5 Ways to Scare a Guy Away

Apparently I'm good at this one without even reading the article.  1)  Breathe.  2)  Versatile (aka, good at many things).  3)  Independent.  4)  Smart/Educated.  5)  ok, I can't think of a 5th for me.  But let's see what e-harmony has to say about what the 5 ways to scare a guy away are...

There may be 50 ways to leave your guy, and there are almost that many ways to send him running.  So let's focus on the 5 that will having him saying, "Check please!"

1. Those Three Little Words
   Timing is everything, even while it's clear that men like to hear that you love them.  So, you may be excited to have finally found someone you're compatible with, try to rein in the desire to blurt out that you've totally fallen for him for at least a couple months.  Say it during the first few dates and his mind will process those three words into one...psycho.  He needs time to process what he's feeling about you, and you both need time for infatuation to settle into something more real.
   My trick, wait until he says it first.  Although it's hard to hold your feelings in, there are other ways to show it without saying it.  When he's ready, he'll tell you.
2. Cracking Knuckles and other Manly Moves
   Even though the days of women casting coy smiles from behind paper fans may be long gone, guys still appreciate a little femininity in his potential love match.  So, while those tricks where you crack open a beer bottle with your teeth and burp the alphabet are impressive, you should think about promoting your gentler qualities in a relationship's early stages.  He's not looking for the return of the Victorian values, but he'd probably like to think he could beat you in a Jager shoot-out or an arm wrestling match.
   Not a problem here.  Sure, I can take shoots with the best of them, but that doesn't mean I do.  Hello, I'm a lady, I have a reputation to keep.
3. Going Bridal
   Ok, so we know that one day you'd like to get married, but there's an order to these things, and subscribing to the bride and wedding magazines and studying diamond cuts before you've even met a guy is classic carat-before-horse territory.  When he turns up at your place and sees a bookshelf full of dog-eared bridal magazines and your computer's homepage set to The Knot, he's likely to suddenly get very busy at work.  Wanting to get married to a man you love is one thing, trying to fit a mysterious anybody into your wedding-day fantasy is another.
   The stack of magazines I do have, purchased during my college days when I actually thought "my big day" would be soon there after, are hidden in a closet.  :)
4. Hey Kids, Meet your New Daddy
   In our fractured world men know that the chances of meeting and falling for a single mom are significant.  For many it's an instant no-no, and if that's your situation it's best to be up front.  However, for those men that aren't put off by the first mention of Junior, they'll still be walking into the situation one tentative step at a time, and telling him too early what a great daddy he's going to make your kids will make him break out in a cold sweat.  So while ultimately you're a package deal, and it's important that he knows that, let him get to know you first.  Once you feel that your relationship has had a chance to establish itself, then gently introduce the little one(s).  Just remember, initially he's not going to be as in love with them as you are, so give him a chance to establish a relationship with them too.
   Does this count with a dog?  "New Dude, this is my dog, she's like my daughter.  I just spent way too many zero's on her to keep her healthy and alive.  By the way, if she likes you, you've passed the test."
5. My Ex was a Psycho/My Ex was the Greatest
   We get it, you have an ex-boyfriend...or five or more.  Guys know this, but there are telltale signs when this could be a problem for us.  First is when you go all glassy-eyed at the mention of his name, worse if the subject comes up after we noticed it tattooed on your wrist.  He may have been a master surgeon with rock-solid abs and a second home in Hawaii, but the new guy would rather not know too much about it if it's all the same with you, as they know we'll never compare.  They also understand that the ex may have tormented you emotionally/slept with your sister/kidnapped your dog, but that just makes the new guy wonder one thing:  why'd you go out with him for so long?  It doesn't speak highly of your selection process, and ergo why you've chosen the new dude.  Everyone has a past, let's just keep it there.
   It's best to just keep mum about exes.  If it ended badly, you don't want to resurface any harsh feelings.  Or visa versa, new guy doesn't want to live in the shadows of ex perfect guy.

Want more information, visit e-harmony's article.

*To my Asian reader who keeps trying to leave a comment - I don't know what your comment says, so I am not publishing it.  If you would like it published, please comment in English.  Otherwise I will continue to assume it is spam.  Thank you.

Ten on Tuesday

Ok, let's do this!  It's Ten on Tuesday time everybody!  Join in the fun.  Visit Chelsea over at Roots and Rings and play along!

