Random Thoughts Throughout the Day...

I think I might rearrange my bedroom this weekend.
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I really need to clean my house before I have a guest tonight. But Kait for my Christmas give is going to clean my house. And she's gone. So, I spot cleaned to tide me over for tonight until Kait and I can really clean.

Don't worry Stacey. I cleaned the bathroom.
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I hate binding things. And since when is the stupid knob all rough. It's leaving a mark on my finger.
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Red Robin is where I'm going for lunch, much to my dismay. So a side salad and a cup of soup for me. At least I'm planning ahead.
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Soup and salad was just perfect!
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It's currently 1:40 on a holiday eve afternoon. I think it's time to hit the road. I have a nap to take and maybe cookies to back for tonight. Oh, and I need to shower and clean up. And fold towels. And nap.

Yeah...nap.
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Laid in bed to take a nap. A nap wouldn't be had. So instead Dennis and I texted back and forth. He fooled me a few times and told me fibs. It was silly. Just as I thought, "gee, it would be nice if he called." Guess what happened. He called. God is good! But that's how it's always been. I would pick up my phone to see if I missed a text, and as I'd be holding it it would go off. Or just as I would be thinking about him I'd get a call or text. Just about everytime. Ok, well, at least once a day that would happen. Funny wouldn't you say?
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I think I'm going to make cookies for tonight. Healthy chocolate chip cookies.
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Cookies then shower. Maybe shower. Maybe just extra deodorant and perfume.
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Christmas @ The Harlan's

Unlike Thanksgiving, our Christmas is very low key. Day of is normally just the fam. But we generally go to my Aunt and Uncle's for Christmas Eve. This year we went down for the eve of Christmas Eve.

It was a beautifully clear day. Normally it's foggy and blah.
We walked around the ranch. Fed the horses.
Checked on the new walnut orchard.
Had dinner and wine. How much wine Paige?
Opened presents. And wore ribbon.
Borrowed and wore new presents from cousins whom attended logo-ed collegiate university.
Played a couple rounds of catchphrase. Go team 1!!!
Stole cameras to take self-photos...
I know. You'd think they were sisters or something!
Oh, and then there was Rowdy. He's a good ranch dog. So regal looking isn't he?
And that's how I spent my Christmas Eve eve.

How was your Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve eve spent?

Quote of the Day

A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag.
— Billy Connelly

Um, hello. Has anyone seen my handbag/purse? I must be the most complex minded person there is!

2009 Resolutions

1. Run (not walk) a 5k race.
2. Read the Bible in a year.
3. Lose 10 pounds.
4. Post a picture a day...taken on that day... instead of a quote a day.
5. Have monthly dinner party, or at least invite some friends over for dinner.
6. Down size possessions...aka clutter
   
7. Try new recipes from the cookbooks I have. (see #6, they will be guinea pigs...)
8. Exercise a minimum of 3 times a week (walk/jog, Wii Fit, DVD, etc., see #1)
9. Daily make time for God.
10. Travel somewhere new.

Currently Known...
# of Weddings to Attend: 2
# of Weddings to be in: 1
Trips to be taken: 1 planned, possibly 2, maybe 3

Doggy's new toy

My dogs get a Christmas gift every year just like my family does. Cause face it, they are my family too! But I don't wrap the presents. I just stick them on the tree...
But apparently I put one too low... Riley staked claim on that one, the yellow duck. It's like she's a retriever pointing at the duck.
Problem is that it was too low on the tree. She was able to reach it.
So...I just had to move it higher up on the tree.
But she checked on it every day to make sure it was still there.

Quote of the Day

For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe.
— Anonymous


Hummm...profound... Very true.

Lord, I resign from trying to fill your position myself. Fill the void with your wisdom and grace. May your will be done now and forever. Move those that need a swift kick in the butt.
Amen.

How republicans can win

You know what would really PISS OFF the Democrats... Bush should resign now. Then Dick Cheney becomes President (that would really PISS OFF the liberals)!!! Then he appoints Condoleeza Rice as VP. Then Cheney resigns two weeks later and Condoleeza Rice, a Republican, becomes the first BLACK President and the first WOMAN President !!!

