Welcome February!  And a special thank you to January 2010 for being kind and gentle.  Thank you!

February is kinda sorta the time we start thinking past winter and spring. We’re tired of cold and foggy days, rain and lots of it.  It warms my heart to look back at past vacations.  I really would rather be enjoying these places SOONER rather than later!

Last year, we spent fourteen glorious lazy days in Oahu.  And not in a hotel either.  We were in a condo and cooked our own food.  We kept California hours so we were up very early, at the beaches before the crowds came and back at the condo by early afternoon.  [See how pristine Sandy Beach is in the picture above?  It gets awfully crowded by 11AM].   After our 2PM nap, I’d walked up and down Kalakaua by myself to window shop or cross the street to sit by the sea wall.  Then we’d go back to watch the sunset.

Five hours West of California ~ the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

A couple years before, we went the other way ~ five hours East. To Connecticut.

Right here, on this deck.  My brother and sister in law’s home by the Long Island Sound.  We have treasured memories of this deck.  A TON of laughter and things that went bump in the night.  I miss this ~ I think I would like to head this way this year.

Fishing and a kegerator, margaritas and a treehouse.

East or West ~ Five Hours either way, my favorite spots on earth.  I’ll take it.  My soul needs something to look forward to.  Him and I could use the getaway.

So can my Canon.

It was gorgeous in the Bay Area today.  My husband had the beginnings of a cold ~ and I’ve been working all week and needed to get some fresh air today.  I called my sister and decided to  meet up with her as she was watching her daughter’s games (plural) in a club volleyball league.   It was held at the San Jose Convention Center.

I think they played three best of three series with three teams.  The last set included a tie-breaker.  They won ~ but they are tired!  It was fun to watch, though!

The kids ~ about a bazillion of them [see thumbnail] ~ took over invaded the next door Hilton hotel [as in ~ they set up team camps everywhere you looked; my niece's team had a hotel room].   The convention center had about 100 different courts.  It was literally swarming with girls of different ages, playing serious v-ball.    They played from 8:30AM till 2:30PM.  Or maybe 3PM.  I’m not sure anymore.   My poor niece [with a cold!] played a LOT of games and naturally, at 7:30PM ~ she’s passed out at home.  They have another tournament tomorrow.  Oh, and an ice pack on her knee.  Oh my!

Seriously!  This club volleyball  thing is big!  I was amazed.  I’ve never seen so many games in one venue all at once.

It helps to hold the school’s track record in high jump!

Seven hours of this!

Oh youth, I remember you!!!  Seems like only yesterday!

This week, I received product to test from Monday till today.  It’s kind of fun seeing Fedex or UPS stop by and wonder what surprises are in store for the day. Perks I’m happy to share with family and friends who volunteer to try the products and give me feedback.

The other day we received chocolates galore.  We enjoyed one of the boxes and will use the other two to show to clients.  Then,  we received this awesome reusable grocery tote. I actually had one of the floor models come home with me in the plane (as handcarry) when we returned from Vegas.  That was made of a really cool pretty in pink print fabric.  Of course, I lost that one to someone via the “oh, how cool!  I want that!”.

I have a hard time saying NO and that has become kind of a joke among my children.

This weekend, we will be testing  these new Camelbak bottles we received today.  Well, my niece [in Junior Olympic volleyball] will test the bigger podium bottle and Nathan will be testing the blue little kids bottle.

I am getting ready to receive some other items next week and then I’ll hold a satchelful of giveaways GIVEAWAY in the near future.  In the meantime, I am GLAD.IT’S.FRIDAY.  I have not really seen the bottom of my desk most of the week.

Our dinner two nights ago was chicken nuggets and french fries.  Last night I had waffles for dinner.  Tonite we are having chili dogs.  Not the healthiest food but it’s a busy life and we aren’t picky eaters.  I’m looking forward to a restful weekend.  NO PLANS as of 4:00PM Friday [shhhhhh].

I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend.  Rain, please stay away.  My camera is missing the outdoors!

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I stared all night ~ and played with this one till almost midnite.  I think she thinks  I’m there to play with her and not just sleep over.

Too hard to resist.  So I don’t.  I sing and dance ~ and we clap our hands.

At 5:30AM, we think it’s time to play again!  And smile and reach out for toys.

All in a little baby’s night with Grammie [while mommy works the night shift].

Have a great Wednesday!  No extra sleep for this li’l ol’ lady now!

When I’m not blogging here ~ you may find me over HERE ~ branding businesses small, medium and large.  We are a team of promotional distributors and marketing and advertising executives but we work through referrals, too.  Repeat business and WOM advertising as well as online sales is primarily how we grow our business.   It’s a FUN job if you love to give cool items ~ we take care of weeding out the junk.

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In the meantime ~ blog on!!

As for me today ~ it’s been a busy work day but a fun one.  Tonite, I have a surprise date again with this little one.  An unexpected babysitting opportunity which I’m happy to take ~ any old time.

My sister treated me and my parents for Shabu Shabu lunch today.  It was a great day to get out of the house and since I still had Nathan at home with us, he came with me.  Happy little non-stop talking trooper.

He had fallen asleep in the car so when we got there, he was just warming up.  He gladly cozied up with my sister.  She’s put her house on the market and today was open house.  I think her home will do well, she already has an offer for it, but her realtor isn’t officially taking offers till Monday.  I hope there’s a good bidding war.  It was a great home, lots of memories and celebrations went on in that house.  Her next home will be fun filled, that’s for sure.

She needs a bigger house ~ for bigger parties.

In the meantime, off to Burlingame we went.

