Caret, Carol, Nancy, Cari

babysitting 101

2011-07-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

so our dear friend, Jaedy asked Kortney and Kai to babysit for Ruby and Matt (our favorite california kids) on friday night.... and since we are all kinda a package deal.....

We may just have made the best dinner ever....

- Macaroni and Cheese (made extra cheesy)

- Hamburger Helper with crushed Cool Ranch Dorritos on top

- Tator Tots...

I don't know who was happier..... kids or adults.

and Matt may have made me the best bed ever... he seriously spent an hour, straightening the blanket, folding the quilt, fluffing everything..... never slept so good...

and we may have made the best breakfast ever..

chorizo burritos...

all made while a 7:30 am dance party, dj'ed by Ruby was going on...

and maybe had one of our better Saturdays...

We had mani/pedi time

poor Ula got a bath (maybe not her favorite saturday)

and Ruby learned "spider style" for swinging -

it was a process, a very serious process....

kinda....

GOT it though!

lil photo shoot of the ladies......

rements of a lil water balloon after the lil water fight...

When Jaedy arrived home that afternoon, her family was confused about why these random people had just taken over her patio... I don't think they understood just how much fun babysitter's can have :)

one more time

2011-07-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

So before Valecia becomes a Principal we thought it suitable for one more weekend of amazingness. She and Minor flew in on Wednesday morning and occupied the next two days with some beach fun while poor me sat at my desk being jealous that the beach was spending time with them and I wasn’t.

Thursday night, Minor went to bed and Valecia and I spent some quality time with our girl Crystal……

Friday we were off to meet us some Mickey -

There is no way I would let them go to Disneyland unattended.

Holy long lines this time around... I did get to go on Splash Mountain though. The line was 90 minutes long but if you go as a single rider you bypass the line and go straight to the front. Ten minutes, max. I am figuring this place out....!

I think we only went on about four rides – but Minor didn’t seem to notice.. we kept him busy with other things.

After I was finished Splash Mountain, Minor surprised me with my Mickey ears. He picked them out all by himself and they were of course…… Bride Mickey Ears - he told Valecia, "Mom, wouldn't Cari look so beautiful in these???" Oh Minor.... you are wonderful. So Valecia and I walked around the Disney park for the rest of the day looking as though we might soon be headed to New York for our wedding ceremony.

A happy little family, Minor's two moms.

Then it was down to Newport for our regular weekend fun. It was one of Whitney’s last weekends in town as she is moving to Austin, Texas, so our baby beach turned in to a going away party for Miss Witness.

It was a good day… I even went out on the water – you know it’s a good day when…..

Next day, breakfast at Charlie’s Chili down at the pier……

and too tired to walk home, the group opted to wait for a cab.

Another great weekend, another great trip with my dear V and another sad Sunday when I head home alone.

going dutch

2011-07-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

so after a bit of back and forth.... a bit of ups and downs... a few broken dreams... i finally have the final word on what seems to be a pretty good deal.

AMSTERDAM!!!!!!

I have received official confirmation I will leave for the Netherlands on the 15th of September. I am planning a quick weekend retreat before I report to work on the 19th for a two-week work stint. I am then going on a lil get-away for myself to a few places on my always-wanted-to-do list.. That list is changing by the day and will probably continue to do so until I actually set foot in any particular country.

Dag Amsterdam!

Kan zelfs niet wachten om u te ontmoeten!

4th o july

2011-07-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

It was off to Denver for yet another monthly visit with the dear sweet baleash. We went out with the regulars on Friday night followed by a mimosa brunh in the morning.

We had a big BBQ in the park on Saturday with V's entire family... you can drink in the parks there... I guess maybe living in Utah for so long and then moving to CA where no drinking is allowed in public places it was weird for me to see a keg, shaded by the ol oak tree. I said weird, i didn't say I didn't like it.

Valecia and I went and got manicures and pedis... Lets just say Special Nails was...... special. The gal who was doing my feet got up THREE - yep THREE different times to go to the bathroom and never once washed her hands.. While disgusting, V and I had a great time with it. A lady who was on her way out also thanked our little asian lady with a "Gracias!" okay okay, so maybe Special Nails gave V and I some memorable moments... and maybe we will make it a tradition... we did have a pretty good time in there.

Then there was quality time with Minor..

Bike-riding, baseball, book reading, waffle making, nick jr., operation and jenga....

us trying to get an action shot - that boy is just too darn quick.

and pool playin.....

Minor let me borrow his scuba gear but Valecia gave me the gift of bangs for the fourth - and we didn't want them getting wet....

and our lil sea horse....

because I'm in love with them, they're so beautiful and cute, I'm in love with seahorses.

I love them. I love seashores, and I love looking at 'em, and I love seashells. I love seashell things. I love things with seashells and seahorses on 'em.

like blankets. and towels. and little bags. I love 'em.

seahorses. forever.

and v and minor are coming for their next weekend already on the 20th!

blast of a past.....

2011-06-21T12:14:00.001-07:00

My goodness…

time really does fly when you are having fun huh?!?! Aside from my mother mentioning it every so often I didn’t realize how behind I am on this blog. So I guess in an effort to no longer procrastinate, I have started to retrace my steps. Please start reading from back in March. – a quick recap is in order….

I have dated them appropriately as to keep my timeline in check and hopefully someday forget I was ever such a slacker..

32 at bonnaroo!

2011-06-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Per tradition, Valecia and I decided it best to be together for the birthday.

A long, long time ago, I thought it a good idea to purchase four tickets to Bonnaroo (http://www.bonnaroo.com), a four day music festival in Manchester, Tennessee. A long, long time ago four tickets would have been perfect, but we ended up only needing two. We had on multiple occasions invited others to join us but upon reflecting about how much fun just the two of us can have at such a function – we decided it best to go as a twosome.

These tickets and this trip were one of the most difficult and expensive things to plan.. Who knew we could have gone to some fabulous island all inclusive retreat for the same effort and pay it took to camp in Tennessee.. But I wouldn’t take it back for a second.

My day started at 3:30 am as I persuaded the young gal at the ticket counter in LA to switch our seats so we could sit together from Denver to TN. We even got the emergency row..

First class of the middle class we called it..

We arrived in Tennessee, me with a tent, V with our cooler and we were off. We hit up a Target, a liquor store, then a beer store (they don’t sell regular old beer at the liquor store) and then ran into a major thunderstorm. Which can be alarming when you are going to be camping L But we had galoshes and rain coats so at least we would be prepared if we got dumped on.
We finally arrived at Bonnaroo (we only drove 17 miles past the exit the first time round, but we made it), we were searched, got our wristbands on and we were ready to go but then……… we hear STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We look to our left and it’s a man in a golf cart telling us to stop and drive over to him.. We told him, “we passed all your tests, no drugs, no bottles” He asks to see our wristbands and in my head I am thinking… If these things are counterfeits I am going to FREAK out…. And then he rips them off of our wrists!! V asks, “umm do you work here?” Turns out he did work there and turns out he upgraded us to VIP!! V.I.P.!!!!! VIP camping, VIP seating at the shows!!! IT was amazing!

Instead of port-a-potties we had the comfort zone.. Wood floors with a rug in the entry way, toilets that flushed, air-conditioning and skylights.

This meant we had a huge air-conditioned community tent with couches for the much needed nap time.

It meant we had the shortest distance to walk – it meant the main stage was directly in front of us and we could sit at camp and listen.

It meant that basically we got extremely hooked up and without it I think V and I would have died – from the heat and just pure exhaustion.

