A Plethora of Thoughts

For such a blogaholic, I've really slacked this week! And I was on such a roll... disappointing. But for all you blog readers, know that I've been saying, "oh I need to blog about this!" all week. So this particular blog will be a hodgepodge of different thoughts I've had this week.

First I'd like to note how awesome it is to live in Arizona this week. I've discovered an entirely new appreciation for the city I live in. The weather has been fabulous. It gets cloudy and rainy for a day, then the next is crisp, clear, warm and picture perfect. I have found myself driving along and looking around at the scenery, as though it's my first time to notice things. For example... did you know that there is a certain spot on the 202 (at about 52nd Street) where you can clearly see Papago Peak, Camelback Mountain, and Squaw Peak all in a row and clearly recognize the distinctions between all of them? There have been a couple of moments this week where I would have like to have been able to take a picture of that, although I don't think the camera could capture the same mystique that I felt from the view I had. There was also a moment driving home on one of the rainy days last week that I encountered the largest rainbow I've ever seen. Again, I wished that I could have captured that moment on film, but it will forever be engrained in my brain. I did, however, pull out the camera for a couple other moments. I realize that taking pictures while driving is not the safest thing in the world, but be assured that I was either completely stopped or there were no other vehicles around.

The first picture is of the Simpsons cloud sky. Now that I'm looking at this picture, I'm noticing that it didn't quite translate (see that's why I didn't take a pic of the rainbow..) but overwhelmingly while I was stuck in traffic one afternoon, I kept thinking, "WOW, this is SO weird! I feel like I'm ACTUALLY in the opening of the Simpsons!"

Unfortunately, these pictures don't really do justice either, but as I was driving to and from my mom's today, I was noticing how very GREEN everything is. This is AZ people, so don't expect a freakin forest, but normally, these are all BROWN. No color whatsoever. Just the color of ugly rock and dirt. But today was different. There is green and yellow EVERYWHERE. Wildflowers abound! It was awesome. My mom lives in the foothills of South Mountain, appropriately named, the Ahwatukee Foothills. This rain has really done some awesome things! I was noticing when I drove past Club West (the golf course) that the winter rye is just LOVING the rain. I didn't take a pic of that because they only overseeded the actual fairways and greens - usually as a money saver and water conservation effort - so it looks fairly silly right now because the fairways are all super deep green, and the surrounding areas are a lovely shade of yellow-brown.

Yesterday I did my usual Saturday morning powerwalk, but I decided to take a slightly different route this time. While I was walking down 22nd St, I realized that I was looking at the building that John McCain lives in. Being the freak that I am, later in the day, I jumped in my car and clocked the distance between his condo and mine. Can you believe that I live exactly .6 miles away from a presidential candidate?? I have always known that, but it didn't dawn on me until yesterday. How many people can say they live less than a mile away from a presidential candidate? Not that many. This doesn't make me want to vote for him, but I thought it was kinda cool, nonetheless :) On a similar note, I also live within a mile from Amare Stoudemire. My 'hoods filled with ballers and that's just how I roll.

I know there are a bunch other things that I'm forgetting about right now, so hopefully I will remember and post in the next couple of days. But I will leave you with one last picture, just cuz it's freakin cute as can be. We went to the Matsuri festival downtown today. The food was awesome and the entertainment was great! Jonathan & Anika especially enjoyed the Taiko drums and were dancin to the beat. Okay, so maybe not to the beat, as they dance to beat of their OWN drummers, but they were hoppin around like it was their job and loved every minute of it! Check out Anika lookin precious in her kimono :)

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Stretching My Limits

If there's one thing I've learned by starting this blog, it's how much I truly love to write. I have always enjoyed writing but generally had a difficult time with creative writing, and for some reason discounted any desire to do any professional writing because of it. An unnecessary personal boundary that I set for myself, I suppose. I do, however, get excited to express my feelings, emotions, and experiences regarding personal victories and things I love. You've probably found some common themes among my posts already - kids, food, kids, and food. Those are the things I love most :) Someday I think I would like to write a book having to do with child development, social interaction and parental / childcare provider roles dealing with both. With consideration of the fact that I have no kids of my own, I do realize that might seem like a strange goal - and really, I use the term "goal" loosely - however, I think that I may be able to provide insight that would be helpful to first-time parents. My main challenge being: how do I get my audience to trust what I say? How do I create a rapport with perfect strangers?

