A Perfect Sunday during the Holidays...

Today Matt and I went over to Ron and Sue's to make Spritz cookies. She actually did all the prep work but we got to push the cookies through the tube into fun shapes- wreaths, trees, poinsettas, flowers, dogs and butterflies. It was great times!

Sibs and I chilled in the chair, in front of the big screen, reading newspaper ads under a blanket for about an hour while Matt watched football. Perfect! Oh, and we rolled over to Moraga in Ellamae- the new Toyota Corolla Stationwagon! We love her!

Then we went to Alameda with Jesse and Kristen. We got to taste some great wines at Rosenblum and then headed over to Hangar One. What a great day! I can't wait to take Jon, RedLin, and Russ there!!!

To top it all off, we went to a great Thai Restaurant on Park Street. The weird cleaner smell really put us off, but the food was great!!!!

We're watching The Simpsons by the fire and getting ready for bed, the electric blanket is waiting! Happy Kids!

Thankful

So many things to be thankful for....
Family
Friends
Our power going out last night... and Jeremy's computer to save Movie Night
Starting a small business with success
Being able to follow my dreams
Blogs... really!
Pandora radio
Our Fireplace
My Dog
Our House
Our Neighborhood
Making Cookies
Tea
Family
Our Chickens

Cupcakes make people happy...

but my husband bringing me tea in the cupcake mug makes me even happier. I love tea!

We are drinking Otea Santorini. Heaven!

Imagination Vacation

Someone I know (a fellow Kappa and someone I've networked with a bit to get technical) has started a great organization. Even being away from the "cancer world," I still feel very connected to the cause (and I should, I've know too many people affected by the disease). This seems like a great cause.

It's an Imagination Vacation partners with area hospitals to host special events for pediatric cancer patients and other seriously ill children. We believe that every child deserves the chance to enjoy family vacations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many of these special patients spend much of their time in and out of the hospital, undergoing treatments and testing, not playing and vacationing like many of the other kids their age. During our special events, patients simply travel down the hall to arrive at a dreamland destination without leaving the hospital. The possible vacation destinations, ranging from Zoo Light Safaris to Hawaiian Holidays, and Winter Wonderlands to Spring Soirees, are as endless as a child's imagination.

Slanket... Everyone loves a slanket!

It's so funny that a conversation regarding a Slanket has come up twice in less than two weeks. I can't remember who I was talking to, but I was telling him (I seem to remember it being a him) that I really wanted a Slanket for the holidays... and low and behold Simple is hosting a give away. I can't afford one of these right now and my family thinks I'm nuts for wanting one, so maybe I'll win one!!! And then I'll read, read, read... and blog while comfy and warm! I wanna a chocolate one!

On a Paws and Praise Day

Dear Mr. Peters,

As I sit here, in my office at my fabulously cubbied desk, a small creature, whose name is Joonbug walks past the Toyota Matrix sitting in our hilly driveway. Sibleybear aka Bibbers is at my feet, under said desk, curled up sleeping, barely waking to get the treat I place in front of her nose before dosing off again.

You, my dearest husband, are probably talking in a funny voice to 45 teenaged, hormonal, sometimes wonderful, sometimes annoying kids, making our family the money to survive. You are thinking about a million things, including the basketball game tonight. #2 of many, hoping for that 1st win of the season.

Thus far today, I have not unloaded the dishwasher, but I did check on the chickens. They are rooting around on the ground and actually came nearer to me when I approached. Your dog was a good dog and did not cross the white line, but sat nicely in the shade with her paws crossed.

Thus far today, I have created labels for my folders for which I would like your professional feedback before continuing. I also made myself some coffee and put in lots of vanilla syrup, snickering too myself that the coffee is perfect for me, but you, Mr. Peters, would not like it.

Thus far today, I have re-made our bed for I found when I woke the sheets were completely crooked and that I have pulled those on my side of the bed out from underneath the mattress, while those on your side are neatly tucked.

