Happy New Year!

Truly, where did 2011 go? I feel like the year flew by so quickly and that I lost touch with so much that I'm familiar with. One of my goals for 2012 is to get my life back in order. I need to learn how to operate a business yet have a normal life as well. Opening up our store, although extremely exhausting, has been extremely rewarding. Unfortunately, 2011 and my normalcy was lost somewhere in the shuffle.

But...it's a new year and there have been lessons learned! I'm excited to see what 2012 brings for us all!

In the meantime, I am in Hawaii celebrating the new year with my family and relishing our time together. There aren't many times these days that my family unit is together under one roof. This holiday season was good to us in that way!

Happy Happy New Year to all of you! I wish joy, happiness, health, and prosperity for all of us in 2012!

It's The Little Things...

And often the unexpected...

That make life so rich and full...

Such as...

1) My beautiful 22 year old daughter stating on Facebook that "my mom is my best friend";

2) Finding out on Saturday that I got a raise at work. It was out of the blue and substantial, something that isn't happening much in this economy;

3) Having one of the doctors that I work with give me a big hug today and tell me that she's missed me since I don't work as much anymore. We 're having lunch at her gorgeous home Friday at noon so that we can catch up and have girlfriend time. Not only do I feel blessed that she considers me such a good friend but I think it says alot about how she feels about me professionally. Even though we talk non-stop when we see each other (and some of it is about our patients!), I take it as a hugh compliment that she considers me one of her peers;

4) My handsome son sending me a message on Facebook, saying hello, just because!

It's often the little things, the personal things, that we treasure the most!

Celebrating Mom

Last Tuesday was my mother's 71st birthday. Since she's still so active, it's hard to believe she's over 70, but she'll assure you she is! She leads a very busy and full life, is a beautiful person inside and out, and is in fantastic health. When I reach her age, I should be so lucky!

My sister Debbie and I decided a few years ago to fly to Colorado each year to celebrate with Mom on her special day. It's now become a tradition and one that I always look forward to and enjoy. My sister and I laugh so much and so often that I think it can be embarrassing for my mom but we can't help it. Life is just good when I'm around my family, plus factor in that Debbie really could be a stand-up comic and you get one thing: FUN!

Another thing is always certain, we're a picture taking family! We went to P.F.Chang's for dinner but had a little impromptu photo session first...






Fun times, great memories!

Summer 2010

September 1st already!? I adore Fall and I'm thrilled it's here but boy did summer zoom by. Summer 2010 is now a memory but what a fantastic one!

As soon as I started working less hours in June, I hit the ground running and haven't slowed down since. I calculated that I've only been home 5-10 days the entire summer. It's been a blast and I've never felt so free!

This summer I visited beautiful Colorado once again, drove through Wyoming and saw parts of Utah for the first time, met my dear blogging friend Janiece in person (in SLC), spent 4 days in Grass Valley CA with my best buddy/sister Debbie, moved my beautiful daughter from one apt to another in AZ, went to Hawaii with BOTH of my kids, hubby, and long time friends, spent time at the beach with our camping club, and just finished getting my handsome son moved and settled into his new apt. It's been the busiest summer ever but what a great time!

I also lost 9 lbs this summer and have changed my whole way of eating. Jenny Craig has worked well for me, but more importantly, it got me motivated. There were a few weeks that I was unable to eat my Jenny Craig food because of traveling but I continued to lose weight. I'm making better choices on my own, eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish. I still have 6 lbs to go to reach my goal but the end is in sight.

It feels good to be back in blogland! Happy September and Happy Fall!

Greetings From Colorado!

We haven't even been in Colorado for 24 hours yet we've been to Urgent Care twice already. Once for me and once for my mom.

I was sick the whole drive to Colorado and spotted an Urgent Care only a few miles away from my parent's house when we arrived. Once we dropped off Jake I headed out to see a doctor. I really enjoy the drive from CA to CO but I was so miserable I didn't enjoy any of it. We spent Sunday night in a small city in Utah and we stopped at the local medical center on the way out of town. I walked in asking for treatment and they said they couldn't fit me in. I was so upset I cried all the way back to the car. They held my ability to feel better in their hands and they turned me away. I was crushed. I knew I just needed a z-pak (Zithromycin) for an upper respiratory infection and thankfully, I got the prescription for it at the urgent Care in Colorado and already feel much improved.

