the daily moment

may 27

2009-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

for most of my 31 years, i've had a slender, athletic looking body that slightly resembled that of a 17 year old boy...

but NOW, i've got humps, lumps & curves galore. it is sooooooooooo cool.

plump rump? check!
lady lumps w/ cleavage!!??! check!
baby bump? check!

i think fergie said it best... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs4_-xKTDP0

may 26

2009-05-29T10:36:00.001-07:00

i believe they were called "yuppies" back in the 80's... those Young.Urban.Professionals who were often seen briskly walking through downtown in their power suits and reebok lace-ups.

well fast forward twenty-something years and here we are, breaking out the tennie's on our lunch break. we are well aware of the fact that this is a fashion DON'T, but there are somethings that you are willing to overlook when you can combine a) sunshine b) 2.5 miles of exercise c) a trader joe's run all within the course of an hour.

some call it a power hour, but we like to call it brilliant.

may 25

2009-05-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

week 23.

baby! you are the size of a large mango.
...and you do the tango in my belly.

hope you're having fun in there because you sure are starting to take up a lot of space.

loving you more than anything.

may 20

2009-05-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

music fascinates me. it has moved me ever since i was a little girl. so much is felt, expressed, and experienced through music. this is only amplified when you get the opportunity to see a band perform live, stripped of all remastering and editing.

tonight i got the pleasure of seeing rock-n-roll legends fleetwood mac. i have to say, for a bunch of 60 year olds these guys put on an AMAZING show. not only are they uber-talented musicians, but they are a group of rockstars who have had their highs & lows and have so much history and emotional attachment that it oozes from them.

couple of notes:
- lindsay buckingham and stevie nicks' history/chemistry/tension/torrid love for each other is insane.
- mick fleetwood is beyond rad & one of the best percussionists i've seen.
- stevie nicks has still got it.
- mick fleetwood is beyond rad...wait, did i already say that? i heart him.

seeing them really makes me wish i had been in the city during san francisco's musical hay-day. what a trip it must have been.

may 18

2009-05-21T15:00:00.002-07:00

week 23.

hi baby... you are now as heavy as a large mango... and if we could weigh you, you'd be one whole pound!

i swear that sometimes i can feel my tummy growing bigger, but it doesn't matter...it is so satisfying knowing that you're growing happily inside me. daddy and i feel you moving around a lot more and we can sometimes even see you moving and pushing from inside my tummy. it is crazy cool.

momma is still trying to stay active, but i'm starting to feel winded a lot sooner than i normally do. i can only imagine what's to come in the weeks ahead.

xoxo.

may 17

2009-05-21T15:00:00.001-07:00

i am a fan of street art. i think it takes imagination, skill, and the use of all sorts of creative thinking to execute correctly.

here is a wall down in the mission that made from cut paper that is then plastered to the brick wall. so intricate. so delicate. and a true exercise in both talent and patience. a testament to what can happen when the right side of your brain is unleashed.

may 16

2009-05-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

in a state as health conscious as california, it is good to see donuts making a bit of a resurgence.

i am all for wheatgrass and whole wheat bagels, but every once in a while you have to indulge your inner craving and enjoy the calorie-ridden goodness of a (enter favorite type of donut here) donut.

meet dynamo donut. http://dynamosf.com/ not your average old-fashion/sprinkles/sugar donut maker. these are "gourmet" donuts and are made with only the most fresh, organic, and local ingredients available. we missed maple bacon donut day, but we did sample FOUR of the daily flavors: meyer lemon huckleberry, vanilla bean, caramel/fleur de sel, and stawberries & creme. yikes...these were some tasty cakes, especially strawberries & creme. To top it off, they served stumptown coffee, which i found during my stay at the Ace Hotel- Portland. so good!!!http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/locations/ace

glutonous temptations and a really delicoius way to start your saturday morning.

may 12

2009-05-14T11:15:00.002-07:00

i'm down in LA today and got to spend the evening with cori and adam.

i happened to come across this piece of masking tape in the restroom of the restaurant we were having dinner at. i thought it was an odd place to be reminded of such a nice compliment.

i washed my hands, did a little primping, and walked out of the restroom feeling refreshed and confident, rocking my pregnancy glow.

you are beautiful.

...makes you smile doesn't it.

may 11

2009-05-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

week 22. spaghetti squash.

hi little guy. my little squash. my little squirmer. you are the coolest science experiement to ever happen to my body. you are moving around SO much now and even daddy can feel you do your karate chops.

they say if we could see inside my tummy that you'd look like a little human now. your eyes, nose, ears, etc are all in their right places and your tooth buds are even starting to form. you go little dude.

we love you.

may 10

2009-05-14T11:14:00.001-07:00

look at us... me and my godchild, in god's house.

can't you tell what a spiritual and guiding light i will be in little lyla's life?

it was quite an honor to be there as she was accepted into god's loving arms.
there was no crying or fussing. she was calm, cool, collected and looked GREAT in her christening gown.

godfather and i have big plans for this little one.

xoxo weewa.

may 4

2009-05-14T11:13:00.001-07:00

week 21. hello chiquita banana.

little dude is starting to wiggle around quite a bit these days. keith still can't feel the kicks, but i think he should start to feel the thumps any day now.

my tummy seems to be on an accelerated growth chart, but as of this moment (knock on wood) the cocoa butter seems to be doing its job and stretch marks have not yet made their debut.

i have officially taken the plunge and made a few maternity purchases... and YES world, i like to wear the elastic waste band up and over the belly. it makes me laugh every time.

may 3rd

2009-05-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

these little toes are broke.

at first, SOMEONE didn't remember HOW they got broken, but a quick x-ray down at the local ER confirmed that when you start drinking at 10am and don't come home until 3:30am the next morning you can indeed end up with broken body parts.

thankfully on monday, after the hangover subsided & with the help of some people who were with this person (who shall rename nameless) when the breaking of the toe occurred, the events of the evening were pieced back together again and will remain a vivid memory for the next four weeks while this person lives the life of elevating, icing, and wearing a hospital velcro bootie around town.

poor little toe.

april 29

2009-05-08T15:54:00.001-07:00

i took today's picture in honor of my mom.

today was her last day of radiation. this in itself is huge because it consumed her every day for six weeks, but more than that it signifies the end of the horrible journey she went through in order to recover from breast cancer.

momma, you did it!!! your strength, positivity, and sheer gut got you to this day.

you are my hero.

i got teary when i saw the sunset...it was almost like the heavens shined down and gave us a perfect sunset to mark how far you've come and to help you look forward to the beautiful days ahead.

april 28

2009-05-08T15:44:00.001-07:00

week 20.

we're at the HALF WAY point, folks!!! and we're dressing things up a little more from here on out. no more belly pictures of me in my p.j.'s... THAT is my promise to you.

