Legally Brunette

At last!

2009-04-27T11:45:00.002-07:00

I know this will make a few people happy - a new post! I know it has been awhile, but the newness of it all wore off and I sort of forgot. I promise I will try to be better!

So...lots going on. This coming up weekend is our NALS of Arizona state conference and installation of the new officers. I will be installed as President Elect...I am not sure how that happened, but it did, so I am going to embrace it! It should be a fun weekend, full of friends, food, wine and a little bit of education. :)

I have also been working on the committee for the Region 7/Region 8 conference we are having in Las Vegas! It is in the middle of June, but everyone is so excited! David is also presenting and I can't wait! That should be a really fun trip. Carol, Karen, Kathy, Delana and I are all driving up together...danger to anyone on the road! JK! Carol and Delana will driving, not me!

These conferences can be heavy on education (which is good), so we are going to squeeze every minute of fun out that we can! I think we will probably see a lot of sunglasses and heavy eyelids during the seminars! :)

I guess that is all for now...can't think of anything else to say!

Have a great day!

5 MORE DAYS!!!!!

2009-02-09T11:04:00.001-07:00

10 MORE DAYS!!!

2009-02-04T07:39:00.003-07:00

WHOO HOO! 10 more days until I get to see my very best frien' in the whole world! Duke - here I come - JK - Amy you know it's you! Hehe! Although I am not sure why it ended up February...why I am leaving the 80 degree weather for the 40/50 degree weather...I must be crazy! Things are so crazy around here, it will be a perfect time for a break.

Saturday I left the house at 8:15 am and didn't get home until 11 pm...I even had to take a change of clothes with me. That morning I left my house, drove downtown to teach a section of the CLA review class. I haven't taught this class in a while, but this particular group of individuals was great! They interacted, asked questions and I think we had a wonderful dialogue going on.

Once class was done, I headed back to my side of town and drove 45 minutes to a church in Sun City. For those not in Arizona, Sun City is the city full of retired persons. However, it was also where one of our family friends was being ordained. My mom and Lauren were at the library about 5 or 6 years ago, when Lauren befriended a mother and daughter. 5 or 6 years later, we are all still friends and we felt very fortunate and blessed to a part of Jose's big day. I have never been to an ordination, so I was not sure what to expect, but the service was beautiful! I was even able to hold it together until Jose started talking about his wife and children...when his voice cracked, there was no holding back the tears!

After church, I was headed back downtown to see some roller derby! A friend of mine (her name happens to be Amy - weird!) skates in the Arizona Derby Dame league. She is on the Schoolyard Scrappers and Saturday was opening night for the season. All five teams were skating. A bunch of NALS ladies joined one of our vendors who hosted a tailgate party before the event. They had wine, beer and so much food! It was so great! Then we headed into the area. Our other friend Kathy (who ended up having to work) made these super great pom poms just for Scrapper fans! They are rulers with the same blue plaid material as their skirts (if you can call them that) cut into strips and tied on the end of the ruler. There are perfect! The next bout is in April and we have all said we are in! I know Amy really appreciates the support as well - she kept saying "I hear nothing except when everyone screams my name!" BTW...her derby name is Mizz Nashty, a little play on her last name of Nash. We all love her and had a great time at the bout supporting her!

Left to Right Top Row: Delana, Pat, Tara, Linda

Left to Right Bottom Row: Stephanie, Brenda, Kerie

Amy is the second one from the right

Some not so good stuff happened this week too...I got a call from my sister yesterday while I was heading back to the office waiting for the light rail. Their house got broken into yesterday morning and she was on her way back. Apparently, it was two young boys (18 and 20 they think) that broke the window right next to the front door, reached in and unlocked the door. They pulled up a truck in the driveway and took their computer, Wii, camera, video camera, safe and Erin's jewelry box. Someone was walking by, saw them and called the police. They did drop the safe and jewelry box, but all of Erin's jewelry was gone. Luckily no one was home and Lauren will never learn of this, but still...it totally sucks! Why do people do that? How would they feel if someone did it to them? The man who walked by was able to get the license plate of the truck and one of the boys cut himself so they were able to get a DNA sample...hopefully it helps find them. Guess it is time for me to get an alarm system...guess I know where my tax refund is going!

A day in the life of a new Past President...

2009-01-14T07:47:00.003-07:00

I wanted to write this an article for the association's newsletter, but I don't think it would be appropriate...maybe...you tell me Kathy.

All the anticipation, excitement and in one night, it is all over. Now, you are no one...just a face in the crowd. For the days leading up to Amy's installation, all I could think was "finally...no more annoying emails, no more drama, just plain no more!" But as we left the meeting and the days following, now all I can think is "boy did time fly by." It just seems like yesterday when Kathy, Karen and I were ditching a session in Tulsa in 2006, discussing what would happen if our then president stepped down and who would take her place...that was almost two years ago and the beginning of most incredible journey.

When I first decided to take on the challenge, I thought, okay...I can do this. Nothing to it. You preside over meetings, sign expense forms...what could be so difficult. Then I had to do it. Almost daily I received emails from members wanting me to make all kinds of decisions! There were days when I had over 100 emails on one topic - how does that happen?!? Of course then I would turn to my three trusted mentors, who in turn would receive the same 100 emails and a several from me, to help me through the insanity! Several times I would shout in my office "WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GROW UP!" But I dealt with it and moved on to the next drama.

There were good spots too...rejoicing when members passed their certification exams, the extra fun times we had at conferences (in the sessions and out), all of the great friends I have made, and all of the wonderful life lessons being a leader has taught me. I feel more confident, more self-worth, and just plain better about myself. I CAN do it! I can do anything!

So now as the volume of emails dwindles (not to zero, but significantly less than 100), and my need to make each and every decision is gone, I hope that I can focus on some of the things I wanted to do last year, but just didn't have the energy to devote to it. I want to remain an intregal part of this association, but I also want to step back and let someone else do the driving.

Spring Awakening

2008-12-11T16:10:00.002-07:00

David is the best boss ever! Not only did he get me onstage seating for Spring Awakening on Saturday, but he took me to the cast party on Tuesday after opening night! We got to meet the cast and hang out...what a great time!

Now we are going to print out these pictures and have the actors sign them after the show on Saturday! I dare anyone to prove that have a better boss than I do!

Some funnies...

2008-11-25T10:19:00.001-07:00

The boss walked into the office one morning not knowing his zipper was down and his fly area wide open. His assistant walked up to him and said, 'This morning when you left your house, did you close your garage door?' The boss told her he knew he'd closed the garage door, and walked into his office puzzled by the question.As he finished his paperwork, he suddenly noticed his fly was open, and zipped it up. He then understood his assistant's question about his 'garage door.'He headed out for a cup of coffee and paused by her desk to ask, 'When my garage door was open, did you see my Hummer parked in there?'She smiled and said, 'No, I didn't. All I saw was an old minivan with two flat tires.'

An elderly gentleman... Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100% The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.' The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?' Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.' 'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?' 'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?' The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.' 'Do you mean a rose?' 'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital. After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctan tly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him. 'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks. 'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?' 'Sure.' 'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks. 'No, I can remember it.' 'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?' He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. ' 'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks. Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!' Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plat e for a moment. 'Where's my toast ?'

A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy: 'So I hear you're getting married?' 'Yep!' 'Do I know her?' 'Nope!' 'This woman, is she good looking?' 'Not really.' 'Is she a good cook?' 'Naw, she can't cook too well.' 'Does she have lots of money?' 'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.' 'Well, then, is she good in bed?' 'I don't know.' 'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?' 'Because she can still drive!'