We wanted to go out to lunch today and as we were headed out to the car, I watched as my mom took a spill in her driveway so off again we went to Urgent Care. As it turns out, she broke her foot and is now in the big black boot and using crutches. It brings back all too familiar and recent memories for me!

On a happy note, I had my daughter pick a number today for my 500th post giveaway. She picked #22 since today is the 22nd (and my 30th wedding anniversary by the way!), so congratulations to my fellow nurse Tauna! I'll get the monogrammed plate sent out to you Tauna as soon as we return home.

Thank you all for joining in on the giveaway fun!

Building Relationships and Making Memories

When the kids were growing up, we entertained alot. It was always fun and easy to have friends over for bbq's and swim parties. We also hosted many church youth functions in our home and what seems like hundreds of family functions. For one reason or another however, we haven't entertained much in the last 4-5 years. I'm sure it's because now since the kids are grown, we: 1) travel more 2) I've worked more than I ever have, so recently when some friends invited themselves over for a get together, I was excited and up for the challenge.

While I say we entertained often, I'm in no way saying I was the perfect hostess. In fact, I was many times a stressed out hostess and I know our guests picked up on it too. Everything had to be so perfect, I wore myself out even before the party started. My husband worked so much that I bore the burden myself and my biggest mistake was thinking I could do it all. Well, it's taken me years to "unwind" but now I think I've got the hang of it and I'm really enjoying opening up our home to family and friends. One important thing I've learned is to let your guests be involved. Let them help you with the preparations and if they want to bring food or dessert to the party, GREAT!

I can honestly say that blogging has helped me in this area of my life. I have read many posts stressing the fact that truly, people don't care what your baseboards look like or if you've vacuumed the house or not, what's important is that when you open up your home, you are building friendships and making wonderful, lasting memories. It's taken me years, but I get it now. I finally get it! I'm so happy to say that over the last few years I've enjoyed each and every time we've had company and I can now say I know they've enjoyed it just as much.

It's been a learning process for me but I have made a hugh effort to "unwind" and be in the moment more. I can't tell you how many opportunities I've let pass by because I felt my home wasn't in "perfect" shape. Truth is, it never is and it never will be. Life is short and I don't want to let opportunities pass me by anymore. I'm all for making the wonderful, lasting memories and relationships!

Last night was fun, relaxing, stress free, and now full of memories. When it got dark, we even took the time to sit out by the pool and gaze at the stars! After all these years, I think I've got the hang of it!










From looking at the photos, you might think "it doesn't look stress free or relaxing to me. It looks like alot of work!" Yes, anytime you have company, it's work, but the secret is I don't stress over it like in the past. I was able to set a nice table and add the special touches because for once I had the time and I now have my husband's help! What got done, got done, and what didn't, didn't! I also let our friends bring part of the meal with them. It made all the difference in the world.

Las Vegas - Part 2

While we were in Vegas, we decided to walk the strip and head down to the Mirage Hotel. Courtney and I ordered tickets to see the Beatles Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage and we wanted to pick up our tickets. We saw the show on Sunday night and it was fantastic. They have a new Cirque show that is Elvis inspired. I'd love to see that next.


I really wanted to see Donny and Marie but their show was still on hiatus due to the death of Marie's son. Look at how they do the advertising for their show...


Pretty neat huh! They have their billboard on the front of the Flamingo Hotel where they have their show. My sister saw the show recently and said it was the best show she'd ever seen.

I don't know how we got so lucky but we ended up standing right in front of the Bellagio Hotel when their water show started. It's so beautiful and mesmerizing...







It's very entertaining walking the strip, you never know what your gonna see and believe me, Vegas attracts all kinds! Get a load of this guy's outfit! Board shorts, loafers, hat, and striped jacket. Amazing isn't it?!



My sister said no matter how much she loved the guy, she wouldn't be holding his hand when he was wearing that combination. Me, I quickly ran up behind him to take his picture. I knew it was good blog material!