belly continues to get rounder, and it is hard to tell here, but my belly button now pokes out on an all-the-time basis. i am trying as best i know how to embrace it and treat it as the latest & greatest accessory to have on your tummy, replacing the belly button piercing.

i also think my secret is out to the masses... i have moved beyond looking like i've sucked down a few too many slices of pizza and now officially look pregnant. the defining moment here was on a bus ride to work when two ladies both offered me their seat. it caught me off guard and i respectfully declined their sweet offer. i figure i should stand while i can because come a few months from now i'm going to be doing jedi-mind tricks on people to get them to give up their seats!

april 25

2009-05-08T15:14:00.001-07:00

i love weddings, but after having my own, i think i have learned to love them even more.

by going through the process you gain perspective and can fully appreciate the blood, sweat & tears that go into the planning, the creative details, and most importantly the mood, ambiance, and energy that the bride and groom want their day to entail.

each wedding is unique, yet they are all magical... which in turn makes me inevitably mushballish at each one that i attend. yes, mushballish.

congrats, carisa and eddie. your day was beautiful.

april 24

2009-05-08T15:12:00.001-07:00

...wow, what a day!!!

here is the first picture of our little BOY!!! little g is now officially a little dude!!!

keith and i spent the morning with phyllis, the ultrasound technician, going over each and every body part of our little baby to make sure everything was there and accounted for. it's absolutely amazing to see, and you just don't want the appointment to end. it is weird to think it's the last time we'll see our baby before he enters this crazy world!

rather than find out the sex while we were sitting in the room, we had phyllis write the baby's sex on a piece of paper and seal it all up in an envelope. we then drove as fast as we could to breakfast where we appointed our lovely waitress to open and read aloud the good news.

keith jumped out of his chair when he heard & i couldn't help but smile my biggest smile...my dream of having an oldest boy is going to come true!!!

april 21

2009-05-05T15:27:00.002-07:00

week 19.

meet my large heirloom tomato. i think little g sounds quite delicious.

joke for you...

"what did the momma tomato say to the baby tomato who was running behind her??"

momma g's tummy is becoming rounder by the day, but it makes me happier than a clam to know that a little somebody, who is going to be so special to us, is cooking away inside.

p.s.- momma tomato said, "ketchup...ketchup."

april 14

2009-05-05T15:26:00.001-07:00

week 18.

baby bell pepper.

just one more week until we know if we have a girl pepper or a boy pepper.

april 19

2009-05-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

nothing like a quick jump rope session to warm you up for a half marathon. there are athletes and then there is gio.

april 17

2009-05-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

meet bosco. aimee and i met this little pup as we sat outside of eastside west to enjoy some friday afternoon sun.

cutest dog with a rad owner, a sassy older lady (pixie haircut, tattoo on wrist, impeccably dressed) who stopped to chat and casually mentioned that she was just out picking up a couple bottles of wine, then drove away (with bosco sitting shotgun) in an all black sequoia.

aimee and i were 100% in awe and envy of the whole situation...we can only HOPE we'll be that cool when we grow up.

april 15

2009-05-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

today geenz and i walked home and as we crossed van ness we came across this pair of musical lovebirds.

perched atop a couple of newspaper stands he played his guitar while she watched intently, mesmerized by his every strum.

young, bleached blonde hair, acid washed jeans, great accessories, black jackets...totally rebellious and totally smitten with each other.

i couldn't pass them up without snapping a shot, so i hid in the bus shelter and captured their musical moment of love.

april 13

2009-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

in a city where parking is limited, people often opt for public transportation or a smaller, more convenient, vehicle to help get them from point a to point b.

vespas are my most favorite of these smaller modes of transportation. and if i only had enough confidence in maneuvering myself thru fast moving traffic with only a helmet to protect me, i might be the proud owner of one.... this PINK one that is named Buddy.

unfortunately, i am too much of a ninny and must just continue to ride around within my imagination on my make believe pink vespa that i look bad-ass on.

april 9

2009-04-14T11:56:00.002-07:00

whenever i wear black, i have to lint myself once i walk out of the house to make sure no kitty hair (or the littlest amount possible) comes to work with me.

this morning i noticed a little red thread had rolled itself off of me, onto the lint roller, and into the shape of a heart.

ahhhh, cute... right?

april 7

2009-04-14T11:56:00.001-07:00

week 17.

hello baby turnip.

you must definitely be picking up speed in your week to week growth because it seems like my belly is starting to get bigger and bigger every day.

still a few weeks away from finding out what you are... wish i could fast forward.

april 4

2009-04-14T11:54:00.001-07:00

it feels good to volunteer. especially when you volunteer for a cause that hits close to home, or in this case, a friend's home. and i feel lucky to have a group of friends who i can support and who support me thru the good, bad, and ugly.

megs and i got up at the crack of dawn this morning (5:30am on a saturday) to head down to kron studios to support dial-for-dollars, benefitting leukemia & lymphoma.

not only was it a memorable morning of funny-had-to-be-there type of incidents, but when we walked out of there after our shift we realized we raised over $1700 between the two of us!!

all that AND we got free donuts too!!!

april 2

2009-04-14T11:51:00.003-07:00

quick day-trip to LA for work turned into quite a delightful afternoon.

- got to go with cori to nicole miller to see her try on her wedding dress...she's going to look like a knock-out.

- had a delicious lunch with cori, jess & little baby harley

- topped it off with frozen yogurt from pinkberry...complete with white chocolate curls and all.

...more afternoons should be like this one.

april 1

2009-04-14T11:51:00.001-07:00

tonight geenz and i took a field trip (via public transportation) all the way down to mtn. view to hear heather armstrong, blogger of the popular dooce.com, do a reading from her new book... it sucked and then i cried.

i am happy to report that the author is just as witty, random, and funny in person as she is when she writes.

what took me by surprise and frightened me a little is the blog community that follows her. i like heather & think she is a make my belly hurt from laughing kind of writer but i do not classify myself (or gina) as part of the "fan club".

i mean, i love the support & enthusiasm they showed... and one can only wish that they could support a family from the revenue her blog and book have made, but some of these people were W-E-I-R-D. like spend too many hours online, intertwining themselves within interactive communities rather than branching out into the real world kind of weird.

but again, more kudos to heather and her band of weirdos because it was that fan club who just helped her book reach the NYTime's Bestsellers list...nice work.

march 31

2009-04-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

week 16.

yep, that's me. my growing tummy, and my very strawberry matching thermal pj's that i adore.

little g is the size of an avocado this week. this makes me very happy because that means i will most likely get to hear keith do a daily interpretation of bear grylls eating an avocado. it makes me laugh every time.

march 30

2009-04-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

for those of you who had the pleasure of knowing my grandma, you understand the countless reasons of why i hold her so near and dear to my heart.

today marks the four year anniversary of her leaving us to hang out in heaven, and although there isn't a day that goes by that i don't think of her, it is this day each year that i try to do something in her honor.

my grandma lived around the corner from a marie callendars and would walk over there on a regular basis to have herself a "frisco burger". she called the place mary pie and she ordered her burger with meat & cheese only. she's usually ate half and then opted for some delicious fudge sundae type dessert before walking the block and a half back to her house.

it's weird how just a few bites of this burger made it seem, if even for the moment, that she was here.

march 29

2009-04-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

being a bride is tough work because planning a wedding (sans help of an $$$ event planner) takes a lot of heart, organization and dedication.

it is all worth it when the big day arrives and all your hard works pays off in a wondrous togetherness of all your most favorite people in the world.