Three old guys are out walking. First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?' Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!' Third one says, 'So am I. Let 's go get a beer.' A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art It's perfect.' 'Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?' 'Twelve thirty.'

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?' Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'' The doctor said, 'I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'

One more. . .! A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool.. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?' 'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'

Facebook junkie...coming through!

2008-11-23T09:13:00.003-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while...I have been obsessed with my other obsession...Facebook. It is so much fun and I have been reconnecting with all sorts of people...it is just great!

I have also been so busy with just plain life. Norma had her baby on November 11...Jack Christopher...he is so cute! I got sick right after he was born, so yesterday was the first time I got to see him after he was born. What a cute baby!

Amy, Shara and Dani went to see New Kids last night. Amy called so I could try and listen, but it didn't work, so she sent pictures and even a video! It was so great! I felt like I was right there with them...sort of! They even called after it was over...I had to wake up (because it was 1 am), but I was so glad they called to share their great time with me.

It's time to vote!

2008-11-03T16:43:00.002-07:00

So tomorrow is the day to vote...and I hope all of you vote...no matter who you choose, it is important to vote!

So I have just been plugging away...working, being NALS president, signing up for NALS of Arizona President-Elect (or at least being nominated), and the other daily things that go on in my life.

The one major thing is that my bestest frien' in the whole wide world is coming to visit in February and I can't wait!

Happy now Diane a/k/a Mom#2!

No PP yet

2008-10-19T21:00:00.002-07:00

I went for dinner with the study group to discuss our recommendations for the next group. It suddenly turned into a meeting about our results. Michelle and Carol already had their results and the rest of us could hardly wait. For some reason, I thought my results would come to work, but after driving there and back home...the results were waiting for me in my mailbox at home. I passed three of the four sections and have to retake Ethics. I left that section thinking I would be back. I just didn't agree with any of the answers we had to choose from so I did a lot of guessing. But, I am retaking that section in March and by next April I WILL be a PP, CP!

So congrats to everyone! Especially to Brenda and Carol who are now Certified PPs! Way to go girls!

Back to reality..

2008-10-18T14:45:00.002-07:00

The excitement of the concert is starting to wear off...I guess I am growing back up...bummer! That still doesn't mean I can't rock out to their CD or watch videos on You Tube, but I guess it does mean that I have to get back to reality!

So I was asked last night to take on the PE position for the State chapter....how do people see the word SUCKER on my forehead? How can I erase it? I guess it comes from my love and appreciation of NALS and the desire to see it do well. Maybe after this I can take a break?!? We shall see....

I am meeting with the study group ladies this weekend. They are truly my friends for life! There is something about studying for and taking a certification exam that just bonds you to these people...I can't explain it but it is there! We are going to put together recommendations for the next study group. We went in blind and I think we did alright, but I guess we will find out soon. We just want those coming after us to at least have a place to start!

Well...I better get back to laundry, cleaning...grown up stuff...maybe I should just turn up New Kids and get some motivation! Right on!

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

2008-10-14T13:57:00.008-07:00

That is all I have to say about the concert last night! Check it out!

And there are some great videos below. Thanks Kerie!

What a life I have!

2008-10-03T11:32:00.005-07:00

And I love it! So many good things are going on in my life and I love it! God is truly watching over me!

We had a scare with my mom a couple of weeks ago...she went into the ER with severe cramping -- to the point that she was crying and couldn't stand the pain any longer. It turns out she had a mild case of pancreatitis and only needed to stay in the hospital for two days. Crazy mom!

But now both Mom and Dad are on a cruise around the Western Caribbean. I am so jealous! They get to see beautiful places and are even going on a zip line! My parents! Crazy I tell you!

Work is going well - we sure are busy. I guess that is the good part of this bad economy...it creates lots of work for divorce attorneys. Which I guess is a bad thing in the long run, but not when it is your job and you depend on it.

Kerie and I are getting ready for Norma's baby shower on Thursday. I am "borrowing" an idea from this super great frien' of mine - thanks Amy! - for a gift...I know she is going to love it! I love baby showers and little babies...they are just too cute!

New Kids on the Block will be here in less than one week! I am super excited about that! Although, I was listening to the radio this morning and some lady is taking her eight year old daughter - what does an eight year old know about New Kids?!? I hope there aren't a lot of little kids there - that would make it no fun! It is supposed to be a bunch of thirty-something year old women, probably a little tipsy, and totally crazy! Yes Amy, I said crazy again - get over it! Anyway - I can't wait! Although, I need to find something to play my cassette tapes on so I don't have to buy their old albums on CD!

The year is winding up for NALS and my presidency. We have a meeting Thursday and getting committees together for the holiday party and awards and installation banquet. Nominations have begun and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. After almost two years of this, I am ready to pass the torch! No wonder they made the term limit one year - it is exhausting!

I was talking to Nan last night...my weekly call to dish on gossip back home and talk about the latest reality show that we both watch (it is The Amazing Race now). Anyway...we were getting ready to get off the phone and she said something that really surprised me. She said that she loved me very much (not a surprise) and that she appreciated my calls. She said that none of the other grandkids call her and she really enjoyed our chats. If you know my Nan, you know she can be selfish and very stubborn at times and so this was pretty out of the ordinary. Now, I did ask if she called any of the other grandkids and she said "Well....no." Now that is her stubbornness coming out. The reason she doesn't talk to my sister is whole different story and since this is supposed to be a positive blog - I will leave it alone for now.

The other bit of semi-good news is about Darrel. No, he is not cured, but it does appear that the treatments are working. He is going to chemo every Monday and radiation once per day. This is the third week, but already the swelling in his arm has gone down and even the doctors have said they notice a difference in the growth. He isn't feeling great, but he has good days and bad days and I just keep praying that there are more good days to come than bad.

Okay - ready for the best news ever - ready...are you sure? really sure? Okay...here goes:

I GET TO SIT ON STAGE FOR SPRING AWAKENING AT GAMMAGE!!!!! Aren't you so excited! This was one of the musicals I saw with David, Darrel and Pat in New York last year. It was by far my favorite and I couldn't wait for it to come to Gammage. Well, it is coming in December and I so wanted to sit on stage. Then we heard that David got two on stage seats, so it was going to be David and Darrel sitting on stage. Well, I took it well. I was disappointed, but David is the one that donates to Gammage, so I guess it is right that he get the tickets. Well, yesterday, I got a call from Peter Means (head honcho at Gammage) who told me that David has four on stage seats! YES - I GET TO SIT ON STAGE!

Anyway....my life is truly blessed and I thank God everyday for it!

My vacation is over...

2008-09-16T15:08:00.002-07:00

and it is back to work. Although it was partly a vacation and partly an "educational" conference, I still had a good time.

Karen, Kathy, Delana and I had a blast in Williamsburg, D.C. and Norfolk. We went to Busch Gardens and rode the roller coaster (thanks Kathy for making me go!); walked all over D.C. in two half days; went to Colonial Williamsburg, ate at a pancake house (sorry Karen); and shopped at the biggest Christmas store I have ever seen. Williamsburg is also home of the best wine I have ever tasted - Raspberry! Yummy! I think we ended up with at least four bottles of that flavor! :) That was the vacation part of the trip.

