A Chugga Chugga

I moved my car at lunch today, then ate lunch as Ashton calls it, "a la vehicle." When I turned the key to roll up the windows to go back into work, there was the distinct sound of dysfunction. Arrrrrggggghhhh! Sam the tow guy came via AAA and then I was able to drive the car to TNT for a new battery and the oil change that I was going to get on Wednesday anyway. Little blue Highlander must have wanted to go earlier than I had planned. Oh well! Dan drove behind me in case I stalled out on the freeway, then we drove home and got into our workout clothes and hit the gym early. Ashley was most surprised. The truth is that riding the recumbent bike is helping my knee feel better. Here I have avoided exercise thinking I would blow it out and it is actually helping. Yeah, I know - I learn late.

Shhhhh, I just read who Jillian picked on the Bachelorette via AOL news. I just can't not know, ya know? Now, should I confess to Dan now or pretend I don't have a clue?!? We are scheduled to watch it together shortly. Oh, well - we still have Big Brother this summer. I never could read mysteries - I always read the last chapter before it was time and then never finished reading it!

Movies

Why do I think I could write and direct movies better than some? Dan and I saw "The Ugly Truth" yesterday (we just had the best day!) and it was pretty disappointing. Kathryn Higel (sp?) was gorgeous, the concept pretty interesting, but the script stunk. I was thinking, "she left Grey's Anatomy do make movies like THIS?" but Nancy told me that she heard she was still on Grey's. That's a relief. Then, today (after we visited Dan's mom, who's doing great), a sort of western movie about families struggling in towns at the turn of the century, on the Hallmark channel was good, but so poorly acted. Imagine high school students in a play, but a bit better. EVERYONE'S a critic! Maybe I should just sit down and write myself a screen play or something. Dan's out BBQing, Carrie is finishing a paper for her grad class, Ash is with her BF and I am sorting through my sewing projects. I think my applique triangles are done! This is on the project that Sister Sue sent me when I had my blood clot in 2006. Now I just have to put them in the quilt! Then, I can start on my Tisket a Taskit applique squares. I'm ready . . .

Skating in the Park

It was so very hot today, but then I got this lovely email from Thomas Kincaid with all his fabulous paintings including this snow scene. It is New York's Central Park and that is the famous Plaza Hotel in the background. In my office at work, I have a collection of watercolors I have bought from NY street vendors on my various trips to NY and several of them have the Plaza Hotel in them. We used to have our League of Honor Dinner at that hotel and it was quite an experience. I will never forget those dinners and the fun and the angst they provided. I'm adding this to my wish list and maybe one day it can be part of my NY picture collection, too.

Sunday PM

Today I felt like breaking up the Sunday routine, so Ashley and I went to tea in San Clemente at the Posh Peasant. It was lovely, but lots to eat and we brought home our desserts. Ash said she liked the scones better at "Ticky Boo" in Fallbrook - we'll have to go back and check! We hit Joanne's with coupons and bought white and lime green "minky" to make pillows for Miss Ashley like the ones Nancy bought at Costco only Ashley's colors for her dorm bedding. Believe me, the ones at Costco were a steal - even with my Joanne's coupons! But, she'll love them. Then, we went grocery shopping, home, did Encore at church, then caught up with the Heltons at Islands to hear about their trip to Oregon to visit Greg. Nancy visited a LOT of quilt stores there; you go, girl! (A special shout out to Scott who is becoming quite the good "quilter husband" - others are currently in training.) Now on to sit with Dan and watch tonight's episode of Big Brother. My name is Jan and I'm addicted to reality TV!

Today

It was hot today! I am so thankful that we put in a/c a few years ago. I went to the Curbside Cafe in Vista today (note to Bubba and Barnacle Butt - try it soon!) and met the ladies from our Growth Group for our monthly breakfast. I volunteered to organize the August breakfast - anyone have a good place to suggest? Then went with the family to North County Fair and visited Nordstrom for their fall sale. Saw Sue Callahan (shout out to Mrs. C!) and Kelle, which was fun. Carrie bought cowboy boots, which she is very likely two-stepping in as I write this tonight, plus some very soft leather flats. Ash bought new jeans, a green Juicy sweat outfit, and a coat. The girls also saw Robin, but I never got to see her. I sort of wish I had bought this lovely eggplant colored purse there . . . hmmm, may have to go back! (See Bubba and Barnacle Butt's Breakfast Blog on the left of this page!)

Sleepy Time Thoughts

It's Friday. I am ready to hit the hay, but taking a moment to reflect on my week. I only worked three days since family was in town and I took off Monday/Tuesday. It was really hard to make it through the three days! I wanted to be home and enjoying myself - not at work. But, isn't that what most people who are headed to work are thinking, too? I was busy, which was good. Tonight, Dan made his traditional Friday Nite Pizza and then we watched two episodes of Big Brother that we had taped. I'm not into conflict and this BB group is spending a lot of time yelling at each other and telling each other off. I'm not even sure I like any of them. My name is Jan and I'm addicted to reality TV. Well, just the Bachelorette and Big Brother. See it could be much worse. What I am really feeling is that I'd like to watch less TV and spend some time being quiet before God. I am definitely going to work on that this next week. Tomorrow morning is breakfast with my Growth Group ladies at Vista's Curbside Cafe. I've never been there, so am looking forward to it! Except for the part about how I had to set my alarm on a Saturday morning . . .