Thus far today, I have counted my blessing 2 or 3 times for I am one lucky gal. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband, friend, coach, gardener, tea maker, chicken farmer, bibbers daddy, and cook. I look forward to your return late this evening, after said win #1 where a cup of tea will be waiting for you so that you can hunker down in your chair and we can flip between Biggest Loser and House while you pretend to watch TV.

Te Amo,
Cita aka Mamacita

My job rocks

I just want it down on "paper" that on Monday I thought to myself... I love my job!

This is what life is about people.

Above photo of Samson, my friend Amy's dog... and my "bomb-proof" dog for dog training.

Iowa roots

So often, I find myself connected to my Iowa roots. From the maid-rites we had for dinner tonight to the blogs I read. One I recently found is Elizabeth Williams. She's not an Iowan by birth, but teaches school and currently resides there. Her jewelry is lovely and I love her "look" on her website. I find myself often hanging out on the page just to listen to the music she has posted. I have to switch it back to Pandora when I realize I've gone over the playlist two or three times. She's got a great giveaway for her birthday going on now.... I love giveaways!

I'm a dog trainer!

Officially graduated from the SF SPCA Academy from Dog Trainers and I'm doing it!!!!!

I started my business, Paws and Praise Dog Training, (well, technically speaking- the license is done, FBN -done, zoning clearane- done) now I just need some clients! I'll be working on the website and marketing materials in the weeks/months to come. My goal is to work with new parents and new parents-to-be to prepare them for life with dog after baby.

It's really taken up all of my time, between school and starting the business and working part time at Citizen Canine, so my photo opportunities have lessened. I'm determined to get back out there, even if it means a lot of dog photos!!!!

2 years- 75 more to come

We've been married for 2 years and Matt said something that I thought was super sweet.

2 down, 75 to go. We joke about growing old together and dying peacefully in our sleep when we are in our 90's....

Maybe that's a pessimistic way to think about it or maybe it's just for fun.

Happy anniversary honey!

Wedding Shots in Switzerland

We're back from Europe and we had a great time! I had so much fun working with Matt and taking photographs, it's something I'd like to consider dipping my feet into. I've got a great camera and found myself editing late into the night this week.

Sonoma Coast...

Last weekend Matt and I went to the Sonoma Coast and hung out together all day, with our dog. It feels so good to be married to someone I love to intensely when we are together. I sometimes forget that when we're feeling distant or at odds with one another, just some time together brings us right back to where we need to be. Doesn't hurt that he's got a fantastic back end.

And this weekend, we didn't really hang out but that's okay- the patio is getting closer to done and I got a nap. 'nough said 'bout a good weekend.

This one goes out to the one who started it all

Shutter Sisters had a post this week about the blogger who started it all. For me it was Andrea at Superhero Journal. I came upon her blog when googling Superhero while looking for decorations for a training I was helping with at work. I became mesmerized, I read for a few hours, found myself going back for the pictures and then started to look at the comments to find other bloggers. Today, I frequent about 15 different blogs and when I'm done checking in on them, my day feels complete. On many of them I'm still lurking, a few I've commented on and a few are people I think I might be able to be friends with in real life, but that just seems freaky to me. So thank you to Andrea for her blog which brought me to blogs and thank you to Through My Lens, Fina Drea, Knit Purl Mama, Quarter Life Crisis, Inevitable Keely, and a few others for making my day complete

If you don't like something I'm doing, you need to tell me..

Work is super frustrating right now and I am feeling like my boss treats me unfairly. I talked to the HR person today and she gave me some great pointers about approaching my boss about her attitude and the way she is speaking to me.

I cried so hard about it last night that I got a huge headache and felt nauseous. Life is too short to feel like that. Still no word about other jobs I've applied for- which stinks.

This weekend I'm dedicating myself to getting some work done and getting caught up- even though I'm dreading it.

Saturday...