Then, we were off to Norfolk for some more fun and education - the NALS Educational Forum. Once there, we ate, drank, learned, took a dinner cruise, danced the night away, and reconnected with old friends. It doesn't matter where we are, but if it has anything to do with NALS it is always great! The national conferences are great because you get to see all the people you email with all year long!

So that is the just of my fabulous trip back east. I could probably write for five days and not get everything. Although I did take a journal and write every day - ask Kathy!

I did want to share some of the new "vocabulary" words we came home with:

Peanut - someone who has to constantly pee

Dis-extended - after eating way too much!

BFF - this does not mean Best Friends Forever...

oHIo - Kathy won a grape something watch for that joke!

We also learned that:

Stop signs need to be regulation height or you do not need to stop for them

U-turns are fun and mostly illegal in Virgina

Phase 10 is really fun and more fun once Karen has had some wine!

The 13th Amendment freed slaves and was in 1865

Green Monkeys are delicious!

I know I missed something but you get the idea - FUN, FUN and MORE FUN!

Arrgh!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE!

2008-08-29T08:23:00.001-07:00

I can't even think of a good title...

2008-08-28T19:44:00.004-07:00

So we got some bad news today. Darrel, David's partner, has been sick for a while and about a month ago, he let David know that he has had something in his arm. Since then, they have been seeing doctors and getting tests done to figure out what it is.

He was supposed to have a biopsy last Friday but they wouldn't do it because his blood pressure was too high. They ended up hospitalizing him (after David yelled at the doctor who was going to send him home with blood pressure of 215 over 100+). He had the biopsy Monday and we found out today that he has a cancerous tumor called Merckel. According to the internet and a surgeon David knows, it is not good...prognosis is not good. To complicate things further, Darrel got a MRSA infection while he was in the hospital.

So for the past week, I have been trying to be support for David and for Darrel...they are like family to me. So between my trips to the hospital, late nights with David, crazy work schedule and study group, I have had little time for Tara. Plus, I leave in a week on my vacation and am not prepared at all!

And David and Darrel are scheduled to leave for their two week Alaska cruise Saturday morning. I think they are going...I think they should go and take advantage of every moment, no matter what the outcome will be (which we don't even know right now).

Today was my breaking point. I came back to the office after being gone all afternoon getting Darrel and taking him home and totally lost it. Norma and I started arguing about something so totally stupid that I can't even believe it happened. Then I started crying...I just hit the wall. All the emotions I have been supressing all week finally caught up to me. Plus, I feel like I am neglecting my work..which is something I do not do - ever!

So hopefully, tomorrow will be my last late night before my trip. I am just happy that I have a three day weekend to try and catch up at home.

Please keep Darrel (and David) in your prayers. I truly believe in the power of prayer and have several living family members and friends that prove it works. I know God has a plan for each of us and Darrel is just too young to leave us now.

Sorry for the delay...

2008-08-22T10:23:00.002-07:00

I truly have not been intentionally ignoring my blog...my attention has just been diverted elsewhere.

Work is getting busy...which is good and bad. Good, because the days go by faster and bad because David and I fought yesterday. I hate fighting with David. Luckily, we are able to move though and past it (or at least I am).

I also have been spending a lot of time on Facebook. My wonderful friend Lisa got me hooked and now I can't stop - Mafia Wars, Parking Wars, Pirates, Triumph, and tons of other stuff! It is pretty fun, but very addicting...don't start unless you have at least three to four hours a day to devote to it.

I am also still President of NALS of Phoenix and studying for the certification exam at the end of September. We took a mock test on Tuesday night. Again, good news and bad news. Good news - I passed two sections...bad news - I failed two sections. At least it was a mock test and now I know where I need to focus my energy and studying. We are also adding two lunch time study sessions...just for grammer - I HATE GRAMMER!

I do have my vacation coming up in two weeks - I totally can't wait! I get to see Norfolk, Williamsburg and DC all in a week. Karen keeps emailing asking if we can just leave now - I told her I am good...let's hop on a plane and go. Unfortunately, there is the small problem of not having enough vacation time or money to do that - but boy would it be fun!

And to top all of this off, I am really missing my friends in Washington. Although we email and even talk on the phone, it just isn't the same. I am missing all of Duke's firsts and I can hardly stand it. Why can't all of my friends, my family and my job and co-workers (at least the ones I like), just all move to one spot...life would then really be perfect!

What a crazy life I have!

2008-08-06T16:43:00.003-07:00

So on top of working, and on top of my presidency, I have decided to take another certification exam. The studying is killing me! We had study group last night and it was the first session of the online study group - grammer! My worst subject ever! I thought I did pretty well...I just need to read Gregg - thoroughly!

Want to win a coach purse?

2008-07-30T15:23:00.002-07:00

If not, you can always give it to me!

The deadline is August 2nd, so enter away!

http://laviedelaurie.com/2008/07/28/enter-my-bloggy-giveaway-for-coach/#comment-4242

Happy 6th Birthday Lauren!

2008-07-30T15:01:00.002-07:00

Okay - her birthday was yesterday, but forgive me! I have a lot going on and little time to blog!

So Lauren wanted to go out for dinner - no home cooked meal for her - and she wanted to go somewhere that they would sing happy birthday to her. So Red Robin was her choice.

I left study group early so I could be a part of the fun and we all meet at Red Robin. My mom had ballons tied to her chair, Red was there in person and came over to say HI to Lauren. My mom even brought gifts...how spoiled is she! Well, not anymore than I am but that is a whole different topic! :)

So we order their famous mud pie for dessert and it comes out with more balloons and a candle in it. The heat from the flame is melting the whip cream, so the candle is slowing falling over. Then, my dad, who had his elbows on the table, starts clapping and shaking the table, which makes the candle fall even more. So my mom saves it, they sing Happy Birthday and she blows out the candle. What an evening!

On a sadder note, an older gentleman committed suicide from the top our building this morning. I got an email from a friend of mine asking if I knew anything about the person who jumped from the building - I was shocked! Right now it appears as though it was a court reporter that went through the attorney lounge at a law firm upstairs from us, took a chair out onto the balcony, got up, and jumped. It just makes me think "why?" What reason could anyone possibly have to end your life that way....

So to all my friends, who I consider up all else family - thank you for who you are and thank you for being a part of my life! I love each and every one of you!

Thanks to God for all the blessings in my life!

2008-07-25T11:38:00.002-07:00

After my accident and some reflection on how bad it could have been, I realized that I really do have a pretty great life. Family and friend that love me, a great job and a house that I own - how amazing is that!

And then, yesterday, I get a delightful package from my bestest friend in the whole world - thanks frien'! My very own cupcake bath bombs - I can't wait to use them!

So my other friends - Lisa and Shana - have me hooked on Facebook - more the "games" then anything else, but they are still really fun! You should go and check out my flair - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688687655.

So, it is Friday, tomorrow is Saturday and I get to hang out with my mom and see Mamma Mia. What more could you ask for?!?

What a crap day!

2008-07-22T09:31:00.003-07:00

Even though it was all my fault...today started out as a crap day!

I left the house late because I couldn't stand it and needed to see who one Legally Blonde - The Search for the Next Elle Woods. Bailey won and I was excited, but I was also running late for work.

So off I go...25 through the construction zone so I don't get pulled over (like Erin did, but she just got a warning) and then I get on the freeway. Not five minutes later, the lady in front of me took her foot off the brake, started moving slowly, so I did the same. I also looked down and as soon as I looked down she must have put on her brakes because the next second I looked up and I had hit her.

