Surprise success

Last night, we had a suprise party for my friend Sue. Her birthday was a few weeks ago, but different events and timing issues forced us to delay celebration events until now - which was perfect because she didn't suspect a thing.

After many emails back and forth, her boyfriend and I were able to set up a dinner at one of their favorite neighborhood restaurants and the Evite went out. Almost everyone arrived on time - and when Sue finally showed up, the look on her face was priceless. I knew exactly what she was thinking because my hubby helped surprise my for my bridal shower a few years ago.

You see people you know, completely out of context, and so your brain is telling you "Hey it's so and so!" and then you look around and think, "Hey, so and so is here too? How are they hanging out together?" It just doesn't make sense. It's a wonderfully odd feeling - and when you finally accept what is happening, it's just such a elated feeling that your friends did something like this for you and you know you're in for a fabulous time. And I hope that's what Sue felt last night.

We did have a wonderful time. I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while. We really do have a special group of people who really get along and have so many interesting things to talk about. And most importantly, these are really good people at heart.

So, happy belated birthday, Sue! We all love you!

Lookie what I just discovered!

Check it out!



It's a Playstation 2 game based on Taiko drumming! Ha! I must have it, but I promised myself not to buy anything frivolus until after the Europe trip. But it's so cute - and I know I would kick ass on it. I still look at my old beat up bachi (drum sticks) and think back to five years ago when I was taking lessons once a week in South San Francisco. I love Taiko. I love the way your heart just trembles when the bachi connects with the huge Odaiko drum. The rumbling that just surges through you like a never ending thunder storm. It's an incredible feeling.



My hubby came home around 8p tonight - so we were able to have dinner together. We usually don't eat this late, but lately, I'm lucky if he's able to get home to eat at all. He has another full day tomorrow, but at least tonight, we were able to snuggle up and catch up on some of our favorite TV shows.

We finally saw the second half of Grey's Anatomy. The first part aired right after the Superbowl (yes, we're a few weeks behind). It was an excellent epidode. Very intense - I'm still thinking about the storyline. I love this show. I especially love Patrick Dempsey. He's so hot. I never liked him when he was younger, but since I saw him in Scream 3 and Sweet Home Alabama, I've been hooked. That smile, his eyes, that hair. LOVE HIM!!! (Hey, I may be married, but I'm not blind).

The latest on Monte

On Thursday, Monte had his appointment for the ultrasound for his heart, and a blood test for his thyroid. My hubby woke me up a little before 6:30a - which is when my alarm is supposed to go off. By 6:35a, I was still trying to wake up, but then suddenly all the power went out. Great. So, I basically got ready by candle light - I already decided that it would be a wet hair ponytail day. I didn't feel like bringing my hairdryer to work and hiding out in the bathroom for 15 minutes.

Anyway, we got a very whiny kitty into his carrier and my husband took off to the vet. We had to drop him off at the pet hospital between 7a - 9a. Around 7:15a, the power came back on - so I dried my hair as fast as I could. Not even a minute from when I finished, the building alarm came on. But instead of the usual "this is a drill" type fire alarm, this one told us to evacuate. I don't think I've ever gotten dressed so quickly in my life - I was out the door within 2 minutes. I guess I was lucky that Monte was on his way to the vet - there is no way I can get him into the carrier. He always manages to wiggle out of my arms - and can you imagine if he was already freaked by the alarm?

In the hall, I looked around. Smelled the air. Nothing. I'm sure it was just a result of the power outage in the building, but still - I took the stairs down and made it to the MUNI right at the door closed. WHEW!

I have a very short commute, and the MUNI trains run above ground for most of my route. Going into work, the train eventually goes into a tunnel and continues underground. Right at the mouth of the tunnel, the power went out. Unbelievable! Luckily, we were moving again in a few minutes. I got to work in time to get myself a latte before heading into the office.

Anyway, my hubby dropped Monte off and headed into work. By 3pm, we still had not heard anything. Calling the vet, they said that Monte (of course) was being difficult. They did the ultrasound, but not the blood test yet. My husband was mad that they didn't call, and he headed out to the vet to get Monte and bring him home. By the time he got there, the doctor has managed to get the blood test done. The results of the ultrasound had also come in - Monte had a thickened artery wall. It's not treatable. But he seems fine though!!! He's been playing a lot lately and his appetite is healty and normal. He's not gaining or losing weight. I don't know what to do. We already decided that a pacemaker is not an option that we want for Monte. We feel that that would change his life more than it should. It's important he just feel happy and secure at home.

