25 Things You Never (kinda, maybe, sorta) Knew About Me

This is a little survey thing going around on Facebook and thought I'd share...

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Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people, then click publish.)

1. I am so much in love with Joe. He's my favorite and he's just plain awesome. And we are getting married in 2 weeks!!!!

2. I have bitten my nails since I was in the womb. Last year, one of my 2008 New Years' resolutions was to stop biting my nails. It actually lasted about 9 months. My best time yet! This year, I am going to last the whole year, though. Almost 2 months now so far, and counting. Do you think they have meetings for nailbiters? he he

3. I love the Twilight series. LOVE it. Really can't get enough of it. I even went to see the first movie, Twilight, in the theater 3 times. And yes, I know how old I am.

4. I never had a dog growing up. Not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but I finally got my first dog (Lucy Fur) at age 27 and am loving every second of it!!

5. I would like to write and publish a novel before I die.

6. After 16 years, Tim Robbins is still my favorite actor.

7. I accidentally slammed my sister's finger in our car door when I was about 6 years old. At least I THINK it was an accident. I don't really believe that, at age 6, I would maliciously plan and attack her finger.

8. I love to watch movies. All kinds. My favorites are The Shawshank Redemption, Braveheart, Love Actually, Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version), The Departed, The Red Violin, Crash, Bridget Jones movies, The Last Samurai, Boondock Saints, The Goonies, Someone Like You and The Fifth Element.

9. One of my absolute most favorite things to do is go camping. In fact...that's what Joe and I are doing for our honeymoon!

10. Joe and I have started hiking a lot recently. We decided to live in Phoenix right near the Phoenix Mountains Preserves because at the time we were thinking about living somewhere where we could spend a lot of time with our dog (we actually didn't have a dog yet). We FINALLY started going recently and it's just so much fun. I know the trails are right in the middle of the city, but there's actually a point where you hike up to the top of one of the summits and then start hiking down into a canyon-type area, and you can't hear a sound. You can actually see the Phoenix skyline off in the distance, but it's so silent and peaceful that it's almost eerie. I love that.

11. I hate talking on the phone. HATE it. And I work at a job where I am required to talk on the phone at least 3 hours every day.

12. I love music and think of myself as very musical. I play the guitar and piano and like to sing a little, too. I go through spurts every now and then when I will either play the guitar a lot, play the piano a lot, or do neither for a while. Right now, I'm starting to get in the piano phase again. I really need to keep at it, though, because some songs I used to be phenomenal at are now quite rusty.

13. I really want a Volvo. I have for years. I think the first time I really noticed them was when I first moved to Boston. There, every fifth or sixth car was a Volvo. They aren't very common in the southwest, so that's why I first took notice of them when I moved to New England. I really like the newer ones and I would LOVE to have one of the new C30's, but I really have a soft spot for the V70 (circa 1997). And I figure it's a fairly attainable goal...considering that every third and fourth car in Boston was either a Saab or a Porsche!

14. I would be a TERRIBLE actress.

15. I have a serious fear that Joe and I are going to lose our jobs. The way things are going right now, I'm actually terrified of it.

16. I love tuna casserole with a side of sweet peas.

17. I get really messy sometimes, but in an organized way (if that makes sense).

18. Sometimes I don't make sense.

19. I recorded about 11 tracks in a studio while I was living in Boston, and about 5 or 6 of them were originals. That was so much fun! I really want to do that again as some point.

20. I love graphic design. I'm not phenomenal by any means and am still learning, but I love it and really wish that I could possibly own my own design business one day.

21. I really miss Cheers and The Hampshire House. A lot. The people I worked with there really became a sort of "family" for me while I was living in the northeast. There is such a huge place in my heart for all of them.

22. We had a cat, Noodles, when I was 7 years old. After about 6 months (give or take a few) it ran away.

23. I want to travel more. I really want to go to Oregon this year. I also want to go to Alaska someday. I would also like to (finally) take a trip back East again. We haven't been able to go back since moving to Arizona. Also, Joe's never been to California, so we're definitely going to take a trip there. Outside the United States, the places I'd most like to see are Santorini (and really all of Greece), Italy, the British Isles, South America (in particular Iguazu Falls), Canada, and Australia and pretty much anywhere in the South Pacific.

24. I love to read. Pretty much just fiction. Especially women's fiction (i.e. "girlie books" that usually some in a bright pink, blue or purple color) and suspense (i.e. anything by James Patterson or Dennis Lehane). I know that I should be more interested in non fiction books, current events books, and the like. But at the end of the day, I'd much rather lose myself in someone else's imaginary worlds. My favorites are The Alchemist, The Giver, The Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice, the Twilight series, and pretty much anything by Dennis Lehane, James Patterson and Marian Keyes.