So we pulled over to the side of the road and both got out of the car. There was no damage to either car and she said she was fine but had her granddaughter in the back seat so she was going to call the police. Great...just what I need!

So when the cop gets there, he asks us to pull off at the next exit and go into the parking lot. So off we go...the cop following me. He takes our information and goes back in car to write the report. Lucky for me, he was nice...he gave me a ticket, but he was nice. Apparently, he dropped my drivers' license under his driver's seat and had to get it - HA!

So I was 1/2 hour late to work, have a $145 ticket to pay or $120 for driving school. Chase, who his working here for the summer, took his driving class online. So I went to check it out. Lucky for me, I can take it online - very cool! They ask you for the reason you are taking the class and there is actually a reason that you are voluntarily taking the class for personal enrichment - give me a break! Who would voluntarily give up their right to take the class for the next two years to avoid a larger fine and points on your license....I know there are people out there that do that, but please!

So hopefully I will have a better day. Here's to hoping!

Who knew...

2008-07-13T20:30:00.003-07:00

So it is my dad's birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! We went to dinner last night and he wanted to see a movie, but no one wanted to go last night. So, I went with him today. Dad wanted to see Hellboy II...not my choice, but again, it isn't my birthday. I ended up really liking the movie. It was pretty funny! Amy - you wouldn't like it, but I did. :)-

It was also the first episode of Big Brother 10 ("BB10") tonight! I love that show! It is so the best! The house is pretty cool - I am just waiting for the live feeds to come on...time for no sleeping....I hope this season is as good as previous seasons. So far so good.

So tomorrow starts the voting, so click HERE and vote! Remember Sassy Pink Boutique!

Rain, Rain, Go Away - Don't Come Back Another Day

2008-07-11T14:44:00.002-07:00

So I was born and raised in Seattle - I learned to drive in Seattle - so why am I so freaked out when it rains here? Probably because it just doesn't rain - it POURS!

Last night Kerie and I went to the NALS meeting. Kerie was so insistent that we move the car to the garage across the street. Instead of arguing with her, I just whatever'ed her and moved the car. Good thing - when we came out at 8:15 pm it was dumping and had been for a while.

My ankle is still hurting and in a brace, so I really can't run, but I decided to give it a try. Midway to the garage (which is only about 10 feet way), I realized that I made a mistake and was whimpering...Kerie just laughed. When we finally did get to the car, we were soaking wet. Yuck!

The whole way to Kerie's house it poured and there was thunder and lightining. I was so freaked out. In Phoenix, they are not prepared to handle a lot of water, so the streets flood. Well, in my little Versa it is really scary. We were almost to Kerie's house when a huge bolt of lightining struck somewhere and made the pitch black look like it was the middle of the day. I totally freaked!

After I dropped Kerie off, I had to make my way home. The normally 15 -20 minute drive took me almost 40 minutes to get home and I was scared the entire way.

I hate the rain.

I am...

2008-07-09T11:20:00.001-07:00

You Are Barbeque Sauce

You are a social person. You enjoy cooking for other people.

You are both skillful and competitive. You enjoy mastering hard tasks.

You appreciate complexity more than simplicity.

Your taste in food tends to lean toward interesting flavors.

You appreciate exotic spice combinations. You tend to like cutting edge, fusion cuisine.

You get along with all personalities from a distance. Except salsa personalities, who always seem to annoy you.

What Condiment Are You?

My name means....

2008-07-08T16:25:00.001-07:00

Try this...it is totally fun!

What Tara Means

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.

You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.

You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Okay..okay...

2008-07-07T17:25:00.004-07:00

So the contest below doesn't start until July 14th - but mark it on your calendars and vote! We want Sassy Pink Boutique to win!

According to my niece, the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge is "not a fancy hotel." As Kerie would say, she is spoiled. I think of that as a good thing and a bad thing. Good, because it means that we can afford to take her to nice places and stay in nice hotels....bad, because she has never seen the inside of a Motel 6 and can't appreciate what she has. But, I think she knows that she has it good.

It was a great 4th weekend...the hotel was nice (as always) and it was hot! They cancelled the Dive-In-Movie at the pool on Friday due to lightining, but they moved it inside. They even took the tubes from the lazy river and had them on the floor for the kids to sit in and watch the movie. It was great fun!

Work is getting busy and I like that - the day just drags on if there is nothing to do!

We want her to win!

2008-07-02T16:15:00.004-07:00

My bestest frien' Amy is in a design contest and she so deserves to win! She entered her washcloth candies and I need everyone I know to vote for her! Click the link below and remember - SASSY PINK BOUTIQUE is the best!

Click HERE to vote!

What a great weekend!

2008-07-01T15:33:00.001-07:00

Region 8 is so the best region in all of NALS! We rocked our conference this last weekend! I swear we have the best speakers, the best leaders and the most fun of everyone! We even did so well that we are sending $1,000 to the NALS Foundation - go Region 8!

So not only was it a great weekend for learning and networking, it was a great weekend for catching up with old friends and making new ones. As soon as I get pictures - they will be loaded up for all to see.

My birthday was Saturday and I couldn't have asked for a better day. My friends were all around me and made me feel special. We enjoyed the day, went out for dinner (and a few drinks) and headed back to the hotel where I learned to play hand and foot. I also learned about the dangers of grasshoppers! Thanks Leslie!

Now that Region 8 is over, I can focus my excitement on Norfolk - and catching up with other friends from around the country!

Do you remember....

2008-06-25T11:07:00.003-07:00

Most of the people reading this blog probably don't remember, but I know Amy will....remembering back three years ago to the wedding made me also think about 9 years ago...when Amy and I were half way through our Aussie adventure!

On this day, 9 years ago, Amy and I were packing up and heading to the airport in Cairns. We had already been snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, gone to the aboriginal park, taken the sky rail up to Kuranda and the train all the way back. We also spent some time in Cairns just checking out the little city, shopping at the mall and seeing the second Austin Powers movie (we were the only ones laughing at all the American jokes like Jerry Springer and Starbucks). We also had already had our horrible experience at the hostel, where they didn't have our reservation, laughed at how much luggage we had and were we had to share a bathroom with tons of strangers! I guess everyone has to have that experience once and that was our once!

We were very excited to head to Adelaide. We were staying with some people that Amy knew. At this point, we did not even know how much fun we were about to have! Adelaide was great and I think for the most part because we got to do what the locals do, instead of all the touristy stuff. We did some touristy stuff, but for the most part we got to do real people stuff. We went to a footy game, some one's 40th birthday party, were invited to eat a "floater" (don't ask), drove on the wrong side of the car and road and hung out at the mall where we found the cutest store ever! (Amy - we totally should have bought a book from that store!) That is also where someone asked me if I wanted my tea white or black...I was so confused! Adelaide is also where we got to tour the vineyards. I brought back at least 10 bottles of wine. What a fun, fun day!

I still can remember when we finally got to the house, it was late but their kids were still up. They were so fascinated by our "accents." It was so cute and reminded me of when we had an Australian foreign exchange student and how fascinated I was by her accent.

After our four days in Adelaide, it was time to head to Sydney for the last part of our trip. I remember that we were in shock when we got there. Not that we had never been to a big city before, but just the fact that we hadn't so far in our trip. The drivers were crazy and it was so busy!