A good nights rest was what our little one needed - the next day, he was pulling out toys from his little box and running all over the place again. It was a welcome sight. My husband needs to find time to talk to the vet in more detail about what the tests came back with though. Unfortunately, when he went to go pick Monte up, he was just so upset and stressed out that he didn't want to talk to them then.

The week has been a quiet one at home every weeknight. My hubby has been working 14 hour days - most nights coming back at 9p or 10p. This transition/merge thing of his old and new business is really stressing him out. He calls and complains - I know he wants to just quit, but can't. I wish I could help. It's a long weekend, yet he's already told me he has to work all three days. Bummer. I told him last night - when things calm down and there is a day he can play hookie, I will call in sick and we'll just hang out somewhere. Maybe go to Napa for the day or something. I know we have a big vacation coming up at the end of March, but that's still a month away. When you're stressed, you're stressed. One month can seem a lifetime.

Grown-up bully

My hubby just called me. Fairly pissed off. For the past three weeks, he's been playing basketball Monday nights at a local gym. One of his older friends had invited him to join on their open play. The group consists of older men, but they all get along well, and it's a casual setting that my husband really enjoyed. In his busy schedule, Monday nights were something he really looked forward to.

So, he called me just now, at bit peeved. This guy talked to my hubby while he was changing in the locker room - told him that he shouldn't play there anymore. That the guy who invited my husband really didn't have the authority to invite someone into the group. That my hubby was too young and it wasn't fair to the elder players (who are around 50 or 60).

What the hell is this? Bullying on the playground? "You can't play with us?" I'm pissed off too, but I don't know what to say that's comforting at this point. I mean, come on! What are we? 10 year olds? The guy apparently runs the gym where these guys play. I don't think he put this team together or anything. It's not even a team - it's just a group of guys who play together once or twice a week. The bully wasn't even there the past month - and just saw my husband for the first time tonight. What is his deal? What a complete joke. And I'm feeling so bad that my hubby couldn't let off some steam from work.

He's home now, watching the Warriors on TV. He says he'll talk to the guy who actually invited him to play later. I don't know if he'll go back though. That really sucks.

Another sucky thing that happened today... my friend at work found out that she didn't get the job that she had interviewed for. I know she was really hoping to get that position - it would have been perfect for her. At this point, I think she'll probably take off with the rest of her sick and vacation time - and look for something else outside the company. I wish her luck - but I'm going to miss seeing her right there, you know? Most of my friends have left the company - but we try to get together at least every other month for a girls catch up night - which is important.

The grinch strikes again...

Back in December, I told you about a guy at my work who is the biggest grinch the entire year. The only time he becomes a decent human being is the day of our company's Christmas Eve party, where he dresses up like Santa Claus and delights all the visiting children.

Today, the grinch showed himself as a true ass again. Apparently, this guy likes to bake. He came around to our area with a big grocery bag of individually wrapped cookies and started handing them out. Our area is separated into two U shaped sections, so I saw him pass out the cookies in one section, then come around the side, and giving cookies along the way, finally making it into my section. There are exactly four people who sit in my part of the U. He gave a cookie to everyone but me, and then walked out. I knew he had left because I heard another colleague in the hallway say, "Oh thank you! Did you bake these yourself?"

OK, first of all - it's totally not about the cookie. I know me saying that I didn't want the cookie in the first place makes me sound like anyone who says they didn't want something, but deep down they really wanted it. Honestly, I don't care about the cookie. I just think it's amazingly rude to come around and offer a cookie to everyone, but one person. I have never done anything to this guy. I always say 'hi' when I pass him in the hall, even though he never says anything back to me - ever. I don't know why. I don't even work directly with him - but then again, neither do the other folks on my team. So, why be so blatently rude to me?

Like I said, it's not the cookie. It's the fact that he was being such a rude asshole. Him being kind to the kids one day out of the year doesn't excuse his behavior. I would never do that to someone. Even if i didn't like them - if I brought something to share, EVERYONE would get one. But that's just me.