Our neighbors were amazing, a group of four guys and a girl from Canada. We shared part of our campsite (cuz we were little) and then shared their shade tent and camping chairs. Needless to say we became fast friends. They taught us about Canada and we tried to teach them about the US, but they pretty much already knew it all….

Our parting gifts -
Umbrella Canadian flag hats - one for each of us.

Canadian Crew -
Paddy, Becca, Ben, Joe, Nate..

Our nightly routine of who had the dirtiest feet.

And of course, no music festival would be complete without the…… music!!!!!! It was amazing! So many of our favorites played and played awesome shows. Black keys – a def fav, Arcade Fire takes the cake for best show there – They were amazing live! Eminim – Yep I said it… I turned to Valeash and told her we are his new number one fans. Pretty Lights – First time and I am hooked. Mumford – I was just excited to dance somewhere else but my car to these guys.

Here is the quick and dirty list of everyone we saw

Band of Skulls, The Walkmen, Sleighbells, Matt and Kim, Decemberists, Florence and the Machine, My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Pretty Lights, Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Girl Talk, Railroad Earth, Ryan Bingham, Neon Trees, Iron & Wine, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, The Strokes, Superjam awith Dan Auerbach and Dr. John and Widespread Panic. We caught bits and pieces of other shows but some bands played at the same time as others and you had to make choices – which in a lot of cases were big bummers. But pretty darn satisfied with the music we did see.

And here goes the slideshow..

This fountain while it looked refreshing - spewed out brown water cuz everyone was so dirty. Needless to say we did not partake.

Dancing in the dust.

How I found valecia.. her toe-zies must have been hot.

V - in the VIP seating area.

And the below one is well interesting..... V tells me to turn around and look at some guy dancin all crazy and i turn around and see a guy peeing in a beer bottle. While his full "self" was not exposed - it was clear that he was indeed peeing... so i tell v. she turns around. we laugh. then we notice dude is just holding the bottle as if he may drink it when he becomes thirsty. We decide we absolutely can not watch this happen and must vacate our current spot. But first, we needed a picture - I turn around and try to nonchalantly take a picture of the "crowd" - v puts her head in and all of sudden pee-boy throws us a thumbs up. I snap the shot and he says drunkenly of course, "i was totally peeing in this beer bottle and i thought you guys busted me..." "Oh, no, we didn't notice a thing......" and off we went.

most awesome game ever. They put on a huge horn and huge hooves on a person and then the person needs to jump and down and try to pop as many balloons as possible.

Amazing.

being hot. i never thought i would walk around anywhere without a shirt on - but the next day I even took off the skirt. clothes are overrated in Tennessee.

Red bottle is a squirt bottle of water - it kept us alive.

at mumford.. about to boogie.

our friend Josh, yet another Canadian.

impromtu talent show.

another canadian with a helmet of real watermelon on his head...

center of photo with his arms in the air.

we know he is canadian because we saw him at later show and guess what his tattoo was??

the maple leaf. weird.

last night :( just before our canadians left and just before widespread.

v was really into hugs, holding me and back rubbing so getting a good pic of the two of us were always difficult.

and we got it together finally.

It was a def success and I can’t think of a better way to ring in 32 but at bonnaroo with only one of my favorite people in the world. Valecia, music, fun in the sun, and boxed wine – just a few of my favorite things.

Next year, Domican Republic - my dear sweet baleash?!

dog days

2011-05-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ya know how they say a dog is a man's best friend......
oh yeah... well what do you have to say about this?

I would say we kinda like each other... just a bit.. :)

they don't make em like they used to

2011-05-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

32 years ago I think was a pretty good human making year...

jus sayin.

May 27th is a great day! Greater than most....

Kort's birthday!!

We celebrated and celebrated and celebrated.

Kai surprised her with a trip to Hawaii

and a lil party at the Class o' 47 with an ICE CREAM cake even!

kai is singin happy birthday :)

Kai and Juan Carlos

Juan lives in C and Kort and Kai live in D... so we see a lot of Juan.

And Sarah, Kelli and Graham headed down to partake in the festivies.

There was of course, a lot more to this day but the camera miraculously didn't take many more pictures :)

I gave ms. kort an anchor necklace for her birthday.

The card read

True friends give us something to hold onto, and help us stay afloat. Wear your necklace as a reminder that you are my anchor...

I know I say it often, but I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women. Kortney has been with me since the 5th grade and our friendship gets stronger, healthier and better every year. No matter what I go through, where I am, how lost I may be, I know I will always have this one... As I reflect upon the past six months, the necklace rings truer than I could ever say. She has been my rock, my person, my reminder of who I am and who I am not, she has kept me here in California to continue to challenge myself, she is a constant reminder of what I deserve and those that don't deserve me, she has been my biggest supporter/believer of my own self worth, she is MY anchor.
Always has been and looking like she always will be.

Love you my irreplacable lady.

awesome is austin

2011-05-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am still awaiting pics from one of the most spectacular trips. The girls travelled from near and far to celebrate our dear Lisa’s birthday…

Kortney, Kai, Valecia, Lizzie (+plus baby Milo) Cat, Courtney, Jenny were all in attendance.

valecia and lil milo sunbathing.

Kort and kitten.

Noah, Lisa's lil man...

i will wait for the photos to come in for the rest of this story...

waiting patiently.. and now so are all of you..

unexpecteds

2011-05-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

May is a big birthday month.. First off we celebrated Sarah and Allie’s birthday in probably the dopest house in all of Palm Springs.. And it was all ours!

The first six to arrive – wasting no time to the mimosas!
Joe, Sarah, Kelli, Me, Chris and Graham

our dope abode.

Newly engaged Brenden and Allie met at the door with a tasty beverage.

Joe being modest in a two piece.

Rise and Shine - Day Two....

Below preparing for another "Group Shot"

A photo shot and a jagermeister shot.....

Group "Shot"

I love the hat.....

Trying to clean up for a night on the town....

Who knew an orange wall could make you look so......... orange.

And this is what a night out on the town looks like.....

I can't wait to return... but I might take it easy on the meat next time around.

happy! ester

2011-04-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Easter was spent with Kortney and Kai and their backyard neighbors that have grown dear to our hearts…

The day before we dyed eggs, filled eggs with candy and jelly bellys (not too many though) - Kort and I spent the night splitting jelly bellys and seeing who could guess the flavor.. she won - by a landslide.

Easter Sunday and the hunt begins!

Ruby finding a stash!

Kort, Kai and Ula's Easter basket.

Me and my special deliciously deviled eggs.

I'm not waiting til next easter - those things are too darn good.

The gang....

Ruby and Matt wishing us and you a Happy Easter!

happy! ester <3 everybody Thank you for comeing

number dos

2011-04-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

With Asher’s 2^nd birthday upon us and the Saltsmans welcoming their 2nd addition named Milo, Valecia, Minor and I decided to make it an annual trip to the great Salt Lake City.

Me, Callie, V, Lizzie, Trish and Trish's Michael out for sushi.

Asher’s party was at the lil gym with 100 children in attendance.. K – maybe not 100 but close J

Fun for all ages really...

Asher blowing out his TWO candles with Riot looking on.

And the Belmonts at the birthday party - Notice anything?
and when did I get so short?

And the whole fam-damily

Baby Milo is the carseat in the bottom left.... maybe next year milo, maybe next year you will make the family photo.. way to go mom..

surprise surprise, look who is comin to visit

2011-03-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

So with the newly retired Nicholsons out on the loose, they decided to be the most spontaneous people ever and plan a three week vacation to California and gave us two days notice :) While the trip started out a lil rough – This is definitely not a plug for their first car rental company - It was a nightmare (literally) at 1:00 in the morning!!! But we finally ended up switching companies and getting them in a Red Mustang and they were off to Arizona and then northern California all WITHOUTa map.. I can’t even get home without my navigation let alone travel the state…. Those Nicholsons – they sure do get around..