I also enjoy cooking, but more importantly, I love eating, and I LOVE eating out! I am always looking for new places to go, new things to try, new experiences to excite the senses. (Lately, with more budget constraint... but I've enjoyed the challenge!) All of this being said, I was perusing Craig's List tonight and found an opportunity that I could NOT pass up. I have begun the process and am going to submit an assignment to be considered as a published review on local restaurant review site. The idea of having this opportunity conjures up feelings of both excitement and panic!

Who knows what this may lead to... it could be merely a hobby of mine... or maybe more!

I will keep you posted about my progress, and you'll certainly know if I get published!

A Beautiful Sunday

After a somewhat gloomy and cold Saturday, today couldn't have been more beautiful if I had special ordered it. This morning I did some power-walking and stopped at Einstein's for an order of lox & bagel, and then back home. I walked a total of three miles today! I decided this morning that although I am actually power-walking, I really wish that I was a runner. Unfortunately my knees don't share the same ambition. I just wish I could get that runner's high. Oh well.

This afternoon we took Jonathan & Anika for their first official theater experience and their first play. Childsplay is currently doing a production of Goodnight Moon. I know what you're thinking - if you know this book, you know it takes 30 seconds flat to read, because I'm not even sure that there are even 30 words in the entire book. However, this was an awesome production and I give it a five sippy cup rating. The set is colorful and creative and there are only 4 actors. I think what impressed me most about the experience though was the theater itself. The Tempe Center for the Arts is a brand new building. It's located right next to Tempe Town Lake and I believe this sidewalk pictured serves as a path all the way to the Tempe Beach Park. The kiddos thoroughly enjoyed the view of the "waterfalls." The architecture was incredible on the outside, and there are cool little details and features - including a negative edge pool set right outside of the lobby of the building, looking like it pours straight into the lake. The inside of the theater is even more incredible. Unfortunately they don't allow you to take pictures in the theater but if you get the chance to go, you MUST!

The little ones were enthralled with the performance and the surroundings. They were both having "Triple T" days (Terrible Two Tantrums) but we seemed to go in and come out unscathed. We ventured over to Mill Ave for where PF Chang's tried to put all of us (4 adults, 2 small children) at a small square table, clearly intended to be for only FOUR people. After mini-meltdowns in the middle of the restaurant, we quickly regrouped and decided to take the kids elsewhere before we ALL officially lost our minds.

We ended up making our way over to Z Teja's - another daring place to take small children, but we ended up with the best seat in the house - a large round booth in the corner! The food was fantastic, the company was delightful - ok, well, minus the 2-year olds staking their claim on their stuff. Everything is "MINE" and "NOOO" these days. You can see that I've captured their smiles while I could :)

Tomorrow is President's Day and I sure wish I had a 3-day weekend. Such is life. Tomorrow is supposed to get to 75 degrees. Perfect weather to play! It's a shame I'll be holed up in an office with no windows all day! To all who have tomorrow off - Enjoy it!

P.S. I looked at yesterday's blog and realized that I really need to give myself some lessons on formatting the ole blogaroo. I just published this one and checked out also, and I just don't get it! This formatting nonsense is going to make me mental! If anyone has any tips, feel free to share.

The Saturday Morning Lazys

After a long work week, and finally a complete recovery from the cold I had and the flu I battled on Sunday/Monday, it felt good to crawl into bed last night and not have to worry about setting my alarm or think about pressing things that needed to get done the next day. I slept better than I have slept in at least a month and I slept until 8 o'clock!! It was amazing. For the first time in months I woke up refreshed and stress-free! So for the past two hours I've been enjoying the laziness of the overcast, chilly morning by lounging in my pj's and enjoying my coffee and some sweet Saturday morning TV. Currently, an episode of Saved by the Bell is on in the background - the only thing better would be a 90210 marathon! As I sit and enjoy the thought of not having any commitments, obligations, or pressing errands to run until I go hang with Jonathan this evening, I figured I'd post some pics from dinner at the McMinn's!

