It's Here, It's Here!

I know I've been talking about this for a while now, but in my defense, it is pretty exciting news. MY BROTHER'S BOOK IS OUT!!!!! I have my copy. It was waiting for me in the mail the other day. You can get it from Amazon, or from a bookstore near you. It is on shelves and available for order. It is funny and interesting. Not to mention it is full of stuff that I remember hearing about and some crazy stuff I didn't. Most of it's true, a lot of it is embellished, and I'm pretty sure there is some made up stuff in there (the author refuses to confirm or deny). But it is cool to read something that my brother wrote; that he achieved his goals and put some hard work and dedication into the process. So help a guy with his dream and BUY HIS BOOK. It's pretty entertaining and I'll do what I can to have the author sign it.

Vocabulary

I seem to pick up words and phrases from the people I associate with the most. And they seem to become an indelible part of my vocabulary. Back in the LBC days, I picked up "if it's not a good time, it's a good story" from the Black sisters. Wendy contributed "hold please" and "keyword" to my phraseology. It was recently brought to my attention that I said good-bye to some people with the phrase "peace out homies" which seems to be an homage of sorts to Patty. Vanessa has given me "good glory" and I have Carrie to thank for my response of "sure" to some statements directed towards me. I notice that when with Katy and Lisa, I say "wow" a whole lot more. Maybe they just surprise me a great deal. I haven't noticed that I picked anything up from Kevin. Maybe that's because I talk enough for the both of us. However you look at it, I'm influenced by the people around me. I'm just lucky they are fabulous and didn't have any bad habits that I would have absorbed.

Things to Do and Places to See

Kevin and I have established of things we want to do and places we want to see, both here in our area and abroad.  It may take us some time to accomplish some of this, and the list will undoubtedly be added to, but at least we have a place to start.  And if we ever have a Saturday with "nothing to do," we have a list we can refer to for some fun and activities.

THE LIST:

-Visit Yosemite X
-See the Grand Canyon X
-Mt. Diablo X
-A SMALL/SHORT/EASY backpacking trip
-Tour the Jelly Belly factory X
-USS Hornet X
-Murder Train Mystery Dinner
-Italy!!!!!!
-Ireland!!!!
-Drive Route 66
-Presidio
-Walk Golden Gate Bridge
-Mission San Miguel
-Olompali SHP
-Angel Island
-Rosie the Riveter NHP
-Alamo Square (San Francisco) X
-Ft. Point
-Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville) X
-San Francisco Botanical Garden
-Solvang (Dutch Community)
-Alcatraz (I've been twice, but Kevin has never been.  And he grew up here. What's up with that????)
-Tiburon
-Filoli Mansion X
-Conservatory of Flowers (Golden Gate Park)
-Historic Benicia
-Town of Lockford

Gettin' Crafty

My parents are very creative people. They have an innate ability to create something out of nothing, to look at a piece of junk and say "I can do something with that," and have it turn out beautifully. I did not inherit that talent. I regret that more than I can say, since I really enjoy the results of aforementioned creative process. I think I am just too literal. But lately I have gotten caught up in all these crafty blogs and think "I can do that." Then I remember all my crafty disasters of the past, and think that maybe I should just stay far, far, away from glue guns and mod podge, and decoupoge. But the urge to create is just getting too strong for me to ignore. Maybe I should start out small. I've traveled to foreign countries; surely I should be able to handle Michaels. There must be something out there that I can do.

Mormon Helping Hands

Saturday, May 8th, was "Mormon Helping Hands" day throughout California. Stakes across the state participated in volunteer efforts to clean up our local parks. The Livermore stake was in charge of cleaning up certain sections of the Arroyo. We hauled deadfall out of the riverbed, picked up trash, spread mulch, and planted some plants. It was a good day, a beautiful day, and we had lots of fun.

The crowd gathers in the AM to begin a day of work.
Hard at work spreading mulch along the Arroyo bike path.
City Council member reading a proclamation from the City of Livermore to the stake, commending us for our service.
Ready to work in our kickin' volunteer gear.
The lovely ladies I worked with for the day. We spread about a mile of mulch along a bike trail. It looks AWESOME!

The Dirty Thirties Have Arrived

Yesterday was my birthday (thanks for all the good-wishes, btw) and it was, sincerely, one of the most perfect birthdays I have EVER had. And for a girl whose birthday is her favorite holiday, I can guarantee that is saying something. My day started with Kevin getting up early to prepare breakfast for me. Waffles, bacon, apple juice, and a pretty red rose started off my day.

One of my coworkers gave me some roses, another some tulips, and Kevin surprised me at lunch with some more flowers. We had a little surprise birthday celebration potluck at work, and it was very yummy. I received numerous texts and birthday messages from friends and family, which was awesome. After work I had an appointment in Pleasanton, and Kevin had a surprise up his sleeve. When I came home, the table was set with the good linens and our fancy china and crystal, and he had cooked a full-on traditional Italian dinner for me (us). It involved all four courses, with birthday cake for dessert. In addition, Kevin had placed flowers throughout the house. Roses and lilies (my favorite), and bunches of tulips. The house looked beautiful, the food tasted divine, and I felt incredibly loved, special, and cared for.
After dinner, it was time for presents. Can I brag a little more? Kevin gave me some cool things, but my absolute favorite was the complete series of the West Wing. It is my favorite TV show of all time, and I've contemplated buying it in the past, but have always stopped myself. Now I won't have to record the re-runs that come on Bravo at 5 and 6 AM and clutter up the DVR anymore. I love it. I am fortunate to be married to such a thoughtful man who does such amazing things for me. He pays attention to my likes and dislikes, and shows he loves me in such incredible, thoughtful ways. It was the most perfect birthday, ever. I cannot think of a better way to welcome my 30s, and look forward to the celebrations coming throughout the month.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. But a special shout-out to my own wonderful mother. I love you tons, and cannot imagine my life without you in it. You manage to help me in my most difficult times from five hours away, check in with the "away kids" every week, and make sure we all know that we are loved. Our family is spread across the state, but you keep us all close because you ensure that we are all connected. We know what's up with everybody, because you are the center of it all. Our family is tight and has lots of fun together, and it is pretty much because of you. You see the worst situations any kid can be in, and you have an absolute belief in the goodness of the human spirit. You epitomize "Charity Never Faileth," even if you feel like you do not do enough. You do enough for ten lifetimes, and I am so proud to be your daughter. Thank you for your example, for your care, and for loving me as you do. I want to be just like you when I grow up. I love you Mom. And I miss you lots.

Go Carrie!

Do you know my friend Carrie? If not, you should. She is an amazing person, and an awesome friend (she flew out from Washington DC for my wedding, for heavens sake!). She is also very entertaining when she gets sleepy. But I digress. Carrie is currently training to do a 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. She is 62% of the way to her fundraising goal, and what she doesn't raise she kicks in herself. If you feel so inclined, check out her training blog here. If gives all sorts of information about her ride and the fundraising. I'm always impressed with Carrie and with what she sets out to do. This just makes me even more glad, and proud, that I am able to call her my friend. GO CARRIE!

The Countdown Has Begun

One month until the grand release date of my brother's book. Jeff wrote "The Dead Janitors Club," and it will be out on June 1, 2010. The cover looks awesome; you can view it here. I'm very excited for my brother, and a very proud sister. He has worked extremely hard and long on this project, and made his dreams come true. So if you haven't ordered the book already, do so. I can guarantee the author will sign it.