1. Think back a decade, do you remember what your first cellphone was? Was it as cool as Zack Morris’s phone?
   My first cell phone...it was the size of 1/2 a brick.  I got my mom's hand-me-down, it was my freshman year of college.  That phone didn't last long.  I upgraded to the Nokia.  Do you remember the Nokia?  The same phone that everyone had?  The one that you could change the face plate?  Yeah, that one. 
2. What is the first children’s book you remember being read to you?
   I have no idea.  I was young.  My memory has failed me.
3. What was your first car? Did you love it or hate it? My first vehicle was my dad's old Chevy Silverado (or was it the Sierra?), it was a truck.  My parents decided that me driving a truck probably wasn't a wise decision...gas guzzler.  So they got me a '88 (I think...) hatchback Civic.  Not my favorite.  1)  no radio.  2)  no A/C.  3)  2 door.  Let's just say, my first quarter at Cal Poly, in the summer while coming home just about every weekend, was a hot summer.  Junior (or was it late sophomore?) year of college mom and dad upgraded me to a '92 4 door accord, with A/C and a cassette player.  Fall after graduating, the civic went to car heaven, therefore my brother got the next in line, being my accord, and I had to be a big girl and buy a car.  Now I drive a Corolla with 4 doors, A/C, and a CD player!  Big time upgrade.
4. Who was your hero growing up?
   I don't know if I had a hero.  Maybe Barbie.  Or Jem.  Shera?  I have no idea.
5. Think back to your first kiss. Was it everything you dreamed of?
   Ah, no.
6. What was your first BAD hairstyle choice? (Extra points for embarrassing photos)
   I'd love to show you pictures.  And maybe somewhere on here I have one.  I don't know what my first BAD haircut was, but I can tell you my WORST haircut.  I thought, sure, I can have short hair, like really short.  Well, this wavey haired broad cannot have really short hair.  Let's just say there aren't many pictures documenting that era of my life.
7. What was your first realistic dream? (One where you had to think “Oh dang, was that a dream?”)
   Oh my goodness, another think back to forever ago question.  ???  Remember me, I have a bad memory.
8. What was the first phobia you remember developing?
   Heights.  I'm scared poopless of heights.  Flying, no problem.  Climbing a ladder, problem.
9. Which character on Sesame Street do you most identify with?
   I don't think I ever really thought about that, nor have I since.
10. What was the hardest goal you ever accomplished?
    Have yet to accomplish it.  Or at least it being the hardest goal on my "to do goal list".  Mostly because it's somewhat out of my control.

Motivation Monday - Sacrifice

Ten on Tuesday

Yea!  It's Ten on Tuesday.  And this week my questions were chosen!  Of course, it doesn't help that I sent Chelsea about 53 questions.  So basically I took care of a month of questions for her.  You're welcome Chelsea.  :)

1. What two cities should be moved closer together?
   I think that it would be great if two totally diffenent climate cities were closer together, like Denver (mountain) and Kona (beach), or New York (big city) and Tuscany (exotic country).  Anywhere could be moved closer to Hilmar and I'd be a happy camper!
2. What was the first plane ride you took? When I was in 5th grade my grammy took me to Washington DC to tour the city and the surround area/history.  The plan was that she would take each grandchild on a trip like that when they reached 5th grade.  Sadly, and fortunately, I was the only one that benefited.  But Fresno -> Salt Lake City -> Washington DC and back was my first plane ride.  I love flying!
3. What continent would you most like to visit? Europe.  The entire continent.  All at once (over a period of many months) or multiple trips.  It doesn't matter to me.  But that is where I'd like to go.  All over Europe.  Someday, maybe that dream will come true.  You know, when I finally invent the tree that grows money.
4. What’s your favorite place to window-shop?
   Most of my shopping is window shopping.  When it comes to non-necessity items I end up with big time buyers remorse.  So I tend to not buy something right away, but if it's still a want/need some time later then I make the purchase.  I also see things and "oh I have to have it!", then I remember that I live in a 900 some square foot house without a lot of storage.  That especially happens at places like Pottery Barn and Anthropology.  Darn practicality!
5. What’s the least fun you’ve ever had at a place specifically tailored for fun?Haha.  Can I say Disney World?  Don't shoot me.  I blame it on the person I was with.  I'm sure Disney World is oodles of fun, but I just wasn't feelin' it when I went to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom (Disneyland is better!).  I'm willing to give the giant land of mouse another shot though.
6. You’re stuck on an island with plenty of food, a companion, and a relatively stress-free lifestyle. What do you say when the rescue ship comes?
   Although stress-free seems like the way to be, I thrive on at least a little stress.  So I'd decompress some, grab a few coconuts and my buddy and board the ship back to the good life.
7. Which day of the week do you look forward to most?
   Fridays after 4pm.  Computer is shutting down, grab my purse, and run for the door never to look back...  From there my time is mine again.  No more "yes sir" and "I'll get right on it".  At least til Monday...
8. What’s your favorite place to enjoy the great outdoors?
   My aunt's ranch in Santa Margarita.  It's peaceful.  It's beautiful.  It's like a home away from home.  The ocean is a 20 minute drive.  Further into the rugged hill is a 15 minute drive.  It's the place my mom grew up.  And the place I look forward to someday taking my kids to visit and enjoy.  It's a place that the minute you drive up you instantly relax. 
9. What’s on your “to do” list this summer?
   Maybe a road trip to the Seattle/British Columbia area.  And work.  Because, unfortunately, money still has to be made so work has to happen. 
10. Which natural disaster freaks you out the most?
    Definitely tornados and hurricanes.  No thank you to massive forces of air swirling all around me and picking up things as it goes throwing it who knows where.  I'll take my little foot massage earthquakes any day.