But on weekends - - they were mine!!

I was a bad photographer and didn't carry the camera around and neither did they... So we really only photos from one day... One busy day though..

Jerry and Stacy at the Venice Canals.

Two shots of Jer and Stac at the Griffith Observatory.

Then off to the Old LA Zoo, where Jerry did his fair share of investigating.

And it looks like it might have gotten him to some trouble. :)

This is just an example of the activities and adventures we went through.. just an example...

come visit again... anytime... please...

thompsons in town

2011-03-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Right after Disneyland, it was straight to Newport to spend some time with Kort’s parents! We brought them to our favorite bar and then no visit to Newport is complete without a pontoon around the harbor!

Nita, the natural.

Captain Kai and Kort.

I guess it "pays" off to have kids who live in such a great spot, huh Bob?!

ellen returns

2011-03-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hungry Ellen returned to town but this time instead of drinks on the patio we went to Disneyland.. Yep, I think its about time I get an annual pass.. Turns out I am a pretty big fan.

well, maybe i wasn't such a big fan of Space Mountain the first time around..... judging from my face.

The only celebrity sighting. Alladin and Jasmine. Ellen's friend Keri is on my left.

Second go round - Yeah Yeah!!!

You know what I didn't do though??

Dumbo. sad huh? Don't worry elephant - I will be back in no time..

best birthday wish list ever

2011-02-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Oh sweet Kaylin!!! She sent me her birthday wish list this year.

(click below to enlarge)

And per usual, I am late in getting the gift box sent but at least now I know what she wants.

have a heart... or maybe just a party.....

2011-02-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Since moving to the Hollywood Hills, my roommate Will and I have wanted to throw a "house-warming" party to celebrate. We never got around to it - but with the addition of another new roommate, Dona and Valentine's fast approaching, we decided what better way to celebrate but to finally have our party.. Of course, the first people I invite are Matt and Valecia - I wanted to give them a lil notice so they could buy their tickets.. And per usual, they did! I picked them up at the airport on Friday night and we cruised up to the house to meet up with my roommates and Kortney and Kai. We had a great evening chatting on my beloved front porch.

The next day was all business - or at least it was supposed to be...

Breakfast first - of course they have the bottomless mimosa special that we love so much.

And of course, they have red bandanas for sale and of course, Baleash bought one.

And of course, they have a bull......

Matt, Kai and I were up for the challenge.

I have videos but for some reason they won't upload... if I ever figure it out, I will post :)

Yes, I am wearing a skirt.. True cowgirls wear black mini-skirts.

So after our western breakfast extravangaza, we actually did have a lot of work to do.. First things first, a grand ol' tree like the one that stands in my front yard must have lights and must have them up all year round... ps. buy white lights at christmas time - I couldn't find them anywhere.. I went on a mad mission through my storage unit and finally found my xmas decorations containing strings upon strings of lights... SCORE! So we sent Matt and Kai high up into the branches..

I helped too or tried to anyways.....

And because our maid decided to skip town and go to Vegas (what?) Valecia and Kortney cleaned the entire house... V taking a break from the scrub down.

Kai did have some fun amid all of his work duties....

And done.... love it :)

So after the lights were finished as well as the majority of the work - we found some time to play - Valecia decided that for a Valentine's Day party one must wear red eye shadow.. I think this is honestly the first time I have ever put make-up on Kortney in our 21 year friendship...

Kai taking over the duties...

Our masterpiece!

And whoever did that to me?

But back to work aka twisting napkins - a technique I picked up years ago at the Canyons. The girls were worried I was going to drop them - I told them not to worry and I hold up my finished product... the perfect napkin tower. and then BAM. i dropped it :)

It was then time for the real party (also time to take the red eye shadow off) and apparently not many pictures were taken.

But it was a success! A bunch of people came - will's peeps, neighborhood peeps, dona's peeps, my peeps, work peeps, a lot of really great peeps.

Of course, a little later at night, my group snuck up to the balcony for some quality alone time.

oh my sweet valentine's, how do I heart thee?

too much for tucson

2011-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

So while Matt and Valecia were in town on the surprise weekend visit – Matt asked that I attend the Gem Show in Tucson, AZ with him because the sweet Baleash was unable to make it. Of course, I said yes! And then course, Valecia figured out a way to join us.

Man oh man… What hard work that is.. The entire city of Tucson is totally taken over by the gem / rock show. You spend hours walking around, bending over trying to make the right choices for what might sell in store over the next year..

Right before we pick up V from the airport, we stop at Matt’s favorite Mexican restaurant for a chilled beverage and some chips and guacamole. There is a lady seated at the table directly behind Matt waiting for her to go order.. and when she gets up to leave I notice she is also leaving behind her Happy Birthday Bag… So I YELL at her, “Ma’am, Ma’am!!! – You forgot your Happy Birthday bag!!!” She looks at me bewildered walks back to the table and shows me that the Happy Birthday bag is actually a box of tissues…

Speaking of Happy Birthday – It was Matt’s!

We went out to a super fun Greek restaurant that gave you extremely large glasses of water, dancers and even had a fire blower…

(with jason or maybe it was john - the fire blower)

(My bangs have been bad lately...)

We were off to the fox n' hound to continue the celebration and I had absolutely no fun.

You know what, none of us did.

The three of us together never have any fun..

Or we are just the three best friends that anyone could have!

a belmont boy?

2011-01-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

aaoh boy.... where do i begin???

Everyone who knows me, knows I love being a Belmont. 1) the belmonts are two of the most wonderful, generous, amazing, hilarious, beautiful people in this entire world 2) the house where it all began will remain in my heart forever (heart is where this home is) 3) Belmont tours and tattoos.. something about this house welded us girls together for a life long journey.

And years later, we all live separately - until now.................

So I'm living in LA and feeling a bit lonely - Kortney lives over 60 miles from me.. 60 LA miles - that is a big deal. But I make that trek every weekend and I don't even mind. I had forgotten that since moving to the Hills, I had friends just 5 miles from me. A bunch of guys moved out here from Utah years ago. We all hung out while in Utah so why not in LA. I was a bit nervous as I was flying solo - no kortney sidekick, but it had to be done. I have got to get out there and start living my life off of my front porch. While I love my front porch, it isn't going to make me any friends. So off I go. The night was filled with the regular extracurricular activities and a bee hive making machine (of course).

And what to my wondering eyes did appear??? but a belmont tattoo.

I had to ask. What's with the belmont?

Turns out Belmont Boy lived at 1012 Belmont Ave in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Our belmont - he lived at Our belmont.

The Belmont - a gift that keeps on giving.

visiting hours

2011-01-24T18:23:00.001-08:00

Saturday, Whitney and I head out on the town to enjoy our beautiful day - Sunny and Hot! Tank tops and Shorts... Lovin it! Valecia and I are texting a little here, a little there.... she inquires about my plans for the night and informs me she will be at the John Wayne airport at 7:30 and requires a ride.

WHAT?!?!?!?!? most amazing friend ever.

First stop, Class of 47.

and no, we don't know the two dudes in the back.... :)

Nothing like wearing matching shirts... ps. shirts were sans-sleeves.

Valecia pictured below with her and Matt's luggage. That's it - that is all they brought... Amazing how people change sometimes.. Valecia used to love to pack.

We hung out at the bar and had some drinks and then a friend offered to take us out on his duffy boat.