Quote of the Day

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
— Nelson Mandela


Can I get an amen to that one too?!?

Quote of the Day

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.
— Pierre Corneille


Amen to that!

20 WAYS TO CONFUSE SANTA CLAUS

1. Instead of milk and cookies, leave him a salad and a note explaining that you think he could stand to lose a few pounds.
2. While he's in the house, go find his sleigh and write him a speeding ticket.
3. Leave him a note explaining that you've gone away for the holidays. Ask if he would mind watering your plants.
4. While he's in the house, replace all his reindeer with exact replicas. Then wait and see what happens when he tries to get them to fly.
5. Keep an angry bull in your living room. If you think a bull goes crazy when he sees a little red cape, wait until he sees that big, red Santa suit!
6. Build an army of mean-looking snowmen on the roof, holding signs that say "We hate Christmas" and "Go away Santa."
7. Leave a note by the telephone telling Santa that Mrs. Claus called and wanted to remind him to pick up some milk and a loaf of bread on his way home.
8. Throw a surprise party for Santa when he comes down the chimney. Refuse to let him leave until that huge cake arrive.
9. While he's in the house, find the sleigh and sit in it. As soon as he comes back and sees you, tell him that he shouldn't have missed that last payment, and take off.
10. Leave a plate filled with cookies and a glass of milk out with a note that says, "For The Tooth Fairy. :)" Leave another plate out with half a stale cookie and a few drops of skim milk in a dirty glass with a note that says, "For Santa. :("
11. Take everything out of your house as if it's just been robbed. When Santa arrives, show up dressed like a policeman and say, "Well, well. They always return to the scene of the crime."
12. Leave out a copy of your Christmas list with last-minute changes and corrections.
13. While he's in the house, cover the top of the chimney with barbed wire.
14. Leave lots of hunting trophies and guns out where Santa's sure to see them. Go outside, yell, "Ooh! Look! A deer! And he's got a red nose!" and fire a gun.
15. Leave Santa a note explaining that you've moved. Include a map with unclear and hard-to-read directions to your new house.
16. Set a bear trap at the bottom of the chimney. Wait for Santa to get caught in it, and then explain that you're sorry, but from a distance, he looked like a bear.
17. Leave out a Santa suit, with a dry-cleaning bill.
18. Paint "hoof-prints" all over your face and clothes. While he's in the house, go out on the roof. When he comes back up, act like you've been "trampled." Threaten to sue.
19. Instead of ornaments, decorate your tree with Easter eggs.
20. Dress up like the Easter Bunny. Wait for Santa to come and then say, "This neighborhood ain't big enough for the both of us."
    

It's a QA Christmas...

This past Friday was my department's Christmas party. I convinced my boss to have it at Mundo's, because they're yummy, kick back, and affordable. Not that I was paying for it, but last year we went to The Bistro, just a little more expensive.

I took my camera, and was going to take pictures... But I didn't. Face it, QA - Quality Assurance - is a bunch of lab people, with exception to me. And, well, lab people can be kind of lame. Including the dude that chose to sit next to me, much to my dismay. I think I did a fine job ignoring him best I could without being a jack*.

So there was no dancing on the tables. No shots. Nothing horrible or embarassing happened. It was just a kick-back relaxing evening.

It was still fun. Hey, it was dinner right?

Quote of the Day

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.
— Babe Ruth

My ugly mug

So, most of you (that I know personally and have an address for) should have already gotten this card in the mail. I'm cool like that. Last weekend (Friday night) I ordered them. Saturday I picked them up, gotta love Costco. By Saturday night they were all ready to go, addressed, signed, sealed, and stamped.

That's me while in Alaska just a couple weeks ago. I couldn't decided between a picture of me in Hawaii or me in Alaska. So I just eeny-meenied it and Alaska won!

So I have about 25 more pictures. If you haven't gotten one, and want one, and I know you, send me your mailing address.

Quote of the Day

She gives most who gives with joy.
— Mother Teresa

I almost made it!

Up until today, I had not been to the mall to Christmas shop. And technically, I didn't go to shop. I just went to keep a friend company. But alas, I went to the mall nonetheless.

