Don't Stop Believing

My Sweet New Ride

Check it out.... I drive 100 miles a day to and from work and the good old Audi has over 100,000 miles. What else is a girl to do...

I am now a proud owner of a very smart car - a 2009 dark gray Corolla - and I couldn't be happier.

So My Singing Might be Worse than I Thought

So I just started a new job 2 weeks ago and am still the super newbee. Today we had a birthday cake for someone in the group. We all gathered around to sing happy birthday. Well, I've always been known for my "unique" singing voice and not too ashamed about it around friends. Well without thinking about it, I just sang along with everyone else. Afterwards, while waiting for my piece of cake a random man who I've never met before came up to me and said, "well I couldn't but help but hear you singing". I didn't know how to respond but am sure I turned bright red. Next time I think I'll lip sing....

Tea Time at Bullocks Wilshire

One of the things I love so much about both of my parents is they love LA and know so much about its history and of its secrets only locals seem to know. To kick off my mom's birthday week, the two of us met up in downtown LA to go on a tour and have tea at the historic Bullocks Wilshire. I didn't know much about Bullocks Wilshire before today, but I knew my mom was VERY EXCITED that she managed to get ahold of these rare tickets. Seriously, it was amazing! The art deco was incredible and I la-la-loved hearing what it was like at it's height. It was built in 1929 to be the most luxurious department store in the world. Marble walls, neat artwork, beautiful chandeliers - it was quite impressive. The 5th floor had a women's lounge, which was like a club where women would hang out, play games, and eat. A club in a fancy-schmancy department store - how neat! We got a special and very rare treat by getting to tour the owner's apartment on the fifth floor. Who knew there were apartments in stores. It was like I stepped into a European Cathedral/Castle, with gorgeous views of LA. The other ladies in our tour were all 75 years and older and had their own stories to share about shopping at this magnificent place. I will always be a LA girl. It made me a little sad as I drove through the streets of LA seeing how much it has deteriorated over the years.

The "Cost" of a Dog

I was really hoping to post some pictures of some of our latest adventures - mainly taking the jet boat out for Suki's first trip. However, Suki is a chewer. If caught in the act, items of her affection generally are saved. But, I keep discovering the hidden cost of a puppy - destroyed personal belongings unable to escape her death grip. The latest casualty, the cord for the camera to be able to download pictures. So I sit and wait, while the replacement cord spends some time with the UPS crew and hope Suki's jaws of death leave my stuff alone.

The IE and ME

As some of you know, last year when I moved out to the IE (Inland Empire) I decided to "live in Rome" and joined a boxing gym. That in itself was high comedy. I'd waltz on in with my semi-corporate attire after work and join the UFC guys in training at the gym. Even after changing into my boxing attire (ie: yoga pants and cute top) I never looked like I fit in. I'm sure my former UFC guy who gave me lessons had a hard time not laughing at me as I learned how to throw a punch. In fact, when he broke some ribs training, he cancelled all of his other clients' lessons except for this powerhouse over here. Apparently he wasn't threatened by this 5'3" girl sans any muscle. A little embarrassing that I was the biggest weakling in the gym, but whatever I got my lessons. That was then, this is now.

Yesterday I get a phone call from Brian. He was at tennis lessons with Jake and Rebecca at the dreamy country club. He tells me that they are having an open house that night and if we joined that night, they would waive the initiation fee. So we went on down to our first "mixer". It is very apparent that 1) we are way underdressed for the event - everyone else is in cocktail attire 2) most people are already members and are just there for the free gourmet food and drinks 3) we are the youngest people there by a good 30 years. Who could resist - awesome tennis courts, beautiful golf course, empty heated pool. After seeing the crowd it all made sense why nothing ever seemed too crowded. We couldn't resist the offer and are now part of the elite of the IE. While all of our neighbors are out being tough guys on dirt bikes, throwing punches, and hanging at the tatoo and piercing parlors, we'll be kickin' it with grandma and grandpa at "The Club" . Of course our budget didn't allow for the private jet option on the membership.

The Super Suker

Meet Suki. She is just super cute but super trouble. She just graduated top of her class from Puppy School at PetCo. It's easy to be #1 when you are the only one in class. Rebecca and I adore her. Brian well.... let's just say he really loves ME (enough to let me get her).

All about Suki:

- She thinks she's a celebrity and stalks people until they pet her.

- People quickly learn, when petting her to keep a distance because she will inevitably PEE on them.

- She would chase flies and bugs all day if she could. She catches flies in mid-air and eats the - gross!

- She comes to my rescue all of the time for spiders - my hero eats them.

- She la-la-la-loves to cuddle in the morning.

- The rest of the day she want to be close but not touching.

- Suki is NOT a swimmer. She does not doggie paddle, but does slow power strokes and sinks.

- Suki is a proud owner of a doggie life jacket for kyacking and boating.

- Suki's got moves. She dances/jumps around on her back legs like crazy when I get home.

- Suki has a second home in P.V. when Brian has had enough. Thanks Mom!

Going to Utah

Brian and I are taking the kids to Utah for their spring break. They've never been to our old stomping grounds. We'll be in SLC for a week. If you were a 11-15 year old, what would be on your list of must dos?

My ideas so far:

- Park City
- Main Street
- Alpine Slides, if they are open

- Provo
- The Quarry

- Salt Lake
- Temple Square
- Concert (depending on who will be there)

- Boys stores -- Cabella's and Sportmans Warehouse

Where would you eat? Where are the best desserts?