Matt "titanic-ing" off the front...

really? we don't have any fun. at all. ever.

Whit did a dive bomb into our photo at the last second, which in turn, is why Valecia decided to bite her.

Ohhhhhh.... the next day.

Matt was super excited about our duffy boat ride the night before and even more excited he got the guy's card. A real-life ship captain's card! Whooooieee! He might even ask him to be friends on facebook - he has never done something like that before..

Above, just a few things included in Valecia's purse...

Breakfast at Woody's Wharf and of course, bottomless Mimosas.. :)

After breakfast, we had to find a place to park.... It wasn't easy, finding the place or parking...

Matt had to take over and did a mighty fine job if I do say so myself.

seriously??

Below is Valecia's cup (you can tell it's hers by the lipstick) I asked if I could borrow.. When I asked if she was through with her gum - her response, "Yes, you can chew it now."

so giving, thank you V.

Now we had to find another boat.... But first, we had to change their flight. They originally were only supposed to stay for 24 hours and that just wasn't enough time.

V hard at work.

Me being supportive.

A visit to Jane's Corndogs to celebrate a victory - she scored another 12 hours!!!

Off to the harbor and our pontoon.... love this idea.. no open ocean for this boat.

Skytypers.com overhead.

Seals taking over a boat... these things were huuuuge and made Ula just a bit nervous...

We are just all happy to be here.....

Our cruise around the harbor ended all too soon, but we had to get back and watch the second half of the football game.

Thanks beautiful people in my life...

You make me happy when skies are gray - you'll never know dears how much I love you,

please don't take my sunshine away.

out on the open ocean

2011-01-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

What better way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day, than on a boat...

Well, for some maybe.. I thought we were headed to a duffy boat - which basically just cruises around the harbor. I knew at first sight, 1) it was not a duffy boat and 2) (most importantly) that we would not be staying in the harbor..

But you can't win if you don't gamble - so here we go.

I love this picture of Kortney and Kai.. There were more than a couple cameras happening at this point and I got neither one to look at me.. But it works ;)

We are officially out of the harbor and cruising out on the open ocean!! and Im okay for now. Seated to my right is our friend Kaitlyn, who is also our favorite bartender. She is super fun and came stacked full of treats....

Then we stopped to watch the glorious sunset. Some on-lookers on the front...

Kaitlyn comes to the back to on-look with me :) and

give me skittles. I love Moms (kaitlyn is a mom), always coming prepared. (There I am, not feeling very well but trying really hard to push through it.. Kaitlyn opens up her bag of goodies and tells me that sometimes it helps to suck on something sweet... and it did...)

And how glorious it was.... even with the sea sickness... its still pretty amazing that 1) its January, 2) Im on a boat (aka small yacht), 3) this is my life.

Happy MLK, jr Day.

ps. fully aware that I count things out often... just so you all know that I know.

hungry ellen

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Ellen (utah) was returning from a Study Abroad program in Thailand and she so cleverly planned a 9 hour layover. Normal people wouldn't do this except when they know they have me to pick them up from the airport and spend the day in sunny LA.

I took her to a favorite little restaurant that has an outdoor patio and fire pit (which we didn't need).

We spent the next few hours catching up on life, our past and current events.

She was craving tequila and mexican food.. While I couldn't get her the mexican, she did get her tequila and me, my white wine.

Our server was fantastic and at the end, came out with a piece of cake and two candles so we could celebrate the new year together.

Make a wish.....

We headed to the Hermosa Pier, so she could see the ocean and the second sunset of the same day due to her time travels through the time zones.. and then BAM... it was time for her to go :(

Hungry Ellen at the airport... what a mind blowing experience :)

the christmas that just keeps on givin

2011-01-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

With Grandma Elsye passing, I went home to say my final good-byes, and while sad and difficult, I am thankful I had the opportunity. It also meant I could spend some time with my family and being so close to the holidays we decided to make it festive.

Three stooges in Ellendale.

Then it was off to Breckenridge for Christmas dinner.

Looks like my dad is hungry huh?!?!

Everyone was helping themselves to some salad and I look over and notice my dad's bowl... really Jerry? It's lettuce - you can have more than one.... Turns out the piece had fallen on the table as my mom was scooping so he put it in his bowl in the interim but we sure did have a good laugh at his expense.

Then it was off to family photo time (which is never easy)...

Below is a picture of mostly Scott.... up front and center stage.

Bet you didn't know my brother was a line-backer :)

Then - dance party!

Present time!!!! How much more fun is it to watch kiddos actually open their gifts -

So much excitement!

Jacob in the Viking slippers I got for Scott.. We shall see if Scott ever even gets to wear them.

Sleeping bags from Grandma and Grandpa were hit, along with the travel pillows.

Scott finally getting the money box open from Aunt Judy... which he actually broke in the process... cheater. :)

then downstairs to another dance party......

Kristin left us to attend a bachelorette party but "needed" Scott and I to go pick her up! So it was off to Casey's Bar for the second time that week. The first night I got in Scott and I tore that place up. I even got a free shirt.. (no idea how??!?!) but I arrived in a salmon long sleeve and left in a green one. A co-worker of his was there with his huge family and they were so much fun. They got such a kick out of my glasses and everyone took turns wearing them and getting their photo taken (striking Austin Powers' poses no less).. so are my glasses a joke or are they just that cool?? I am sooo LA...

So not to be outdone on our second night, the Nicholson family had to take a turn as well.

heehee..

One of my favorite bartenders from Casey's. He made me come around the bar to take this tasty treat.. Breckenridge isn't such a bad place to be...

I think the Christmas season is officially over now and that's a real bummer,

but I really did get to spend the times with so many of my favorite people.

Thank you, for I am blessed.

for God so loved the world,

2011-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

He gave the world - Elsye.......
On January 1, 2011, after 100 years and a life well lived, my sweet grandmother passed away.

Someone once asked me her secret.... I responded that I truly thought it stemmed from her positivity. It seemed every time something would go awry or even if it was just an average day, she was there to lighten the mood and turn it into something special. Her positivity showed through in everything she did and to every person she touched.

That's only part of the secret.. The gal loved to dance... and play the kazoo and the washboard, paint, knit, sew, sing, write, chat and get her picture taken (and if she wasn't there for the photo opp - no problem! she would glue her head over someone elses:)). She loved to play dress up, bake, garden, cook, have coffee and pie, travel, leave her purse everywhere and tube behind the boat or down the Ottertail River(even at the age of 80)...... She loved life.

Me (dressed as Calliope from Days of Our Lives) and Gma Elsye going uptown for pie.

Just another day :)

~ ~

To laugh often and love much:

To win respect of intelligent people

And the affection of children;

To earn the approbation of honest critics

And endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To give one's self;

To leave the world a little better,

Whether by a healthy child,

A garden patch,

Or redeemed social condition;

To have played and laughed with enthusiasm

And sung with exultation;

To know even one life has breathed easier

Because you have lived...

This is to have succeeded.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Grandma Elsye, you my dear, are the pinnacle of success.

Thank you for being such an important and outstanding person in my life.

Knowing life can be full of promise through a positive outlook is something not everyone gets the opportunity to know. I cherish it and every moment I spent with you.

I can only hope the years I spend here can be as respected, fun-filled and as successful as yours.

I truly believe heaven is a more beautiful place because you are there.

new year, new you

2011-01-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here is quick snapshot of New Year's Eve 2011 spent in beautiful, but freezing cold Denver, Colorado, with some old friends and with some new.

Above 2010

and whats to come in 2011 below

ohhh new year.... am i looking forward to you......