But what fun we had! I will never forget that trip and I go back and look at the pictures and read my journal at every opportunity. I just hope that someday I am able to go back. When I say able, I mean money wise and time wise...you need at least three weeks to go - there is just too much to see!

I don't even know where to start!

2008-06-24T08:22:00.008-07:00

This weekend was so great and so miserable all at the same time! It started out with me being all excited about the fun I was going to have at dinner and brunch for Gladys' (David's mom) birthday!

My mom and Lauren were picking me up and we were meeting Erin to go have pedicures - well, needless to say, I did not get a pedicure because after I fell and sprained my ankle, no one was touching my foot! But I went anyway - hurting and all!

Dinner Saturday night and brunch Sunday turned out so great! David did an amazing job putting it all together and I think Gladys had one of her best birthdays ever!

The Birthday Girl with some crazy kids!

All the Gang - from left to right - Chris, Norma, Derek, Darrel, Tara, Kerie and David

As you can see - we had great fun!

However - I was on my foot way too much on Sunday helping David out and so I stayed home yesterday to let it rest! My foot was way swollen and so I went to Urgent Care to get xrays just to make sure nothing was broken. And, nothing was, so they put me in an air cast and sent me home. Isn't it pretty?!?

Anyway...back at work today but only for two days. I leave for Tucson on Wednesday afterwork for the NALS Region 8 conference. It is going to be a blast!

And now for some memories from three years ago....it was three years ago today that my very best friend married her 2nd very best friend (because I am the 1st best friend and always will be!). We had the rehersal dinner last night, after being out late the night before partying by ourselves - Amy and I were partying - Shara was just babysitting. She was pregnant with Dylan - wow! Anyway...Amy was not feeling well and I snore, so to make sure Amy got some sleep, I went and slept in the closet for a couple of hours until Amy yelled at me to get back to bed! Hee hee! What a great time we had! Love you frien'!

Peace out!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-06-20T08:18:00.005-07:00

I got my first - and I must say best - birthday gift in the mail yesterday - coffee corsets! Amy sent them to me for my birthday - THANKS FRIEN' - and they are so cute! Amy found them a while ago at jenngee.etsy.com and I loved them then, but never bought them for myself. But now I have two!

I wholeheartedly recommend getting yourself one! They are great for the environment (no need to waste the cardboard ones), washable and totally cute! And don't delay - Jenn Gee is having a sale through July 15th!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5218284&order=&section_id=&page=1

Boy what a week makes!

2008-06-18T16:36:00.002-07:00

This time last week I was sitting in my office, bored out of my mind! The phone was not ringing and there was no work to be done. Today, I have had project after project to do - which is great and I am so not complaining. It is just hard to go from zero to sixty in one day! Why can't people fight on a more even basis so that the work flow is consistent - who would I talk to about that?

I was reading Diane's blog (yes Diane - I do read your blog) and was making a mental note of how freezing cold it is in Seattle. Yes, I meant cold - anything below 70 degrees is cold to me. Especially when it is already 90 or 100 degrees before I leave for work in the morning and over 110 degrees when I get home. The building I work in is fairly comfortable, but the moment you walk outside, it is like you have stepped into an already heated oven with the fan on. The fan however is blowing HOT air, not cool air. I guess this is what I get for having great weather in February and being able to sit outside without a jacket...

Sunday is David's mom's 80th birthday. David is having a dinner at a great restaurant on Saturday night followed by a brunch at his house on Sunday. I am sure it will be a great time - besides, he and Darrel are just in the finishing stages of a huge remodel to the master bath/closet, laundry room and living room. I can't wait to see it this weekend!

Out and about for now!

So someone was complaining that I haven't posted in a while.....

2008-06-17T15:45:00.002-07:00

Father's Day was fun. I slept until noon - the joy of not having children! Although, my mom called once, my sister twice, and another person (who complained about my lack of blogs) called three times! But I ignored the calls and kept sleeping! We took Matt and Dad out for dinner, they wanted prime rib, and had a great time. I have been so busy lately that I haven't seen my family for two weeks - and I could tell. They were talking about all kinds of stuff that has happened that I don't even know about!

Saturday, was a blast and a half! First, I slept in until 9 am - he he! That afternoon, I was signed up to go bowling with some friends. Talese, Sharon, Delana and I had the best time ever! We all sucked, but it was so much fun. We were dancing, singing, doing the chicken dance and bowling all crazy - I thought we were going to get kicked out! We were all so pumped, I am sure there is another bowling day in the near future.

Region 8 conference in Tucson is in a week and it should be fun. Karen has done a great job putting it together and we have really had great luck getting volunteers to help out.

Don't forget to check out www.sassypinkboutique.com for all of your Sassy needs!

Sisters

2008-06-12T11:14:00.004-07:00

A great friend sent this to me and I wanted to pass it along to all of my Sisters:

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them."

"Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women...your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do."

What a funny piece of advice! the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

You all help make my life meaningful! Thanks!

Friends - a picture is worth a 1,000 words

2008-06-12T08:11:00.004-07:00

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh - HANGIN' TOUGH!" or do you prefer "Oh oh oh oh oh, the Right Stuff"

2008-06-10T09:36:00.003-07:00

That's right folks - it's New Kids on the Block time again! And I so can't wait! Kerie, Amy N. and I got tickets yesterday and I totally can't believe we spent $90 each! Yikes! But hey, this may be the last time...you never know if they are going to strike gold twice....

So I am really regreating the lack of sunscreen on my back this weekend - the sun burn is killing me! And it is on my back, so I can hardly get any relief. Yesterday, Kerie was telling me to put some aloe on suran wrap and then lay on the floor - my mom had the same idea. I thought about it and decided to at least give it a try. So I got out the suran wrap, put globs of aloe on it and tried to get it on my back like a towel...that didn't work so well. Then I rubbed it in with the suran wrap as best I could...it was a sticky gooey mess! And probably would have been a hoot to watch me try to do it! Now, my back is itching so bad I can hardly stand it!

I miss my friends!

2008-06-09T10:07:00.003-07:00

I was in beautiful California this weekend - and I didn't want to come home!

I was really dreading the 6 hour drive (that could have been longer had I had to go through LA) but it turned out pretty great! I rocked out to the radio until it no longer worked, then I listened to all my CDs that I never listen to. I also received about 10 phone calls - five from my mom just making sure I was okay.

I got to the Wallach/Viney household about 9 pm and it was so great to see Larry and the kids! It is so weird....when I first met Larry (when I was 20) , he was a self-proclaimed bachelor - never getting married and certainly never having kids. Now, he is a stay-at-home dad and loving it (or at least most of the time). I have really grown up with him and he is definately the big brother and greatest friend!

So Saturday morning, I was woken up bounding children - they were so cute. Millie wanted to snuggle and I loved it! Theo was just bouncing all around. Breakfast was next and Larry treated us all to banana pancakes and coffee for me - it was great! Millie had ballet class that she couldn't miss, so I got her all dressed up and put her hair in a bun - apparently Larry thought that I would be the expert since I am a girl....whatever! Then we went to a Father's Day brunch at Millie's school. It was such a nice day...about 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! We then went home, gathered up our beach gear and headed off to a beach in Malibu. What a fabulous day we had! Jo came home that night and it was nice to see her.

Sunday was just as fun. Jo made freshed squeezed orange juice from oranges we picked from their orchard, toasted bagels and scrambled eggs - and I got more coffee! Yeah! It was then time for swim lessons for the kids - right in their own pool! We just hung out all morning, went swimming, hung out - then a girls lunch out. I was planning on leaving around noon, but I just couldn't pull myself away. I forgot how much they actually mean to me.