A quite nice Saturday- We got up kinda early and headed to the farmers market. Only picked up Kiwi's but I got my Starbucks :) Putzed around the rest of the morning, prepped the walls with plaster for painting- color undecided- and hung out with Amy. I took the idea from "A"'s blog about a word for the year. Mine is creativity. It's something I really want to focus on, so I'm making a scrapbook for my creative endeavors- mostly photography- for the year. As dog training because a higher priority I hope that I can keep up with the creativity as well. Does dog training count as creativity?

We booked out tickets to Witch Lake (photo above) tonight for Memorial Day weekend! I can't wait!

I'm off to bed to try to get through a few more chapters/pages in The History of the World in 6 Glasses. I'm not a huge fan, but I'd like to at least get a little farther along so I can participate for tomorrows book club.

My husbands a grump

So Hubby has the week off for snow week and he's been nothing but a grump. It's raining, he has to take the cat to the vet (1st time ever), he can't get work done in the backyard because "they" aren't getting back to him, it's cold, he's tired, yada yada yada. Shut the F*** up!

I got to work from home today which was sooo nice, except for the whining husband part. I got a ton done and I got to see my pictures from shutterfly like two seconds after they arrived at my door- yippee!

I'll be able to finish off the month of January in the 2008- The Year of Creativity scrapbook.

Love Thursday- Pancakes

Happy Valentine's Day! What did the hubby get me? A subscription to Dog World Journal. Yep, I told him and although he scoffed at my idea, he is "trying" to support me. He is hoping that DWJ brings me as much pleasure and excitement that Hobby Farms brings for him.

The real treat was Matt's pancakes on Sunday morning. The best pancakes I've ever had in my entire life. I love them!

A Dog Trainer..

Sure, I can be a dog trainer! See what I can do? A shout out to Dooce- Sibley might not be as good as Chuck, but we're going to practice and practice and we'll kick some ass, especially since Coco is now around to distract the mighty one. Just wait!

Presenting- Sibley with Carrot Greens

So you wanna be a dog trainer?

I think I might have it! A career path and one that I'm super excited about. I've been struggling with what I want to do for about 1 year now- since I got this new job and really don't enjoy it all that much. I think I want to be a dog trainer. Sad thing is, I can't share my excitement with my husband. You see, he thinks I'm always chasing some dream and that it never really sticks... so I'm writing this here and in 2 months, if the excitement is still there, I'll share. I'm trying to get a dog at the SPCA to attend classes with and I'm looking into shadowing a dog trainer or two. We'll see.... It's a big, big leap!

Wish me luck!

Shudder

So I have a big interview tomorrow. I'm trembling a bit at the thought of performing well, of being that passionate presenter as I present my information tomorrow. All the mind chattter- is it good enough? is this what they are looking for? am i fidgeting? do i sound confident?

it's a bit daunting. i'm going to practice, practice, practice tonight. and i'm going to kick some ass tomorrow!

passing on love thursday this week

Yes, I can... Make a Change

There's no heading back...

I got an interesting call at work today. A colleague called to offer feedback that I had requested about 3 weeks ago. She started by asking if I was happy, if I liked my job and I had to tell her "no" I don't feel like it's a right fit. It doesn't play to my strengths, only my weaknesses. It doesn't help the organization. I want a new job, one where I can feel successful and like I am moving us forward. But it isn't easy. I applied for a new job today, only a few days after being rejected for a different one. I was feeling very hopeful last week, I had 3 possibilities on the line and now I feel like I'm at nothing. I still have 1 interview this week with a new organization but I feel like I'm going to bomb. I feel like I can't do anything right because I suck at this job. So here goes- to hunkering down and making an effort with my interview on Friday, to being the best that I can be in my current position and to believing that the universe will bring me what I need, when I need it. Here's to making a change.

Speaking of change- did you vote today??

Home Sick...