I hate the mall during the Christmas season.

I hate the traffic surrounding the mall during the Christmas season.

I hate the rude, arrogant people inside the mall during the Christmas season.

I'm not going back for a long time. And next year, I'm not going there at all!

You can mark my word!

Hallelujah! A Savior is Born

Today I'm a little hoarse, this morning not so much. Mainly because today, this morning, was the big Christmas service at church. And I sang in the choir...both services...oh, and a whole time through at 8am before both services. Not counting the 2+ hour rehearsal we had Thursday.

But you know what. It was all worth it!

Praise God!

Quote of the Day

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the year.
— Spanish proverb

Modesto Top Blogger

Who me? What? I'm a top blogger? WOW!

I'm featured on feedjit.com!

Ok, I was featured on feedjit.com as a top Modesto Blogger...yesterday... Apparently it clears out everyday and makes room for the new round.

Oh well, just keep visiting in and I can be back there again.

But, today I saw that 2 friends/blogs that I follow are on it. Yeah for Stacey and Ashley!

Quote of the Day

All grown-ups were once children. (But few of them remember it.)
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Quote of the Day

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.
— Anne Frank

I believe…

Birth Certificates show that we were born! Pictures show that we lived!

I Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'

For the 2nd Morning...

I'm trying I've been strong. I decided that as much as it kills me, which it won't, I'm going to let Dennis take the lead with texting and calling… Until I figure what his pattern is at least.

Yesterday I got a "Thought I would say hi.", text in the morning. Good, good; he obviously thought about me. Or has been thinking about me. I told him "Good Morning-ed" him too and told him that I had a question and asked if he had a minute to answer it, meaning by text. But I got a phone call. Gosh it was good to hear his voice. I basically wanted to know if there were any "ground rules". You know, will we talk often or only as acquaintances every now and then. He told me no, and sounded slightly offended like I would doubt his intentions of what a friendship entails. Ok, so that gave me a little relief.

Yesterday evening I also received a text to let me know that his boss arrived in town a day early, so he was on his way to pick her up from the airport. And the other boss will arrive Sunday, two days later than planned. So I know that he'll be busy until next week, and that maybe I shouldn't keep my hopes up that we'll be in any contact. He said that he'll pretty much be working 24 hours a day for the next 4 days. Pray for his sanity and that he can get some rest during this stressful time.

Today I got a "Morning. I have some questions for you..." Questions that I won't share because they were personal, so I'll spare you. So he's thinking about things. Thinking about me, and us, and our history, and the future. So I answered them, and he thanked me for answering them. We texted a bit back and forth. I tried not to be too inquisitive, I don't want to force him to text me. I want him to want him to text or call me. He let me know that he was working late tonight, until 11pm (which would be midnight for me). So I'm not expecting a call, or a text. But maybe when I least expect it he'll surprise me. But I don't want to get my hopes up, so I'm not going to sit and wait.

I'm just trying to go with the flow and let him do the contacting. I'm letting him work things out for himself, and work things out with God, and work on figuring out his life. That's all that I can do for now. Sit back, wait, and pray.

But, there is still a small hope in my heart that he'll decide he needs a break for Alaska and he'll surprise me by coming down when he was originally planning. Again, don't want to get my hopes up and set myself up for failure and more heartache.

Quote of the Day

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
— Mohandas Gandhi

Quote of the Day

Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius.
— An Wang

One Word

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD. IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK ! ! !

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? Alaska
3. Your hair? frizzy
4. Your Mother? awesome
   
5. Your father? level
6. Your favorite thing? love
7. Your dream last night? huh?
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? love
10. The room you're in? spare
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? skinny
15. Muffins? breakfast
16. One of your wish items? iphone
17. Where you grew up? California
18. The last thing you did? pill
19. What are you wearing? vest
20. Your tv? flat
21. Your pet? pets
22. Your computer? retarded
23. Your life? content
24. Your mood? stressed
25. Missing someone? DEFINITELY
26. Your car? works
27. Something you're not wearing? shoes
28. Favorite store? Costco
29. Your summer? over
30. Your favorite color? periwinkle
31. When is the last time you laughed? hummm....
32. Last time you cried? earlier
33. Your sign? Taurus
34. Three places I go over and over? work, home, parents
35. Three of my favorite foods? Mexican, Italian, comfort
    
36. Three places I would rather be right now? Alaska, Tropical, Greece

Feel free to answer if you'd like. Just copy and paste into your own blog.