Las Vegas - Part 1

We've already been home from Las Vegas for a week now and I haven't mentioned anything about it. Truth be told, I just haven't felt like blogging, either creating posts or commenting. Courtney was home for spring break all week so I've been a little preoccupied.

Last Friday I drove to Vegas to meet up with family and friends. Like I've mentioned, we're not drinkers but we used the excuse of spring break and Courtney being 21 to head to sin city. Courtney flew in from Arizona and my sister Debbie flew in from Orange County, and from the minute we arrived we were on the go. The first night, I got to bed at 4am!

Saturday morning we were up and out the door by noon and headed to another hotel to meet up with friends Deanna and Ernie for lunch. Deanna and I met in art class when we were in the 9th grade and have been best friends ever since. Technically, we've grown up with each other and have experienced everything in life together over the last 30+ years. She has always been like a sister, even living with our family after high school. Together, Deanna and I have experienced getting our driver's license, graduating high school, college, moving out and into our own apartment, engagements, marriage, having and raising children, vacations, divorce, family, careers, aging parents and death, and the list goes on and on. We truly have experienced and lived life together, like family.

Here is a picture of Debbie, myself, Courtney, and Deanna...


Best friends...


Deanna and Ernie...


And there's only one way to describe Debbie, Courtney, and myself when we're together...TROUBLE!


After spending the afternoon with Deanna and Ernie, we headed yet to another hotel, to meet up with my sister Kim and BIL Michael for dessert and coffee. Ok, with Debbie, Courtney, Kim, and myself, now you're really talking TROUBLE!

More on Vegas later...

FYI...Elvis is still alive and kicking, and living in Vegas! I bet he was trying to call Priscilla!

Home Safe and Sound

I'm definitely not as young as I used to be because I'm one tired girl! I'm not used to keeping those late night Vegas hours!

I need to unpack and get ready for work tomorrow so I'll write more about it this week and share some pictures with you. We absolutely had a great time.

Why is it that when you're having so much fun, the time flies by so darn fast!?

It Didn't Hurt Before...

I've been doing pretty well with my ankle and have even started going back to the gym. I'm not up to speed on the treadmill yet but things are slowly getting back to normal.

At my appointment with the orthopedist a month ago, he mentioned that I didn't have to keep my final appointment last week if I felt I was doing ok. We said our good-byes but I knew I'd be keeping the appointment regardless. I've always felt that before it was all said and done, I would be needing a prescription for physical therapy. I'm able to walk ok but I've noticed that my ankle is stiff, especially first thing in the morning. I also don't have the flexibility at the ankle that I once had.

I kept my appointment on Thursday and the doctor agreed to send me to physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Yesterday was my first PT session and all I can say is, if my ankle didn't hurt before I went in (and it didn't), it sure hurts now. They really worked it. The therapist agreed that I don't have near the amount of flexibility as my other ankle does. He said it's not just a little stiff, it's ALOT stiff. I'm functioning at about 75% now but I'm sure by the end of the 3 weeks I'll be at least in the 90th percentile and functioning normal again.

The therapist and his wife (also a PT) own the facility and they are as nice as can be, very personable people. I found out Sunday that my sister and my BIL both did therapy at this place also and they wanted me to say "hi" to everyone. The therapists remembered them well, especially my sister. It's not everyday that they get to treat someone who falls out of an attic. Oh.yes.she.did! Just over a year ago, my sister fell over 10 feet, out of her attic, onto a concrete floor in her garage. Believe me when I say she was in bad shape. She's recovered fully but I don't think she's been up in her attic since!

My next session is tomorrow. Wish me luck!

I Have A Question For You...And It's Not Friday!

I know you're all probably busy watching the Super Bowl game but I'm curious about something and thought maybe you guys could help me figure it out.

I don't know if it was something that was set up in blogger, my computer, yahoo, or what, but I used to get a pop up box in the lower right hand corner of my screen telling me if I had a message or comment that had come in. I could be browsing websites or looking at blogs and all of a sudden, a horizontal box would pop up if someone had just left me a message, then the box would disappear and I could then go to my inbox to read the comment.