Nate obliged.  He ate his lunch while we enjoyed ours.  I was stuffed after lunch but the little kid kept me wide awake and talking on the way back.  He’s such a fun little boy.  Two going on much older.  Humongous vocabulary that’s been catching me off-guard many times.  He wanted to come back to my house after lunch, which we did.

Here’s my thought for the day courtesy of the tea cups at the restaurant.

For the record ~ I did make the brownies last night.  It’s gone.   Nathan had waffles for breakfast but he had protein for lunch [chicken and lots of carrots].  We also had brownies and Ghiradelli chocolates ~ and lots of milk.

I’m going to rest up for a little bit and then I have grammie duty again tonite with Alyssa.

Best weekend ever!

We are tattoo’d everywhere!  We took last night’s tattoos off after our morning bath and we’ve replaced it with new ones!  ‘Cuz we have hundreds here and can pick and choose.

Nate’s got the Target dog in his belly!  Owpa has a Guinness one on [great for St. Patrick's Day!].

Showing off!

Next we read a bunch of books and even one with Nate’s pictures on it

And then we played with Handy Manny [again] and the magnet snowman.

Weekend at ‘Ammie and Owpa’s is turning out to be such a treat for us and the little one.  He’s well behaved and says ‘no thank you‘ and ‘yes, please‘.   I’m so proud of how he is being raised.

Lunch with my sister and parents in a little bit ~ and then I babysit Alyssa tonite at 10PM.

All in a GrammieMommy’s day.  Blissdom.

UPDATE #2 5:42PM

Someone didn’t want to nap ~ so we went to Target!  Oh the excitement when I threw out the suggestion.  Target with Grammie!

“I won’t ride the cart, okay ‘Ammie?“

And so he didn’t.  He was sweet and returned toys he played with for a few and lost interest with.  Walking around the store kind of allowed me to see if he ‘really’ liked something.  Balls will always be cool with him but there’s enough of that at home.  And Disney’s “Cars“ ~ he did bring his collection to play with.

So we ended up with a cell phone and an interactive Handy Manny toy ~ with a car and tools.  It’s pretty cool ~ so Owpa is having a ball playing with him.

I’m going to attempt those brownies again!  Wish me luck!!

UPDATED 2:00PM

I had Alyssa last night and now Nathan is at home with us.  Mommy and Daddy are watching Wicked in the city and we needed a sleepover with the boy ~ who hasn’t stopped talking since he arrived.  We are hanging out in our man cave, playing with Vida Blue bobblehead and some of the promo items [some of which flunked my attention span test!].

Nathan wants to know why Vida Blue is wearing green.

We all have temporary tattoos.  Owpa has Guinness, Nate has police and fire department ones and ‘Ammie has a sparkly fairy.

Our Product Tester

Owpa’s tattoo!

We went to the Ghiradelli outlet and he picked out a bagful of candy.  Well, okay ~ two bags full, two boxes of brownie mix and a container of hot cocoa.  Nathan was sweet and thanked the nice lady for giving him some samples.

“Thank you, nice lady!“  Yes, she gave him more.

Our loot ~ the bag is full

I’m now going to make some brownies.  It will go with some of the gelato I still have.  Yum.

So far, I’m liking my Saturday.  And guess what!  The sun is OUT!!

ORIGINAL POST

Next time I babysit, I must remember to leave a memory stick in my camera.  This was taken with my Blackberry last night while I watched Alyssa who is going on 5 months old.  We played and sang and exercised.  This baby’s got strong abs!  We did lots of pullups and sit ups and some roll overs.  And then she napped for 10 minutes and woke up smiling.

She laughs and giggles a lot.  Peek-a-boo is a current favorite.  She’s trying to communicate and reaches out for her toys ~ and of course they all land in her mouth.

After all that activity ~ blissdom in a bottle at midnite.

And from me, more tight squeezes and kisses.  It’s hard to put her down in her crib because she’s so soft and smells so good.  I can stare at her forever.

Today I get to love on Nate.  Oh, that one is a talker.

I wish grandparenthood on everyone!

They say it’s bad luck to open a never used umbrella indoors ~ but I just got two REALLY COOL windproof umbrellas from my supplier and I can’t wait for the next deluge.

The one on the left is humongous and square and has flaps [in case it's windy out there] and the other one has a couple clear panels so your view isn’t hampered when it’s really raining and you have to keep the umbrella close to you.  Also photographed ~ my busy desk ~ as well as my Jack Bauer safety doll protecting me.

Guess what!  I’m so excited that I have a friend who is joining me in my venture.  She is a bit nervous, but I am thrilled and excited to show her how fun my industry is.  She’ll be joining me while in training mode, but my goal is to make her completely independent whenever she is ready. You go dear girlfriend!  I’m going to bet big that you’ll do GREAT!

I am also getting ready to imprint some cool items that are Blog Frog related and I plan on hosting a couple giveaways (Fleece blankets and sweatshirts).  Actually, it’s because I’m ‘learning’ how to design using a digital imprint method and how to upload to my own site.  When the items are ready, I’ll show them to you here.  If you’re paying big bucks for CafePress ~ well, sorry ’bout that  *grin* cuz  you shouldn’t have to.

On the home front, it turns out that I’m babysitting Alyssa this afternoon till midnight.  Then I have Nathan tomorrow overnight.  Then I’ve got Alyssa overnight on Sunday.  BUSY GRAMMIE!!

It’s alright if it rains, though.  I have two each of these to test out in case heaven decides to pour on us another day or night.  Bring it on ~ I’m ready for duckies!

‘

Busy rainy day today.  Surprisingly, it was the worse of four days of rain ~ not because of the wind (there was none) but because of the non-stop rain for hours on end!  It didn’t stop me to making my meetings today and it didn’t stop me from stopping by Whole Foods in Berkeley [again].