See the title...?

That thing up there that says "Practicing Patience". Well, it's in times like this that I really need patience from God.

You see I don't have patience. I like knowing what's going on. I like a plan. It could be a loose plan, but it's a plan nonetheless. And right now, I don't know what the plan is. Are we going to be good friends that talk every couple days? Are we going to be acquaintance friends that talk once a month or less? I don't know and not knowing is driving me crazy.

Patience. Please pray for patience.

Oh yea...

And it is 4 months ago today that Dennis first contacted me. I always considered it our "anniversary". I know, can you believe that it's only been 4 months. It feels like forever, in a good way.

Gotta love the timing of that!

Update...

I'll start with this, the conversation went better than I was expecting. But being as I really didn't know what to expect from it, it went ... well. It was decided that our status would drop from "relationship" to "friendship" and build on that, slowly. Dennis has a lot going on in his life, and he wants to get a grasp on it. Focusing primarily on getting back in step with God and what He has planned for his life. He is also dealing with a lot of guilt from the divorce and how it is affecting his children.

So, what does this all mean? I really don't know. We'll still talk, just not as often I suppose. We'll still text, but not as frequently throughout the day. Pet names will have to be dropped as well and the "I love yous" and "Muahs" (our way of sending each other a kiss). That part is going to be the hardest because my feelings for him are still there. But for him, I have to be strong and try to maintain a drawn boundary line.

I asked him on the phone last night if he felt any direction from God one way or another regarding us; he said no, which is part of the problem. He doesn't want to start a relationship and then bring God into it; he wants God to be the one to start the relationship and remain the center. I agree. Things for us did move fast, talk of the future happened early on before really getting to know one another on a deeper level. So it's more like we're starting fresh and not so intense.

So that's where we are. Please continue to pray. I know stress levels are high with the holiday season, and he's just in a season of his life feeling lost and without God.

One thing he did tell me was that he doesn't even know if God has it in His plan for him to ever remarry. And if he is called to, that it won't be for a couple years. I kinda had to remind him that that's what we talked about all along. Even when he explained himself to my parents he said that he's on a 12 year plan, really meaning 2 years. But I wasn't expecting a proposal in 2 months and to be married 3 months later. Obviously with our relationship being long distance we would need to have not only quality time on the phone growing, but also quality and quantity time face to face. And that comes with time.

So what does the future hold? I don't know. I don't know how long Dennis will take in his pursuit of getting right with God and dealing with what he has going on. I don't know if having a relationship together is in God's plan. I do know that I've never had any doubts, but have only seen confirmation from Him. But Dennis needs to realize that on his own. I'm willing to wait though if it's in God's plan. I accept his past, flaws (even though I don't see them as flaws) and all. After talking to my mom last night, both she and my dad accept him and his past as well. They see how happy he makes me, and that's all they want for their children...happiness.

So again, please continue to pray. Pray for me to be able to honor Dennis' wishes to build on a friendship without my feelings getting in the way. Pray that I can honor his request to have time for himself to really focus on his calling and God's will in his life. Pray that God is quick about this! Seriously! Is that selfish of me? Pray that God will be the center of our "...ship", which ever it is and will be. Pray that Dennis can release the guilt he holds onto. Pray that he'll be able to have a conversation about helping him with the kids and allowing him to have time to himself when he's not working sometimes. Pray that God strengthens our hearts and prepares us for what is to come.

Pleease continue to pray.

Do you trust me...?

Kaitlin and I have this game. It's the "Do you trust me?" game. The person that says "do you trust me?" has something edible they want to share with the other, in which that person has to close their eyes and open their mouth. Now, we always give something nice. It's never something like chopped onion or a dog treat. Sometimes it gets a little out of hand though...