As many of you know, I haven't had the easiest past couple of months... My life as I knew it was suddenly, completely changed and my future, along with heart were ripped away from me in an evening. Am I struggling, yes.. Am I lost, yes.. Is it necessary to go through the bad to get to the good, yes. All I know is, I am on my way somewhere and when I get there, it's going to be good.

A dear friend recently wrote, "because no matter what, changes occur every day and life goes on - perhaps different than you planned - but it is the way you handle these changes that defines your character."

So I guess I'm off to character build.

Get ready world, here I come.

having myself a merry lil christmas still.

2010-12-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

One day of work, and then I was off to Denver.

We went to the King Tut exhibit (http://www.kingtut.org/) at the Denver Art Museum wih this little cowboy below.

Or at least we tried to... It was sold out for the day, so instead we bought our tickets in advance for another day and went home for a one-man metal show.

Paper Jams. I am assuming all of my friends with kids are fully aware of this new toy. It's a guitar and amp/speaker that plays the rock songs while they strum along. Minor has really got the whole rockstar persona going. He licks it - throws it behind his head -

and really just puts on a rockin concert.

FYI. I didn't take very many pictures during the adult activies. Just know that there were plenty :)

Next day. We went to the mall where Minor found this tie for a killer deal at Jcrew.

Then we came home and put together this ginormous puzzle - actually he put it together and every once in awhile I would just strategically place pieces in his line of sight.

And then it was time for another rock show

with a bit of christmas flare.

Then off to the bowling alley.

Really fun place - they actually let you bring your drinks down to the bowling part instead of keeping them back behind the line. We drank wine while dining on some tasty treats and chillin on leather sofas - really bowling with a whole new level of class.

Minor had been asking for hot chocolate for days and Valecia finally caved. So she brewed up some cocoa and added some whipped cream and marshmellows.

All the while, she decided it would be fun for Minor to try the whipped cream straight out the can.

He was a bit nervous...

A bit excited.....

and then a bit disappointed.

It was not a hit.

He sure was a hit with me though.

l.o.v.e. this kid

and his mom is pretty okay too.

having myself a merry lil christmas

2010-12-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Remember when you were a little kid and you just couldn't wait to open presents.. Well, that was Whitney. Kortney and I were more than happy to get some extra moments of shut eye, but Whit wasn't having it. While Kort and I might look peaceful, just imagine the Whit-ster yelling, GOOD MORNING, IT'S CHRISTMAS. We didn't make the poor girl wait too long, but we knew it was going to be long day.

First things first, unload all the gifts. Kortney and I opening the box from Mom and Dad, and also Santa and Frosty :)

The stockings were hung by the doorway with care....

a lil back story.... the night before, Kortney is telling us how Kai has soooo many pairs of socks and soooo many pairs of underwears... so many they don't have room for them all. As a group, we decide whoever can guess how many pairs he actually has gets to decide how and when we open up gifts.

So out come the socks, out come the underwear and we all guessed... no offense Kortney, but there really weren't that many.... Next year, maybe we will throw your personables out for all of us to count.

And imagine who won..... Kortney.

We did a quick JCPenney photo shoot for all..

My Christmas card to all of you.....

Kortney and I.

Kort and Kai, and Ula with her bell.

Our family of four...

where o where is Ula...? darnit.

And then the fun began - We had a ton of presents to open.

Ula enjoying her Christmas treat...

Kai, with an everly-cleverly wrapped gift... I don't think you get the full effect of what I accomplished here. Next year, I should work at one of those mall booths. I AM GOOD.

Whitney gave Kai this AC/DC shirt but also included Kortney's glasses from elementary school.

(fyi.. she totally lied on her eye test because she wanted to get glasses)

Another back story.... Kortney and Kai started dating right around Valentine's Day and they both gave each other the movie, Casablanca. So there they are opening up their gifts on Christmas and imagine their surprise when they figure out they both got each other the same thing again... a Blue-Ray DVD, netflix, pandora player... Great minds sure think alike.

After gift opening, one of Whitney's friends joined us for some inconspicuous holiday beverages out on the harbor dock.

Oh Ula, our fearless reindeer mascot - what a good lil dog.

We finished the night at our favorite local pub, with our favorite bartender.

I took the girls to the airport much too early on Christmas Day and then I was off to enjoy the remainder of the holiday by my lonesome :(

It's okay, at least baby jesus is here :)

get me to the getty

2010-12-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ever since I moved here I have wanted to go to the Getty Museum. I didn't really know what it was about or even where it was (thank you, navigation) for that matter - - I just knew it was something I wanted to do.

It was 80 degrees at least, sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky. The day before I was out on my front patio in my swimsuit, reading and chatting on the phone, so I wanted this day to be more productive. I have decided to immerse myself in the culture of LA.

So I get there (first try!) and parking is $15. I think to myself, this is going to be an expensive immersion, but the museum itself is free and so is the train that takes you to the top. I get off the train and had no idea where to go... so I just start walking and I end up in the Gardens of the Getty.

Then it was off to the sculpture gardens.

and after I had some lunch I found this... talk about pear shaped :)

And then I went inside, where.... I am not going to lie... I think I needed a guide (which they offer but of course, I just couldn't get there). There was so much too look at - drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, books..... I hadn't heard of most of the artists but they were a big deal.

This one I know. You could always tell the really expensive ones because they were behind glass.

But I didn't need the glass hint on the Irises.

To be honest, I appreciated the art, but I loved the architecture. Every corner seemed to hold something.

And then of course, the view.... I didn't even know how lucky I was that I choose to go on a clear day. I had never seen Los Angeles in this light. You could see everything.

The beach cities to the Big City...

don't worry, I was wearing my glasses... I could see everything just fine - plus they make me look artsy.

Good night dear Getty.

LA is alive with the sound of music

2010-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Live music continues to pass through Lala land.

Mike Gordon, the bassist from Phish played at the Troubadour at the beginning of October. Truly one of the smallest venues (besides coffee shops) where I have ever seen a show. No lines, no hustle bustle and most amazingly..... I could see the entire time. What a treat!

and another cool thing... he came out after the show and signed autographs! what?!?! I didn't get one, but I did get a super cute sweatshirt, that I wear almost daily.

And then in the beginning of December, the John Butler Trio came to town and played at the Wiltern.

I had never seen this group before, and was pleasantly surprised. Ahhhhhmazing guitar.

and I love me some guitar...

actually everything was pretty good. including my time - I had a pretty darn good time.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

The Belmonts gathered together again for a wonderful thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving also marks my two year anniversary of leaving Utah behind.

I got to the airport entirely too early.. Everyone had me worked up about the photo booths. I even had a pose prepared but nothing... Not even a line. So I went to the bar - which in hindsight wasn't the best idea. It was decided the security scandal was caused by the airport bartenders in hopes of luring in patrons for longer periods of time.... Well, it worked on this gal - a few beers later and a shot of tequila and WHOOEEE... Next thing I knew I was in Salt Lake :)

And was greeted by a houseful of my favorites.

We had a ton of Potato Head fun.. Turns out this game knows no age. :)

Thanksgiving Day

Thank the lord for Lizzie! She did everything on her own. The whole thing.. It was delicious.

Trish and her boyfriend came (sorry no pictures) and enjoyed the feast and stayed for some Apples to Apples... But the house went to bed early.

When we gathered together the next day....... Great minds think alike - Even Asher was wearing plaid :)

We got ready for another night on the town and met all the Utah kids downtown for some drinks.

A couple of cab rides (one of which was free ;)) and one broken window later....

we were home and apparently hungry.....