Because we ate all the ice cream I got the other day.

So ~ you think I’m good till the weekend?

First ~ I bought healthy and organic food.  Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom.  I spoke with my son and he wanted me to get him the prepared yogurt with fruit on the top [on the right above].  Goodness!  And then I bought other healthy fruits and stuff for dinner.

And then, I raided the freezer.

Right now I’ve got some burgers in the oven and I’m ready to heat up the brioche that I got and some good and sharp cheddar cheese.  My son is on his way to join us for dinner at home.  The weekend is almost upon us and I’ve got a busy Sunday ahead [babysitting and shabu shabu lunch with my parents and sister].

I’m hoping the sun comes out ~ I am ready to kiss the rain goodbye!

This is my brain on rain!!  Ugh, it’s been pouring buckets since Monday and we have one more storm to go.  I know we out here in California should never complain about the weather, but heck ~ I want to because I am missing the sun.  And my dog wants to go out and run around and walk but it’s icky.

Well, we had an hour of  kinda sunny and I took him to his favorite spot [in someone else's front yard] ~ but since it was wet in the street, I carried Sir Newman and put him down where he likes to ~ ya know ~ read the newspaper!  Thankfully, he got this business done, I scooped and came back home.  Just in time to hear a big roll of thunder.

I am afraid of thunder and lightning.  My husband has been hit twice.   So I’m not exactly married to Mr. Lucky.

I ordered me some umbrellas from my supplier and featured it on my other site here.  The bigger, the better!  I love this time of year when I have seen new fun gifts and gadgets and I get to order and test them.  I’ve ordered my self promo items and am hoping to help host a TweetUp in a nearby city soon.

In the meantime, I’m still sorting through all the schwag samples that arrived yesterday.  Today was a great indoor day to do just that.   This is just one box [out of five].

There’s more.  Tons more.  And the cooler stuff on it’s way.

I already put a bag and presentation together and will present it to a repeat client tomorrow.  A Police Department PR group and they order stuff to give away to kids.  Love helping them!

After that, hopefully, I can envision my weekend which will  include a  little 2 year old’ sleepover.  I can’t wait for that.

Last night, I had a sleepover ~ if you could call it that.  It was pure baby love all night as I babysat  Alyssa whose coming up on 5 months old soon!  How fast time flies.  Both mommy and daddy were working the night shift again and I was more than delighted to spend the night loving this little munchkin.  She was a delight to play with before bedtime.  In fact ~ I didn’t mind that she was up to playing at 530AM this morning!  It was raining cats and dogs and ducks all night ~ with thunder and lightning, so I was up anyway.

Who can resist hugging and cuddling with this cutie pie?  Not me!!

I got there at 8PM last night in time to watch “24″ with my kids (don’t worry, the baby wasn’t watching!).  I prepared dinner early for me and GrammieDaddy and got him ready for next day’s work.  Then I headed out before the rain.  My son had gone out to dinner but when he returned, he shared this uber delicious gelato he discovered from Whole Foods.  OMG!  I wanted the whole pint!

Well ~ today, I still wanted my own pint ~ so I went to Berkeley and could not decide!

Who can decide which flavor to try out?  Not me!

Ciao Bella! Gelato! L’amo molto!  Il mio cuoro cantera!

I got dizzy deciding!   Are you kidding me?  Which of these to-die-for flavors will come with me?  Hmmm.  Dayum.  I couldn’t make an informed dizzition ~ so I brought home three flavors and tonite, I’m going to enjoy it itty bitty by itty bitty.

And unowat?  I won’t even feel one bit guilty and the pleasure will be all mine.  Well, okay ~ I’ll share with him.

I love colors ~ and when they come in new flavors ~ well, I fall in love.  Nom nom nom.  Mangiare!

Little mishap yesterday which I shared on some social media sites ~ including Facebook.  My husband tried to revive an old Vornado heater that Newman chewed (the cord).  I had placed the appliance in the dumpster but dear darling of mine said he could put it back together.  Well, he did resurrect it from the trash and put the wires together and secured it with electrical tape ~ but it didn’t hold up much.  Obviously.

Saturday morning, I was reading email and loading some pictures.  Then I went to grab me a cup of coffee.  Meanwhile, I turned this heater on and let it warm up the room.   I returned a few minutes later as the room was nice and toasty by then.  While I was surfing the net, I heard  some zip zapping and saw smoke behind me ~ and sparks flying (think Sparklers).   And paper burning and the cord exploding in fire (about 3 feet high).  If you place your mouse over the picture, you’ll see what name I used to save the photo.   *grin*   Yeah, really!

I huffed and I puffed and I blew out the fire.   All by my two lungs. Picture above is of  where I had the space heater plugged into.  I won’t show you the wall.

Of course, it was my husband’s fault !!  He is fired as our go-to electrician.

And adrenaline?  Oh goodness, how do I love thee ~ let me count the ways!

We got home yesterday afternoon after three gruelling workdays at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas.  It was fun ~ a lot of walking and visiting vendors and suppliers for me.  Kind of like these tradebooths  ~ but about 3000 of them ~ branded and not branded names.

It was fun. I got a lot of new ideas, hot products, new gadgets ~ great suppliers who I already work with and new ones I’m excited to show to my clients.   I have four boxes being shipped to me ~ of samples from the show.  And then I have [i dunno how many] other samples I ordered.  I’m going to get a deluge of catalogs in the mail [sorry mail person].    I’m ready for 2010.

Well, actually ~ next convention I’m considering is next month in San Diego.  And my cousin lives there, and wants to come with me.