I love how Taylor cracks up and gets so excited at just about anything! Even me! Lauren was takin a late nap when I arrived but she woke up smiley and ready to take pictures! I got a kick out of the grapefruits from the mystery tree at the elder McMinn home - they were as big as Laurens head!

We had a delicious dinner from Wayne & Heather's fave Mexican joint down the road, and had a great time! (Thanks for letting me crash your Valentine's dinner, guys!)

It was definitely entertaining, watching the babies play, then after dinner having a lesson about oragami vs. kama sutra - there is a difference, as Wayne learned - probably one of the top 10 funniest moments ever.

Lauren got a head start on practicing to be on a future edition of "America's Next Top Model" by finding my heels and walking around in them. She may even walk in them better than I do, and they are 87 sizes too big for her... and on the wrong feet. But it was an awesome photo-op, nonetheless.

Last night I went to Beni's after work and got to see her new car! A hybrid Toyota Prius - super cute and tiny, yet surprisingly spacious, and completly space-age! She only got it because in AZ there's a special license plate that you can get to drive in the HOV lane, and it's one of just a few cars that you have to have to get the plate. Literally, that's the only reason she got it. She's used to driving a tank (Nissan Armada) so I told her although it will be an adjustment to be on the ground, she's gonna totally love the savings in gas!

We rode in the new car to meet up with the Dieters and we had another Benihana dinner to celebrate Steve's birthday. He's 39 as of yesterday and said he was depressed because he spent the day interviewing 18 year olds. But it couldn't have been TOO bad because last week he had a 3-day company picnic in DISNEYLAND and yesterday because it was Friday, they brought in Mexcian Food and Margarita Machines for Happy Hour.

He was even telling us that the "Google Doctor" - yeah, they even have a doctor ONSITE with FREE medical care - had to give him clearance to return to work yesterday because his pink eye was no longer contagious. His was the second confirmed case in the office, so they had a cleaning crew come sanitize the entire office. Including taking all of the covers of the blueberry beanbag chairs. That's right, you heard me. Why don't they do that in schools?? I was discussing how totally addicted to all things Google (Google Reader, Google Analytics, iGoogle, Gmail, THIS BLOG) last night, when I realized, I'm even more in awe of hearing what it's like to WORK there! If you ever get the chance, DO IT! You won't regret it. That's the impression I get, anyway...

And now back to my chill Saturday... :)

Valentine Madness, A Fab Quesadilla, Sarcasm and More

This post is filled with lots of randomness that made up a wacky Wednesday, so stick with me:

Topic #1: I was driving home from work when I noticed stands with people selling Valentine items on EVERY street corner. I kid you not, people - every single street corner. It seems as though they all have the exact same ginormous white teddy bears with huge "gift sets", lots of balloons, and other valentiney trinkets. My thought was, "Where does all of this stuff COME from?? How do they know where to buy it? And what on earth do they all do with it if it does not sell??" So I'm really hoping that tomorrow I receive one of the mylar balloons that reads, "Te Amo."

Topic #2: I checked my mail when I got home and in addition to receiving valentine cards from both my mom and Paige (both of which totally made me misty), I also received - not one, but TWO coupons for free meals from a place called Zoe's Kitchen, which I thoroughly enjoy and often eat there for lunch or dinner, as there are locations near both my home and office. The funny thing is that both of these coupons are addressed to "Sandra Burau" WHO? Exactly.

Topic #3: I decided to actually USE one of my coupons tonight, because, well I'm feeling super lazy and didn't want to cook! Plus, I'm single, and I CAN. :) I decided to order something different tonight, just to mix it up, and I ordered the Chicken Quesadilla. But this is no ordinary quesadilla - no... This quesadilla is filled with grilled chicken, spinach, scallions & feta and it is FAB-U-LOUS. It's not as ooey gooey cheesy as a normal quesadilla, but it is a wonderfully tasty and healthy alternative for those of us who are trying to cut the calories. I kinda wanna give whoever invented this little creation a big fat kiss on the mouth. Also - if you are to ever visit Zoe's Kitchen and are NOT neccessarily watching your calories - they have AMAZING texas sheet cake. Totally "O" worthy.

