Busy Bee!

Sorry it's taking forever to give the details about my Long Beach trip. I have been so busy experimenting with my hair, playing with my new (PINK!) hard drive, and sneezing every second. Oh, and of course catching up on my Tivo. God, I spend too much time watching tv, but I simply cannot help myself.

Here's a list of my top recorded shows:

• American Idol (GO DAVID COOK!)
• America's Next Top Model (YAY Whitney!)
• The Bachelor/Bachelorette (My boyfriend's favorite show..I'm serious)
• Dancing with the Stars (Soon to be So You Think You Can Dance - my ALL TIME favorite show!!!)
• Gossip Girl (Did I miss out on something in high school, or is New York just insane?)
• Grey's Anatomy (I LOVE Izzy's new hair)
• Intervention (Don't do drugs)
• LOST! (My body aches after watching this show because I hold my breath and tighten every muscle in my body for the entire hour)
• One Tree Hill (I cry at least once during every episode)
• The Hills (because it's addicting.)

Oh my gosh, I didn't even realize I watched that much tv. I need a hobby.

2007 Heaven

2007 was one of the best years I've had in a long time. It was the first year that I finally started feeling like a "grown-up". Thank you to everyone for coming to visit and making my life a little more interesting! Xoxo

January

• Celebrated New Years at a fancy hotel party in San Diego, and another night at the Top of the Hyatt.

• Joanna came to visit and we went wine tasting all over SLO and Paso Robles.

• Spent a week in Honolulu, Hawaii for Heather's 23rd birthday. True Paradise with a true friend.

• Ended a 1.5 year relationship with Tim.

• Tucked my broken heart into bed and cried and cried.

February

• Asked Stephen out for a drink (via email) - the greatest move I've ever made

• Spent a non-traditional Valentines day with Mark and Dobber at Marti's. (haven't been there since!)

• Stephen said he thought about me when he saw avocados on sale at Food-4-Less - he put one in my mailbox at work.

March

• Girls weekend getaway in VEGAS! Ate lots of crap, made boys fall in love, and wore the most uncomfortable and gorgeous shoes of all time. Vegas Cheetahs!

• Watched 200 episodes of LOST with Stephen. Lots of nervous laughter, awkward kissies, and butterflies.

• Long Beach vacation to see my Helya. Experienced Roscoe's fried chicken for the first time!!

• St. Patti's day in Santa Barbara with Katie

• Going "steady"

April

• Walked 9 miles in the Big Sur Marathon with my Aunt Cathy.

• Had a baby animal party at the cottage with Surprise visit from Helya and a rickshaw ride home!

• Celebrated Easter with "Ducky" at the Elfin Forest.

• Interviewed and hired into a new position at work (S's idea!!) - more cash, private office, no lab work, much better!

May

• My mom, brother, and grandpa came to visit for the weekend. I think we'll make it an annual tradition!
  

• Drove to Tahoe to celebrate my Step-mom's 50th birthday.

• Weekend getaway with Stephen to celebrate my new career! We drove up highway 1, stayed the night in San Simeon and Monterey. We watched Kareoke, fed candy to the squirrels and birds, and had a lovely Cinco de Mayo at a mexican restaurant next to the ocean in Monterey.
  

June

• Drove to Mission Viejo to visit Joanna and meet all of her southern friends.

• Took Amtrak up to Palo Alto to meet up with Stephen after his week long class for work. We went swimming, out to dinner, and Pizza-my-heart!
  

July

• Spent the 4th of July on a blanket at a quiet park, snuggled up next to my prince. No fireworks this year, but I felt sparks.

• Helya came to visit! We went wine tasting, concert in the plaza, happy hour, pedicures. It was just what I needed!

• Quaint dinner party with Rachel and Scott!
  

• Motorbike rides to Avila Barn! (Goaty goat goat!)

• My family left Vacaville and moved to Bozeman, Montana. Weird!
  