We also had fun at the casino.  It gave and took and gave and took ‘some’.  But not all.   And we did this too.  [we sent a picture of this to my son and he called in his bet to my hubby].

So we have something to come back for!!

Sigh!  That’s a glimpse into what I do.  It was a good week.  I felt productive.  I was also busy working in between as I have a client with a sales conference at the end of the month ~ and of course, we are running last minute items.  Naturally.  Isn’t that the nature of the business?

It does feel wonderful to be back in our home.  Newman was well cared for and actually misses my neighbor’s children.  When I took him out for his morning walk, he walked to their home and scratched at the front door.  I felt so torn (and jealous).  It was nice to know he was loved ~ enough for him to like to go back.

Hmmm ~ you think he’ll like being there for two weeks?  I certainly can think of a nice sunny place with a beach and an ocean where we can go and chill!

Happy weekend!

I am still in Las Vegas attending my industry convention.  The gift industry has crossed over to the promotional trade world.  Welcome cool suppliers!  Oh how I love thee.

Name brands  are everywhere.   Even M&M’s are now custom logo-able and therefore in my store!  In fact,   there’s almost nothing I can think of that I can’t imprint and brand ~ and that is going to make for an awesome gift giving year.  I just checked my work email and I have two city departments waiting for ideas to be presented as they have new budgets.  Love it.

Nate will have a BLAST opening the boxes that are shipping to me.  I cannot wait for him to see all the cool and fun things he’ll test for grammie!  SCENTED everything is big.  Pencils, pens and bags in scents (think Johnson & Johnson advertising with a pen that smells like baby powder).  Got that too!  Coffee shop with a pen that smells like..coffee! Woohoo!  Spa with a bag that smells like aromatherapy.  Can you tell I love my job?  It’s never boring.

And all these furry animals here…gonna brand them!!

Well, actually…a couple of these will make for fun giveaways soon as I can get a better photo of it.  They’re actually an aromatherapy bear and neck pillow that can be heated or frozen.  More on that soon.  My camera conked out on me yesterday (brand new point and shoot Canon!! go figure!!).

My hubby is downstairs now ~ in the casino.  I am too tired to sit in a chair.  I’m looking out at the Vegas strip.  Lights a-twinkling ~ but not too many machines paying.  Las Vegas is hurting.  The casinos are almost empty.  There were 20 people on my hubby’s flight ~ and HE had to entertain them.

I am so ready to go home.  I miss my doggie and my babyGrands.  I’m glad I’m not alone and I’m happy to be at a really luxurious room with excellent service.  It turns out that we could’ve been in Tahoe this weekend with my brother-in-law who is spending  four days there.  That would’ve been a fun ~ wish it were a different weekend!

I smell a good massage in my future.   This USED to be easy!

I was going to write a post about my busy day ~ but there are more important things happening in the world right now. And distress in HAITI that I cannot watch without doing something.  SOMETHING!

Please ~ PLEASE contribute what you can through the RED CROSS.

I was very busy last night to really grasp the enormity of this disaster.  and today, I was in a trade show convention all day and did not get to my room at the hotel till about 4:30PM.  It did not take long for me to realize how horrible this tragedy is.

And how many people are suffering.  It will get worse.  It’s urgent.

No post today about anything in my life.  It’s time to send all our good energies towards those who have been affected and help in as many ways as we can.    There are many ways to help, you can even use your  phone and send $10 right now by TEXTING “HAITI” to 90999.  The phone company won’t get a dime.

I just did.  Now will  you do the same?  And pray.  Just pray.

God bless.

UPDATED:  9:43PM

Well, I DID have a very hectic day but unowat?  Everything worked out fine.  It was just a long day.  I didn’t finish working until about 8PM when I sent the final Purchase Order over to a supplier.  I’m bringing three folders with me during my short trip since I’ll have to have the files handy.  Not too bad, I’ve done worse before.

I am packed ~ for me, my husband and even for Newman who will be living with our next door neighbors who just happen to have a side business of caring for pets!  Convenient, huh!

Today I ran all over town, and even had to run to a meeting in the city.  Drove the truck cuz my battery died ~ I left the lights on.  Yup, I’m smart like that.  Funny how you try and plan around trips and still end up frazzled right before.

I packed my Bible to read on the plane.  Beats having to swallow a tranquilizer early in the morning.   Oh save my weary soul!

Okay, Vegas.  Show me the money!

ORIGINAL POST:

I leave VERY EARLY in the morning tomorrow and I’m soooooo not ready.  I think Murphy’s Law has hit the fan and today will be one of those run-around-like-a-chicken-without-a-head kind of days. I know it already and I haven’t even poured my first cup of coffee.  Excuse me while I grab me one.

There.  Now maybe I can begin my day.  I’m wishing me luck.

This morning while I was trying to organize my day and make my list of things to ‘Worry About’ today ~ by order of urgency ~ I found myself laughing at how life unfolds.  I knew today would be nuts. It never fails that projects that have been in the works for a couple of months now will boil down to a rush job.  I knew it.  And of course, I’ll be away from my computer tomorrow.  It happens all.the.time.    I was in line once, getting ready to get in to The David Letterman Show when I had a client call me with an urgent matter.

Typical in our Profession

Fortunately, I’m used to this and since I see it all the time, I’m not worried.   I will find my groove and Plan B today.  I will go through the day trusting that I will get through it without the need for a sedative.  My mind set is calm ~ the caffeine is setting in and I’m waking up.  I was even able to read some blogs that I follow (my morning readings).   Hope folks calm down about Mckinney ~ Number 5 ~ Kenya.  (I have thoughts about that but will need time to gather and decide if it’s even worth writing  about).