I loved the Superhero Challenge from yesterday and love my shot, but I've been home sick today- a migraine. No fun. This one was a bit different from the rest in that is has lasted all day. I feel great when I'm laying down, or my head stays in the exact same position, but if I stand up, move, or heaven forbid- go downstairs to go pee- OUCH!

Hubby brought home Chicken Pot Pies from Bakesale Betty's! Yumm-o! These things are to die for. No ginger cookies is a bummer, but I think the goodness of the pies makes up for it!

Shutter Sisters requesting a macro shot. These are my favorite shots- though they always seem inferior to others.

I'm trying :)

Playing Hooky

Today was a GREAT! day! I slept in until 9:40 or so, did a little work and went out and took pictures with Amy and the Sibs. After a short "hang up on the hubby", we went to get stuff for her new dog and met Karaliese for dinner. PF Changs' is such a chain, but I LOVE it! Came home, read some blogs and now am typing this just before I hit the bed.

No pictures today- I'll upload tomorrow.

The desire to be perfect

I can slowly sense that this blog is going to be a bit of therapy for me. As I re-read some of my posts from earlier this week, I think to myself "that was silly, dumb, spelled wrong, not interesting, imperfect." I am not perfect, I've never claimed to be- yet the blogs I read seem so calculated, so precise, so perfect.

I find myself drawn to other's blogs for many reasons- mommas, completely different lifestyles and choices than me, great photography, the little drama in our lives. One in particular is of a mom.... I enjoy her blog, and she misspells many, many words. I've been tempted to comment to her in a constructive sort of way, since it effects that way I feel about her... and then I start this blog and think- wow. Blogging is a brave new world. One that anyone can see, anyone can comment on, anyone can suggest edits. Yikes.

So here goes something... to blogging and being imperfect... to living in the moment and putting myself out there (and hitting spellcheck before I publish!)

Love Thursday

Things I love:
New episodes of Grey's Anatomy- too bad no new one tonight
Crockpot dinners- Dinner was ready when we walked in the door!
Reading my blogs in peace
My boss being out of town for 2 weeks!
Coffee with a friend/co-worker
Getting excited for our Europe trip

Things I miss:
Tre- our big black mutt

Babies in the future

I started reading blogs about 2 years ago, but just about 1 year ago, I started my diligent daily reads. Most of the blogs are by moms... who would have thought that I'd be interested but it's intriguing to me. I can't wait to be a mom. I can't wait to be a babywearing momma. One blog that I read, Fina Drea, does reviews and she is giving away different baby wearing slings. Well, I am a mom- to a great dog and a cat - hence a photo of our animal.

Magnolias

From the near perfect Sunday, a picture of the stark tree and magnolia flower

Superhero Photo Challenge: Find a Face

I've been so excited for the photo challenge since it gives me something to look for out there in that big crazy world. It's a homework assignment and like antique shopping, the thrill is in the find.

I found this unhappy little artichoke muncher. Enjoy!

PS. Today was quite possibly a pefect Sunday. Dog walking at the SPCA this morning, quick bites at home (cheese and walnuts!), farmers market, walk with the dog, cookie dough and orange snack and a nap- with my Sibley resting her precious little head on my legs while the hubby read the paper, fire ablazing.

Oh Saturday....

A sunny day, spent in Law of Non-Profit Class. Went for a walk and then took this... of my loving, crasy, mullet head husband.

A rainy Friday

It's raining, it's pouring... It's Friday!

My first picture attempt- Take Two

Let's see if I can get this puppy figured out...I'm trying to add a picture taken at The Crucible last week at their Fire Fashion show. What fun and photography! It was the first time I was asked to sign a release for photos and even got a fab "PHOTO OK" sticker. Not quite official, but I'm milking it for all it's worth.

The beginning of a love story

On Love Thursday, I am beginning what I hope will be a photo blog... to write non-witty things about my life and encourage creativity within by encouraging me, a devout blog reader, to take a step up and blog, with pictures. Here goes something...