http://www.rootsandrings.com/

Motivation Monday - Quality

Dating Dilemma

Are you the perfect match - except for one not-so-little thing...?  The issue here is not about trying to find someone perfect - and a good thing, since there's no such person on the face of the earth.  The issue is about you being clear about what shortcomings in a partner you can live with and which you can't.

You're dating someone who is right in so many ways, but wrong in one significant way.  Perhaps it's a personal habit that drives you crazy:  total lack of manners at mealtime or constant interruptions while you're trying to talk.  It could be a character issue that signals trouble:  drinking too much but shrugs it off as "no big deal" or pouting and sulking to get their way.  Whatever it is, you wonder if this "fatal flaw" might kill the relationship.  What should you do?  Well, maybe you should ask yourself these questions...

Is this a learned behavior that can change or a personality trait that probably won't?
Everyone has a bad habit or two that can be beat with willpower, accountability, and encouragement.  But relatively minor irritations are in a different category than ingrained personality traits, which are usually difficult (and sometimes impossible) to change.  Clearly identify which types of issues you're dealing with - one that's possible to modify or one that will likely stay the same.

Does this shortcoming appear on your must-have or can't-stand lists?
If you have carefully identified the ten things you can't live with and the ten things you can't live without, then these lists should serve as a screening process.  And if your partner's flaw shows up, this could be a clear signal that this person isn't right for you.  That may sound cold hearted, but what good are your must-haves and can't-stand lists if nonnegotiable items become negotiable?  What's more, we can only imagin the number of divorces or troubled marriages that involve people who thought, "This one thing really bothers me, but it'll go away."

Is this a fault you are willing to live with?
Making plans for a long-term relationship with someone you assume will change is a recipe for trouble.  Sure, people grow and improve, but you should not base your future happiness on the assumption that your partner will be able to (or want to) change enough to satisfy your wishes.  Of course, you may ultimately decide that you can live with your partner's fault, but in doing so you're making a deliberate, conscious choice.

So are you going to do?  Do you already have your 10 can't-stand and 10 must-have lists?

This information is brought to you by eharmony.

1 Month

In less than one month from today, I'll be embarking on a new...era...of my life.  Or I'll just be entering a new era, a new decade.  And you know what.  I.am.not.looking.forward.to.it.  At all!  I don't want to be 30.  I'll stay 29 forever thankyouverymuch!

I know that I've done things to be proud of thus far in my life.  But I don't feel...accomplished.  I don't feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be in my life.  I feel kinda lost in limbo.  10 years ago, if you asked me where I'd think I'd be by the time I was 30 this is what I would have told you:  I'd be married.  I'd be a mother.  I'd be a stay at home mom unless I absolutely had to be working.  I'd be involved.  I'd be a friend to all.  I'd have dinner made every night.  I'd have traveled to Europe.  I'd be in love with my soul mate.  I'd have it all, while having nothing at all.

So let's compare that to what's actually happened...  No married, with no prospects in sight.  Not a mother, unless you consider my dog my daughter.  Definitely not a stay at home mom, absolutely have to work to survive.  Not involved.  I feel like I'm a friend to all, but all aren't necessarily a friend in return (maybe another post about that later).  Haha, does a bowl of cereal or going to my parent's count as "dinner made everynight"?  Have yet to go to Europe, but I have my passport ready on standby.  Don't know who my soul mate is to be in love with him, but I am in love with my eternal soul mate (God).  If having it all means having the list above, then I don't have it.  And I'm going to throw this in for good measure, I'm not the 36-24-36 bombshell that I though I'd be either.