25. That deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball.

the cardinals

I don't even like football.

Not even slightly.

But GO CARDINALS!!

First time to the Super Bowl..........................EVER!!!

and a partridge in a pear tree

'Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the house

That we decided it was time to decorate the house;

[And yes, my dear friends, I am very aware

That I used the same word to rhyme just there]

The boxes from the attic were stacked on the floor

Full of ornaments, garlands and treasures galore;

So we opened the boxes and started to scratch our heads

Thinking to ourselves, "Man...I hope Lucy doesn't rip everything to shreds"

It was no time to settle down for a long winter's nap,

In a silly little kerchief or nappy old cap,

There was so much to be done, when we heard a loud splatter,

So we sprang from the room to see what was the matter.

In the corner of the kitchen in a big heaping stash,

Was crazy Princess Lucy ravaging the trash.

So we stuck her outside to play in the snow

Just kidding, it was dirt (just rubbing it in a little for those in the North East, you know)

Then we ran back upstairs to resume the tree adorning

Because what we had begun couldn't wait till the morning.

So we hung all the ornaments with care on the tree,

Shiny and precious little relics of holidays past, there for all to see.

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,

It was Santa with his sleigh, plus a throng of reindeer!

Just kidding. Come on! Santa doesn't fly until Christmas Eve!

What we saw was a tree decorated like you wouldn't believe!!!


More rapid than eagles came Alanna with the angel she made

(Out of paper plates and crayons in either first or second grade)

And she placed it at the very tip top of the tree

And then all we could say was "Oooh," "Ahhh", and "Eeeee!"

And then, in a twinkling, we rushed to the table

To gather the gingerbread and sweets to see if we were able

To make candied houses to leave on display

For our family and friends to see on Christmas Day.

We started by icing all the walls together,

Hoping that the end result would look a whole lot better;

With bowls of different candies and sweets of all kinds,

We were definitely having a lovely, grand time!

The icing was sticky and it was a very tempting feat

To decorate gingerbread houses from such yummy sweets!

But one by one we finished the walls and the roofs

And, in the end, the sweets? Well......we only ate a FEW. :o)

Then we let Lucy back in and patted her little round belly,

That shook (when she sniffed the candy) like a bowlful of jelly.

Then we stopped to relax and enjoy and play

Excited about what was in store for us on Christmas Day.

So we finished our gingerbread houses with care;

And, yes, Joe helped, too! (Just thought I would share).

With the tree all adorned and our ginger houses drying

There was no time for fear, or anger or crying.

It was time to relax and enjoy the time together.

And once Christmas was here (believe it or not), it would be better!

Because we would all be surrounded by family, friends and love -

The gifts sent to us from the Father above.

So during this Christmastime, no matter how near or far,

Just remember how so very special you are.

And to those who are far from us on Christmas Eve

Remember that good comes to all who believe.

And we hope all the best hopes and wishes for you

And, if you believe, they just might come true!

So with Christmas tomorrow and Santa on his sleigh

We will finish this rhyme without further delay

And just say that we hope you are all happy and aware

That we are sending you our thoughts, and love, and care.

And now we say to you all, as we turn off the lights,

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

I Love lazy Sunday mornings

Today we woke up around 10am, relaxed and played with Lucy for about an hour before we decided to go for a bike ride. Our route lately is to head East on Northern Ave, turn right onto 16th street (south) and ride to the intersection of Glendale Ave where we hop on the Arizona Grand Canal Pathway. Once on the canal paths we head northwest back to Northern Ave , make a U-turn (flip a bitch) and follow the canal path back up on the opposite side of the AZ Grand Canal to 16th Street, make a left, and follow it north back to Northern Ave, make another left onto Northern heading east back to Bella Vista. Here's some shots from this mornings ride. Note the lovely scenery, including the gang related graffiti.

wedding update

Doing the invitations was a very interesting process.

Turns out that I don't have very good reading comprehension because I read up on exactly how to formally address wedding invitations and even explained the process to Joe and Alanna....and then threw caution to the wind only to realize about 20 invitations into it, that I had been doing them all incorrectly. They looked fine, of course...but were incorrect, nonetheless (according to wedding invitation etiquette).

To those who receive the erroneous invites, you will probably know who you are. And I take full responsibility and admit that Joe and Alanna did everything perfectly. Enough said.

The whole process was a lot of fun, though. And it made me realize how much there still is to do!! My mom, sister and I went to meet with the florist earlier in the week, so that's underway (and I'm SO EXCITED to see what she puts together with our flower choices!!!!). But there are still some things left undone. Once Christmas comes and goes (as it always seems to do so quickly!), then we'll be getting more in gear for the preparations.