So I come home to a voice message from the pet hospital. I've been trying to get Monte an appointment for his ultrasound. They called at noon today and left a message that I can bring Monte in tomorrow between 7 and 9am. Uh, hello? I can't just take off work like that. And my husband, who usually could, can't tomorrow. So, I had to call back and ask for another appointment. Actually, all I could do was call back and leave a message for the doctor to try to get another appointment. Frustrating. They have our home number and our work numbers. Why call someone's home number at noon? Why not call the WORK number? Wouldn't that make more sense on a weekday? Again, I guess that's just me.

Silence is golden...

There's nothing like a quiet exit - and that's exactly what happened with that co-worker of mine who is now gone! She will be on a plane come Saturday and will be out of San Francisco forever. Well, at least for now, she says that if her other job doesn't work out, she may move back here. I've never seen anyone state hop like that before.

Anyway, I heard that she was kind of pissed that a lot of people didn't go say goodbye to her yesterday, and I know that certain people refused to even sign her farewell card. What does that tell you? Pretty sad actually.

Two years and seven months ago, when she started her rotational positions as a supervisor, I actually walked her to her van pool that day. I helped her bring some bags and we even got teary when we hugged each other goodbye. She was my friend then. My mentor. But geez, when she came back two years later - it was seven months of pure hell. She was, and this is quoting from someone else, our version of a hurricane - only it wouldn't stop.

I imagine how things could have been if she had just calmed down a little, and appreciated more of how I ran things while she was away. I ran things the way I thought she would have. And it's just insulting how she tried to find fault in everything I did those two years.

Anyway, she's gone. Many people at work are relieved. I said nothing about my two days away from the office - I'm sure people knew why I was out. I sleep fine at night - so my actions were right for me.

On a different note - I'm still trying to plan out the London part of our trip. We're actually going to London for one night, then head off to Paris for several days, and then go back to London for two days. I booked a room for us for the one night - but I wanted to find something nicer for the two days we return. Well, we'll probably end up back at the same hotel. Why? Because everything is sooooo freaking expensive there!!! I can't find anything that's less than $120 a night. Geez! I guess it doesn't matter - we definitely won't be in the room for much more than sleeping. Lots to see, and very little time! I can't believe it's less than two months away!!!

One more day!

I can't believe January is over! Each year seems to go by faster and faster!

Today, Tuesday, is the very last day of my personal countdown. Come Wednesday that woman is gone from my life forever! I know I sound so bitter, and I'm normally not like this. All these changes at work, and having to deal with certain people really brought out the worst in me - and I don't like it at all. I believe she is flying out of here next weekend. Yea! Even though work is going to be hell for the next few months, I know I can make it through. HER leaving relieves so much pressure from within, you don't even know.

We bought two books this weekend. One for London and one for Paris. It's overwhelming how much I want to see in both places! My hubby doesn't really care, so it's up to me to plan the itinerary. I'm really having a hard time planning this trip out. For London, I'm still trying to figure out where the best location is for me to book our hotel. There are a couple of places near Hyde Park that look good (and are reasonably priced). My friend suggests the SOHO area, so I'll have to look into that. For Paris, we already have a place booked, but if I don't come up with some kind of schedule for the activities, it's just going to be utter chaos. Looking at all the pictures in my books, I'm getting more and more excited about this trip.

I just looked up the site for the George V hotel in Paris. No, we are not staying there (I wish!) and I doubt we ever will, but if you want to see luxury - you've got to check out their rooms. Wow! I had no idea. There's only one word to describe the rooms and especially the suites - LUSH. We are staying towards the opposite end of the Avenue de Champs-Elysees - away from the Arc de Triomphe. I plan to walk that 1.2 mile avenue, and Avenue George is along the way. I'm planning a detour to take a quick peek at the George V. I can't go to Paris and not even step into the lobby of this world famous hotel. I just gotta.

Only a month and three weeks until the trip! And then when we come back, I start my new job! So much happening in such a short time. It's a bit overwhelming. I think the only time I'll have to relax in the next two months will be on the flight over to Europe.

So long and fair well...

...and don't let the door hit you on the way out!