Topic #4: Ok so this one is super random. When I got back in the car to bring my dinner home and eat, Alice Cooper's radio show was just beginning. The promo that runs when they start his show says, "Here he is, the guy who puts the 'casm' in 'sarcasm', Alice Cooper" WHA...??? I was still in the parking lot, thank goodness, because I totally hit the brakes, looked at the tuner, and said to the radio announcer (as if he was listening to me), "WTF?!" Hey, if Alice puts the 'casm' in sarcasm, then it's safe to say that I put the 'der' in 'wonderful'. Yeah, that's right.

Topic #5: Big Brother. Another ridiculous reality show that has been on forever and there's something damn alluring about it. It's sort of Real World meets Survivor. There's a new twist this year. I missed the premiere, but I watched tonight's episode. It's called "Big Brother: 'Til Death Do Us Part". Everyone is coupled up with a "soulmate" which is there partner for the rest time in the house, and they get evicted as a couple. The twist is that there is a REAL couple in the house - tonight each of the couple's soulmates found out. Should be riveting. I know what you people are thinking - it's a good thing I don't have cable!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day - aka - Singles Awareness Day, or SAD. I'm not gonna be sad, because the McMinn's invited me over for dinner, so I think I'll venture out to Western New Mexico to hang with Heather, Wayne, and the girls tomorrow night!

KooKooRoo & Another GP Too

So I have this other guilty pleasure... well, it's more of a secret guilty pleasure... and I hesitate to call it a guilty pleasure, as that may provoke the wrong emotions. Especially given my current state of distress, I enjoy escaping my own realities by indulging in others'. Seems easier that way, right? That's where my love for reality TV comes in. The Hills, anyone? A few months ago I came across The Ross Blog - it's a combo video/written blog by Ross Matthews aka Ross The Intern from The Tonight Show. Ok, so before you fill your heads with all sorts of judgements regarding my sanity - hear me out. Putting aside his often-obnoxious squeals, and his always-flaming personality, I get a total kick out of this guy. He's HONEST. What more could you ask for? He has a couple of posts regarding the restaurant KooKooRoo that absolutely cracked me up and made me laugh out loud. Here's the thing... he says the things that we are all THINKING. If you get a chance, and have some patience and possibly the ability to filter the high pitched notes out of his voice, I highly recommend that you check it out.

I would like to note... KooKooRoo is a fast food restaurant in LA. They pride themselves on being healthy - which it totally is. It's the ultimate post-gym meal, for sure. It's totally LA. I had the pleasure of dining at their Beverly Hills location on Beverly Drive in November on my 24 hour passport adventure. Which, incidently, didn't even get a Mexican stamp to show for the work I went through for the damn thing! Lame. Anyway - I had the chicken ceasar from KooKooRoo and it freakin rocked my world. I have been craving that salad every day since.

It should also be stated that KooKooRoo is where the superbuff personal trainer gave me his card and told me I was one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen... which I'm still convinced was his line for, "I'm a personal trainer and you look like you could use one. Give me a call and if you shell out thousands of dollars, I MIGHT be able to whip you into shape." In his defense, he DID ask me if I wanted to go to dinner and suggested if I'm ever in LA again that I should look him up. If YOU are ever in LA, check out KooKooRoo - and maybe I'll get you in touch with Jeff the trainer ;)

My Newest Guilty Pleasure

So for Christmas, Rosemary gave me a little gift set from Bath & Body Works that contained a mini bottle of shower gel, a mini bottle of body spray, and this lip gloss. It's called Cinnamint Mentha Lip Shine. Here's an exact quote from the tube, "Our Cinnamon and Mint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Cinnamon and Peppermint oil give long lasting freshness." I couldn't have said it better myself. Me? A girlie girl? Notsomuch. I'm always forgetting to do things that most girls live to do like - lotion regularly, put jewelry on, and even put lip gloss on. This lip balm has completely reformed me...when it comes to lip gloss, anyway. I totally dig it. I have used it every day since I got it. It even replaces the need for breath mints or gum. It gives you the right pick-me-up right before a meeting at work, or out on the town. It's my newest guilty pleasure - right up there with reality TV :)

For the Record...