This is sooo appropriate for this weekend because all we did was eat.. every chance we got - EAT!! I thought I was going to gain 10 pounds, luckily I walked away unscathed :)

This is no joke... Asher loves technology...

Whether its his netbook, iphone or digital camera + tripod…
weird, I have no idea where he gets that from... ;)
After a few painfully patient days, the wishbone was dried and the Saltsmans had at it...

Winner - Mikey!

Wishes were.......

Lizzie - Health and Happiness in 2011

Mikey - Health and Happiness forever
Lucky Lizzie.... Mikey is a thinker:)

a hoot of a time

2010-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

California is always good for a new adventure. There is always something to do, some new place to explore. This weekend day was spent at the La Terranea Resort (http://www.terranea.com/) in Palos Verdes. It is a huge place with tons of things to do and see, for those guests that pay and those that don't :)

One, of course being the ocean in all it's glory,

including dolphins.

Right past the private beach (with chairs!!) is a cave, which of course, made me a little nervous

but then along comes a girl wearing inappropriate shoes, a fur vest and carrying a designer umbrella...

I knew I was safe and....inside well, there was a lot of bat poo.

It was a pretty sketchy walk out. You had to time it just right or the waves would come a-crashing.. granted probably about ankle deep, but I don't take any chances.

Safety first.

This place also has a ton of cool native vegetation. Below is my favorite plant that grows here. This one was the size of my head.

And yet another favorite.... oooooo the owl!

I have never been this close to an owl before. The resort hires these people to bring in owls and hawks to keep the pigeons away for the sake of the guests.

I guess they fly around once a week and those pigeons know better.

Smart pigeon, or not??

anyways, here is me and the wise ol owl,

both a little nervous, but I do believe, both very fond of each other.

and the wiener is........!

2010-10-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

A long, long time ago, my family fell in love with a little daschund named Fatzi. She has always remained a special part of our family and many of my friends have to come to share these same emotions. You see a wiener dog - you know who it looks like..... F-a-t-z-i! So when Kortney and Kai invited me to the Oktoberfest wiener dog races... they were making dreams come true.

I have never seen so many wiener dogs - every color, every size, long hair, short hair - it was wiener dog heaven!

While standing in line to get in, a lady approaches us about Ula (Kai's dog, a Red Blood Hound) and asks if she would like to be in the races. We had no idea what to expect and neither did Ula. Out of the gates, people booed and said she was cheating.... little did they know she would just stand there and look at people. She eventually made it to the end and although might not have won the race.. she is always a wiener in our eyes!!

(she is in the far lane wearing a pink harness)

Here is Ula with some of her competition.

Then it was off to the adult quarters of the event where we enjoyed some good beer, music and the POLKA!

And we also enjoyed ourselves a lil lederhosen!

a few of my favorite things......

2010-10-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

Off to Colorado again! Spent the first night with two of my favorite people, Valecia and Shannon! Good conversation and along with a few drinks to celebrate some beautiful women and their independence :)

We met up with Shane, Sheila and Jenny (friends from Utah who moved to Denver) who took us out on the town. Sooo much fun!

and as always, no trip would be complete without a couple of nights of Phish.

1st night forgot the camera. lame sauce.

But Phish did not disappoint of course.... I sure did shake my boo-tay!

i love this place.

sittin on the dock of the bay

2010-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

literally....

On Sunday, Tom and I ventured down to Long Beach to have breakfast and watch the Broncos with our friends, Joe and Sarah. After the win, we were off to a boat (uugghh) where Christine and Chris joined us. I instantly got a lil nervous because I have yet to be victorious with the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. To my delight, Sarah has some sensitive sea legs as well, so she pulled her weight with Joe and we got to stay in the harbor. Even better, we never left the dock! We had everything we needed - Good friends, beer, snacks and sunshine for the rest of the afternoon.

I could do this every Sunday. Hopefully the owner of the boat won't mind his new deckhands.

Finally a boating excursion I can handle!!

september sunset

2010-09-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Tom and I watched a beautiful sunset last night. It was amazing.

That's Tom in the water... This is me on the beach....

We even talked about spending the night... but then it got dark.

simply. amazing.

We weren't the only ones out for Nature's show. Pau Gasol from the LA Lakers was there too.

Tom made me get my picture taken with him.... but then on the way home I tell Tom, "Totally bloggable."

Further

2010-09-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Tom and I went via limo to the Greek Theater to see the band, Further. It comprises of some of the former members of the Grateful Dead, bassist Phil Lesh and guitarist Bob Weir.

The limo was an absolute blast and totally worth it. Tom's work friend came up with the idea and what smart thinking! The drive there is impossibly long being that it is during rush hour and through downtown. So all being together, a lil pre-party and not having to worry about which way to go was refreshing. The traffic ended up being even too much for our sweet ride so we got out and hiked the last mile or so to the concert. Our legs being faster than the motorcade.

The pictures we took were horrible....

and not any indication of how much fun we had!

T is for TOMS

2010-09-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

While you might think this is yet another blog about how great Tom is... it isn't. I mean he is great, but so are these!!!

My new TOMS.

TOMS is a shoe company that a) makes super cute shoes that are b) beyond comfortable and (best part) c) for every pair they sell they give a pair to a child in need.

While they go from super funky with gold sequins to hightops to wedges, I opted for the simple gray slips. I love them and of course, I heart that they say TOMS.

They have given away one million pair of shoes! Imagine all the happy feet :)

So if you are in the market for a new pair of kicks, pick these..

Because they do the body, mind and spirit good.

the midwest meets the beach

2010-08-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

My newly retired mom is being true to her wish to travel. She brought Kaylin to California for a fun-filled girls weekend. We had a blast!!

First stop, of course was the mall ;) like mother like daughter like niece - you can tell we are related. We had a pretty chill night with pizza and the Wii. Tom’s parents came by to say hello and meet some of the other members of my family. They were just coming off of a weeks vacation and we were about to start ours so everyone was pretty schleepy.

We woke up early and were some of the first to arrive at the Aquarium of the Pacific. After seeing the movie "The Cove", I don’t really know if I support keeping animals in captivity, especially since its not remotely close to what the real Pacific would actually be to the creature. But I will say this particular place is very educational, treats and cares for the animals and they also don’t have any dolphins so I felt a little better about going in.

They have over 11,000 fish and other types of animals and I think we saw every single one of them.

We saw jellyfish,

touched sting rays (Kaylin could not get enough of these slimy things)

and sharks of all kinds and sizes (she got to touch the little ones).

We tried to feed some birds (this took some patience, but Kaylin finally got one).

We learned about sea hares and other little creatures like the sea urchin, which gives "good luck hugs" - you stick your finger into its spiny lil spines - he/she moves his little spines and gives your finger a squeeze.

And then we got to watch divers feed the fish. He must not get claustrophobic. They totally surrounded him. I would have been freaking out, just one more reason why I work behind a desk.

We saw sea lions makin babies or so we thought until the trainer informed us that all of them were males. I wish I had this bit of information during my college years when I would argue for gay rights. Its a natural thing, people…... :)

What better place to go after learning all about the ocean??? to THE BEACH!!

The water was freezing but Kaylin didn’t seem to mind…. She stood through wave after wave crashing into her and enjoyed every moment until she tasted it, “it’s disgusting!”

We finished out the night with a concert on the beach

and a walk on the pier - where we were lucky enough to see dolphins - in their natural environment!

just hangin loose.