This always happens...even when I go back to Seattle. I see my friends and think I will be fine, but after a couple of days, I just can't seem to leave without tears...I just miss them all so much. Most of the time I can make it out of the house without letting anyone know (and then I just cry all the way to the airport), but yesterday was too hard and I don't even know why. Guess that is just me, super sensitive - but completely kind and caring!

The drive home was pretty good, other than the 40 mile roundtrip wrong turn I made - idiot! I made it all the way to Arizona in the day light, and then it started to get dark. This time, I think I made 5 calls to my mom...at that point, I just wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed. And I finally made it and got to sleep. Although, the horrible sunburn I got on my back didn't help and really hurt bad this morning! Men must have invented bras to punish women - if I didn't have to wear one, I wouldn't!

I also found out that my little car, my C squared, can go 100 mph! Wow! Who would have known!

3 more days!

2008-06-03T09:53:00.003-07:00

Only three more days until I head off to sunny California - not that it isn't sunny here.....

I am going to see some of my bestest friends from Seattle (but now they live in California), Larry, Millie and Theo. Jo has to go out of town so she won't be there and I am sure we will miss her terribly! It has been a while since I have seen them and I can't wait.

One thing I am not looking forward to is the drive. Per Mapquest, it is 393 miles from my house to theirs - 1 minute shy of 6 hours. Yikes! I am hoping to leave early from work and just get on the road...we shall see how well that works.

We moved into our new offices yesterday. Boy am I sick of moving - it stinks! But we are all here now, David, Kerie, Norma and I - one big happy family law family! I am really excited to have Norma join us and have another attorney to work with.

A toothless smile

2008-05-28T08:42:00.004-07:00

So Lauren got a $2 bill from the tooth fairy last night. Actually she described it as one dollar with a 2 on it...crazy kid! Maybe I should go find my wisdom teeth....

First Tooth Down...many more to go!

2008-05-27T16:08:00.003-07:00

Lauren lost her first tooth today - okay, she didn't actually lose it, my mom pulled it, but it still counts! She has been wiggling it for about a month and very excited about it. Lauren called today to tell me and she and my mom were on the way to buy an icee.

Wonder how much teeth are worth these days? I remember getting dimes, maybe a quarter, but certainly nothing more! I overheard Erin talking to my Dad about his $2 bills and how she wants to have one for each tooth Lauren loses - what! $2 a tooth! This is ridiculous! Maybe I should knock out all my teeth!

Anyway....

A whole week!

2008-05-23T15:37:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it has been a whole week since I blogged....time sure does fly!

Lauren graduated from kindergarden on Thursday. All the kids looked so cute in their caps and gowns and the teachers put together a fantastic slideshow of pictures from the whole year. It was great fun!

Anyone thinking of moving to Arizona, think twice (except Amy - you should definately think about moving to Arizona)...it was 109 degrees on Tuesday and pouring rain and windy and stormy yesterday - totally random!

Dad is doing great! We got the pathology back - it was pre- pre-cancer that they took out, so Dad will be back in three months for another test. The doctor says it is very positive and that we could not have asked for better results, so we are all thrilled!

NEWSFLASH - NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK TICKETS GO ON SALE JUNE 9TH (PRE-SALE JUNE 5TH) FOR THE OCTOBER 13TH CONCERT IN GLENDALE! I can't wait! Amy and Shara - when are you coming down again - I wanna make sure you come in enough time to make the concert! :)

We are doing another office move...back to the east side of the office....it should be interesting....

Have a great three-day weekend everyone!

All is good!

2008-05-16T16:09:00.003-07:00

Dad had surgery yesterday and is already home - he still has his catheter, and will until Monday, but he gets to go home! The doctor found something small in his bladder and sent it out for testing, but said he did not believe it was a tumor. Wow! The power of prayer is amazing! As Lisa put it, he got a lube, oil, flush and filter! LOL!

And did you see New Kids on the Today show? They were amazing! They even had new moves for The Right Stuff! Did you hear it - "new style"! It was so great! And you looked out over the crowed and it was all women in their late twenties, early thirties screaming like they were fifteen again - how great is that! Check it out! I Y them!

h

ttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24664786#24664786

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T16:15:00.003-07:00

Okay, so I am one day late with my Happy Mother's Day blog, but we should honor our mothers everyday of the year!

And I am so excited...just checked my email and I got the greatest news ever! New Kids on the Block are releasing their new single on iTunes tomorrow! AHHHHH! And for all you fans out there (yes Amy, I mean you), check out the videos on this link:

http://www.nkotb.com/media/

Although, us west coasters so far are not so lucky...the only concert dates they have listed are on the east coast...road trip anyone?

http://www.livenation.com/artist/getArtist/artistId/447061/

Great stuff! Enjoy!

Amazing!

2008-05-09T10:56:00.003-07:00

My friend Amy N. sent me this link and email...check it out!

You may or may not have heard this story yet. It's been all over the news lately. In a nutshell, two college teams were playing in a semi-final game and a senior player hit her first homerun EVER. She missed first base and when she turned back to tag it, she tore her ACL and crumpled to the ground. Her coach and teammates could not touch her or the HR would have been voided. Two opposing players asked the umpires if they could carry her around the bases so that the homerun went on record. That opposing team lost the game and got knocked out of the playoffs. This is the video that shows what happened and has interviews with all involved.

I'm sending this to you guys because it is the most inspirational thing that I have ever seen. I actually cried watching this, as did an attorney here who sent me the story initially. This shows how sportsmanship and true goodness exist in people today and what can be done to get things accomplished if you work together.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3380875

It just goes to show you that doing the right thing always feels better than winning!

Wow! What a couple of weeks I have had!

2008-05-08T11:34:00.004-07:00

I didn't even realize it had been over a week since I blogged...that is how busy my life has been!

Last week, Tuesday, I came home at 9:45 pm to find my garage and laundry room full of water. The little blue thing above my water heater had busted and was spewing water everywhere! I had to call my dad and wake him up because I had no idea what to do. He ultimately had to turn all the water off to my house to make it stop which meant that I had to shower at my parents' house the next day before work. He got it fixed and it was cheap and I am forever in his debt!

Then began the extreme worry about the conference. Who would come? Would everything go smoothly? Would Kathy like it? And you what, it all turned out GREAT! The welcome party on Friday night was fantastic! We had food and drinks and friends and fun - what more could you ask for! The speakers were FANTASTIC and everyone had a great time. We did have to cut things short on Saturday afternoon as one of our very dear friend's husband passed away and a service/reception was held Saturday afternoon. But we made it through and and had a BLAST at our dinner and installation banquet. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing that kept us from learning and having fun!

Then Monday rolled around and it was back to running around like a crazy person to get everything done. We had two trials this week and we have two next week. Life is not getting easier around here!

Nan is doing well. She has been at home for about two weeks. I talked to her yesterday and she said she over did it a couple of days ago. You get feeling better, so you do this, and then you do that and then before you know it - you are in bed all day! She should know better!

My dad's surgery is next week. Mom and dad both came in to the office today to sign powers of attorney, living will and other stuff for my dad. Kerie was acting as notary and when I would joke, like say "this tells us we can pull the plug," she thought I was horrible. I have to joke about that because it is a reality and I don't want it to happen and I don't want to think about it happening...but it might, so we need to be prepared.