See?.  There.  Do you see why I'm not ready to move into the 30's?  I don't want to feel like I'm failing more and more as I get further into life.  And yes, I do realize that some of those things are beyond my control, therefore I can't say I'm failing.  But I feel I have.  And it's a feeling I can't get rid of.

So there.  I'm turning 30.  I'm not excited.  And being as I'm not excited, I haven't jumped on the "I'll plan my own birthday party" bandwagon yet (plus, maybe because I don't want to be the one to plan it, bygolly I want to enjoy it).  But people keep asking.  So maybe this will be my party:  Show up, everyone bring me a bottle of wine, watch me drink it...all, eat cake, leave.

Maybe I'll even share some wine.

Forgive me while I go mope in a corner some more.

Ten on Tuesday

Go visit Chelsea's husbands answers for this week!

(I'm an idiot and just realized that I've been titling these for a while 'Ten FOR Tuesday' when it's 'Ten ON Tuesday'.  I'm dumb.  I'm working on it.  Sorry.)

1. What book, movie or song has made you want to travel to a particular place? (eg. I went to Prince Edward Island because I was such a Anne of Green Gables fan)
   I've had a desire to go to Ireland for a long time now.  Ask my sisters, anytime I see a deal through Travel Zoo I always try to convince them that we have to go.  But they're both poor college students, and I don't want to go alone.  But after reading, then watching, PS I Love You I've convinced that I must go, and I must go soon!  Anyone wanna go with me...?
   
   Oh, and I want to do the Amazing Race.  Every week when I watch the show I get travel envy.
2. Aside from your significant other, who would you want to take with you on a dream trip?If I don't have a significant other can I want to take my future significant other on my dream trip?
3. Where would said dream trip be to?
   Ireland and/or Greece.  Oh, and Italy.  And Australia/New Zealand.
4. If you were hosting guests or providing tips, what three things would you show visitors to your hometown? (be it where you live now or where you grew up)
   Ahahahahahaha...  I live in a town of 6,000 where our claim to fame are cows and the world's largest single site cheese manufacturing site.  So, I'd so them Hilmar Cheese.  3 times.
5. If you had a long weekend ahead of you, where do you head – beach, city or country/mountains?Most likely beach, like Monterey or Carmel.  Or the central coast.  Particularly San Luis Obispo or the ranch.
6. Do you have a passport? If so, did you get it for a particular trip or just to have, in case?
   Yes I do!  I got it to have just in case.  And I did have to use it last year when I went on a cruise to Mexico.  I didn't get a stamp in it though, big time bummer!
7. Are there any travel souvenirs you collect? If not, is there something else you collect?
   I collect dangly charms (for, like, the original charm bracelet, not the newer version that pinches your skin and pulls your wrist hair) from new places I visit.  My mom got me started with a charm bracelet when I graduated from preschool, it had an apple on it.  Since then my (maternal) grandma contributed getting charms from countries she visited, and I would add to it as well.  That bracelet doesn't really fit anymore; face it, I don't have the wrist or a 4 year old anymore.  I want to start a new bracelet of just places I've been, so I've started getting new charms from states I visit.
8. If you could name a paint colour, what colour would it be and what would you call it?
   If I could, I'd bottle the exact shade of blue/purple/periwinkle from a hydrangea.  It's my absolute favorite color.  But what would I call it...?  Maybe sometime total unique and original like 'Pretty, Pretty Periwinkle'.
9. If you were heading away for a weekend citybreak solo, where would you go? (forget about practicality here and flight times, assume you can get to any city in the world for the weekend)New York City.  Because I haven't been there and I want to go.  I don't know internationally if I could choose just a city because I want to see more of a country than just a city/
10. Is there a song or a smell or something that you strongly associate with a particular holiday/place/time, such that it always takes you back?
    I associate songs or smells with a lot of things.  Hearing a bar of a traditional hymn sung only at church for Christmas or Easter, and, well as far as smells there are too many to list.  Corn dogs take me back to the days when I would go to the fair with my grandparents when they served on the board of directors, then to my 4-H showing days, and then to the few years that I worked at the same fair.  Egg Salad is Easter.  Fresh cut grass is a warm summer day.  etc. etc.

http://www.rootsandrings.com/

Motivation Monday - Problems

7 Habits of Highly Effective Singles

The bad news, lots of singles want to know the "secret" to being a successful and popular dating partner.  Of course, there isn't a formula for creating world-class charisma, there isn't a pill that will give you a magnetic personality, and there is no magic wand to make you instantly irresistible.