...another perk is the gifts that appear at showers and your doorstep. here is a peek at the lovely packages that will help transform barret and ashley's house into a home.

march 27

2009-04-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

suze and i took a quick trip to the mall today and were busy shuffling through the racks, doing our thing when i looked up and noticed miss sadie james hanging out at the accessories table...clearly doing her own thing.

it's pretty amazing that at 2 1/2 years old a little girl can have her own tastes in style and fashion...and from what i can tell sadie's got a definite eye for hot trends, stacked bangles are a hit!

march 24

2009-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

week 15.

APPLEbottom jeans, boots with the fuuuuuuuur, the whole club was lookin' at her...

i am not sure why that song came to mind, but you are the size of an apple this week.

the books say you can sense light right now. your daddy LOVES the thought of this, so much so that he wants to conduct an experiment...

he wants to flash a flashlight onto my belly to see if i can feel you squirm away from the light. not sure where you'll squirm to, but the thought of that is kind of funny.

march 23

2009-04-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

this is boo! she's a maine-coon (thank you nadine for knowing that!) and is probably one of the raddest gatos that i've ever known.

she's big and furry & a total spaz, but also totally shy around people she doesn't know. she gets spooked by the littlest thing but also likes to act big & tough. she plays fetch, she makes weird noises and sprints around the house, and loves to cuddle come nighttime.

she has a crush on keith. he's not much of a cat lover and chooses to rough-house with her like she's a dog... and she lets him. and whenever he's laying in bed reading a magazine, she loves to walk up and under the magazine so he has to pay attention to her. i caught him in a moment of rare cuddling and couldn't resist snapping a photo.

march 20

2009-04-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

i met tara for lunch today and was cracking up at the white paper signs that were posted everywhere in the thai restaurant.

it reads:

the economy is so bad!

save your money!

enjoy free first thai ice tea/ice coffee/hot tea

compliment of the owner

it's a very simple gesture but thai people are among the kindest, most thankful people that i know and i just couldn't get the image of this little thai owner man brainstorming a way to keep his patrons coming in to spend money, but to also give back to them as a thank you for sucking down pad thai in a SO BAD economy. too cute.

...thank you thai restaurant owner.

march 19

2009-04-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

i took a walk this morning and stumbled across what might be the longest game of hopscotch that i have ever seen.

this picture doesn't quite do it justice, but if you look into the distance you will notice that the chalk seems to infinitely continue.

i imagined the little ones who must have put hours of effort into creating this masterpiece. i wish i could have been there to see them hard at work and then filled with glee when it was finally complete and the hopscotching could begin.

and of course, i couldn't resist... but phew! was i winded by the end.

march 17

2009-04-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

week 14.
hey baby, we made it to the 2nd trimester! nice going.

they say it's smooth sailing from here... until some time in the 3rd trimester when you grow so big that you take over most of my insides and make me really uncomfy.
...but until then let's focus on the great things, like:

- i have more energy
- my eating habits are back under control
- i had to buy new pants because my belly is starting to become a bump
- boobs are growing!

and you're doing great things too! i think you can pee (kinda gross when you think about it) and you can suck your thumb now (pretty damn cute since you're only like 3 1/2 inches long!).

you're rad.

march 14

2009-04-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

okay... so CLEARLY i have become a victim of my January 1 post.
it is mid-march and what was a daily moment has slipped to be come more of a some time's moment.

please forgive me.

from here on out, posts will be more intermittent but just as wonderful a time waster as always.

march 13

2009-04-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

torture. beautiful, majestic, white fluffy torture.

i missed all but one day of last winter due to my two knee surgeries, and now i am missing this entire winter for the greater good of having a bun in the oven.

i get it, there will always be next winter (trust me, i am counting down the days), but for now just let me have my pity party.

i am in tahoe for a girls weekend away in a ski-in/out house. i can not ride. i can not sit in the lodge and drink the day away. i can not fully indulge in apre ski festivities. i can not sit in the hot tub and relax my muscles after spending all day on the mountain. i am basically useless up here.

after a few tears and a failed attempt to rent snow shoes, i decided that come hell or high water i was going to feel the snow under my feet. so there i went, on my own adventure... walking up the bunny hill past all the flailing beginners, past the chairlift drop-off and up the hill above it. i climbed and i climbed until i was out of breath, then i just sat...watching the people fly by me, and i smiled.

it wasn't my perfect day, but it did the trick. i just needed to feel that aliveness that only a day on the snow brings about.

march 12

2009-04-03T15:25:00.001-07:00

spring has not officially sprung, but those cute little tiny flowers that sprout up in patches are blooming!

...and that, along with this ridiculously nice weather we've been having are enough to make me say, "so long winter, helloooooo spring."

march 12

2009-03-16T11:02:00.001-07:00

i love thursdays for the sole reason of coming home to a clean home.

keith and i splurge to have our housekeeper come and work her magic on a weekly basis...it's a definite luxury, but one that i find really worth it.

clean sheets, a freshly made bed, and our mcrosky mattress make hitting the hay quite the treat.

ahhhh.....

march 11

2009-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

week 13. bye bye lime, hello baby lemon.

last week of my first trimester...adios to feeling icky at night and falling asleep before sunset. it also means chances for miscarriage drop significantly...good job baby, you made it!!

we also have started to tell everyone about you... people are thrilled and can't wait to meet you. right now most people think you are a baby girl, but a few people are betting pretty heavily that you're a boy...can't wait to find out AND...i can't wait to be your momma.

march 10

2009-03-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

for those of you who live and work in san francisco, you are familiar with loud, LOUD noise of the disaster alarm that sounds every tuesday at noon.

this annoying alarm system (see the 4 big speakers stacked on top of each other in the center of the columns) can be heard anywhere in the 7x7 miles that san francisco covers...and quite frankly i'm sure you can hear it from even further away. the alarm sounds at noon each tuesday and is supposed to be a testing of the system in case of an emergency.