I’m psyching myself  ~ and then maybe soon I can hide in a cave.

Vegas.  I’m not ready yet. I haven’t put my convention hat on.  I’m not ready to walk for 3 days and visit 3000 booths.

And I’m not ready to give you my moolah.  Aight?!!

This post will definitely be updated later.

Wow.  It’s quiet in my home.  Our houseguests have gone home and I don’t hear any dog tags jingling!  My head’s saying ‘the silence is deafening’.  Eerie.  Like….shhhhhh.

I miss them!  Am I kidding?  I do!!

Rascals.  Sweet crazy critters who run around all.day.long and are quicker than my shadow.   Both of them.  They drove me crazy but it’s cuz they missed their mommy and daddy and I was ‘it’.  And they loved me for being ‘it’.

Three of them for four days.

Two days all by myself.

Four days with three dogs in bed with me. In the man cave.  One by my foot, one on my back and one wherever she wanted to be.

I did it!

And everyone’s still alive.

My office is quiet.  The living room is not strewn with chewy toys.  The big kennel is gone.

Newman is barking ~ and looking in the rooms for his cousins.  I better take him to bed with me.

Okay,  so perhaps NOW  maybe I’ll  get it.  Now perhaps I am beginning to  understand why they say this (The Bible)  is the greatest book ever written.  It’s quite bizarre, if I can use that word in a good way.  Thought provoking and shocking, in some ways.    Who could’ve ever dreamed up this entire book?  It’s such a throwback in time (understatement) but  it reeks of what is STILL going on in our world.  How we got here and why.

When I started to read the book, I had so many questions and I was all but ready to throw out my critiques.  Then I calmed down and decided  to read it as a history book and be patient.  Perhaps as I move onto the next chapter, I’ll see it more clearly.  Keep wishing me luck.  I know I’ll need it.

What stands out to me is how insignificant this book played in my many years of religious education.  As a Roman Catholic, no emphasis was placed on reading passages from the book.  What we I learned were snippets of stories, mostly those read from the gospel and mostly from the New Testament.  Talk about being sheltered!! So much was omitted.  In retrospect, I kind of resent that.

Cain and Abel were not the only children of Adam and Eve.  They had a brother, Seth.  I’m sure they had sisters too.  And they multiplied from there.   My catholic education would never have withstood the debate on incest  and prostitution ~  but it is obvious that that was how they went forth and filled the earth with people.  I realize now that the limited education I have was Jesus-centered versus God-centered.  Other than the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, I haven’t connected the dots yet on the divinity of the Trinity.  Not yet.  I hope I get there.

There are stories of deception,  jealousy and conspiracy.   All sins of mankind.  God’s wrath was evident.

He also favored many.

And I’m only in the beginning.  I move on to Exodus tonight.

Who could’ve dreamed up this book, written it’s outlines and connected the dots?    So bizarre.

I feel so small.  I’m amazed at how much I didn’t know, but glad that I am going through this slowly.

We ‘officially’ celebrated Baby ‘Lyssa’s 4th monthsaversary today since the 28th was so soon after Christmas.  So, we were over for lunch ~ taking only one doggie  (Newman).  The two rested here at home since they had a pretty rambunctious morning.  Come to think of it, even Newman was too tired to play!

But, nevertheless..the babies….oh the babies!  They are growing like weeds.

Non stop chatter from this little guy.  He’s got a lovely low voice too.

And this little one…how can you be 4months old already!

We arrived and Alyssa was still in her jammies, as were mommy and daddy, having worked the night before.  No problem, football on television entertained the menfolk and I was busy playing with the new camera.  It has video too (!!) which I only really tried to play with today (I don’t know how to download that one yet).   Today’s celebration called for a pizookie for dessert!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with Vanilla Ice Cream – fresh out of the oven!

Can’t get ’nuff of you, bud!

And you, I can smoosh you cuz you’re way too juicy!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday.  I’m going to turn this machine off and finish reading Genesis if I can.  I was on a good roll yesterday but got a little bit distracted with the animals.   I feel like I’m taking a step back into another world as I read the first book.  My reaction to what I’m reading so far?   WHOA!!! Yup, really wow!

Or maybe that should read “Blog…and Let Blog”   ~ Same thing in the any real or virtual world.

It kind of amazes me how some people take this blog life so seriously.  Most of us do it because we have something to share ~ with family and friends, or the bigger world out there.  Good content.   As with the real world, there are those in the industry whose blogs make it to a higher plane and they are able to take it to the next level.  Without a doubt, that higher platform includes more scrutiny and a variety of reactions from followers ~ and sometimes foe.  It can be downright ugly for some.  But it sells.

I’d like to take a step back and wonder why people  have nothing better to do than criticize.   I don’t mean just once here or there ~ but stalk, read everything and critique every written word.  With fervor burning.

For a short time in my life, I found myself being one of them and I   injected more tension in my life.  I’ve sinced backed out, preferring to ‘let live’.   You’ll oftentimes see a blog author state ‘it’s my blog, if you don’t like it, don’t read it‘.  You’d think that was easier said then done, but it’s not.  Just like reality television, people are drawn to drama in various shapes and formats.  Many times and ironically, even the criticized author will invite the drama by writing something in the realm of ‘shock and awe’ ~ precisely to invite controversy.  It’s what gives them the audience, and what feeds them.  Both are critical elements of a successful blog.   You don’t want people to agree with you all the time.

Comfy cozy followers are great if you have consistently good content.  If you’re organized and have a direction, your followers are willing participants in your journey and you’ve got yourself a niche following.   Blog author and followers interact and feed off each other, they communicate back and forth and share the bounties; that’s where readership will grow.  By simple arithmetic and word of mouth advertising (or linking blogs)  expect your flock to multiply.