On our way home, we walked by the Comedy Club where Jay Leno performs every Sunday night, trying out his jokes for the upcoming week. My Mom got the bouncer to tell us that the Jaguar parked in front was in fact, Jay's ride for the evening. And she may or may not have offered to let him hang out with Kaylin while we went in to the show :) of course, she was kidding - maybe she should have preformed at the comedy club.

my mom - the jokester.

The next day was Disneyland!! And what a day it was!
We saved the best for last.
Plus it was a Monday, so we were hoping for shorter lines.

First stop was Safari/Jungle Land… and we went on a Safari Cruise and then to the Indiana Jones ride. Kaylin passed the height test, but man, they should have warned us how scary and bumpy this ride was. I thought my Mom and Kaylin would call it quits on the wild rides after this for sure. I think Kaylin had her eyes and ears closed the whole time. To my surprise they came out with huge smiles and ready for the next one!

Kaylin had the chance to meet Cinderella and show off her princess pose.

Of course, no trip to Disney would be complete without the Dumbo ride. Same ride, different players this time around – again a lil fast for me… will I ever learn?

We found Pluto hangin out on the streets of Toon Town

and even Minnie Mouse was home. Don’t these folks work?!?! :)

Tom and Kaylin taking a break on Minnie’s couch.

Chip and Dale weren’t home but we snapped a photo at their tree house anyways.

We went on the Finding Nemo ride, which takes you underwater in a submarine (another rough one for claustrophobics) to the land of Nemo.

Kaylin in line for Thunder Mountain – this one even got a “can we do that again?” I can’t believe how brave she is!!!

Our final ride of the day was Splash Mountain and apparently it was everyone elses. The line took soo long. Kaylin was more patient than some of us adults (tom). Little secret – Get the fast pass. People with the fast pass walk straight on while we stood in line for-ever…. The ride was totally worth it though.

Or at the least the drop at the end was. And yes, Kaylin is in there…. She is sitting next to Tom, somewhere..

I think Tom's pose pretty much best sums up our day in the picture above - YEAH!!!!!!!

The trip ended all too soon of course.. :( but I am very thankful they had the chance to come. I feel lucky to have shared this time with the both of them.

One kid down, two to go!! Next in line - Grace.

but I think Kaylin will need to come too so she can show her the ropes:)

Mom: click on the box below..

it will take you where you need to go :)

box o pics for mom

csi: hermosa

2010-08-14T16:50:00.001-07:00

Tom and I returned from our vacation and needed some rest and relaxation. So Friday was going to be our quick, clean the house night so we could watch a movie and fall asleep at 9.

But because Tom is the best boyfriend in the world, the house was already clean when I got home from work. <3! There was also a pizza in the oven. No cooking necessary.

We were just moments away from the couch when screeching tires and sirens ripped through the neighborhood.

But they didn’t leave. They stayed. On our street.

We had no idea what was happening. We were told to stay in our houses and lock the doors. So everyone went out on their porches to watch some sort of manhunt go down.

The police helicopter even showed up.

Our viewing spot for the showdown.

The canine unit arrived and was talking to the bad guys over the loud speaker asking them nicely to surrender.

They did not. So out with the dog. They went to every house and searched the yard saying, “This is your last chance, if you give yourself up now you will not be harmed. If not, I will release the dog and he will bite you. You will be hurt.” The dog would go sniff out the yards and then the cops would go in after.

It was a very long process and we eventually lost interest. Hours later and one man still on the loose (five were caught) the cops decided to call it a night. They knew the perpetrator so it was only a matter of time. BUT WAIT! They saw something - On the ground in between two of the houses…. A guy in a really nice shirt. Why would he be laying down if he wasn’t the robber? They stopped and BAM! Mystery solved.

Turns out the trouble maker had been hiding out INside our neighbor’s basement apartment. But when the kid came home to shower for a Friday night out on the town, the burglar decided to borrow a button down and make a run for it…..

He didn’t get far.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys….

Here is the article from the Daily Breeze.

http://www.insidesocal.com/crime&courts/2010/08/burglars-captured-in-hermosa-b.html

gone phishin'

2010-08-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Oh!! Where to begin on our latest adventure? A long while back, Tom and I played the lottery in order to win some hard to come by Phish tickets for five different shows - three in Berkeley, CA and two in Telluride, CO. We both applied for all to increase our chances and amazingly enough!!!! We each won one! Tom won the three for California and I got Colorado. Lucky Day!

We stayed at the Kensington Park Hotel right in Union Square. It was the perfect location.

We could walk everywhere and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) was just a few blocks away. This train took us to and from the airport and also to and from the concert nightly - so this was key.

Day One.

We arrived and were off to lunch. We walked for blocks and blocks looking for the Rogue Brewery only to arrive and it was not open. :( We wandered further to the Fisherman's Wharf and found a little seafood restaurant and ordered ourselves some cheeseburgers :)

I got my fill of crab outside.

I noticed three very slow moving crabs and inquired about their health (they were sadly set out, just awaiting their death...). The guy behind the counter asked me if I wanted to hold him... Why would I? But I did... And I was terrified.

and then the huge crustacean moved its claws toward my thumb and although close to death.... I had a major freakout and said, "I'm done!!!!!" and set the poor thing down to meet his destiny.

And it was time to meet our destiny... Off to Berkeley!

Night One.

Day Two.

Japanese Tea Garden in the Golden Gate Park

(which is nowhere near the Golden Gate Bridge).

So there we are, enjoying our walk through the gardens when all of sudden we hear a child SCREAMING!!! The little guy had fallen off the below stone path and into the pond. Tom re-enacting the situation but in no way is he making fun of the boy. Parents please watch your children in such places?!?!?!

Up and over...

From the Gardens, we made a brief stop at the former home of Jerry Garcia. We happened to arrive while an ol' hippie lady was leading a tour. Turns out the new home-owners (not Grateful Dead fans) got a killer deal on the house because it was trashed and the Hells Angels used to lived directly across the street.

Happy Tom!

Night Two.

Day Three.

Double Decker Tour Bus Day.

So much fun!

So much to see and we hadn't even taken off yet!

Lombard Street - the curviest street in the world.

Alcatraz below.

Golden Gate Bridge.

Fishermans Wharf.

Alioto's - where we ate our delicious cheeseburgers and I was almost eaten by a crab.

Tommy's Joynt :)

This tour was soo worth it.

It took us everywhere. A person could simply buy a two day pass on this bus for $28 and not have to take a taxi anywhere. It drove right by our hotel and went to almost everywhere a person would want to go. You get on and get off as you please. A quick and easy way to see the sights of San Franscisco.

Night Three.

(the lady's shirt reads "Gingers have Soul" with a pic of Trey on it)

please note the cardboard sign on the back of the stop sign :)

Day Four.

Off to Colorado!

I got to spend the day with Valecia and Matt and soon Shannon came to hang out as well!! Shannon drove me down to Monument to meet up with schleepy Tom and his family. Turns out Tom's mom had helped Shannon pick out a dress for an interview two years prior.. small world.

Day Five.

We woke up bright and early and made our way to Telluride - a quick 7 hour drive to our beautiful campsite.

The sights of Telluride's streets.

Phish in a store window above and the glorious mountains below.

Night Five.

During intermission, Tom and I are standing in the very long, compact lines for the port-a-potties, I look up and think to myself "what an amazing moon" - I chat a little, look back at the moon and realize its a big light-up balloon. So thankful I took some time before throwing that statement to the crowd :)

Later. I told Tom.

Day Six.

We woke up in our cozy (meaning meant for one, but we fit two), dry (meaning it rained, thank you rain tarp) tent and decided to head up the mountain.

The Gondola is FREE. What a rarity!

America the Beautiful.