Kaitlin, do you trust me?
She was a little too trusting. She got a mouth full of whipped cream, plus some.

Don't mess with me! I'm armed and dangerous!

Quote of the Day

Nothing is too small to know, and nothing too big to attempt.
— Sir William Van Horne

Ummm.... 'scuse me...?

Can I have the leftovers?

Quote of the Day

There’s always room for improvement, you know—it’s the biggest room in the house.
— Louise Heath Leber

Calling All Prayer Warriors

I need prayer. Dennis needs prayer. Together as a couple we need prayer.

Last night things started to come to a head. Dennis is overwhelmed in many areas of his life, which is causing him to pull back and distance himself from the relationship and from me. He feels as though he has no time for himself or for God, which is true. And I hate to admit, but I may be partly to blame for that. When he isn't at work, he has his kids, and when he doesn't have his kids his roommate is home. Therefore no privacy, no quiet time, no alone time. And of course, I want to talk to him every free second he has. There is a list of things that he is stressed and overwhelmed about. He also feels a heavy burden because of his past, being divorced with children, which I accept. His past has made him who he is today, and if I didn't accept it I wouldn't have gotten as involved as I have.

Things started last night that he doesn't know if we are working out or if we are going to work out. But of course he couldn't talk due to no privacy, so text messaging back and forth followed.

Last night I couldn't sleep. But everytime I woke up I went straight to God. I woke up, if you can call it that from not sleeping all night, with knots in my stomach. I almost called in sick, but I didn't. I told him in a text last night that I wouldn't text him unless I heard from him first. After sitting at work for over an hour, not texting him was killing me. We always start our morning off with at least a text and eventually a phone call. So I broke, I texted him. I told him that it's too hard not to text him. So a good morning, I hardly slept, I have knots in my stomach, I prayed all night, and that I love him. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd get a response, but I did. He's busy at work with big-wigs coming to visit this week, thanks for my words, he's overwhelmed with the kids and all and his parents' health isn't the best. He's going through a tough time.

Please pray that during this time in God's fire, that Dennis will be able to find clarity and peace. Pray that it's just the stress from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season working retail causing a majority of his overwhelmed feeling. Pray that his ex will give him a break with the kids and give him some time off. Pray that he will get rest, not only physically, but also rest in the Lord. Pray that he will still want to come down and visit in a couple weeks.

Pray for my heart, pray that it will be strong and supportive. Pray that I can give him the space that he needs. Pray that we will get through this and that it will make us stronger as a couple. Pray that Satan will not play on my insecurities, causing me to freak out and worry.

Pray for God's will in our lives individually but also together. Pray that our desires for each other will line up with his will. I want Dennis in my life, as a part of my life, but I also want God's will. And honestly I don't know what I'll do if they don't line up.

Pray that this is just a hiccup in our relationship and that we survive. That this will makes us stronger and communicate better.

Lord, these are my prayers. Heavenly Father let your will be done now and forever.

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving... the one day a year that a majority of my family gathers. And this year was no different. Sure, we were down a couple people, but there were still 1...2...5...8...9...16 of us!

People stand in the kitchen and visit. Mostly women, women congregate in the kitchen.
People sat in the patio and visited. There was a fire, therefore that's where the men were. (Notice Uncle Dave on the iPhone...)
And a few vegged in the living room to watch the game. By vegged I mean fully reclined and ready for a pre-turkey nap.
And sisters visited in the dining room, which is not where we dined.
But at one point, we all came together for a group photo.

Quote of the Day

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
— Jane Austen

Yeah for Spell Check!

Here's a fun little spelling test for you to take...

25 Most Commonly Misspelled Words

So... How'd you do...?

Quote of the Day

To undertake is to achieve.
— Emily Dickinson

Woo Hoo!!!

Good news people! After an absence of NOT being able to post from work... I can again! Not sure what changed, but I'm happy that I can fill time with keeping you up to date. And not feeling stressed that I have to work on them from home when I don't have time.

Quote of the Day

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.
— Elizabeth Gaskell

Things I learned in Alaska...