HAHA! I am telecommuting Monday and Tuesday - so I will never have to see HER ever again. No awkward goodbyes or fake words of kindness. Today was the last day I will ever have to deal with HER!

I'm sure she's going to call me on Monday or Tuesday at home, like she always does when I'm out sick. But shockingly enough, this time no one is going to pick up the phone! She's going to call because all this week, she was supposed to transition her work to me, but was too busy yapping to everyone about her move to do her job. So, come Monday and Tuesday, I'm not going to be there. Tough. She's always leaving stuff to the last minute anyway, so it'll be no different when I have to figure things out for myself.

But you know what? Things always come around in a way you don't expect it. I got a new job! In fact, I didn't even have to apply for anything, I had three job offers come to me! I couldn't believe my luck! I've secured myself a great position where I will be able to make the job my own - doing project work and backing up the supervisor when he's away. This is a far better position than if I had gotten the Senior position that I originally wanted. Much more responsiblity and freedom to learn, and a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills. I'm going to be fine. I haven't told anyone at work because others are still looking for jobs and are worried - so I'm keeping my good news to myself for now.

So, tonight, I celebrate. I celebrate my new job. I celebrate never having to deal with HER ever again. I celebrate myself for keeping my cool today and not telling her off like I've been dreaming to since I heard she was leaving.

So long! Fair well! Auf Wiedersehen! Au revoir! Good riddance!

Five days and counting

Only five more business days to go! I can't believe that I can do the countdown on one hand now. It's an incredible feeling. Of course, with HER leaving, I've learned that a lot of the transitional responsiblities have fallen into my lap. Not surprising - just don't know how I'm going to handle it all. My own work, learning new things, teaching people what I know - and merging my old team into two different teams at work - all before I go to Europe at the end of March. WHEW!!! It's going to be tough, but each time I pass by that empty cubicle, I'll try not to be too giddy.

In other great news, one of my college buddies is engaged!!! Whoo hoo! Congratulations to G and J!!! I'm so happy for you two!!!

Only 7 more business days to go...

...before SHE is gone! Gone from my life forever!!!

Sorry, I can't help myself! :)

The day they plan a little 'goodbye' and 'good luck' party at work - I'll be (sniffle, sniffle) sick at home - and darn it, just won't be well enough to make it in to join in the celebration.

But somehow, miraculously, I'll be well enough to celebrate at happy-hour after work on January 31st!

Strange, but fun weekend

It's interesting how a year can start out - and 2006 hasn't been a very good one so far. My hubby's 40th birthday weekend has come and gone, and with it brings good memories and bad ones.

Sunday morning, we were at the airport by 6:30am - much too early for a Sunday morning, but I wanted to get the most time possible out of this trip. We ended up sitting on the plane for 45 minutes after the scheduled take off time. Flaw #1.

We finally got to Vegas and got a cab - where I presented my husband with his birthday card, and first birthday surprise within a poem I composed. The poem basically told him that instead of where he thought we would be staying - we were going to stay at the Wynn. So, we told the driver we had a change of plans. Well, a normal side street route from the airport to the hotel is about $13. This guy went the long way and our fair ended up $20. Hubby was livid. Anyway... Flaw #2.

We arrived very early to the hotel, so our room wasn't ready yet. They had booked us a room on the 50th floor (wow!) but it was a smoking room - so we didn't want it. They found us a room on the 36th floor, but it wasn't ready yet either. So, we strolled around and took in the glorious decor of the hotel. Everything just radiated elegance. From the light covered trees of the walkways, to the restaurant entrances, to the beautiful lounge areas - it was just elegance. Nothing was tacky.



Anyway, we had lunch at the Terrace Point Cafe (their 24 hour cafe basically) and had a nice lunch. Around 1pm we went back to try to check in. The room still wasn't ready - even though they had put a rush on it already. Flaw #3

We got our slot cards and played a little in the casino. Another hour goes by and we check on our room - STILL NOT READY. Flaw #4. A room on the 12th floor was ready - so we ended up going from the 50 floor to the 12th floor. At this point, I'm like, WHATEVER.

So, we go up to our room. It was absolutely fabulous. My hubby had no idea I had booked a suite, so this was his second big surprise. Check it out... Yes, I took pictures of the room. We'll probably never end up in a suite again - so I had to capture the weekend in photos.