I was thinking while I was typing this (multi-tasking!) that I have several "editors" who read this blog...so if I have misspelled words or run on sentences or grammer problems...I apologize. I bet if we went back to the good old days of handwritten diaries, we would find many misspelled words, run on sentences and grammber problems. Now just let me type!

Why do I sign myself up for these things!

2008-04-29T15:52:00.002-07:00

How did I become president of the local chapter? How did I get to be the chair of the committee for the conference this weekend? How?

I know how and it is all my mom's fault! Even you Diane - my self proclaimed mother! My mothers taught me to me nice and generous and giving - even with my time and energy so I get caught up in the being nice part and not saying no. So thank you - to both of my moms!

And then there is this dilema about everyone quitting on me...my bar liasion quit, my director of education quit and now my newletter editor is threating to quit - what gives!

I missed a holiday on Wednesday!

2008-04-26T20:59:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it - I totally forgot and if Kerie had not brought in some blasts from the past, I would have never remembered - it was New Kids on the Block day Wednesday! How could I even forget!

Kerie is so funny - she snuck in her New Kids buttons, t-shirt, concert book and other New Kids book she found! We had so much fun looking through it, or at least I did, on Friday. It brought back so many memories. It also made me sad that I had tossed most of my New Kids stuff...darn!

Now you will notice that I am not calling them NKOTB...I refuse! They are and always will be New Kids on the Block! So there!

Oh yeah - happy belated New Kids on the Block day!

Happy Administrative Professional's Day!

2008-04-23T14:32:00.002-07:00

It is that time of year - time to acknowledge all the hard work your professional staff does for you. Although, it is kind of like Valentine's Day for couples, it should be done throughout the year, but is another Halmark holiday. But - HAPPY ADMIN PROFESSIONAL'S DAY!

My mom talked to the urologist's office who said that they found one small mass in my dad's bladder. Great news! He is scheduled for surgery on May 15th. I am not sure if that is to remove it or just to biopsy it, but it is scheduled none the less. Many thanks to Amy and Diane - my mom by choice - who showered me with kind words of wisdom and complete understanding. I could not ask for better people in my life - they are family, whether they like it or not!

May 3rd is drawing near and I am starting to freak. This is the day of NALS of Arizona's annual conference and somehow I am chairing the committee. There are so many little details and so much to do. I just can't even remember it all! Luckily I have many people on my team who help me remember and make sure the job gets done. This is why I love this organization and devote so much of my time (and money) to making sure it remains this way.

So I have about three hours of work left and tons and tons of stuff to do. Many things I need to discuss with David, but he has a meeting outside of the office this afternoon, so most of them will have to wait. I just don't know what to do anymore - there are only so many hours in a day!

Nothing is more important than family

2008-04-22T07:41:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was a good day and a not so good day. I started off all excited because I was heading to Court with David - a rare occurance - but realized about half-way to work that I forgot my cell phone.

Trial went well, I think David spanked the other side. But you never can tell and now we just wait for the Judge's ruling.

My Nan had her colon cancer removal surgery yesterday. I got a call from my Aunt Deb who said that the surgeon was very positive and thought everything went well. He doesn't believe the cancer spread and believes he got it all out - I am using layman's terms as I don't know how to spell all that medical stuff! She is expected to be in the hospital for three to six days - depending on when she poops - and that is used by the medical staff! So it looks clear for Nan. They will have the pathology report on what they removed Thursday or Friday.

After I got home yesterday, my mom called. Apparently, my dad has a mass in his bladder. They do no know what it is or if it is cancer and cannot do anything until he gets a release from his heart doctor. So, I choose to remain positive until there is something to worry about. My sister is already fighting off looking stuff up on the internet (which by now she has probably done) and my mom is busy making appointments. My aunt (dad's sister), my cousin and her son flew down on Sunday. The plans were for my dad, aunt, cousin and son to go on a road trip following my dad's doctor appointment, and they went. My mom seemed a little disappointed, but what are we supposed to do, sit at home and stare at my dad. Going on a road trip is not going to change what is, so I say go.

I think the scary thing is that my aunt's fiance (my mom's sister), died six years ago from bladder cancer. It was scary and his last months of life were not quality. The biggest difference is that Harry waited for six or more months to go see a doctor after he was peeing blood. If, and I said IF, this is cancer, hopefully we caught it early enough to do something about it.

The last few years in my family has not been the best. One of my aunts had breast cancer, my mom had a carcinoid tumor, my dad and my mom both had their gall bladders removed, my mom struggled with kidney stones and hospital visits because of it, my great aunt died, my nan had colon cancer and now this with my dad. And I know we made it through each one of these hard times (and will make it through with my dad) because of our faith in God and prayers from those we love.

AHHHHHH!

2008-04-18T16:05:00.002-07:00

I have been so busy at work this week - David had a trial last Monday, another one this Monday and then one in another 2 weeks - AHHHHHH!

Some peace and quite

2008-04-14T15:07:00.002-07:00

I didn't have too much of it this weekend, but it was the first weekend in a long while that I had absolutely nothing planned. When I woke up Saturday morning (after Lauren called at 8 am), I had no plans. I ended up having a great weekend and getting out, but it was so nice just to be free!

Our family friends Kathy and Roy were down and came over Sunday for lunch and a visit. Kathy and Roy are like my second parents. Their son and I are the same age and were in preschool together and we have been family friends ever since! We were even reminising about our favorite game we used to play - I Eke! It is a fun game where you go out in the front yard in the dark and when a car come by with the lights on you have to hide and not get hit by the light. If you get hit by the light, you are frozen until someone can tag you. Who knew you could have so much free fun in the dark!

We were also talking about all the times we went camping at Pacific Beach. Us kids would always insist on going in the water (which was probably 40 degrees or so). Once, Kathy even took Erin and I in our new lined boots -- mom just dried them out and they were fine, but what fun we had!

Erin and Matt just joined Lifetime Fitness by our house. Lauren really loves going to "the club" and they are trying to get all of us to join. Yesterday morning they had an appointment with the trainer and according to Matt, the trainer "kicked their butts." I said thank you, but no. I like my butt just how it is! :)

I'm off to do another disclosure statement - boy I love those! David really kicked butt today in Court, so he will be in a great mood when he gets back! I love it!

Back to work

2008-04-09T13:39:00.001-07:00

Today was a back to work day. I was not looking forward to it, but it really has not been so bad. My morning consisted of going through my 600+ junk emails, 100+ regular emails, looking through the mail and getting a list a mile long from David - I was only gone two days!

Only a little rain so far

2008-04-07T08:06:00.002-07:00

So here I am in Seattle, well, Snohomish to be more accurate, but my Phoenix friends would be like "where?" So Seattle it is. The weather has been pretty good....a little rain Saturday night and some this morning. Don't get me wrong -- it has been COLD!

Lisa and I had a great time at Shana's wedding. She was so beautiful and I could tell was having a great time. I got to see Anna and her husband Sam. She has not changed a bit! I was surprised that Amy was not there.

I drove up to Amy's yesterday and we just hung out all day. It was great! I sure do miss hanging out...we talk all the time, but in person and just sitting around is totally different. After Duke went to bed last night, Bryant, Amy and I went in the hot tub. The stars were out and it was great! We just talked and talked and talked some more....boy I miss it!