The good news is that dating success comes from consistently incorporating positive attitudes and actions into your lifestyle.  These are "healthy habits" that ensure you become the most attractive person possible - and boost your chances of finding a fantastic partner!  So let's start with these productive practices...

1. Keep growing and moving foward.  There is something enticeing about people who have identified their purpose in life, work hard to cultivate their abilities, and have goals they're moving towards.  And when people are passionate about where they are going in life, we want to go with them.
2. Be proactive, not passive.  Many men and women want love, a relationship, and marriage - but they don't do much to make it happen.  (guilty!)  If you want to find a partner, you've got to be proactive and persistent.  Patience may indeed be a virtue, but when it comes to finding the love of your life, so are guts and gumption.
3. Step out of your comfort zone and take risks.  Some people have no problem meeting, greeting, and forming new relationships.  Others have a much tougher time pushing themselves "out there" socially.  They/You/Me must summon courage, swallow anxiety, and plunge into social settings.  If you tend to be reserved (guilty!) and restrained, there's no point in trying to remake yourself into an outgoing, life-of-the-party type.  Be who you are, but be prepared to push yourself.
4. Accentuate your God-given assets.  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses that they bring to a potential relationship.  The trick is to maximize your assets and minimize your liabilities.  Look for ways to develop and utilize your talents, and try hard to curtail your shortcomings.  The aim isn't perfection, the aim is to reach your full potential.
5. Operate from a position of strength and security.  Self-confidence is contagious, and self-assurance is highly attractive.  You'll boost your odds of finding a partner if you become convinced deep down that you have a lot to offer.  Believe the best about yourself and your future.
6. Become a skilled communicator.  There is an art to communication.  And these days it's largely a forgotten art.  The most average-looking person can be wildly attractive by becoming adept at listening, empathizing, asking questions, and making the other person feel completely understood and accepted.
7. Remain steadfastly optimistic.  Not only are upbeat, hopeful people more enjoyable to be around, but they also make for far better romantic partners over the long haul.  Dozens of research studies have demonstrated that positive people are likely to achieve more goals, handle stress more wisely, overcome depression more quickly, and manage problems with far greater effectiveness.

So what have you learned?  Maybe that you don't need to rely on luck or an elusive secret.  Or that maybe when you have sound, sensible guidelines to live by you can count on dating success.

eHarmony

Ten for Tuesday (on Wednesday)

See what happens when you take a Monday off?  You don't have time to get fully caught up on Tuesday.  Which means that certain non-work items get postponed.  But it's here today!

1. If you could travel back in time, would you? What decade would you visit?
   Ahhhh...  I'm gonna have to say no.  Or if I said yes, I won't go far, maybe to a particular point in my life to change things.  Is that cheating?
2. What was your best Halloween costume? (fun to make? most creative?)
   I remember one year when I was younger my mom made me a spider costume.  It was basically a long sleeve black leotard that had 6 legs (black material tubes stuffed with batting) sewn on it.  The 7th and 8th legs where my arms that the other legs were connected to, so when I moved an arm 3 other arms/legs would follow.  That costume was awesome!  Thanks Mom for being sew (haha, get it?!?) creative!
3. Do you like your name? If you weren’t called by your name, what would you want to be called?
   Sure.  It wasn't a common name growing  up.  And really it still isn't.  I need more than 2 hands to count how many Jennifers I knew growing up.  Boo to common and popular.  Yea for unique and uncommon.  Courtneys unite!
4. In the past year, what is the BEST recipe you made. Please share it!Ok, it's been a little longer than a year since I made this recipe, but it's so darn good I have to share it.  Panzanella Salad (adapted from a few different recipes).  It is perfect for a nice summer (or spring, fall, or winter) BBQ.  Enjoy!
5. Look around – what is the nearest object or picture hanging on the wall?Does a cubicle wall count?  If so, a Dilbert comic, a little calendar, a work phone directory list, and a bunch of other random work related papers.
6. What was the last movie you saw in a theater? Would you recommend it?
   Post edit, I lied.  I last saw Valentine's Day in the theater.
   According to my list, it seems that When in Rome was the last movie I saw in the theater.  Yes, it was cute, funny chick flick.  :)
7. Did you go to summer camp? Will you/do you send your kids to camp?
   Yep, I went to church camp a couple summers.  And 4-H camp a couple times.  And church conferences when I got older.  And I've gone to winter camp many times, as a camper and a counselor.  Absolutely I'm going to encourage my kids to go to camp.  Why wouldn't I want them to experience going away and making memories and friends?  And why wouldn't I want a little quiet time at home too? 
8. What kind of ringtone do you have?
   Depends who calls.  My main ring is a Francesca Batastelli (sp?) song "I'm Letting Go".  If you're my bff calling, I hear Hakuna Matata.  Random I know, but we used to watch Lion King often and loved singing along with that song.
9. Where is the farthest away from home you have ever been?
   It's a toss up between New York, Orlando, Washington DC, or Hawaii.  I'll be right back, I'm gonna go google map it and see what the distant winner is...  Google had a hard time figuring driving directions from California to Hawaii.  Wonder why...?  But the winner is... New York!
10. Has anyone ever written a song or a poem for or about you?
    No.  I would love for my future guy to write a song for me when play it on his guitar and sing it to me.  Is that too much to ask for?