The bathroom was bigger than our bedroom at home. Just gorgeous, but quite sad actually. It's bigger than our bedroom. A bathroom!

And get this...



A massage room! So, that leads to surprise number three for hubby. An in-room massage! He was very surprised, and happy. His back had been hurting for days.

We had a wonderful birthday dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris hotel. Now, I wasn't fully crazy about the Lobster Thermador I had - so I would skip that, but they have an Escargot appetizer that was to die for. And their signature Eiffel Tower souffle for dessert cannot be missed. My hubby had a bone-in Rib Eye steak with potatoes gratin that was perfection. This restaurant is definitely on our list of 'will go back to' restaurants.

We spent the rest of the evening back at the Wynn gambling. There's also a 'free' show based on the gigantic waterfall they have at the hotel. We asked four different employees and got four different answers on when the shows started and what the shows were. What is up with that??? Isn't that a very basic question? Flaw #5

So, here's what we ended up finding out from a bartender there. We didn't ask when the shows started each night, but we figure it must be when it's dark out, because the shows are all based on lighting effects. There is a small light show every 15 minutes, and then a big production show every 45 minutes. I missed pictures of the couple of shows we saw, but here are pictures of the waterfall in the day and one from the balcony inside the hotel that looks out to the waterfall. It's a beautiful white rock wall with water cascading down - but it's almost like an infinity pool where it meets the rest of the water. You don't see the water hit the 'lake' part of it. Just beautiful.
And they have these statues of people looking at the waterfall. A very cool effect.



The next day, we played in the casino all day and then went to see Le Reve, the Wynn's signature show. I would put it third after 'O' and 'KA'. It's a beautiful theater - I snuck some pictures before the show started. The second picture is of the ceilling. Those are statues (there were about 100 of them) all over the ceiling. Very cool. The 'skylight' would open and close and performers would descend.



The show is like a smaller scale version of 'O'. It was designed by Franco Dragone, who designed several of the Cirque du Soleil shows. Funny thing is, some of the costumes were very similar to those from 'O'. But anyway, it was a good show - I would see it again.

So, that was the last of my hubby's birthday gifts. We ended up playing in the casino until around 2:15am. When we went back to the room and settle in for the night, we heard drilling from upstairs in our bathroom. It was LOUD! Drilling! At 2:30am! Flaw #6

Called the front desk - and after being on holdf or 5 minutes, we were told that maintenance was working on a service elevator hear our room and they would send someone up to stop them immediately. All they were going to compensate us for was a free lunch at the cafe or buffet the next day. Uh - we already played enough to earn comps for that - so that was Flaw #7 - poor customer service.

Well, 15 minutes later - the drilling sounds were still going on. Hubby had to get up, get dressed, go upstairs to see what was going on himself - major Flaw #8. We're the guests - yet we're getting up to check on a noise at 2:45 in the morning after we called to complain about it already? Anyway, a few minutes later, my hubby comes back with a security guard he ran into in the hall. The guard heard the drilling and called someone at Engineering on his walkie talkie. The drilling stopped within minutes. Stupid huh? What if my husband didn't go out looking around? Would the drilling have stopped? I don't think so.

The next morning, we went down to the players club and talked to one of the reps there - he called one of the slot hosts to come help us. We couldn't be more greatful for Alan, our new slot host. Not only was he very courteous, but he managed to comp one night of stay for us and all our food for the trip. He also said that the next time we go there, he will comp our show tickets for 'Avenue Q' (the other show they have there). We also got a free lunch at the buffet. Without Alan, the check-out reps were only willing to give us the buffet lunch, and $50 off one night (Flaw #9). Yeah, I think we'll stick with Alan.

On the whole, the Wynn is fabulous. Everything about it is fabulous - except the service. Which is very surprising for a Steve Wynn hotel - who is known for excellent customer service. I mean, we had buffet - and no one ever came to clean off our plates or offer drink refills. Other people at other tables actually stacked their own dirty dishes and handed them to the bus folks to take. That's bad! But it's still and awesome hotel - and I'm just hoping service will be better as time goes. Hubby is definitely filling out a Customer Satisfaction Card - the first one we felt necessasry to fill in after 10 years of going to Vegas together and staying at over 10 different hotels there.