Today we are taking Duke to this Tot Cafe thing...it should be pretty fun. I hope the day doesn't fly by because it is my last and I always hate leaving.

It's almost Friday!

2008-04-02T15:47:00.002-07:00

And I can't wait! I get to go to Seattle and see all of my friends who I totally miss! I get to stay with Lisa and she gets to be my date for my friend Shana's wedding and then I get to go stay with my bestest frien' Amy and see Duke (oh yeah, and Bryant :)). I know it is going to be busy but I am ready for it! I just hope it will not be snowing!

I also scheduled a time with my friends Jo and Larry to come see them and the kids (well, at least Larry and the kids) in June. Millie and Theo are getting so big and now that they live in California, it is just a day's drive away! I am so excited!

So David and I are alone this week...the days go by really fast because I have so much to do, but I kind of like being busy...I get more done. It is kind of crazy how that works, but it does, so go with it!

A Beautiful Wedding

2008-03-31T09:44:00.002-07:00

Kerie and Derek got married yesterday and it couldn't have been more perfect. Kerie looked so beautiful in her dress and Diva dust and Derek was so handsome. They are such a cute couple. The weather was perfect, sunny and not to warm (although I did get a sunburn on my back). There were a few bumps in the road, but we got through them and most of them Kerie didn't even know about. David did a great job as officiant -- and it was his first!

Today I am back and work and so tired and my back hurts -- it must be from the boots I wore!

Kerie wanted me to catch the bouquet, but I let her sister have it. She wanted it and I know that the old wives' tale is just that, a tale. I have caught at least four and am still attending (and participating) in all my friends' weddings. But I'm not bitter!

So back to work I go...there is more than plenty!

A quiet day...

2008-03-28T13:27:00.004-07:00

I have been working back in the "annex" all day, by myself. I have my radio on and am just loving the quiet! (or at least the quiet when I stop singing :) Plus it is Friday, so I am in my comfy clothes and just counting down until the weekend.

CRAZY!

2008-03-27T08:43:00.002-07:00

This is Amy's favorite saying of mine! But it truly explains my life right now...I have so much going on and work is so busy. Not that it is a bad thing, but I always feel like I am running from place to place just trying to make everything happen.

And today is a sad day at the office, Sharon, my diva mentor, is leaving and tomorrow is her last day. Today is her going away lunch. I am not sure what I am going to do...although, she did pass down the tiara and has left me in charge - is she crazy?

Kerie's wedding is three days away (and then she will be gone and I will be alone!) and then I fly to Seattle for Shana and Jon's wedding - and in the meantime see Lisa, Mike, Jake, Amy, Duke, Bryant and Nan - and then fly home and start work all over again. Doesn't that sound crazy to you?!?

I did hear really GREAT news yesterday - NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK ARE GETTING BACK TOGETHER AND GOING ON TOUR! How exciting is that?!? I can't wait! "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh....Hangin' Tough" Kerie and I have already decided we are going to get shirts and wear them, try to find her big buttons and make huge "We Y you!" It is going to be great!

What a great weekend!

2008-03-24T15:36:00.004-07:00

So Saturday was a blast - Kerie's bachelorette party! I have never been to a Temptations party, but it was so much fun! And Kerie had fun too - that is until the food and alcohol in her stomach wanted to come out - yuck! But she said she enjoyed the rest of the party while she was lying down on the back porch! What a trooper!

So to correct my last blog - the New Kids on the Block song was I'll Be Loving You Forever. I must have had a brain fart about the other song - bad memories!

Easter was fun. My niece Brittany is here from Boise. My mom made a treasure hunt for each of them and then one for them together. Lauren is just starting to read and Brittany was so helpful and let her read each sentence and helped her with the words she didn't know. It was so cute listening to them talk to each other - like kids - man am I old!

We kept with our new tradition (or at least one that is a few years old) and went to Buca de Beppo for dinner - yummy! No one has to think about it, cook, or clean. How much better does it get!

Today was just a normal Monday....lots to do and I always spend most of my time organizing it because I am so ready to get out of here Friday that I just leave a mess!

P.S. - Did you see the videos at the bottom of my blog - Big Brother 9!

God bless the 80s

2008-03-21T14:18:00.002-07:00

So today, Kerie was testing out her 3-disc 80's Pop Hits CDs and we were singing and dancing to New Kids on the Block I Will Always Love You. What a great song - and I remember all the words! Scary! Now Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is playing - what a fun song!

Wedding Day Blues

2008-03-20T15:42:00.002-07:00

So Kerie and I were talking and her wedding is only 10 days away! YIKES! She is starting to be overwhelmed, but I keep trying to tell her to relax and that everything will work out just fine - whether or not it was the way she planned it.

This is my first time being a "handler" at a wedding. BTW...that is a term that I made up, so I am sure that this is the first time anyone has been a handler at a wedding! I am there to make sure Kerie is where she needs to be, that Kerie has everything she needs and that Kerie enjoys the day. It is like I am a maid of honor or a bridesmaid, but without the title or the dress. But I am just fine with handler....I have done the others plenty of times (and have the dresses and shoes to prove it)! 27 dresses = my life.

The following weekend, I am headed up to Seattle to see another set of friends get married, Shana and Jon. I can't believe their day is finally here - it has been a long time coming! I can remember when Jon first moved down to Vegas and was out of touch for a week - Shana was a wreck and I think once Jon checked in, so was he!

Weddings are always bring out mixed emotions for me - I am happy for the couple that is getting married and starting a wonderful life together (at least most of the time) but it also shoots me back into reality that I am almost 32 and not married. I know, I know..."it will happen when it is meant to happen," "you still have plenty of time," etc. I know all those things, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Then today, while going over the seating assignments at dinner, it dawned on me that I am sitting at a table with gay and lesbian couples...and me. Most of them are my friends and I would rather sit with them then some person I don't know, but a table full of couples, and me. Just me.

Okay....that is even too much whinning for me! As my best frien' always says - Peace Out!

Thanks Amy!

2008-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Let's try this again....

So Amy has recruited another blogger...great job! And soon enough I will be thanking her for giving me this outlet.

I really do miss Amy the most since moving to Arizona. We have been friends for almost sixteen years (holy cow)! I can't believe it has been that long. We met oh so long ago at a drill team sleepover at another Amy's house and we have been friends ever since. We have had our differences but we always have found our way back to each other. I won't even talk about the biggest one, because we have agreed to disagree on that one.

Probably my best memories of time spent with Amy was our trip in Australia. We spent 18 days together, 24/7. We expercienced so much during that trip and I think we also learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I will never forget our first night in Cairnes in the hostel...we are a couple of girls that prefer to stay in a room with our own bathroom. We were cramped in a tiny little room with a bunk bed, small garbage bin and a chair. Then we added ourselves, along with all our luggage (I think we each had at least three pieces!). But that probably ended up being one of the best nights. We went to be early because we wanted out of there and because it was 6 or 7 pm, we couldn't sleep. So we started playing this name game....it went on forever! To this day, I can't do anything without adding some little aussie tidbit or retelling one of our stories - floater anyone?

What about our Vegas trip...now what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but come on - THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER - yeah! (did you notice the aussie reference) Y

We have had such great times and I can't even begin to name them all....road trip to Boise, getting stuck on the freeway on the way home from Sedona, driving around Lincoln, Amy's bach party, calligraphy class, The Phoenix, Senior Dinner, "skanky hoes,"....I could go on for days!

So thanks frien'! Love you! Y