August

• Stephen and I went to Chicago for the Lollapolooza music festival. Best. Vacation. Ever. Perfect hotel location, most amazing pizza of all time, beautiful city-scape, nice and happy people, late-nite bars, Walgreens, the "L", sangria, more pizza, a surprise necklace!! Let's not forget the music! Words can't express how wonderful this vacation was.

• Flew to Hawaii for a class for work. I stayed withe Heather and Ryan and managed to enjoy the Hawaiian beaches and warm water.

• Celebrated Stephen's 34th birthday. I ordered him a pizza pie from Chicago! Yes, STRAIGHT from Chicago (shipped on the belly of a plane).

September

• I flew to Bozeman, Montana to visit the fam for Labor Day weekend. It was such a cool town, with lots of character and plenty to see and do. We drove to Yellowstone National park in an hour, and my mom and I hiked up a mountain until we could no longer walk.
  

October

• Camping in Big Sur with my mountain man! I finally got to use the tent my dad got me for graduation. Unfortunately there were no camp-fires allowed, so we cooked dinner by flashlight, and went to bed early. We followed a bobcat on the trail to the beach, and spent a whole hour staring into the ocean. Oh, romance!

• I finally joined a gym! Not only was it time to start preventing my skin from getting flabby, but I needed a hobby! Kennedy offers dance and fun aerobics classes. It's money well spent.

• Made a spontaneous drive to Anaheim to see Blonde Redhead (Steve's favorite band) at the House of Blues. It was a glorious show!
  

• Annual Halloreunion with Cub, Pup, and Roo. We carved pumpkins, went out for drinks, and ate yummy pumpkin cake. I love baby animal parties!
  

November

• Work trip to LA. First time I ever stayed in a hotel by myself. For a week! GOSH I'm brave! Went to Hollywood with my friend Chris and experienced a little bit of rich and famous lifestyle....and I must say...love it but cannot live it! Helya came to visit one night too. Lucky me!

• Thanksgiving was spent housesitting for my ex-bosses mansion and 4 doggies. I cooked a miniature Thanksgiving dinner for S and I. We were living large for four days.

• So You Think You Can Dance show with Rachel in San Jose. The Cubden was very warm and welcoming - thanks for the best spagetti dinner EVER! and fun drunkenness at the pub. Woot!

December

• I turned 25! Steve took me out to Dorn's in Morro Bay for a romantic dinner. I felt so special! I finally feel like an adult. I'm starting to get this whole "real world" thing. I have a reliable car, a cute cottage, a dreamy boyfriend, an incredible career, no financial problems, and the best family and friends a girl could ever ask for. I realize I am very lucky, and I owe it to good karma or something...thanks to whoever/whatever is making my life go the way it is going..(knock on wood).

• 10 days off work for the Holidays! Steve and I went on a road trip all over Northern California and into Nevada. We stayed with his parents in Mountain Ranch for three nights, and I met all of his family! They were incredibly sweet and made me feel very welcome and loved. We also went to visit my dad and brother in Gardnerville. Steve got to see where I grew up and met more of my family for the first time. Then we drove to Danville to see my mom and aunt and her family. My cousins, Charisma and Serene, are the most well behaved, lovable, little ma'ams I have ever met. These girls make me want to have babies NOW.

• New years Eve was very wild and crazy - not the typical Steve-and-Jaime kind of night. I did get a smooch at midnight, and for the first time ever, I knew that kiss meant forever.