So, here we are back in SF - first day back to work after a very strange weekend. Back to some great news. That woman got the job in Texas. She's leaving!!! Last day will be January 31. That's 8 more business days. I also got offered a job - not my dream job - but a job. So, that's one more stress off my plate. Yea! Maybe things will start going a little more smoothly from now on? Or at least, 8 business days from now?

Mixed emotions

This week has been a total roller coaster of emotions. I was feeling elated Tuesday through Thursday, and then took the plunge toward depression on Friday. It's also my hubby's 40th birthday weekend - we leave for Las Vegas tomorrow. It's hard to get excited.

Yes, once again, it's about work. Again, I can't go into details (you never know who may be reading this), but on Tuesday I found out some wonderful news. Wonderful news that affected this person at work who has made my life a living hell the past 7 months. I'm sure most people have dealt with something like this - a person who just loves to boss people around (even though they most certainly are not your boss), criticize everything you do, and try to find fault in the things you do - WHY? because you do it well, and everyone knows it. They know you can do it better than that person.

Anyway, I found out that this person did not get the upgraded position they were just dying for. And you should have seen and heard the bitterness this entire week. It was a complete slap in the face to them, but I was just giddy. I celebrated every day, until Friday. Friday I learned that the bigwigs of the company decided that because of things that are happening in our department, that it would be a good idea if someone could help oversee things, temporarily. You know where this is going right? Yep, that person got the upgrade. Unbelievable. With all the sh*t this person has done, and all the work not done, they get a promotion.

There's been a lot of stress at work the past two months, so this was just the icing on the cake. Of course, this person had to come over to where I was sitting and go on and on about it to everyone in the vicinity. I contained myself until they left, but soon after, I just got teary eyed. It's very disappointing.

Actually, the icing on the cake is when they came back an hour later to talk to me about how they just came up with an idea and will work with another team to implement it - knowing full well that I had already talked to the team the day before about the same thing - with the same idea. But of course, they took credit and tried to make it sound like I was against the whole thing - unfortunately, I wasn't invited to the meeting when this process was discussed the second time. Evil - this person is just so evil. The nerve to come to my face and tell me that they came up with the idea that I had just 24 hours ago. I was so angry, I wanted to submit a 1 hour notice to my boss and quit right there and then.

So, I pray to the Vegas gods, please let me win the MegaBucks this weekend. Anything over $1 million. I'll even take $500,000. Just let me get the heck out of my company with enough financial freedom for one year. Just one year! So that I can find something else, or start up something of my own. Please?

I vented all night long to my poor hubby. I promised to myself not to mention it anymore this weekend. It's his weekend - and I want us both to be happy. My plans in Vegas are all ready and confirmed. We just need to get on that plane tomorrow and not look back for a few days. We both need it.

So cute it hurts...

I found this website the other day. I don't even remember how, but all I know is, as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to make it a Favorite. It's called Cute Overload! The name really says it all. Somehow, this person has managed to find - or they're probably contributions, pictures of the most adorable animals and little knick-knacks. If you're an animal lover like me, these pictures will make you hop up and down in your seat as you look at each picture.

So, my family and I went to see the new Cirque du Soleil show, Corteo, last night. It is by far the best travelling Cirque show I have ever seen. The acts are so clever and these people are just multitalented. I mean, you see the same people performing all sorts of different acts throughout the show. Unfortunately, the show ends this Sunday, but for those who have seen it, you know what I mean. This is a fantastic show - and I rate it 10 stars!

Short week

Well, I had Monday off from work for the New Year holiday. Went to work for two days - and I'm taking tomorrow off. Why? I'm sick!!! This happened to me last year too. I'm starting a cold and my allergies are bad. Add that to insomnia... yep. I brought some work home tonight because I felt pretty miserable today and knew I wasn't going to be better by Thursday. I just hope to shake off most of this before Friday.

What's happening Friday is that we're going to see the new Cirque du Soleil show, Corteo. (I love this picture)



We bought these tickets as a Father's Day present last year - and it's finally here! The belated birthday present will be dinner at Fringale before the show. I'm just hoping I can taste the food by Friday. Nothing worse than sniffling through a show. I love Cirque du Soleil. Except for their very early productions, I've seen them all. The ones in their custom built theaters are the best (Las Vegas and Florida).

