’s HIGH.
Most embarrassing moment(s): It’s a close call between 1) the day Marti ran into our neighbor’s apartment and I had to run around and trap her in the bathroom to catch her and 2) the day that Marti pulled her leash out of my hand on a neighborhood side street acting all tough to a dog half her size. I then had to stop traffic while the other dog owner helped me capture Marti. It lasted all of 30 seconds, but it felt like 10 minutes.
Best pug: Marti! Marti almost had some competition this year as Alan and I considered rescuing a pug, but Alan couldn’t be convinced. Marti just earned another year as an only pug.
Marti’s list
Marti’s biggest challenge: She’s adjusted nicely to California living, but hasn’t adjusted as well to our new bed. It’s quite a leap for the little girl, so we occasionally have to help her out.
Greatest accomplishment: Being famous. The pug blog that I’m obsessed with makes a calendar and donates the proceeds to a pug rescue in Florida. A Marti picture was chosen to be on the back cover. Next year I’m going to send in more pictures sooner in the hopes of getting on a month, but I was a little tickled to see Marti on a calendar.
Best new friends: It’s a close call between the dog park pups and the mailman. Marti LOVES the mailman—at least she loves the one that’s nice to her. She even knows what the truck sounds like and whimpers to try to get me to let her out to see him.
Best honor: Being the mascot for the Turkey Bowl football game on Thanksgiving. Marti the Moose was even given a spot on the team T-shirt. Yay!
Be on the lookout for my New Year’s Resolutions!
Best adventure: Moving out to California! Born and raised a Kansas girl, it has been a great experience to move away, and we picked a quality destination. It has been a fun adventure so far! And it helps that I haven’t gone more than a couple of months without going home or seeing family.Worst addiction: 7-Eleven coffee. Back in my carpooling days, Jenn and I would treat ourselves to QT every Friday for coffee. Now, 7-Eleven is on the way to campus,
so on the days Alan doesn’t bike and I drop him off at work (which is RARE and only when it’s RAINING, cough, cough), we stop and get some java. It’s a surprisingly expensive habit when you do it every day. Thank goodness Santa brought a coffeemaker!Craziest first, well, kind of: First earthquake. Alan called me frantically, reporting a 5.6 just near San Jose, which means right near us. I was actually in Phoenix, so I didn’t get to experience it. The earth definitely rumbled, according to Alan, and while I kind of wish that I would have felt a minor earthquake, I’m not going to go wishing for one any time soon.
Best extracurricular activity: A self-defense class. I’d always wanted to take one, so when I got a brochure in the mail I signed myself up. It was definitely worthwhile and I’m glad I took it. I highly recommend for all the women in my life. Gouge the eye! Slap the ear! Knee them in the groin!
Best purchase: A new bed. Having always slept in hand-me-down beds, it felt great to go purchase a brand-new bed. Plus, Alan and I felt very grown up.
Most welcome addition: Reagan Jean! Now I have an adorable niece to call my favorite. What a cutie!
Favorite nephew: Kenny gets the grand prize again this year. He gets to be more fun by the day. He’ll chat on the phone, sing Jingle Bells and count for me. Plus, he’s shaping up to be a great big brother. Hopefully he won’t throw pickles at Reagan's head when he grows up.
Most shocking display of flesh: A lady breastfeeding at our apartment complex’s garage sale this summer. With no cover up and full breast exposure. I did a double take because I didn’t believe what I’d seen.
Most interesting neighbors: We live next to an assisted living facility, and I think most of them have Alzheimer’s. There’s a fenced in patio, so they’ll say hi on occasion and I get to see some of the strange goings-on. It’s really quite sad. Elmer yells “help” for hours on end because he thinks that’ll get him home to his wife; one guy talks nonsense to himself in what he thinks are actual conversations; another asked me if I was Glenda because she said she’d be there. It makes me sad, but sometimes you just have to laugh. Such as when one of the guys was walking toward the fence and me, I thought, to say hi to Marti. But instead he doubles over, says he has to “go” in rather colorful language, and drops his drawers on the patio. I didn’t know whether to go get help for him or just ignore it completely, but he ended up shuffling, pants around his ankles, back inside. You never know what you’re going to see at ALF, but I do know that the nurses there are saints.
Cutest couple: Alan and Marti.
Most embarrassing Netflix confession: I’m watching The O.C. I never watched it when it was on air, but I’m “renting” it now and am super hooked. It’s interesting to watch it now that it’s a couple of years removed though, because I recognize actors that are now in bigger roles on bigger shows. Such as Grey’s Anatomy’s Denny Duquette, who played a guy in jail; or Alex, who is now on House.
Craziest work day: My magazine held an equipment showcase in November. The manufacturing guys were all pestering me to go up in a boom lift, and I finally complied. I’ve never considered myself afraid of heights, but my heart was sure racing at 45 feet up in the air. That doesn’t sound like much, but let me assure you, it’s HIGH.Most embarrassing moment(s): It’s a close call between 1) the day Marti ran into our neighbor’s apartment and I had to run around and trap her in the bathroom to catch her and 2) the day that Marti pulled her leash out of my hand on a neighborhood side street acting all tough to a dog half her size. I then had to stop traffic while the other dog owner helped me capture Marti. It lasted all of 30 seconds, but it felt like 10 minutes.
Best pug: Marti! Marti almost had some competition this year as Alan and I considered rescuing a pug, but Alan couldn’t be convinced. Marti just earned another year as an only pug.
Marti’s list
Marti’s biggest challenge: She’s adjusted nicely to California living, but hasn’t adjusted as well to our new bed. It’s quite a leap for the little girl, so we occasionally have to help her out.
Greatest accomplishment: Being famous. The pug blog that I’m obsessed with makes a calendar and donates the proceeds to a pug rescue in Florida. A Marti picture was chosen to be on the back cover. Next year I’m going to send in more pictures sooner in the hopes of getting on a month, but I was a little tickled to see Marti on a calendar.
Best new friends: It’s a close call between the dog park pups and the mailman. Marti LOVES the mailman—at least she loves the one that’s nice to her. She even knows what the truck sounds like and whimpers to try to get me to let her out to see him.
Best honor: Being the mascot for the Turkey Bowl football game on Thanksgiving. Marti the Moose was even given a spot on the team T-shirt. Yay!
Be on the lookout for my New Year’s Resolutions!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
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