Does any of this sound familiar? Do you get these pop up messages? It hasn't happened since I got my new computer so I'm thinking I must have had something set somewhere. Who knows, it's all a mystery to me now!

Anyways, it's a pretty blah day here today, weather included. My husband had to go out of town for a few days so I don't even have the TV on. I'm thinking about turning on the game and doing some ironing while I'm at it. I know I know, I live an exciting life don't I!?!

To tell you the truth, I'm feeling kinda bummed. My sister who lives near me is having a Super Bowl party today with lots of friends and food but hubby and I never seem to be invited to their gatherings. Granted, they are "party people" and we don't drink, and we're really not into football like they are, but still. I probably wouldn't even have gone over but the offer to join in would have been nice. I called yesterday to see if I could stop by to drop off a special gift I had made for her but she was on her way to Smart and Final, stocking up for today I'm sure. Normally it wouldn't bother me but it is today.

My brother-in-law was talking about his game day cooking on Facebook. It didn't bother me at all until his neighbor's sister commented on how she's looking forward to today. His neighbor's sister...

I do want to say that I love my sister dearly and she's a sweetheart, but I guess we just think differently, and we definitely lead different lives. What crosses my mind probably never occurs to her. She would feel terrible if she thought I was feeling slighted. She's never had a malicious bone in her body.

I'll be over it by tomorrow.

What The Heck Is It?

Wednesday I showed you a picture I recently took of my lemon tree. It is overflowing with lemons right now. In fact, it's overflowing with other fruit too! Get a load of this...


I kid you not...


We grow em' big here in California don't we!?!

To the right and down a bit from our lemon tree, we have a grapefruit tree. Now be it from the wind, bees, or whatever the case, but I'm guessing these trees have cross pollinated. We've had these humongous lemon/grapefruit things grow on our lemon tree for about 3 years now.

A few weeks ago my sister stopped by and while she was here she picked some lemons to take home with her. Out of curosity, she also picked one of the "plump" ones. This is her report: Although they're not as sour as a normal lemon, they taste lemony, not grapefruity!

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a fun, safe New Year's! I just keep thinking about it being 2010 and truthfully, it leaves me dumbfounded. It seems like only 4-5 years ago that we were all talking about Y2K but it's been 10 years already. It really scares me how fast time flies by.

We spent the holiday weekend with camping buddies and always have such an enjoyable time but even still, I wasn't looking forward to going RVing this weekend. I only went because hubby really really wanted to go and friends were really really bugging us to go, so we went.

From the get go, I wasn't thrilled with the thought of going up and down the RV stairs with crutches, maneuvering in the RV shower on one foot, or the fact that we weren't even going to be parked near friends. We reserved our spot at a later date and all of the spaces close to our friends were taken already. I never knew camping over New Year's was such a popular time but it is. One family provided us with a golf cart which was very kind but I still wasn't super happy about the whole set up. I would have been just as happy to stay home.

Well, with that being said, this weekend was one of those times that I just decided to go with it, to keep my mouth shut, and to feed myself positive thoughts about the situation. I have found it truly is mind over matter and the desire to be happy in any given situation IS in our control. I know first hand it's not easy, but our happiness truly is up to us. If I've learned anything at my age, I've learned that I cannot look to others for my happiness. I have to make it on my own. Am I happy to be home? Yes! But did I have a nice, enjoyable weekend after all? Yes! And the best part about it is that I feel very satisfied and happy with the outcome. More fun times and great memories were made with family and friends this past weekend. I could have chosen to sulk around in the motorhome or have a bad attitude. I'm glad I didn't choose either one.

Thursday night, New Year's Eve, we had an excellent potluck in one of the clubhouses. We had so much food and it was all so delicious. I asked the guys to line up and this is what I got. I think a few of them thought they were Chippendale dancers or something...


Ok, so then I asked the husbands to take some pictures of us girls...


And this is what we got. They didn't even get all of us in the photos!



I'm sure these next 2 photos were taken by women friends. The photos are centered and we're pretty much looking in the same direction...



Guy friends...


Girl friends...


Family...


And of course, the best traveling buddy around. Notice how he's always got to be touching his momma!



We've been blessed to make many wonderful memories with these camping buddies. I'm sure 2010 will bring many more!