Vacation Days are Good

I enjoyed another day with my mom today. We shopped at the outlet mall and she bought a Dooney & Burk purse and wallet on a great sale. Then we had lunch at the Crossings (with a 30 minute wait!), then hit The Avenue. In the afternoon I helped her set up her new Facebook account so she can see everyone's statuses and pictures. I also helped her order copies of Natalie's wedding photos since Sue brought the CD of all 600 + photos with her to my house. Then, we had sushi at The Love Boat! YUM. It was a lovely day. Now Ashley is on her way to Carrie's to spend the night as they are meeting the Hauptmann clan at Disneyland tomorrow with baby Ainsley. I wish I was going, too!

A Great Day!

Sue, Keith, Nana, Whitney, Brian and baby Ainsley are visiting and we have had nothing but fun! Today we had lunch overlooking the ocean at the Beach House, then tried to find the Stone Brewery in Escondido, found it, only some of our group of nine could go on the tour, so the quilters peeled off and went in search of quilt stores in Escondido. Way fun. Found one that I drive near every time I get my hair done and it was a wonderful store. Nana bought fabric for a hatbox quilt that she and Sue just saw in TX before they came to CA. Ashley saw some Christmas fabric that she had seen with me online and we almost bought it, but she started having cold feet and we ended up leaving it there. It was really hot in the store and I was hot flashing, so got out of there. It was next door to a Tortillaria and Sue popped in to buy freshly made tortillas for sandwich wraps for dinner tonight. Then, sadly, they have to drive to Long Beach to share their time in CA with the Hauptmann side of the fam. That's OK; we will share and let them have as much fun as we have had.

What a Day

Today we woke up in Diamond Bar at the Ayres Hotel, which has some great beds let me tell you. Then, we spent the day at Cal Poly Pomona for orientation with Ashley. Once they divided the students from the parents (why, oh, why do all the colleges do that?!? yeah, I know - we're the helicopter parents and extra precautions must be taken to get us to fly off) Dan and I snuck off and checked out of the hotel, and visited a quilt store (love that iPhone that finds these wherever I am) and then had lunch. Afterwards, we went back to the school where we hit the book store and bought Cal Poly apparel (go, Broncos!) and waited for Ash to be done. Then, we went to La Verne to see Carrie's new apartment (lovely) and took Carrie and her roommate Emily to dinner. Then, we were on the road around 6:30 to drive home. LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGG day, but totally great.

Hot News

Well, the Lord is alive and working in Carrie's life . . . she has been asked to take on a manager position at work. It will be permanent, way more $$$, and her grad school discount will return! Thank you, Lord! She is excited, nervous and pleased to be considered. We are very proud of her and the reputation she has built at work.

Thursday is Ashley's orientation at Cal Poly Pomona - go Ash!!!

We had a potluck in my department today. It is kinda weird though. Everyone brings all their food at 8 a.m. and puts it out and then everyone eats whatever they want. People were eating lasagna at 8:10 a.m.! Weird! Then, it all sits out all day and people snack, but I gotta tell you those deviled eggs couldn't have still been good by noon without refrigeration. Guess I feel this way as the daughter of a chemist. I took my lunch and didn't partake of the potluck as I am trying to eat RIGHT!

Has everyone seen enough of the Michael Jackson send off? Those poor kids of his - how irresponsible he was to choose a drug-filled lifestyle that ultimately robbed them of their beloved father. I hope Paris Jackson doesn't become another Paris Hilton in a few years. Say a prayer for those children.

Celebrate!

The July block of the month by Anne Sutton and Bunny Hill Designs is officially out and I am not disappointed! It says "Celebrate" and features a cute woolly lamb. OK, I have GOT to get going on these blocks. I think sister Sue is caught up with them and I am lagging seriously behind. I need my full hour of lunch instead of the 30 minutes I have been taking. I do love getting off at 4:30 though. We made sishkebob on the BBQ tonight with mushrooms and pineapple and zucchini. YUM. Now it is just a few days until sister Sue, my mom and the TX team arrive for a visit! We can't wait - especially for little Miss Ainsley Marie who just turned nine months old. Have a great week everyone!

It's July!

I'm up early today with lots to do. First, have to change my porch decor to celebrate July 4th. Then, there is sewing on Peggy's chair thingy to hold her remotes - learning how to cover cording right now - then grocery list to make, grocery shopping, getting ready for Stanley Steamer to arrive at 1 p.m., and, the best part - lunch with Nancy, Joyce and Gail! That's why I am up EARLY so I can get my chores done and then have some fun. Oh, and I think the dog tossed her cookies in the hall ON THE CARPET. So glad Stanley hasn't been here yet. Tomorrow is Peggy's birthday party up at Connie's, so we are driving up to Cypress and taking food as well. My mom's birthday is also July 4th - but she'll be celebrating in Texas with style in her new house with her new TX friends. Happy birthday, Mom and Peggy!

Just a note . . .

to say hello everyone! I'm feeling great tonight as just went to the gym and, apparently, my endorphins have kicked in. Tomorrow is my "Friday" as we have a holiday on Friday, so am looking forward to that. Had to do a review of someone who doesn't report to me any longer (how weird is THAT?!?) and am so thankful to God that He took that group away from me. Color me happy. And, so thankful. The review reinforced my belief that people who work extra hours and Saturdays on the job become bitter because they are rarely recognized for it. It happened with this gal I reviewed today again. She thought she'd get an over the top review and she got the normal, good job, sort of review. She's off to HR and it's so not my problem any more. And, that's why they pay you work!!! As my mom used to say, "if work was fun, they wouldn't pay you!" My heart goes out to California state workers and others who are now getting "I O Us" instead of checks due to the massively overextended budget. I can't even imagine how they'll get by.