...the thing is, what's the point? if there is a disastrous occurrence in the city won't we all know about it anyways? is the signaling of the alarm supposed to put us all at ease by confirming that whatever the heck just happened was indeed catastrophic? just weird.

but for now it will continue to serve its purpose as my cue that it's noon and that i should get out of the office and get some lunch.

march 9

2009-03-16T10:57:00.001-07:00

there is nothing better than that fresh, sexy, want-to-flip-my-hair-back-and-forth-lots-of-times feeling that you get after a great haircut.

i might be feeling chubby, and my clothes are definitely fitting tighter, but this evening you made me look and feel really pretty.

thanks girlfriend!

march 8

2009-03-16T10:54:00.002-07:00

i love springing forward. we may lose an hour of sleep but it is well worth it.

time was approximately 7:21pm when this picture was taken.

7:21pm and it is not pitch black...you gotta love daylight savings time.

it's this time of year that people start to come out of their winter hibernation... when they feel that there is a life to be had after work hours... you can feel the energy of people taking walks with friends, sitting outside at happy hour or dining al fresco.

it's spring... and the city is alive.

march 6

2009-03-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

this picture is a little much... i know.

not only am i very UN-tan right now, but i have a bump starting to protrude out of what was a fairly flat stomach not too long ago.

but here i am WEEK 12, with a little lime growing happily and steadily inside me.

...all 10 of my toes can still be seen and are accounted for. i wonder what week they will disappear.

march 5

2009-03-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

everyone needs inspiration...little bits of art, fashion, music, and miscellaneous bits that strike an inner chord and slowly weave their way into our lives.

to help keep track of the treasures that i find i keep an inspiration board above my nightstand. i start with an empty board at the beginning of the year and then collect and reflect over all the treasures that end up on the board.

every so often i will sit and take a closer look at what's made it on the board... some things have sentimental value, some clippings are of items i covet or desire, but most items end up being art, craft, or design based, and it is those items that inspire me most.

i think that is because the amount of creative talent in the world truly amazes me. and an individuals will and ability to express themselves and share that reflection of with the world is inspirational. we all have a creative side, but the confidence it takes to put yourself out there and make yourself vulnerable to both criticism and praise takes gusto.

gusto that more of us should have...

...gusto that i don't mind sharing in small groups but one day hope to share with the world.

march 4

2009-03-05T10:31:00.003-08:00

rob ryan is a talented artist based out of the uk who specializes in detailed and beyond amazing papercut works. i can only wish that i had the patience, eye for negative space, and exacto-knife skill that he must possess in order to do what he does.

i long to own an original papercut piece, but for now i have settled for two of his screenprinted tiles (waayyyyyyyyyy more affordable).

this is not one that i bought, but the little yellow egg on this one gave me a chuckle and made me smile on the inside because i too am going to have a baby.

to see more or shop for yourself visit rob here: http://www.misterrob.co.uk/

march 3

2009-03-05T10:31:00.001-08:00

sorry to scare you... but tonight i went to a "girlie party" at MAC and was transformed into some sort of half geisha-half hoochie looking version of myself.

unfortunately,this picture does not do justice to the caked-on-didness of the foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, bright pink blush combo that was layered on to my face.

it is also does not accentuate the deeply stained plumy matte-ness of the lipstick shade i was wearing.

i came home dying to see what wise comments keith would have to say about my new look and after bowing to me several times, saying "konichiwa" and calling me a geisha, he kindly asked if i would go down stares and transform back into his wife.

glad he likes the real version of me better because i'm not sure i could do this to myself on a daily basis...phew!

march 2

2009-03-05T10:29:00.001-08:00

keep calm and carry on. this slogan and graphic element was first created in london at the onset of world war ii and was meant to help maintain order and routine amongst the people in london.

this graphic image has resurfaced over the past couple of years and is quite fitting during these difficult times. lately i've seen it posted in homes, at work, in magazines, and in this case a storefront window.

i love it because whether it's a recession, lay-offs, breast cancer or just an all around crap day this sign quickly grounds you and gives you perspective and the gentle optimism to know that this too shall pass.

keep that in your back pocket for next time you need to talk yourself out of a panic attack.

to read more about the history of this click here: http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/pages/history

march 1

2009-03-05T10:28:00.001-08:00

many of you know that when i grow up i'd like to own a little shop that is part storefront (which would house an abundance of little treasures, paper goods, and inspirational crafts for people to purchase) and part creativity shop (where services such as custom invites, gift wrapping, etc) would be created.

this will happen...but until it does, i keep myself going by offering to do invitations and little projects for my friends who are having birthdays, weddings, or babies.

here is my latest project for one of my lovely lady friends who will be getting married this summer to the boy who has served as my older brother for the past 20 years or so.

these invites are for her bridal shower... and because i sometimes feel i share a brain with the bride i figured hot pink and hearts would make her smile.

february 28

2009-03-05T10:27:00.001-08:00

i walk through maritime plaza quite often, but just recently realized this statue of what appears to be a man sitting on a rock with his two chow-chows. i figured that maybe the statue was done as a tribute to an older chinese man whose daily routine included daily visits to the park to enjoy the sunshine and scenery with his two furry friends.

as a looked closer i realized the sign near the statue read GEORGIA O'KEEFE. i was baffled. why did they make the talented painter look like a shriveled up old man? and why was she placed in this park with two dogs?

so i did a little research and, low and behold, it turns out that sweet georgia did have a soft spot for chow-chows and she did look a little weathered from years of sunning herself while in her garden. now the statue makes so much more sense and i'll give miss georgia and the pups a "whaddup" next time i pass by them.

february 27

2009-03-02T11:34:00.001-08:00

we had our first trimester screening today and got the chance to take a look under the hood and spy on little g. i am happy to report that our baby is happy, healthy and was very busy moving all around.

phyllis, the ultrasound technician, was most impressed with the fact i was wearing heels, but keith and i were mesmerized by this little 1 1/2 inch long person who just happens to be living inside of me.

i know it sounds so cheezy, but the miracle of baby-making/growing is mind blowing... i mean when you really start to think about how this whole thing happens (egg meets sperm, multiplies, turns from tadpole into living breathing baby)... it is just incredible and pretty freakin' cool.

we are lucky.

february 26

2009-03-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

WEEK 11 and growing...

i thrills me to see that little g is moving right up the fruit chain ladder and is now the size of a fig.

mmmm... a fig and gorgonzola cheese crostini... with maybe a touch of truffle honey.

it is these types of food thoughts that are amongst the reasons for my expanding waistline.

i am trying to embrace this ummm, transformation but must admit it is a little sad to say au revoir to my skinny jeans. i sure do hope we meet again later this year.

february 25

2009-02-25T17:05:00.001-08:00

lately i haven't been feeling that well at night and the thought of making dinner is about as appealing as getting kicked in the shins.