I think my top two must see, always recommend to everyone, shows are "O" and "KA". They have the most expensive ticket prices, but they truly are worth every penny. Mystere used to be my favorite - and what inspired me to take up Taiko (I stopped when I hurt my knee skiing a few years ago). The show has an awesome opening and finale that showcases the Taiko drum - there's nothing like feeling that deep drum beat rumble through your soul.



So, it's past midnight - I've sneezed about 7 times in a row in less than a minute. My throat is going to be so sore tomorrow. I hate that. I've already emailed my boss to let her know that I won't be coming in. I prefer to let them know the night before, so I'm not worried about contacting them early in the morning - this way get some more sleep.

I guess I should just go read in bed or something. My brain is starting to get fuzzy. Gotta find my bottle of Vitamin C!

Oh - and we finally saw Finding Neverland last night. LOVED IT!!! I highly recommend it! I love Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Can't believe Johnny Depp was on 21 Jump Street way back when. I don't remember a single episode of that show, but I remember him on it. And I just love anything with Kate Winslet.

Quiet New Year

At about 11:50p on December 31st, my husband and I rushed out of our apartment and started running towards the Bay Bridge. With just a few minutes to go, we thought we could get to a prime viewing spot of the fireworks that would be shot up over the Ferry Plaza. Well, while we were running, the fireworks started going off. Oh well. We wished each other a 'Happy New Year' mid-run. We missed the count down, but we did find a prime spot and watched the beautiful fireworks in the air. I love the ones that end in a cascading veil of glitter. The smily faces too.

This past week has been movie week for us. We've tried to catch up on several of the movies we have on DVD. Movies we've collected over the last several months, but have been too busy watching the miriad of TV shows we enjoy. Yes, we watch too much TV.

Anyway, you already know we watch the new Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Memoirs of a Geisha, but this week we also saw Fantastic 4, War of the Worlds, Batman Begins, Ocean's Twelve, Sin City, Constantine, and The Life of David Gale. My husband watched The Island on his own (because I had already seen it), and Seabiscuit.

All in all, the only movie that pissed me off at the end was War of the Worlds. It made no sense, and was a total cop out. The special effects, however, were excellent. All the other movies were very good. I think my favorite of the week is Memoirs.

The TV shows are starting up again this month. It's just a handful of shows this week, so maybe we'll squeeze in another movie or two.

Only 13 more days until VEGAS!!!

Happy New Year!

2005 was a pretty rough year for a lot of people. I wish everyone in the world a safe and peaceful 2006!

Long day...

After a week of sleeping in most mornings, it was so hard to get my body out of bed this morning. I'm not even sure what time it was - it was still dark. I just remember hearing my husband's alarm go off and then him nudding me for the next five minutes trying to make me get up.

We had to take our car to San Jose to fix a window. We were supposed to drop off the car at the service center between 7a and 9a for same day service. Well, we got to San Jose around 8:30a. At first the service guy was like, "Oh, I'm booked up until next Wednesday..." After a little pushing from my husband, and reminding the guy that he told us specifically that we didn't need to make an appointment before bringing in the car, and emphasizing that we drove all the way from San Francisco, the guy told us he would try to work on the car today. Key word... "Try"

Anyway, we walked over to the Valley Fair Mall, a wee bit pissed with the fact that we almost got turned away completely. Let me tell you - I love shopping. LOVE shopping. The fact that I haven't shopped much this whole year because of the new condo just kills me. Not that I buy out a store or anything, but now, even those little 'just because I like them' pieces that I normally would have in my closet already - I put them back on the sheves and put my credit card away. So, actually going to the mall is a treat for me (I sound so deprived, don't I?)

My point is, arriving at the mall at 8:45am and having to sit there when you're stone tired until 10am is pure HELL. We walked around the empty complex and I scoped out all the stores that I was going to browse when they opened. Finally at long last, 10am slowly rolled around. The plan was, I would shop around until 11:15a or so, and then we would walk over to the theaters to catch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at 12:15a. Well, again, here is time's cruel trick. 11:15a came so fast, I only got to see some of the stores before we had to go.