On the other hand, those with limited content must resort to injecting controversial posts to attract a reaction.  Wedge issues never fail to spark a debate and as you know, we are a deeply divided nation.  If you’re astute, you’ll see a pattern.

As a blog reader, I like to look for both kinds of writers.  Some to follow as they have some compelling stories of everyday life in America (or abroad).  I also enjoy studying the psyche of those who invite the divide.    Those are the ones I like to debate.

But the haters ~ and there are many out there ~ I can do without them.  They stalk and visit, lurk and dig.  As if time is not precious and there is nothing else to do.   A blogger called them ‘mean girls’ and bullies.  They are darkened souls oftentimes hiding behind anonymity to which I give no credence.

So I’ll end this by making a few points:

• It’s a fact.  Some people make money from blogging.  Pay per click, per per impression or affiliate advertising.  No biggie. It’s the nature of the beast.  Deal and move on.  Don’t hate ‘em cuz they make money.
• I still don’t believe anyone should pawn of their children’s ailment for money.  I’m sticking to that and owning it.  Set up a non-profit, it’s not difficult.
• People can exaggerate.  Got salt?  Use it to flavor your java.  Or something like that.  Deal and move on.
• Sleuths abound.  Looking for your IP address when you comment or visit.   Nancy Drews of the world.  Go figure.  I’ve dealt with them and have moved on.
• Multiple identities ~ yup. That too.   My advise…keep TRUST close to your chest.   My usual rule is ‘no blog, no glory‘.  Or a valid email address.
• Monitor your comments.  Take control of your blog.  Banning feels good, trust me.    I love Disqus.  On the positive side, make friends with those who leave comments.  Follow them back and thank them.  It’s a mutual admiration society ~ or at least, it should be.   Isn’t that the way love works?

And finally…Seriously?   Life is good.  At least, that’s what I’m sticking by.   Have a great Sunday!  I’m off to see the babyGrands!

My quest continues.  Each day, a different journey. I’m going to make it through the WHOLE book.

Cesar Milan will love this one.

Okay, just kidding.  We didn’t have this doggie for dinner last night.  They were actually all pretty well behaved.  We had play and cuddle time in the man cave last night.   Newman woke me up at 3AM to go outside and then I took the others out one by one.  We all  went back to sleep until 8AM today.

As expected, Newman  knew his cousins were in our house and was eager to play from the get go.  I know he’ll be sad when they leave.  My hubby and I  will  give them the run of the house today ~ all day.  Fortunately, this house has been dog proofed.  It’s also the kind of house where they can run around the entire house in circles ~ and they  are doing just that.  Letting them be doggies!

There ARE moments of quiet!  They don’t last very long.

I could photograph Sammie all day and she’ll let me.  She is such a pretty dog.

Newman (my dog) is not territorial.  Or maybe he’s just a pacifist like his daddy.   He doesn’t fight and if one of the others take his toys, he’ll simply go find another one to play with.   I’m not sure about the dynamics.  Alls I know is that the little black one is the one whose running around and when he’s tired, everyone gets to rest.  His name is Puma..but he’s kind of like a little Napoleon (ooooh, that sounds like my old boss!!)

UPDATE:  7:56PM I think I may have myself  three tired doggies tonite!  They’ve been playing all afternoon nonstop and are tired out.  I’m amazed at how the littlest one is the alpha male in the pack.  Kinda cute to watch.  Newman is having a ball playing.  He’s so not the dominant one and is happy to share.   Puma (black miniature yorkipoo)  rules like a King and is everywhere!  Sammie (white Alaskan huskie) is very shy but was warming up to a neighbor kid earlier this afternoon.  She likes to stand beside me on her hind legs.  She’s the only girl.

Uhhhmm…my cake?  It was a flop     Something went wrong somewhere but ya know ~ there’s critters in my house and it’s just cake.   What’s important is that I still have my bag of Ghiradelli chocolates for tonite!  Friday night!!  Ya gots to love that!!

This one (Newman) is tired!

ORIGINAL POST:

I thought I’d be able to get some rest today but instead, I’m babysitting two dogs.  There’s simply no time to think of my coughing spell.  I guess that’s good medicine.  I walked all three a few minutes ago and came back with the leashes in a braid.  Not a good idea ~ must do this one dog at a time.  It’s a good thing it’s Friday and the hubby will be home to help me later.  My sneaky son asked me to babysit ONE dog..but brought TWO.  Hmmmm.  Well, the other one is so tiny that it really didn’t matter.   Welcome home for the weekend, Puma and Sammie!

So..since I am not resting, I decided to make Calvin’s special cake ~ remember THIS? – tweaked ingredients for his butter pound cake.  Here are some of the ingredients:

Uhmmm, okay. That’s all I’m allowed to say!  Lots of this and alot of that.  He made me swear not to give out the recipe.  I checked to see if there are other cakes with the exact measurements online and there were a few but it didn’t include the one item that makes this cake good.  Heavenly golden brown good.

It will be done in a few minutes.  After that, I’m going to keep these little buggers in their kennel and take a nap.  It’s the weekend and I want to see my little babyGrands and I need my cough/cold to be gone by then.

Brought to you by MamaM every week!  Head on over to her blog and link up with other bloggers and see what they all are up to.  This is my first time to participate and am looking forward to joining in the fun.

1.  What’s your “comfort food”? – This one’s fairly easy, I’ve got a sweet tooth.  I love chocolates!  Ghiradelli anytime or Ben and Jerry’s (must have something chocolatey).