I communicated with Mike yesterday via text. It went a little something like this.... Me: "do you want your painting back?" Mike: "no you can keep it" Me: "thanks." Mike: "youre welcome"

Holy Hell this blows. But I think he caught my drift.

So everybody knows - I won't be posting EVERY moment like this, but I was feeling like I had done something wrong because I talked to him after I said I would never talk to him again. I think the briefness and the uncharacteristically basic nature of our texts prove that the point has been made and taken.

A couple other random thoughts - a) Heather, you're turning me into a blogamaniac. Seriously. and Two) I never knew that anyone other than Heather actually read my blog until this week.

Thirsty Thursday...or Not.

It's Thursday and it feels like it should be Saturday. I could totally use a drink - or three - today. But alas, I shall be the responsible Auntie and pick up Jonathan from school and take him home, feed him, bathe him, and put him to bed. Okay, so maybe it's the responsible side of me, or perhaps it's the fact that if I don't, I know his mother would decapitate me. I hear he has tumbling this afternoon, which means he will be extra tired and foul. Luckily, I love him to death and even though I'd like a glass of wine, I'd rather spend time with him when he's cranky than most anything else.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and like millions of other Catholics (most of whom go 3 times a year - Christmas, Ash Wednesday, and Easter Sunday - a concept I have never understood because it's not like those are the only days that "count"), I went to Mass last night to get my ashes. This is the first time I've participated in a few years as I strayed for a bit. It was kind of nice. People have asked what I'm giving up for Lent - I don't really do the whole giving up thing - I usually do things to better myself. But then last night while listening to the homily, the Catholic guilt set in. If I'm not willing to make a personal sacrifice for the duration of Lent, then how deep could my faith possibly be? I don't really buy into the whole "I give up ice cream for Lent" or that sort of thing. I guess I just haven't found anything that would be meaningful enough to even consider. Carlie said I should give up something crazy. I don't think I'll publish what I blurted out in response - but let's just say, it was not an appropriate thing for a single Catholic girl to be saying. And to that I say - Whatever.

That's it for now - off to the 'tuke to pick up the boy from school.

Super Two-fer Tuesday

Today's blog is a 2-in-1 deal. BONUS! :) Also, I voted today. Did you?

Heartache

You may or may not already know that this weekend was - by far - one of the hardest of my life. I wasn't sure if I should blog about this or not, but when I opened my planner this morning and read the quote-of-the-day, I knew I had to. "Never, 'for the sake of peace and quiet,' deny your own experience and convictions." I will try to keep it to a minimum, as I know this sort of thing gets old really fast. And for those of you who already know - bear with me.

Saturday morning Mike and I were making plans to get together and I asked if he wanted to do something after the Super Bowl - figuring that, being the big football fan that he is, he would be watching the game. He then tells me that he is going snowboarding and conveys his excitement about it. My reaction was, naturally, "wow! On Super Bowl Sunday? Well, that should be fun." All the while, the thought in the back of my mind is how odd it is that he is going snowboarding on SUPER BOWL SUNDAY - one of the biggest days in the lives of sports fans in America. After asking about when he would be back he tells me that he's actually taken Monday off and will not return until Monday night. "Oh wow, that WILL be fun then! Who are you going with?" And with little hesitation he replies, "Yeah I'm super stoked. Do you really want to know? *1 second pause* With my ex." Enter fist into my gut. Thoughts start racing through my head, many involving numerous explicitives. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!

After picking my jaw up off the floor, remembering to breathe again, and virtually throwing up all over myself, I respond by telling him exactly how I feel. For those of you who don't know, Mike & I were not in a committed relationship. He could never commit to me. He & I were awesome friends though. We had a blast together every time we hung out, whether it was hanging out at home and cooking dinner, going out to a bar for drinks or going to an art festival - it was ALWAYS a blast. We also talked to eachother more frequently than I do any of my other friends. He was one of my best friends.