so keith offered to put on his chef's hat and make a simple and delicious favorite of breakfast for dinner. but instead of your basic eggs and bacon he whipped up one of our most favorite breakfast sandwiches inspired by the movie spanglish, and ultimately thomas keller.

talk about yum... for being a self-proclaimed novice in the kitchen, keith pulled this meal off perfectly.

here are a couple links to this most delicious sandwich...
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/sandwich/recipe-spanglish-sandwich-005321
or
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/blt-fried-egg-and-cheese-sandwich

keith, honey... i hope we can have this again really really soon.

february 24

2009-02-24T16:08:00.001-08:00

dear lyla,

today i found out that i get to be your godmother. you're still too little to understand what that means but you should know that this means the world to me.

it must have been the way we were coo-ing and smiling at each other last sunday at cpk that assured your momma that i could handle the role of fairy god-mother. yes, that's right...fairy godmother.

by adding the fairy, it means that you can come to me when you're mom or dad gives you a time out... or denies you seconds on dessert... or won't let you stay out until midnight with your high school boyfriend... or yells at you for having a total rager while they were out of town.

you come to me and i'll stick up for you and if they don't listen to me i'll take my fairy godmother wand and turn them into toads or maybe pigeons.

i also promise that whenever we're together we'll laugh, dance, and eat ice cream together but we'll have to include your momma and sadie on this so that they aren't entirely jealous of you, us, or my fairy powers.

love,
fairy godmomma

february 23

2009-02-24T16:06:00.001-08:00

i have a slight obsession with canvas tote bags. it all started with a canvas trader joe's bag about 5 years ago and has since then blossomed into quite a collection.

canvas tote bags will never hold a candle to my prized marc hand bag (or the other buttery,leathery bags that i covet) BUT...

replace the "handcrafted leather, really pricey, don't want to spill on, wear too much, or let it touch the ground" factors of the high end bag with the "functional, perfectly affordable, each one is unique, don't care if it gets dirty because i can wash & line dry this bad boy, eco-friendliness" of the canvas tote bag and then you start to see how easy it is to get started down my path.

anyways, i recently bought the tote inspired by the site I LOVE YOU MORE THAN __________ for a friend of mine and just could not resist the temptation to buy one for moi too.

now, the hard part to fill in my blank... check out what people have been loving you more than here: http://iloveyoumorethanblank.com/

february 22

2009-02-24T16:05:00.001-08:00

sometimes it's great to be back in the 'burbs because you come across sites like this on your morning walk.

tp-ing is an artful expression that is seen too little in the city. i used to love tp-ing and actually found myself to be quite good at sneaking around, methodically blanketing the boys houses in fluffy white.

i also remember how much i hated cleaning up after i had been tp-ed. it made me feel for the young teen who was waiting inside to discover this mess, but then i saw the, "SADIE'S CARLY?" on the bush and hoped for Carly's sake that it was her prince charming's masterpiece of love and the fact that she'd get to dress in twin outfits with him and get their picture taken together while sitting on a bale of hay would make the clean up worthwhile.

february 21

2009-02-24T16:03:00.003-08:00

i heart weddings...the love, the romance, the happily forever afterness of it all.

the months of wedding planning are a special time in a girl's life because she gets to bring to life a day that she has spent millions of hours day-dreaming about.

my sister is getting married this year and it has been wonderful to watch her vision start to surface and come together.

in my head she's always been my baby sister, forever engraved in my head as a clutzy little girl running around with a big smile on her face...but today as i watched her try on these beautiful wedding gowns i got teary eyed at times looking at what a stunning, passionate and gorgeous lady that she's grown into.

i hope she knows what a catch she is.

...and even though she's all grown up i also hope she knows that as her big sister i will always have the special crying power to cast over her. hahaha! xoxo

february 20

2009-02-24T16:02:00.000-08:00

...and today too. sorry!

february 19

2009-02-24T16:01:00.001-08:00

... feeling uninspired today.

february 18

2009-02-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

meet joanna and toot.

they are husband and wife, lovers (ewww), best friends, partners in crime...and on occasion total enemies.

and, i am happy to say that besides raising me with oodles of unconditional love, allowing me to spread my wings, and instilling a strong set of values for me to build my life around, they have also become my role models, mentors, and great friends.

february 17

2009-02-18T11:17:00.001-08:00

here you go.

WEEK TEN. baby kumquat.

little g has officially made it from tadpole like status to a little human looking fetus.

good job baby! keep on growing healthy & happily... just take it easy on your momma, she doesn't want to grow as fast as you.

february 16

2009-02-18T11:12:00.001-08:00

you're eyes are not playing tricks on you...

this here is a RAT,
sitting on a CAT,
hanging out on top of a DOG.

these three amigos were just cruisin' down chestnut street this afternoon, each balanced on top of each other in perfect unison.

it took me a few moments to process the fact that three species who are known not to really care of the company of one another were at peace and quite comfortable hanging out on top of each other.

it led me to believe that if this type of harmony can happen within the animal kingdom then surely world peace must be within our reach... right?

february 15

2009-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

we had a short break in what's been a monsoon of sorts for the past couple of days.

as i walked down the street, the shadow casted onto the sidewalk caught my eye. part eery, part dreamlike, i felt like i was in one of those movies where the princess finds herself alone, lost in a dark forest and the trees and branches start to come to life. they try to grab her and hold her hostage forever, but she somehow finds her way back home... and luckily, so did i.

february 14

2009-02-18T11:05:00.001-08:00

for the past six year's we've spent valentine's weekend with my father in law, ray, and his group of friends at a wine tasting and food pairing lunch at nicholson ranch.

the event is always a blast and the outing seems to get bigger and more elaborate with each year that passes.

the day usually starts with bubbles on the way to napa, wine tasting in the tasting room to wet our whistles, and then sip upon sip, glass upon glass, we taste their chardonnay, pinot, syrah, and merlot flights paired with a fabulous 3 course meal. the evening ends with each of us, quite over served, piling back into the limo, giggling and hiccupping our way back to the city... it is so much fun.

this year, i got to experience the day from my new place in the sober seat.

was it an enjoyable day? yes.

did i feel like i missed out on the fun? yes... and if you don't believe me, this picture should sum up quite succinctly just how much fun i missed out on.

february 13

2009-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

see, i wasn't lying. my office is a dungeon. believe it or not the dim buzzing flourescent lights were indeed on when this picture was taken.

to help spruce up the drearyness that this office so often exudes, i downloaded a most fitting background... oodles of doodled hearts thanks to my crafty cyberfriend over at how about orange.