2.  Do you send Thank You’s (handwritten or email)? I send handwritten Thank You cards all the time.  I like receiving them so I know people love to get them.  I may throw in a Starbucks gift card if the Thank You is for a customer.

3. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose? Good question.  I thought of “24″ and being in CTU..but that only lasts one day (“24″).  So I think I’d love to be stuck with either one of my two favorite shows.  (1) Mythbusters – they film here locally in the Bay Area and my husband has met them a couple of times.  The (2nd) show would be “Storm Chasers”.  Gotta love Reed!!

4. What is your favorite online recipe site. I usually visit Epicurious.com if I’m looking for a recipe (which is rare).  I have a lot of recipe books.  I have recently visited Bakerella and want to eat everything she makes.

5. If you had to choose:  “Friends” or “Seinfeld”? Okay, hard one here, I love them both.  I think I’ve watched all the reruns of Friends..now we’re more inclined to leave the TV on Seinfeld.  Both are really funny and you can watch and be entertained even if you’ve seen an episode many times.   Next question would be “Which is your favorite episode?”  That would be hard too

Now I’m going back over to MamaM’s to link up over there.  Kind of fun questions..I’ll come back next week with a new bunch of Q&A’s to share.  Have a great Friday!!

I’m sick ~ have a cough and a cold ~ laryngitis, bronchitis and sinusitis.  Isn’t that terrible!   A hunka hunka fever burning and am on amoxicillin and Phenergan with codeine.

But THIS…will cure me.

Comfort food.  Goodnight world.  I got everything I need now.

Between my sister and a niece who regularly post their photographs of their world travels on our family Facebook page, I just have to sit and enjoy the scenery.  Both travel for work and they have been around the entire globe in the last year and I’m feasting on the pictures.

A niece of mine is a Senior VP of an investment company and she’s stationed in Hongkong at this time.  Traveling EVERYWHERE,  most recently to Myanmar.

Bagan

Bagan blows Angkor Wat away with over 2000+ temples and stupas as far as the eye can see. Bagan was the Ancient Capital of Burma before the Mongols invaded. Most of the temples were constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries and unlike Cambodia, you can explore this 16 mile area to your heart’s desire – on bike, horse and cart, via hot air balloon, and on giddy feet. There is no other place like this on Earth.

Patao

In the northernmost part of Burma, in the foothills of the Himalayas and sandwichned between India and China, lies the spectacular Patao. Isn’t this so gorgeous looking?  I’m getting my midlife geography lessons and really enjoying it ~ without having to step foot in an airplane.

Sigh..I am now yearning for the water again ~ and the sun.  These photos do that to me.  What a big world to discover through anyone’s eyes!

Got cool photos and want to show it off!  I have some!  Okay, I have a lot and it will be difficult to choose.  Head on over to Canvas People (see the widget on the right side of my blog).  They’re offering one FREE canvas print to every home.  A $50.00 value for an 8 x 10 print.    You read right…FREE!!

Check them out!   I’m waiting for mine!

Disclosure:  Canvas People is an affiliate of TheGrammieDiaries.

On my quest for  salvation and therapy for my soul ~ there was some unexpected food for thought.

I told you about my purchase yesterday at the bookstore.  I was in search of  the perfect BIBLE that was easy to read (aka big print),  felt authentic (thin paper) and didn’t have the THEE and THOU  (NIV version, thanks Mom).  Well, I did find a few that I met my needs.  I put it aside and was looking for other reference material.

While I was examining my choices, right there next to all the available Bible choices was this book.  And yes, I spent a good 20 minutes reading it.

How it will all end…maybe

Ahhh the darn Mayan calendar and doomsday predicted for 12/21/12.  It was interesting to read all the technical, biblical and scientific analysis but the summary in the end was pretty sensible.  After ALL the calculations, discussion and possible outcomes ~ the alignment of heavenly bodies, will it be a flood or a fire ~ in the very end (1) We know the world will end one day (2) We do NOT know when it will end, or how (3) it is always good to be ready.   Yeah, they could’ve put all that in the beginning of the book ~ but they didn’t.  And no, I didn’t buy the book, but now I want to read it again.

Uhhmm…mental note to self  “Thank God I’m buying a bible..I’ve got two years to save my weary derierre“.

My memory flashed back to many times in my youth when predictions such as the above used to freak me out.  Nostradamus and Y2K.  The sinking of Los Angeles.  Skylab falling!  Was I scared?  You bet I was!  But the world didn’t end We’re all alive and kicking and paying bills and working for a living.

But the hype ~ oh goodness, I can see how this will be hyped.  I can already predict people buying candles (we have one!!)  and other religious artifacts, pins and medals.   Batteries and water, plastic and duct tape.

Oh my.  Is there an emergency kit for the end of the world as we know it?

I’m searching for that.  I’ll let you all know as it becomes clearer to me.  Dona nobis pacem.

The truth is, I’m searching. I’m knocking.  I don’t know what I’m really looking for (yet) and I don’t know where doors will lead.  I expect that I’ll  be evolving for a while.  Human me in  quest for spiritual ‘therapy’.  I know that’s the only missing facet in my life that remains unconnected to the dots.

I have always maintained that I had a charmed life.  It has not always been easy, but I have known that I had a foundation that could not be rocked.  Faith, you say?  Yes, I am a believer.  But I have so much to learn and truly understand.  While all my religious education have been dogma (from french run Catholic school), my  life had it’s moments where I found myself questioning inside my head.  Afraid to say it out loud out of fear for being perceived as weak.  I’ve ignored everything and have been in  spiritual status quo for a long time.

I also feared false prophets and shunned anyone who preached religion to me.   I don’t  know how to deal with them, it was easier to turn away and change the subject.  Perhaps talk about the weather?