The movie was great. Great for me, because I had read the books and understood what was going on. Some parts were rather skimmed over, and the dialog I felt was choppy, but on the whole, the special effects were excellent and I enjoyed it. My husband, however, was lost. I had to explain to him certain areas where he had no idea what was going on.

About 15 minutes into the movie, the service center called. For the first time, our car was actually ready before 3pm. Normally, we just hang out at the mall from the early morning until around 2pm or 3pm - and we can't wait to get the hell outta there. But today, we were going to finish the movie, get the car, and then head back to the mall for a little bit and then leave. Well, that was the plan until my hubby got in the car and drove right onto the freeway - heading for home. I was like, "Uh, weren't we supposed to go back to the mall?" Within 10 minutes of us discussing our plans, he had forgotten. Geez!

Anyway, traffic was bad and I just said forget it - and we came home. I'm a bit disappointed - I was looking forward to doing a little shopping today. I mean, at least to have a chance to browse. It's not like we go to San Jose all the time - we only go for the car (when something goes wrong). And in Northern California - I must admit, that is my favorite mall. So, I was annoyed for a while, but what can I say? I'm bitter because my husband didn't drive me back to the mall?

It's just that we've had the whole week off from work - and mainly have done nothing but be lazy around the house. I wanted to be out and about. I haven't shopped much this whole year - and yes, I would like to wear a new piece or two from 2005. OK, yeah, I admit it. I'm still annoyed we came home so early. Oh well. My own fault for not offering to drive. If I drove, we'd have gone to the mall. I just didn't think that he'd forget something we discussed not 10 minutes earlier. Whatever.

Let's hear it for 10 years!

Ten years ago today, my hubby and I met for the very first time at our local post office. Just two strangers who happened to be in line together. We didn't start dating until January, and we normally don't celebrate this day, but considering it's our 10th 'anniversary' - I just have to acknowledge it. Happy 'meeting' anniversary baby!

On another note, Monte is back to normal. Yea!
It's laundry day, and he's been burrowing as usual. No making the bed for now. We've got a kitty lost in the pile somewhere. It's so funny - I was standing near the bed and calling Monte's name - and from deep within the large mountain of comforter and sheets, you could hear a soft little "meow..." He crawled in himself and had nice nap.

Monte is home...

My baby is home! He's OK. He's a little out of it. He kind of wobbled out of his carrier and bonked into the wall when we let him out, but on the whole, it's nothing a good night's sleep won't take care of. He's a little grouchy, but that's to be expected.

In talking to the Vet, she said that she had used a different kind of anesthetic than what was used on Monte in the past. She said that this was the kind she used for older cats and that it's normally very safe. In Monte's case, he just didn't take to it well, so they had to bring him out of it right away. At least they managed to clean the rest of his teeth before he became fully awake and threw a hissy fit. Yep, my boy is a fighter. We discussed it a bit and decided that since his fractured tooth doesn't seem to be bothering him, it's best to let Monte alone for the next few months. The Vet will discuss with the Dentist and see what options are best.

In the meantime, my little kitty is home again. He's a bit grouchy, but lovey at the same time. He'll roll around on the rug like he usually does when he's playful, but then when you start playing with him, he'll meow really loud and run away. We're just leaving him alone for now. I'm sure he'll be back to normal by tomorrow. I'm just glad he's home.

Monte update

My hubby just called. He said the Vet called him and told him that they weren't able to extract Monte's tooth. Apparently, his heart rate went really low and they had to bring him out almost right after they put him under. He was having a reaction to the anethesia. He's been under before, but they said that it's possible that this developed just simply from his being older now. They took an EKG and said that his upper heart valve is not communicating with his lower valve. I don't know what that means, but I'm sure the doctor will explain more when we go there tonight.

My heart is racing and I feel so helpless. At this point, Monte is OK - but they're going to observe him for a couple of hours before letting us bring him home. The Vet is also trying to figure out what they can do about his tooth since they can't put him under, but of course, that's not the main concern right now. Another worry is, what will they do if Monte ever has to have any surgery or anything that may require him to be put under again?

There's nothing I can do but wait. I just want to bring my baby home. I'm so scared.