...she also taught me the coolest trick (once you figure out the right way to bend the dang thing) of how to turn your average paperclip into a heart!

check it out here:

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/02/heart-shaped-paper-clips.html

february 12

2009-02-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

the calm before the storm... there is nothing like it. sometimes i am almost mesmerized by the slow but steady movement of clouds moving inland taking over the sky and draping it in tones of grey.

the air is damp with that faint smell of impending rain.
my knee aches... another sign that the storm is almost here.

i can't wait to get myself home, bundle up with keith, and listen to the soothing pitter patter of all those angels in heaven having a good cry.

february 11

2009-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

not sure what it is about flowers that bring instant happiness to one's life.
they make bad days seem more cheery and good days all the better.

each flower has its own personality and each of of us has our favorite.

there is nothing i love more than the beginning of spring when little splashes of color start to pop. everything starts to come out of hibernation and come alive.

j'adore le printemps.

february 10

2009-02-18T10:59:00.001-08:00

alright... because the few people reading this blog are amongst my nearest and dearest, most of you know that the reason i've been eating non-stop, feeling bloated & gassy, and maybe been a bit moody is because a little pickle is growing inside me.

and again, because you are the people i love and trust most, i have decided to share with you the journey of my expanding belly.

that's right...you get a weekly glimpse into my pants becoming tighter, my waistline expanding, a bump surfacing, and the rest of me hopefully staying in shape.

so here you have it. WEEK NINE. baby grape.

p.s. i have now updated january 13th's post

february 9

2009-02-10T22:59:00.001-08:00

t-minus five days until valentines day...

and t-minus six days until the super sale on conversation hearts, heart shaped chocolates, heart shaped peeps, and all things pink and red become available for near pennies....walgreens here i come!

this heart reminded me of my favorite valentine's candy... willy wonka heartbreakers. it's like a gobstopper but heartshaped. if you like that sort of candy this will not disappoint.

february 8

2009-02-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

during the months when winter transforms into spring, the most breathtaking blanketing of vibrant yellow takes over the fields and vineyards in the wine country.

it's the blossoming of mustard greens that is responsible for this display of awesomeness, and yet another way that momma earth shows us how precious and magnificent she is.

february 7

2009-02-10T22:54:00.001-08:00

there is nothing like a day of wine-tasting and delicious eats to make you appreciate living in such a gastronomic mecca.

we spent today in napa with keith's side of the family and i could not stop thinking about how lucky we are. we have some of the best wines in the world at our fingertips and some of the most sought after food in the country right under our noses.

the sun was shining, it was a warm winter day, and we took advantage of it all...we ate, we drank, and we were merry.

it was fabulous. and, one of my favorite parts of any day in the wine country is the lasting evidence the grapes leave. not only do you leave with a nice buzz, but many walk away with stained teeth and if you're scott, my brother-in-law, you get a purple tongue.

february 6

2009-02-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

truth be told... the kid in me still LOVES mcdonalds. it's the grown-up in me (who has read fast food nation & saw super-sized) that gets grossed out at the thought of putting such processed, un-natural food into my body.

but yet sometimes (and sometimes even more often than that) i feel i must succumb to the fat-american inside of me and indulge my cravings.

keith and i went to town tonight. we stuffed ourselves with cheeseburgers, fries, mcnuggets and then washed it down with ice cold bubbly soda. it was a picnic of calories, sodium, fat (and probably hefty amounts of trans fats too) but we loved each tasty bite.

i do get a little queasy looking at this picture but sadly, i know it's just a matter of time until i'll be lovin' it once more.

february 5

2009-02-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

i recently became the proud owner of a hot pink beanie made of the softest coziest yarn on the planet.

there are only a few people who truly understand (and appreciate) the necessary-ness of having hot pink as an integral part of a girl's life. so only those few will fully grasp what a perfect accessory this beanie is.

i got a lot of smiles on my way to work today and i'm pretty positive its because my beanie was the one bright spot in an otherwise gloomy morning.

february 4

2009-02-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

it's february... the month of L-O-V-E.

a month decorated with red and pink, tons of hearts, cupids, chocolate, and uber-displays of love and affection.

i think it's great, but i also think it puts A LOT of pressure on people...especially the boys who are smitten with a new kitten and want to impress. today an old co-worker of mine reviewed his valentine's day plans with me to see if, as a lady, i would give it a thumbs up.

here goes....
before his fancy dinner reservations he's going to go to his valentime's house with champagne & presents. in the first box, there is going to be a stuffed giraffe (an inside joke). in the second box, a COACH purse. and then, he's going to tell her to look inside the purse where tucked neatly inside the side pocket will be two orchestra seat tickets to the phantom of the opera. then if things go right she will "thank him" appropriately before they head off to dinner.

...WOW, right? needless to say, i told him he was on the right track. then i smiled happily to myself because although perfect for him & his girl, i opt for a more simple version of love. keith and i have a valentime's tradition of a fresh dungenous crab dinner complete with butter, crusty bread, and champagne... at home.

no presents.
just goodness.

february 3

2009-02-05T18:01:00.001-08:00

today was just one of those days when sitting at my desk seemed like the worst idea on the planet. the sun was shining but with chances of rain in our future made the smart decision to put work aside and get outside to take advantage of le soleil.

we decided to walk along the embarcadero, down one of the piers to check out what the fishermen were reeling in, and then head to the ferry building to taste our way thru the farmer's market and grab a bite to eat.

it was perfect. the sun was warm with a slight breeze at our backs. on the pier we were mesmerized by the chinese crab catchers who were busy catching crabs and tossing the small guys back (my dad would have totally been into this). then we caught the tail end of the farmer's market and sampled oranges, crackers, nuts, and then ate lunch.

it was an extended lunch filled with life's simple pleasures and i just loved that.

february 2

2009-02-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

ah...the things you find when walking down market street.

bums, pan-handlers, business executives, and the occasional traveler wedged up against the handle of his cane.

this picture is not zoomed in enough to emphasize just how firmly lodged the handle was between his cheeks, but wow... this could not have been comfortable for the guy.

february 1

2009-02-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

this morning i stopped in hayes valley to pick up some treats to take to the east bay, and as i walked into la boulange, i noticed this huge white PEACE sign in the middle of the park.

i heart it.

it's neat to think about how such a simply designed symbol (and it's sister the two fingered peace sign) have carried such power, meaning and hope throughout several decades.

i also love that i saw this early in the morning before the city was awake.

to me, it is the most peaceful time of day...when all is at ease and fresh to what the day holds.

january 31

2009-02-02T15:12:00.001-08:00

walking around the city's neighborhoods is one of my most favorite things to do. not only am i clocking in miles on the pedometer (no, i don't actually wear one) but i get to window shop, people watch & take in all the uniqueness of this wonderful city.

as i was walking down polk street today, i stumbled upon this glorious display of rackets... tennis, squash, racquetball, you name it and this guy had the racket for it. and...they were all FREE!