So after telling him what I thought about exactly what it is he's doing to me - and I didn't hold back like I normally would - I had to tell him that this was it. I would never talk to him again. Those were the hardest things I have ever had to say to someone. I stalled by filling in with other things, including, "I cared about you and loved you and you made me happy" in hopes that he would try to fight me over this. But he didn't. He let me go. He was so okay with it. SO okay with it. I wanted to be right in front of him grab him, shake him and scream, "Do you even KNOW what you are doing right now??!" But I wasn't in front of him, and I couldn't do that, and he didn't react. So that was it. I just lost one of my best friends - and the love of my life. Just like that. It seemed so... drastic. I knew it's what had to happen, otherwise this would be a continuous cycle of negative emotion and lead to an unhealthy relationship.

So, naturally, Saturday was filled with sobs - Sunday some tears - and Monday some mists. Today has been significantly better. However, my heart hurts. It genuinely aches. It hits me more at the moments when I would normally pick up the phone and text or call him for those, "guess what just happened" moments. I reached for the phone instinctively yesterday and thought, "Shit, I can't do that. Damnit." I'm sure I'll have those moments for a long time. I wish I could hate him, because it would make things so much easier. But the truth is, he IS a good guy, I love him very much, he was a great friend, and my life has been a happier place because of him. I will always be thankful for the time I was able to spend with him and I will miss him very much. We'll leave it at that for now.


Thank God for Baby Love

So this weekend was the first of what may be many 2024 PREunions... aka 2-year old Sunday Fun Day in the Park. Yeah, I'm super cheesy like that - get off me. You would think I have kids of my own with the amount pics I have of the wee ones, but I don't. I'm just an auntie, a cousin, and a crazy friend who loves the tot population. I have never needed that unconditional baby love more than Sunday, so the timing was perfect. I was a total wreck, but they didn't care. Trevor didn't make it because he has a cold, but the others all came out and played there little hearts out. The weather was unseasonably cold for Arizona and slightly misty out - so we all look like we're on the East Coast. But all in all, it was a success and I think we're gonna make it a regular event.

Pictured on the left are Lauren & Reagan. They are two days apart and became fast friends. It was super cute. Lauren's got a big "cheese" going!





Anika has the red hat on and, incidently - she screams every time she sees me! That can't be a good sign...



Also pictured are Jen, Jonathan, Anika, and Rosemary having some snacks.

Reagan is the queen of the sneaky looks - and dirty looks too! I think she gets those from her Daddy....







I have to say one thing before ending this blog... I have the best friends in the whole world. Everyone has been so incredibly understanding and supportive of me. This has been by far one of the hardest things I have ever gone through - and I've been through a lot. I was nervous at first to tell anyone because a) I feel like a fool and b) I thought people would think I was crazy because Mike and I weren't even in a committed relationship. But nobody has questioned that - and they have not questioned my love for him, nor have they discounted the respect that I have for him for telling me. As I told him, it certainly doesn't make it right and I DO wish that he said something sooner - and well, not tried to plan something with ME when he was going snowboarding with HER, but I certainly can't fault him for telling me the truth.

If I've learned one thing in the past week, it's that life is what you make it. My heart was shattered into a thousand pieces on Saturday. I could have let it ruin me. But I'm not. And I won't. I will miss him and I will always have a place in my heart for him - but I will not be bitter and I WILL move on... I don't know when, but I will.

A little too...Larry?

I looked at my blog last week and I thought, "how Larry King Live of me." So I need some feedback. Is my blog, oh I don't know, a little too...Larry?

I am just using the template and maybe once I get the laptop with the WIFI, I will get more adventurous and put some creativity into the ole blogaroo - but until then... I guess this will do.

I have much to blog about, but not much time at the moment. It was an eventful weekend, and unfortunately, not entirely positive - or so my heart tells me right now. Check back tomorrow for some updates and a few thoughts and reflections. (I will try to include some pictures too!)

Tomorrow's Super Tuesday, people - get out and vote if you are able and haven't already. I think this 2008 election will be one of the most important elections of all time, given the state of our government and our economy. I don't even care who you vote for at this point, just do it.