1. 30 degrees is not cold.
2. There isn't much you can do in the winter.
3. 2 degrees is just a little cold.
4. The moose don't come out until you leave.
5. When you want to be snowed in, you won't be.
6. Everything is in a mall.
7. For population 350k, Anchorage doesn't seem that big.
8. No matter how often you do it, saying goodbye is still hard.
9. Cars can slip 'n slide on snowy roads.
10. -5 degrees is just a little colder.
11. Short sleeves and a jacket are the norm.
12. Dogs walk people on skis.
13. People walk reindeer.
14. Gas is more expensive where it is harvested.
15. Most foods have cabbage instead of lettuce.
16. Cheese from Modesto is sold at specialty stores.
17. Home prices are not declining, but are increasing.
18. Red eye flights sucks.
19. "The Valley" there is not like my valley, but it did have fog.
20. Seeing where and how your honey lives, priceless.
    

Missy Pissy

People, I don't know what my deal is. But right now, for the last couple hours, I have been in the most foul mood. I'm mad at the world. I'm mad at Dennis. I'm mad at my parents. I'm mad that neither of my sisters are available to chat. I'm mad at work. I'm mad that I have to make stupid brownies for someone's birthday at work for tomorrow. They're from a stinkin' box and they aren't even coming out good, even with PAM. I'm mad at airplane ticket costs. I'm mad at myself. And I don't know why.

Maybe it's hormones, but those normally kick in before that time.

All I know is that the only thing that I can really be angry at is the cost of airplane tickets, everything else is just me blowing things out of proportion. Sure, maybe it's legitimate for me to be upset or disappointed, but there is no reason for me to be mad.

All I know is this, I'm in a bad mood. I've got a bad attitude right now. And I feel like I'm being spiritually attacked. Satan knows my weaknesses, and he knows how to use them to his advantage. Please, pray for me. Pray for my spirit to be calmed and that all negativity will just leave me.

Satan I rebuke you! Leave me alone! Father fill me with your spirit.

Bucket List

Ok, so I haven't seen the movie, but I understand the general idea... To have a list of things you want to do or complete before you kick the bucket. Hence, The Bucket List.

I think everyone should have a bucket list. I've kept a mental list, but my memory is already starting to fail me, so I thought I'd better get this down in writing before it's too late...

1. Learn how to belly dance.
2. Put a message in a bottle and send it out to sea.
3. Drive historic Route 66.
4. Get free audience tickets to a TV show taping in New York.
5. Travel to Greece.
6. Attend the Olympics (winter or summer).
7. Be able to cook instinctively, without relying on recipes.
8. Rent a villa in Tuscany for a family vacation.
9. See the northern lights.
10. Spend New Year's Eve at Time Square in NYC.
11. Go to Australia.
12. Go on a cruise.
13. See a play on Broadway.
14. Visit every US state at least once.
15. Go to Disney World.

I'll continue to add to this list as I think of things. And if I do any of them, I'll make note of it.

All I Want For Christmas

You know what would be great...?

My own private jet. That would take trips between Anchorage and Sacramento, no Modesto, whenever needed.

I will settle, however, for gift certificates and/or money for traveling. Preferably with Alaska Air being as I have a mileage plan with them and they are the main airline that travels to Alaska.
So if you happen to see what I'm looking for, feel free to get it for me.

Thanks!

To Alaska, and beyond!

As you all know, from late last Friday through early, early Wednesday, I was in Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska to be exact. And boy did I have a time! So here's a run down of how my time was...

Friday:
After riding BART to the SF Airport then flying from 5:30pm to 11:40pm, I was pooped. But I was EXCITED! The plane couldn't fly fast enough and get there soon enough. Dennis, the greatest guy ever, was waiting for me just outside security. Be still my heart, I was so happy to see him again! After a quick stop by his apartment to meet the roommate, Paul, it was time to head to the hotel and turn in for the night. Don't worry folks, there were 2 beds. Dennis had to be at work early the next morning, so it wasn't a late night. Well, it was a late night only because I landed at midnight. You know what I mean!