Autumn

Ten things I love about Autumn:
1. red trees
2. cool, crisp air
3. Thanksgiving vacation
4. snuggling in bed all weekend
5. peppermint mocha's
6. the sound the leaves make when you step on them
7. cute jackets
8. yummy comfort food
9. Halloreunion
10. holiday shopping

Ten reasons why I love Stephen:
1. he tells me I'm pretty
2. he holds me close all night long
3. he is understanding and patient
4. he watches The Bachelor with me
5. he has soft, warm skin
6. he washes my dishes after I cook for him
7. he takes me out for drinks
8. he holds my hand
9. he buys me corn
10. he appreciates me

Ten of my favorite places to be:
1. my cottage
2. the open road
3. a big city
4. asleep
5. Ralph's
6. Vienni vai
7. with my family
8. Long Beach with Helya
9. at an animal party
10. lounging in the sunshine

Worthwhile

Things that are worth the extra money:

- quality linens
- avocados (on everything)
- soft toilet paper
- a high-end digital camera (you won't be disapointed)
- easy-glide tampons (NT, cardboard!)
- 401k planning
- first class airplane ticket (so I hear)
- MAC makeup
- chocolate ganache new york cheesecake
- an incredibly cozy couch
- pants that actually fit
- Sensodyne toothpaste
- bunion regulators
- SYTYCD live show tickets!

Sometimes

Sometimes...

...I like to blast the ipod while cleaning the dishes
...loud music irritates me

...I get lonely even after being alone for only three hours
...I want to be left alone to make sure I'm still independent

...taking a shower is such an inconvenience
...a shower can wash away stress and fatigue

...silly movies are the perfect way to relax
...even a stupid movie will entertain when the cable is out

...cooking dinner makes me feel talented, powerful, peaceful, and happy all at the same time
...cooking dinner makes me nervous and tired

...I crave Roscos fried chicken
...I don't want to eat anything but veggies

...I can read a good book all night long
...reading bores me

...I wish I had better style
...I feel good about how I look

...I love my life
...I think I will love my life more in 5 years

GOOD FEELING

Life is wonderful!!!!!!

Things I currently LOVE:

- my JOB!!
- balsamic vinegrette salad dressing
- clean sheets
- HWY 1
- Stephen in glasses
- road trips around california
- Mondeo's pasta primavera
- Pizza-My-Heart!!
- coke zero
- emailing my loves at work
- Sufjan Stevens
- going on walks
- BevMo!
- sweet text messages
- warm weather!

2007

Well, it's 2007 and I feel fine. I spent the new year watching fireworks over the San Diego bay, after an enjoyable and semi-romantic weekend getaway with Tim. Now it is back to reality, and back to work. Blah. Lucky for me I am going to Hawaii in 17 days! There isn't much else going on in my life...so feel free to call me and spice it up a little.


Things I am looking forward to:
- wine tasting Sunday with Joanna
- wearing my new sweater
- getting my christmas present in the mail from my dad
- Rachel, grey geese, Gus, sushi? next weekend
- Hawaii
- LOST, February 7th!
- rainy weather, where are you?

Happy Holidays!

So I have to admit, the holiday season isn't so bad this year...so far. I had my doubts, but I've been enjoying the crisp weather, Christmas shopping, putting up decorations, and cozying up in my warm, festive studio. Today my Grandmama sent me some christmas kitchen towels, baked goodies, and a tree topper that added the perfect touch to my sanctuary. My mom came to visit a couple weeks ago to celebrate my birthday early, and it was THE best visit ever. It rained all weekend, but we had a blast anyway. When I got home from work she had my Christmas tree set up, presents underneath, and a stocked fridge! She gave me a really cool ipod speaker system so that I can play music throughout the room, and some new flannel sheets! We ordered CPK and had a relaxing night in, watching tv. Saturday we got up early and painted one of my walls a very calming, light brown color. It is very warm and inviting! We also went to Best Buy to get me a new tv because mine was on it's last leg. Originally, I was going to get a small normal tv, but she decided to go big and I got a 27inch flat screen sony! This is great because you all know how much I love to watch tv and movies. (Am I not supposed to admit to that?) We went wine tasting in paso robles to Bella Luna and Tobin James wineries. I even got to wax my own 72 dollar bottle of wine! :) Wahoo! After tasting we went out to Mothers for dinner and then snuggled up to Love Actually.