it left me wondering...
a) how long he'd been "collecting" rackets for
b) why he was giving them away for free
c) if anyone walked by and noticed a racket that was once theirs but had suddenly gone missing

i didn't get one, but the old school simple tennis racket, 2nd from the top, did catch my eye.

january 30

2009-02-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

the closest safeway to my house is a few blocks away, in a more, umm... diverse... part of town. keith and i have affectionately renamed this safeway "the ghettoway".

the ghettoway has recently been updated and remodeled which is a huge plus, but they have added amenities such as organic produce, a starbucks, a bank, and these here self-service check out machines that have left many of the local patrons confused and a bit over-whelmed.

the self service check out consists of 6 mini lanes where customers scan in their basket, then bag, pay and carry out their groceries.

it is meant to move people, with a few items, in and out of the store quickly and efficiently. unfortunately, it ended up taking twice as long because people were trying to skip the scanning part and enter items straight into their bags, which then requires a store clerk to come over, recheck all the items and educate people on the proper process... it was truly amazing to watch... for 25 minutes as i stood their kinda patiently awaiting my turn.

i expect this process to get better, but was left wondering just how long it will take for the ghettoway to realize they are moving more inventory then is actually being paid for.

january 29

2009-02-02T15:08:00.001-08:00

dear colored jeans- i am glad you're back in style.

when i was about 6 or 7 years old, i had a pair of red jordache jeans that i pretty much wore on a daily basis. they were awesome.

now i have a pair of berry colored jeans, and although i now know better than to wear them everyday, i still get that giddy feeling when i slip them on.

on a total side note...
for those of you who know about my thigh issues, you can clearly see that my right thigh (shown on the left here) is still bigger than the left but with three surgeries under its belt the ethiopian left leg is making a comeback. physical therapy is paying off.

january 28

2009-02-02T15:07:00.001-08:00

birthdays. i love them. and although i don't like people making a fuss over mine, i think they are symbolic and definite cause for celebration.

birthday's commemorate the start of a new year of personal growth and celebration of all the lessons learned & moment's experienced in the prior year...and unlike new years, there are no resolutions or goals that we hold ourselves to within the 365 days until the next birthday rolls around.

life's adventure and milestones come at different times and come about in different ways for everyone. i think it's what makes sharing life with your family and friends so exciting. We are able to live vicariously through each other and celebrate the happenings together.

we just celebrated brownie's birthday...a month late. didn't matter though, big fake cake with a sparkler shooting out of it makes the belatedness okay. happy birthday girl!

january 27

2009-01-28T14:30:00.001-08:00

i'm a dreamer. i day-dream...sometime A LOT.

one of my favorite daydreams consists of me driving around a snow town somewhere in majestic colorado in a 1988 toyota landcruiser (in prime condition, of course). i'm dressed really cute, wearing a beanie and sunglasses, listening to some great music, smiling quietly to myself as i hear the giggles of my kids and husband as they chat & sing their hearts out on our way to the mountain where we'll ski and snowboard the day away.

so needless to say, every time i stumble upon one of these beaut's i have to stop, stare, and pay homage (and make lots of wishes) that one day in the not so distant future this dream comes true.

january 26

2009-01-28T14:29:00.001-08:00

my mom is rad.

i've always known she was a tough cookie, but these last 6 months have really proven just how strong she is.

she just finished her 6th and final chemotherapy treatment, and although she'll feel lifeless for most of this week, she is done and will never (god willing) have to go through this again in her life.

she has inner strength, confidence, and beauty that i can only hope got passed down to me. i know this was the hardest thing she's ever gone through in her entire life, but she is grace under pressure and handled this crappy hand with the poise and positive energy that so few could do.

i think i speak for everyone, especially my dad (who has reached saint-hood during this whole process), when i say i'm glad we can put this behind us, share some delicious pizza together, and cheers to all the wonderfulness that lies ahead.

january 25

2009-01-28T14:28:00.001-08:00

as you can tell, megs and i went on a baby tour to visit all the new little pickles in our lives.

this is lyla rayne. born december 5th, she's the newest member of the henderson household.

while i was there, i was reminded just how quickly time flies. just over two years ago mike and susanne became parents for the first time. new to parenting and a little overwhelmed, they jumped in whole-heartedly and found their way. fast-forward to now, and you find them as a family of four (well five if you count clemens) at ease with the cries of little lyla, and the laughter and energy from sadie. they are a well-oiled family machine that is founded on love, laughter and enjoying the adventure together...AND they still find time for grown-up fun which i admire and love about them.

love you doo-doo's. i want to grow up to be like you guys.

january 24

2009-01-28T14:27:00.001-08:00

babies amaze me.

they are the epitome of innocence.
they are trusting by nature.
they love unconditionally.
...and, they are cute, cuddly, and smell heavenly like only babies can.

meet harley james gunderson.

jess and brent, you did good.

january 23

2009-01-28T14:10:00.001-08:00

meet gina. yes, she happens to resemble mary poppins in this picture... but under the black coat and umbrella is a bubbly, smart, beautiful 23 year old.

i was introduced to gina through my sister in law, jess, and then was lucky enough to recruit her to come work with me. through our daily chats about life, happiness, love (and of course work) i am always reminded of the freshness, fun, and often overwhelming adventure of living in the city and figuring out LIFE and the REAL WORLD post college.

there's a book that dubs this stage the "quarter-life crisis" and in some ways it's quite fitting. you are forced to take a look inward, get to know who the real you is, who you want to be, what you want to do, who you want to do it with, how to make money, where to spend it and how to balance everything into a 24 hour day.

it's tough but worth it, and you have a whole lot of fun in the journey. it makes me smile and warms my heart (i feel like a momma hen) to watch gina, jess, & their friends blossom into the real world ladies that they are becoming. this girl is on the right path and it's all happening for her.

january 22

2009-01-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

i love the rain. i love the smell of it, the sound of it, and the freshness that it leaves behind. about the only thing i don't like about the rain, is the fact that i have to walk a mile from the bus stop to my office and a mile back.

this walk, although wet and chilly at times, is tolerable thanks be to marc. he made an array of black rainboots with colorful souls that can stomp thru the biggest of puddles with grace & ease as well as keep us looking sassy & sophisticated as we make our way in the rain.

love you marc.

january 21

2009-01-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

the bus that i take to work is mainly a commuter bus. riders are for the most part dressed business casual, with a few suits, and a sprinkling of jeans. so really, you could imagine my surprise when at 8am on a wednesday morning i saw this outfit strut its way onto the bus.

yes...those are lame (the material..."la-may") leggings with a criss-crossed deep-V shirt and black camisole...oh, and open-toed sandals and a snake skin pleather bag, to boot.

since i wouldn't really call this "office appropriate" i spent most of the bus ride wondering where she was going, and if in her head, she was looking and feeling like a 10.

as she sat on the bus, she began to carefully apply her make-up (heavy on the eyes) which in mind crossed out the possibility of it being a walk of shame type situation. i am still stumped as to where she jetted off to, but wherever this lady went i hope she was dressed perfectly for the occasion.

january 20

2009-01-22T11:52:00.001-08:00

welcome #44. i have a crush on you... and i don't think i'm the only one. you did great today & you captured the attention of millions.

never have i seen such passion and celebration around a presidential inauguration. i think the added jubilation is two-fold. people are:

- beyond thrilled to see g-dub get back to the ranch.