The truth is that while I’m blessed in life with a good great family and never ‘more than I can handle’ ~ there was always something I lacked.  And I HOPE I may be on my way to finding it.  I have been too busy raising life, I very easily could have forgotten to nurture  my soul.  I made moves today which may take me on a journey to hopefully finding the true meaning of what my core is all about.  I bought my very own bible.

Large print.  With tabs.  Well, I’m sticking the tabs on my book.  There are a lot (!!) of books in the bible!

I enrolled myself.  I will find teachers along the way to find answers to my questions.  I will find friends on the way ~ many are already way ahead of me and will share the stories of their journeys.

Who knows,  this soul might still be saved after all.  Wish me luck!

I had lunch with my kids today ~ dimsum!  But before we left, I had to get a whiff out of this bundle of baby who just woke up (errrr..  I mean I think I awoke  her mommy who had just come home from working the overnight shift and had fallen asleep but I made a lot of noise when I arrived).  Sorry, D!  I know you both went back to sleep!

So ~ I got my fix for a few minutes!  Yippee!  I love how she’s always smiling now!   She giggles and can hold up her own bottle.  So full of baby goodness!

Alyssa at 4 Months

Isn’t she delicious?  I swear if they told me ages ago how wonderful being a GRAND was…I’d have asked for more of these littles a long time ago.  Ahhhh, now I can.

In California, we can almost never complain about the weather.

While I’m reading tales of temperature readings  20 below and in the teens and single digits,  I am able to take Newman (and my brand new 7D) for a walk outside and enjoy our crisp and clear sunny Sunday weather.  Around here, there are still remnants of Christmas past.  Monday will see many holiday trees on our curbs for recycling.  Today I walked around the neighborhood to give it one last look.

In the meantime ~ this gorgeous weather just calls for being outside.  It really does.  I shouldn’t take it for granted.  These guys  (who are growing up so fast!!) are getting ready to take their bikes up to the lake and go for a ride!  Ya know..whatever floats your boat (literally)!

January in California

Skies so blue, ya gotta love it!

So, from us to you out there ~ wherever you are freezing  (or ‘freesing’ as Nate calls it) ~ WARMEST wishes for a great start to the first work week of 2010 !!  I hope you all had a splendid holiday and can look back at this one with fond memories.

Now on to tomorrow and many more!

NOTES on Images:  On the Canon 7D ~ I was using my 28-135mm lens for these photos.  These were the kit lenses that came with the 50D.  I was going to sell it but I’ve changed my mind as it makes a pretty good walk about lens (not too heavy).  Did not change anything on these photos, just SOC.  I had the settings on ISO 100 and speed up to  f/5.6.  These are .png images as the raw photos I’m shooting are too large to upload.  I haven’t figured that out yet.

Saturday UPDATED: 5:30PM ~ I had originally intended to chill at home today but  my son returned my call early enough to help me get some goods in demand on eBay and I quickly raised enough moolah to buy this upgraded toy today!  Say hello to the big daddy in our arsenal.  The xTi is going on Craig’s list.  All in a day’s work.  Oh yeah ☺, I mean ~ yay!  50D handed down to the boy ~ we’re keeping all our lenses.  We are now looking for locations.

PS: Brand new Point & Shoot Canon SD 960IS  ~ g’bye too!

I’ve Been Good ~ EOS 7D

ORIGINAL POST

My family loves good food.  I remember weekly Sunday lunch at my grandparent’s home and feasting on caviar and salmon when I was very young.   We didn’t consider tapas or hors d’œuvres fancy.  When you’re 10, it was just ‘food’ at Papa and Mama’s house, or Grandmas.  They each had the BEST cook  who stayed in their household forever!  (yeah, i miss THAT!)  The dining table for our family was always a place to congregate and enjoy family togetherness.

In America, the kitchen or dining room was THE place to be.

It’s no surprise that my girls are adept in the kitchen.  They’ve been taught by their grandmothers to cook good food and have learned through other family members how to present food. The cooking gene may have skipped me kinda sorta..but not the delight and appreciation for good dishes!

And then there’s my son.

Well….he LOVES the kitchen too!  Who’d have thunk that he’d have a flair for culinary delights and even better to have the sweetest girlfriend to share their food adventures with.

On New Years Eve ~ ALL of us stayed in, all choosing to stay off the roads and be in the safety of our homes.   My youngest ~ the 23 year old ~ tempted me with their home cooked meal in pictures.  Yes, I was TEMPTED to crash their party, but I got these pictures after dinner for two was consumed.

Wouldn’t you be tempted?

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers (from scratch)

Ghiradelli Chocolate Lava Cake a la mode

Tempt Me Tiramisu (their specialty!)

Perfect!

By the way, THEY got the Pioneer Woman cookbook since I stand a better chance of tasting the delights if I gave the cookbook to these kids.  Can’t wait!  And yes, they did call us at the stroke of midnight to wish us a Happy New Year!

Now I’m yearning for something sweet!  Why is that??!!

This little guy was missing for a couple of days as he and his mom and dad trekked up to Reno and Mt. Rose for a fun filled weekend in the snow.  This was his 2nd time in the white fluffy stuff but the first time, he was just a little bundle of baby.  This was his REAL first snow ~ and he loved it!

Can you tell?

Snow Angel, little boy style!

Wheeeee!!!

Justin’s Movin’ On Up!

Hi, Momma!!

Oh he had lots of stories to tell me about his trip with 7 of his friends and his parents’ best buds.  It was a real winter wonderland for a 2 year old boy!  How fun to watch them grow up together!

Please, keep them little!