Other than that I've just been working and shopping. I went to Promega's holiday party at Steamers in Pismo, exhanged Christmas presents with Timo and went out for a nice dinner for my birthday, played secret santa at work, and mailed out all of my Christmas cards! I leave for Arizona on Saturday and will be there through the holiday til Dec 28th. I'll be going to San diego Saturday the 30th to watch a Chargers game with Timo (his Christmas present from me) and then we are celebrating New Years Eve downtown at the ....top of the Hyatt!!! ;)

Now it's time for GOOD vs BAD:

GOOD: winning a raffle prize at the company party
BAD: winning an extra large promega fleece as the prize

GOOD: buying loved ones gifts
BAD: having to mail them since I won't be with them for Christmas

GOOD: fancy cookies
BAD: no more fancy cookies

GOOD: a new TV
BAD: no dvd player

GOOD: fresh clean laundry
BAD: having to sneak into the next door apartments to do laundry

GOOD: Birthday cards
BAD: Christmas cards that say "Oh, and Happy Birthday"

GOOD: playing music at work
BAD: playing Weird Al Yankovich at work

GOOD: New Years Eve
BAD: New Years Eve without a smooch from Rach!

Smile!

Smile for:

• a new haircut
• Nine West boots
• a clean house
• red potatoes
• The Bachelor (and Grey's Anatomy, Lost, 6 Degrees...etc - I am a loser)
• spooning
• Tim in a german hat, smoking a cigar, while double fisting pints of beer.
  
• napping after work
• decorating for Halloweener
• lightning!
• Helya on Friday!
  
• Rach and Kara in two weeks!
• dancing to reggae
• Mr. 619
• face caresses
• costco
• my mariner

Frown for:

• TMJ
• TMJ medicine that gives me chronic heartburn
• working
• being cold
• dirty dishes
• laundromats
• waking up early
• belly aches
• heart ache
• missing my mama
• losing earrings
• lack of stores that sell quaint undies in SLO
• earthquakes in Hawaii scaring my Heatherbug
• bills
• not enough bills
• Bills

Yearn for:

• a massage
• hot springs
• Avila Barn
• my lovelies
• making out
• Skyy Melon
• vacation days
• golden trees
• wireless internet
  

"Don't wake me...

...I plan on sleeping in." I think The Postal Service wrote that song just for me. I love to sleep. Today (Wednesday) was the first day since Friday that I've had to be up early for work. So, all weekend I've enjoyed harmonious sleep. "Sleeping in" to me requires that I sleep past 9:00, but usually when I have the opportunity, I sleep as late as possible. Saturday I slept in til 11, Sunday till noon, and Monday till 1. Notice a trend? :) I love my life. Monday was amazing because I didn't have work (thank you Mr. President) so I stayed in my pajamas all day watching Nip/Tuck season 1, playing on my new ibook, and eating yummy food with Timo. He surprised me with these really pretty earrings that I told him I liked in a magazine a few weeks ago. It's thoughtful things like this that make me like him so much.

For Valentines Day he had me over to his house, and he answered the door dressed up in a shirt and tie, with candles lit all over his apartment. He was cooking dinner, and had the table set, and offered me some wine. It was the cutest thing ever. No one has ever put so much effort into making a sweet Vday for me. Thanks Tim! This weekend should be pretty fun. Sejal is coming from San Jose, and we always have a great time going out with her. Tim also might be having a friend come visit, this time a better one ;) It's Mardi Gras, so we are going downtown to show our boobies...just kidding. Mardi Gras 2003 is when Helya first corrupted me...but that's a good thing because I was a lame-ass prude. Thanks to her I am no longer with Adam (woot!), and I enjoy being social with my friends! She's my hero. So, it's our anniversary, and we are going to break out the vodka and skittles with a side of hookah. Friday will be just what I need after last weekend's debaucle.

My favorite things right now:

• Starbucks Hazelnut Mochas
• Tim's down comforter
• My new earrings
• Cuddling with Rachel while watching Grey's Anatomy
• Nip/Tuck
• my ibook
• my future wedding dress
• listening to Tim talk (Crazy!!)
  
• sleeping in