- excited to see barack kickin' it in the oval office (nice chair, btw).

i laughed out loud waiting at the crosswalk where this "adios" bill was posted on a mailbox. i think it was the combination of choice words and the unsure look on bush's face that got me. then, just a few blocks away in chinatown, some clever folks took the liberty of "renaming" BUSH STREET to appropriately reflect the change in office.

i admire the effort and the emotion behind both, and love that we live in a country (and a city) where it's our privilege to speak what's on our mind.

january 19

2009-01-21T09:34:00.001-08:00

you can not turn on the news today without hearing about what a historic day we are leading up to. as many of us enjoy an extra day off of work, to honor MLK, i can't help but be proud about how far we, as americans, have come.

when you stop and think about it, the days of segregation were not that long ago. when you take a moment to talk to your parents, or grandparents, they can each vividly recount the days when african-americans were seated in the back of the bus, forced to use different restrooms, or when women were not allowed to vote and held back from attaining professional success. our nation's history is proof that the unthinkable can happen and that change is good.

passion, hope, and heartfelt determination are ingredients for progress, and for me tomorrow's inauguration marks another milestone in our nation's history and the leadership that will only continue to add fuel to our forward momentum.

january 18

2009-01-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

people love elvis.

people love jesus.

...but in this picture it looks like elvis is trying to punch jesus's lights out.

WWJD?

january 17

2009-01-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

while we were in austin we stayed at the driskill hotel, a historic hotel in downtown austin that was built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron. on our way to and from our room, we walked thru a lobby that was appropriately adorned with cattle head, leather chairs, horse statues, and many cowhide covered couches.

on one of our first walks thru the lobby, keith (and for those of you who can picture keith saying this it will be all the funnier) turned to me and said, "hey, look at that couch... get it? COW-ch." this made me laugh and will probably make me laugh for the rest of my life.

so there i am... moo-ing on the cooooooowwwch.

january 16

2009-01-19T16:29:00.001-08:00

keith and i decided to take a break from our real life, and check out austin for a few days. in general, i don't think texas has much to offer or much going for it but austin might be the one saving grace of the lone star state.

austin is cool. effortlessly cool. the kind of cool that you want to be part of. it is a mix of vintage, country, modern & culture.

the town is quirky, but hip. the town and people in it appreciate good aesthetic and design, delicious food and live music. they think green and the town is clean. they think austin is weird and want to keep it that way.

this cupcake shop sums it up perfectly. a vintage airstream, complete with rotating cupcake on top sets up shop in an empty dirt lot, puts out a few tables and chairs, strings the perfect strand of round bulb lights around & serves up some of the most delicious little cakes from noon til' 10pm at night. simple, unique, eye-catching & delicious...austin.

january 15

2009-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

turns out there is one good thing about catching a 6:30am flight...

being able to watch the sunrise from 28,000 feet up in the sky.

january 14

2009-01-19T16:03:00.001-08:00

everyday i walk by several buildings, restaurants, and hotels on my way to and from work, but it is the le meridian that catches my attention each time i pass by...because it speaks to me.

depending on what time of day you walk by, you can hear a variety of sounds like crickets chirping or morning birds singing, but the catch is, the sounds never match the time of day when you expect to be hearing them. the crickets at le meridian chirp in the morning, but i'm used to hearing crickets chirping in nature on a warm summer evening. the morning birds at le meridian sing at night when its dark, but the birdies i know sing their hearts out every morning right outside my window.

it's all very subtle, but always catches my attention... kind of like when you take a sip of soda thinking it's coke but it's really rootbeer.

january 13

2009-01-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

...i can not even begin to try and put into words the emotions that i am feeling.

basically, this simple pee test just changed life as keith and i know it. holy crap!

january 12

2009-01-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

winters in san francisco are nowhere near the type of bone-chilling, freeze your booty off, kind of winters that the mid-west and east coast often see, but we do get our fair share of opportunities to bundle up in heavy coats and experience california's version of winter.

...and then sometimes days like today happen. when you walk out of the office into a warm hug of sunshine and a gentle breeze against your skin. days like this do NOT usually happen in winter, especially in january, and everyone knows it. people are taking long lunches, sitting in the park, or finding a reason to get out of the office just a little sooner to take advantage of what could easily be gone tomorrow.

as i walked, i realized that people weren't the only ones celebrating the sun...even the magnolia tree, who was naked and bare just a few days ago, is now starting to bloom. i am sure that they got the go ahead from mother nature, so i'm hoping we see more days like this again soon.

january 11

2009-01-12T09:50:00.001-08:00

in my life there has been a total of six presidents pass through the white house to lead our country in both good and bad times.

growing up i recall hearing my parents and their friends discuss the candidates they liked & which they disagreed with, presidents they thought served us proudly & others who were a disgrace.

when i was old enough to vote, i began to pay closer attention to the issues at hand, how they were handled, and how the character of the president is so closely watched and critiqued by the people that he serves.

after eight years of disappointment, i find it refreshing to see the growing excitement, comradery, and display of support for barack obama. it seems everywhere i turn there are personal expressions in one form or another, a painted YES WE CAN fence in cole valley, obama bumper stickers on a growing number of cars in the city, and even this little sticker that was slapped on a traffic barricade in north beach.

i know there will be plenty of hard times & struggles but the fact that barak has created a true sense of hope & change in an america is quite refreshing.

january 10

2009-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

i wholeheartedly agree with elaine that muffin tops are the best part of a muffin, but this is one muffin top that i don't want any part of.

today, a few friends and i were at one of our favorite watering holes, enjoying a few cold beverages, trying to watch the nfl playoffs...and i say trying because we all kept being distracted by the grand display of muffin top that was hanging out the backside of this lovely lady's jeans.

as we, a group of girls & boys, squirmed and felt self conscious for her, she seemed at ease and completely comfortable... who knows? maybe she liked the cool breeze to her backside. after all, it was pretty warm in there.

i thought perhaps she did this to lure in the men, a sort of mating ritual similar to ruffling her feathers or something... when i asked the boys if it was attractive, the look on each of their faces was enough to say that this is one baked good they would never sample. it was also enough for me to swear off baby tee's for the rest of my life.