http://www.rootsandrings.com/

Impromptu Day Off

Yesterday, after the doctor's appointment I had in the morning, I decided I was going to take the day off.  I had thought about it a little towards the end of last week, but I actually pulled the trigger yesterday morning.  See, I was 30 minutes from work in a city I hardly ever go to.  So I decided that since I was there I was going to make the most of it.

• I went to the doctor.  I do not like going to the doctor.
• I got my car washed, which was much needed.  And then it rained.  I'm totally ok with that, because the inside of the car needed to be cleaned just as much as the outside.
• I went to Victoria's Secret where I redeemed my free panty coupon and got a new bra.  TMI?  Sorry, it's the truth.
• I perused H&M looking for cute clothes (which I found and did not buy) and looking for dresses the girls and I could wear to Chris' wedding.  I, ah, bought the twins cute matching outfits.
• I walked thru Gap.  I was not impressed.
• I walked thru Sephora where I had to restrain myself from getting anything.
• I went to Trader Joes.  I bought yummy food stuff.
• I went to Smart & Final where I needed to get my supplies for Bible Study later in the day.
• I went home for an...egg salad sandwich!  YUM!  I love Easter!
• I hung out with the twins and their mama.
• I went to Save Mart to get a few extra supplies for Bible Study.
• I did not make it to Weight Watchers because I was running behind.
• I helped make and serve dinner to the Turlock Rescue Mission as an outreach with my Bible Study gals.  It was great!
• Home.
• Movie.
• Bed

What was great was that I did things at my own pace.  I never go to the mall in the middle of the day on a week day.  It's always after work (rushed!) or on the weekend (crowded!).  So it was nice to leisurely walk around and look.  It was nice to call in "ditch" work for the day.  Man I wish I could do that more often.

Does that mean I got to sleep in?  No.  Does that mean that I went to bed earlier?  No.  But I feel better anyways.  Makes me wonder if I could get away with working 4 10s then having a 3 day weekend...

Hummm...  Gonna have to look into that one...

Motivation Monday - Despair

My Mug

You haven't seen my face in awhile.

(me. not recent. but taken within the last ... 2 months.)

Ha, you haven't really even heard from me in awhile. Sorry about that.

Things have been crazy. And it doesn't fail, everytime I have a good topic to blog about, or something to rant/voice my opinion about, I'm driving. Can't really blog and drive at the same time. I think that falls into the same "illegal" category as texting and driving. And then by the time I get home, I've forgotten. So bear with me. I'll be back. Full fledge I'll be back!

Oh, and stay tuned...I'll be updating my blog.  And my domain name.  And it's gonna be grand!  Now I just need to get it going.

Wine Tasting/Murphys Irish Festival Day Trip

Some few weeks ago, I went on a quick little day trip up to Murphys in the Sierra foothills.  You see, they put on a Irish Festival every year.  So we went.  My parents, brother, future SIL, and bro's friend.  Murphys = total Irish pride!  On the way though we stopped at Twisted Oak Winery to do a little tasting.  Good stuff!  Then we proceed to Murphys to walk around downtown and have lunch.  Good times!

Afterwards we stopped at Iron Stone Winery to taste their stuff.  It wasn't that great, but the flowers definitely were!

As so concludes the day trip.  I napped on the way home.  Wine + hilly roads = lull to sleep.