Saturday:
Dennis went to work before 8am. Yawn! I slept in. Now, you have to realize that right now there is only about 7 hours of sunlight. Sun comes up around 9am and goes down before 4pm. So, it's kinda hard to get out of bed without the sun, cause that's what I'm used to. So slept in, until about 9:30. Slowly I got ready for the day. What did the day entail you ask, being as Dennis is at work? Paul volunteered to drive me around and see some sights. The only problem. It was cloudy and snowing. So Paul picked me up around 11:30.

We drove down Highway 1. Funny, Alaska has a Highway 1 just like California that follows the coastline. Hummm... I'll have to google it and see if my Hwy 1 is the same as there Hwy 1. Dennis had told Paul that I like to take pictures, so Paul tried to find spots that would be good to ... take pictures. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating.
But as you can see against the black tankers at "Ship Creek", the snow was coming down!
Soon enough, and early I might add, Dennis text messaged me to let me know that he was getting off early and was on his way to pick up his kids, Ashlynne and Elijah, and would be at the apartment shortly. Moment of truth folks, are his kids going to like me? This could be a make it or break it situation! But don't worry, I passed! I think... I'm pretty sure I did. Ashlynne and I were instant best friends, Elijah took a little more time to warm up to me.

So, with kids in tow, we stopped at the Wild Berry Chocolate something-a-rather place. The kids got a little bag of jelly bellys, then we were on the road. We drove down Highway 1 (ha!) down to Girdwood, where we had a late lunch at Jack Sprat near Alyeska Ski Resort. On the way back to the hotel, I had fun with the kids and the camera.
We went to the hotel to relax for a bit. The kids took relaxing as jumping from bathtub ledge, to bed, to bed and back to the bathtub ledge. Very exciting! Then it was off to dinner. We went to the Moose's Tooth where we met up with Alex, Dasha, and their son Silus, and Paul. After dinner we made a stop at Chuck E. Cheese for the kids to run off some of their energy. Then to bed we all went.

Sunday:
We work up to Ashlynne yelling "Room Service", which she really wanted to order. Instead we got dressed and went to the "upscale" continential breakfast. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, so good!!! After really getting ready, we left and drove around some, then drove around some more. We went to the Ulu Factory where I took this picture of Dennis and his kiddos.
They are very well behaved. I must say. And boy do they love their dad. Then we drove around some more. Have you ever seen a reindeer? Especially a reindeer on a lease? Yeah, me either. But I have now!
After driving around some more we stopped for a late lunch. After lunch we took the kids back to their mom's. We made a quick stop at Best Buy so I could look at laptops and see if there were any good deals for the week. Alaska = no sales tax. Then we headed back to the hotel to relax some before going to dinner.

Dinner was at the Glacier Brewhouse. Dennis and I weren't very hungry since we ate lunch late, so we shared a meal. Mahi mahi, very tasty! After dinner we went to see Four Christmases. It was funny, I wouldn't necessarily see it in the theater again though. Wait for the DVD.

Oh, did I mention that Sunday the 30th was also Dennis' birthday...?

Monday:
After waking up and looking out the window, we learned that finally it was clear out. So we got up. Had breakfast, waffles again. And headed out. Dennis needed to run a few errands, so I was along for the ride. Then we drove around some to see the views that I couldn't see before because of the clouds. Like this one...
Down by the inlet was much colder than in town. Probably because there was a breeze blowing adding a wind chill factor.
We decided to drive to "the valley", which would be Wasilla area. Home of Sarah Palin. We made a stop on the way at a church where a friend of Dennis' is the youth pastor to say hello. Then after a stop at Target we turning around to head back to Anchorage to pick up the kids.

Paul joined us for dinner at Kobe Temppanyaki. Dinner was good. But right after dinner we were on a quest. On a quest to find the Northern Lights. So we trekked up a mountain, and when I say trekked I mean drove. We didn't find the lights. But we did find negative degree weather! -5 baby! All I wanted to do was be there when it hit 0 degrees. (look at the bottom corner to see temperature reading)
While driving back to the hotel, we called my sister Kaitlin to visit. Then we all shared jokes. Elijah was sleeping, but Ashlynne loves to tell and make up jokes. Once we were back at the hotel it was time to sleep. Ashlynne had school the next morning, Dennis was to drive her, and she wanted me to do her hair.