I am really looking forward to seeing all the friends and family who are able to join us for our special day. It will be so much fun!!!

just checking in...

Greetings everyone!!

1. To those affected by the crazy weather in the Northeast, you are probably not even able to read this right now because you are without power (if you don't know what I'm talking about, click here). So even though you may not even be able to see this post, just know that our thoughts are with you as you have to deal with the lack of electricity, lack of heat and lack of all other things that are a Northeastern necessity during the winter months. Seriously, for the sake of all that is holy, I pray that the power situation is resolved soon. It's just terrible that this has happened during wintertime. Keep us posted!
2. I can't resist one more minute gone by without mentioning Twilight. Joe, Alanna and I went to see it on opening day and I wanted to talk about it right away, but wanted to wait. One reason is that I wanted to see the movie a second time, because that first time all I was noticing were the things that were different from the book. So, yes...the dork that I am...went to see it again. Joe actually went, too! I asked him many times if he wanted to see anything else other than Twilight and he just said "no"....only later did I find out that he only went to see it again to be supportive of my crazy obsession. He's so great, isn't he?? Anyway, we saw it again and I really liked it better because I could look at it more objectively. I know a lot of people gave it mixed reviews, but I liked it a lot. I think they did a really good job in selecting the actors and thought that everything they added just made the story really come alive. Yes, I may be crazy and should just stop talking about it already, but I just really enjoyed these books. And I hope that if they make a sequel, it's as well done as the first movie.
3. My friend, Lindsay, just had baby twins this past Sunday - Boston and Teagan. I am so thankful that everything has been going well for them. Her pregnancy started off a little rocky and there were many health concerns, but all is well. They have even posted some really precious pictures of the little ones, so take a gander if you are so inclined. I am just so happy that the family is finally all together and that mom and babies are doing well. Congratulations, Lindsay and Michael!!
   
4. Work is good. It's definitely been an adjustment, learning a new occupation, and I'm not 100% certain how it will all turn out. But for now, it's keeping me busy and keeping our bills paid, which is definitely something that not everyone can say right during this economic time. So, for having a job and roof over my head, I am definitely thankful. And I'm working overtime tomorrow which isn't really the first thing I think of doing on a Saturday morning, but will definitely help us out a little more, especially during the holidays!
   
5. The wedding is coming along like the little engine that could. The invitations just came in, so that is our big project for the weekend. Exciting!!! As for everything else, Joe and I are probably the biggest procrastinators in the universe (what a pair!!), so it's all coming together slowly. But it will be perfect. Normally I'm easily stressed out about big things, but right now I'm just excited and happy and I'm sure that everything will come together just fine.
6. Last, but not least, and update on Joey 3 Kidney Man! The Good News = he's healthy. It's been 2 months (time flies!!) since the transplant and all is well. He's doing fantastic and has never felt better. They are even starting to reduce and get rid of some of his prescriptions because his health keeps improving. And we got each other bikes for Christmas (see pictures here) and have been riding every day, so BOTH of us are more on the health track. The Bad News = Joe has to go back to work on Monday. (although, it's not terrible, because at least he'll be getting a full paycheck again). Plus, we'll be able to share in each other's misery again when we both get home from work every day and vent about how we wish we were independently wealthy and didn't have to go to work every day! (not holding our breath, though)

Hope all is well with everyone. Stay warm and safe this holiday season!!

Apache Lake Weekend

Joe, Lucy Fur and I went camping this past weekend. We decided to go out near Canyon Lake (Tortilla Flat, to be precise), because Joe took a drive out there with his family last month when they were in town. Turns out, the campground near Tortilla Flat was nowhere near the lake. We remember reading that there was a campground on Apache Lake, so we decided to drive a little further to that site. Well, the road ended and we were stuck on a steep and winding dirt road for about 20 miles. It was fun, but looooonnng! I know I'm a wimp and it was probably just a "bumpy road" to some, but I consider it off-roading a little bit. There was one point where we thought maybe we should turn around, but right after we rounded a corner, there it was. And the sites were right on the lake. It was so beautiful. Cold enough at night that you saw your breath when you stepped away from the fire. But it was gorgeous. And Lucy even had fun swimming in the lake. The water was freezing, but she didn't seem to mind. We want to go back!! Here's a little taste of what the weekend was like. Hope you enjoy...



And here's a video of Lucy playing in the water. She LOVED it! Once we got to the beach, she just started going in on her own. Then we threw some sticks in and she went and snatched them and swam back. We had her on a lead so she couldn't go too far, but she loved it! She's our little Beagle Retriever. [oh yeah...and just ignore my annoying voice.]