Tuesday:
After waking up to do Ashlynne's hair, I went right back to sleep. I was tired! Dennis got back and cuddled with Elijah, who was also still sleeping. After breakfast, we got ready for the day, checked out of the hotel, and hit the road. Guess what we did... Yep, drove around. It was still clear out and Dennis wanted to show me some of his favorite neighborhoods. We had lunch at Humpy's, halibut fish and chips, then went to pick up Ashlynne from school.
After having the kids for just a little longer that afternoon we dropped them off at their mom's then had the last bit of alone time before I had to leave. So we made rice krispies for Kaitlin, Dennis swears that his are the best. Then we went to Barnes and Noble, Target, around. Both of us weren't really hungry being as we had a late lunch.
So we went back to his place and tried to watch a movie. But we fell asleep. When we woke up it was time to go to the airport. This I was not looking forward to. I hate saying goodbye. I know it's not a goodbye forever, because I'll be seeing him again soon. But I had such a good time visiting his world and seeing Alaska that it was hard.

So what did I do...? I slept the entire way home. In fact, my flight leaving Anchorage left late, and I made it to my flight out of Seattle at final boarding call. I even slept most of the ride on BART back to Pleasanton. Then I slept some of the way home while mom was driving. I got home, showered, and slept some more. And honestly, when I wasn't sleeping I was fighting (unsuccessfully) back tears.

But not to worry, he'll be back down at the end of December! And there is a 99% chance that the kids will be coming too. I'm excited!

But Dennis... if you think -5 is cold, just wait until you feel the cold while surrounded by fog. I'm not kidding. It feels much colder. Bring a coat.

Quote of the Day

There are no miracles for those that have no faith in them.

— French proverb

Back in the Positive

I'm home! Boo...

I'll post a more detailed post that will go up tomorrow. But here's something to tide you over.

It had a great time!!! Alaska is beautiful. Dennis is doing wonderful. And his kids are sweet and well behaved.

One day it was down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. I survived! It really wasn't that bad. The cold that we, in California, feel right now is what 20 feels like in Alaska. Totally doable.

Here's a link to my pictures. I know, I really didn't take all that much. I'm a slacker. But... I did have more of Dennis and I, then he deleted them because he didn't like how he looked. Punk!

Stay tuned. I'll be back. I have a lot of catching up to do. Especially on sleep...

Quote of the Day

We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

— Joseph Campbell

Quote of the Day

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things.

— Benjamin Franklin

HOW TO SAY "MERRY CHRISTMAS" IN OVER 33 LANGUAGES!

Afrikander - Een Plesierige Kerfees
Arabic - I'D MIILAD SAID OUA SANA SAIDA
Argentine - Felices Pasquas Y felices ano Nuevo
Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri - Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Basque - Zorionstsu Eguberri. Zoriontsu Urte Berri On
Bohemian - Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian - Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Breton - Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian - Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Chinese -
(Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
(Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Cornish - Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Cree - Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian - Sretan Bozic
Czech - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish - Gladelig Jul
Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
English - Merry Christmas
Esperanto - Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian - Roomsaid Joulu Puhi
Farsi - Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish - Hyvaa joulua
French - Joyeux Noel
Frisian - Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
German - Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek - Kala Christouyenna!
Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew - Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi - Shub Naya Baras
Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic - Gledileg Jol
Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish - Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Italian - Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese - Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latvian - Priecigus Ziemas Svetkus un Laimigu Jauno Gadu
Lettish - Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian - Linksmu Kaledu
Manx - Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori - Meri Kirihimete
Marathi - Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo - Merry Keshmish
Norwegian - God Jul Og Godt Nytt Aar
Pennsylvania German - En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Polish - Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese - Boas Festas
Rapa-Nui - Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rumanian - Sarbatori vesele
Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Serbian - Hristos se rodi
Slovakian - Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scottish - Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur
Serb-Croatian - Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina
Singhalese - Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene - Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish - Feliz Navidad
Swedish - God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt Ar
Tagalog - Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tamil - Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian - Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu - Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese - Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh - Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavian - Cestitamo Bozic