The gentleman who took our picture left us with a "Jesus loves you." - What does a person say in return? Thanks? You too? Regardless, Jesus must love us because this place is amazing.

Tom fit right in (below).

Not long after we arrived at the top it started to rain which was perfectly okay because we bought new raincoats for that very reason.

Did you know??

Night Six.

Tom's twin (in the suspenders).

The real Tom + me.

The sun finally set on our latest escapade.

We had soo much fun.

the city. the moutains. the music. the friends. tom.

just some of my favorite things all wrapped into one very perfect week.

It doesn't get much better than this.

everyone wins

2010-08-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend our friends invited us down to Newport Beach for a rowing competition for the boys. Allie recently joined the Imua Outrigger Canoe Club (http://www.imuaocc.com/) so she was their fearless leader. The club races are a bit different than the sprints the boys were going to do. Her team is rowing to Catalina Island in September. That is 30 miles away (I know first hand where Catalina is)!! I would love to join a club like it but they practice on the week days. Boo!

First stop, photo booth…

The boys got some tips from Allie.. Use your whole body. Timing is everything. Sharp downward thrusts. Stop at the hip. Short and quick at the start.
Hut! Hike! Ho! (switch sides).

And they were off!!!

Heat One – Second Place.. They were up against a boat of HUGE men that are paddle boarders – not the same paddle, but paddlers none the less.

We hung out in the sun for a few hours, planning strategies and waiting for the next round.

This was it – this was their last chance.

AND...............

They came in second again.

But Number 2 out of all of the teams for the day.
Not too bad for a bunch of newbies.

Allie and I with our Champions!

Then it was my turn for a challenge. Since moving here, I have always wanted to try the stand up paddle board, but of course, the whole fear of water thing always gets in the way, plus I don’t know anyone who owns a board.

I was about to back out, I really didn’t want to go but I really wanted to go.

Tom made me go.

Visualizing Success (aka – do NOT fall over)

Steady, steady… do not look at your feet.

AND paddle!

Look at Tom.

Smile at Tom.

Thanks Tom.

wedding bells and volleyballs

2010-07-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine from Utah (who now lives in San Diego) got married over the weekend. She is fun one. She has the LOUDEST laugh I have ever heard. She would often get cut off at the bar for being too intoxicated because her laugh was too loud. One time after only one beer. They just couldn’t believe a sober person could or would ever laugh that loud.

They picked a beautiful spot in Dana Point, California.

The bride was her same ol self - Wild!

But not quite as wild as the DJ thought… He goes to play their first song and announces it's Fools Rush In. You know the one, Wise men say, only fools rush in, but I.. can’t.. help.. falling in love you… a nice, slow, romantic beat BUT BAM! He starts playing the club version - no joke – beats and the techno voice synethesizer. Nick and Liz tell him it’s the wrong song and he is shocked. How could DJ man not double check with the bride and groom on that one? A simple, “Just to clarify, I am planning on playing the “Up in da club” version instead of the normal slow song for your first dance??”

That would only be if he had a doubt though.

But they eventually got it right and it was sweet

and so were our name cards.

We ate filet mignon while we sipped our Coors Light -

Did a little dancin but decided to call it night after the 15th toast.

They were getting a little "intoxicating" ;)

~ ~

The next morning we went for a bike ride to go check out the AVP (American Volleyball Professionals) Tournament. The pier and the beach were both packed. We parked our bikes and people watched. We should’ve gone in but we didn’t - we went home instead.

But in our defense we accomplished a ton this weekend. We rented a U-Hual (which had ND on the side, totally picture worthy and totally forgot (bummer)) and moved all of my belongings into a storage unit to yet again be stored. It has now been over a year and a half since I have seen my belongings or sat on my couch. It will surely feel like Christmas when I can finally unpack.

all aboard!

2010-07-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

Disneyland anyone? Lizzie, Mikey and Asher were in....

and so were a few other people with strollers. It's a whole different world down there. Everyone just leaves their possessions in their strollers and off they go to some ride where they won't see it for an hour. Society should maybe take notes from Disney - apparently people here don't feel threatened - either that or the rifraf doesn't make it past the ticket gate.

We went a few of the rides but Asher didn't quite meet the height requirement for the majority.

Dumbo, which I remember as one of my favorites, was actually a little fast for me this go 'round. Anything that goes in circles is dangerous to my weak stomach - Asher's face was priceless though. He could see Lizzie and I clapping and smiling and he was sitting with his dad but you could tell by his face he was thinking, "Why aren't these people terrified - the elephants have gone mad!!!!" But the little man hung in there.

We got a tour of Mickey's house with Ms. Minnie living right next door.. How convenient... :)

He took a break from filming his movie for pictures.

We walked across the way to California Adventure which is where the big kid rides live..

C is for Cari......

and California apparently...

We rode one extreme roller coaster - Mikey's first one ever - really??
And that was it... Disney wears out kids (big and small) quickly.

~ ~

Back in Redondo, the sun decided not to cooperate.. It's still on strike as it has not shown its smiling face for months now. I guess all the more reason for some to come visit again.

We made it down to the beach so Asher could have his first experience. He loved the birds and the helicoptor. A little unsure of the sandy stuff right away but eventually realized it was there for his enjoyment.

We had a nice lil weekend, the Saltsmans' and I.

I am thankful I have friends who are so willing to come and visit me even though I live in this dreary weather. It makes my days a little brighter.

But hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow..

Colorado, U.S.A.

2010-07-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Tom and I set off to Colorado for the Fourth of July. One of his very good friends, Chad was getting married and that seemed like reason enough for a visit.

Friday night was well..... interesting. Charley (Tom's sister) and I walked in to meet up with the boys and there they stood - Were we in New Mexico?

Thanks to Chad for that special Groomsmen gift - It was not just a shirt but it also allowed the boys to put on new personalities for the night.

We stayed at the Broker Inn - which was also some sort of warp zone. It was all too weird.

Morning came and things were a little clearer and back to normal. The boys had to go help Chad set up tables so the rest of us went out for breakfast. Julie is one heck of a banana pepper juice squirter. One bite out of that pepper sent the juices flying over my head past the next booth and to the wall. This could have been very bad.

I will tell you what - What a reminder of what life is like without traffic. Do you know what these people can accomplish in an hour?? Everything! Everything they want to do! Buy a dress, a bra, socks, lunch and new shoes. All from different places and the stores weren't even all connected. I was amazed. I can't do anything in an hour.... I am lucky to even get somewhere in an hour.

Note to self - Time is precious, please use wisely.

We were off to the wedding. The setting was amazing. Up, Up, Up in the mountains.

Above - Julie and Charley

Below - Tom and Julie

Jenn and Chad Atherton!!

The Groomsmen (sans New Mexico-esque shirts).

Please notice the ring bearer down in front, their dog, Lucy :) and also the handsome man in the middle.

They threw a great party afterwards with pork sandwiches, cupcakes, live music and lawn games.

It even had a porch with rocking chairs. I love porches and rocking chairs + Tom isn't so bad either.

Cheers!

The fourth of July started with breakfast in Denver and then a tour of the town. Denver is such a nice little city - it's a big city but it doesn't feel like a monstropolis... that might not be a word, but that is what I live in now.

We then made our way down to Monument for the fireworks at Palmer Lake - a Watkins family tradition.

Something that we didn't count on - A summer thunderstorm. I loved it. I haven't been in one of those for awhile but it did ruin the fireworks display. darnit.

For the first part of the storm, we spent some quality time in one of the Subarus Tom is trying to sell. This car has some great options, but not quite the warranty of my Hyundai. Sorry Tom!

Tom and I outside trying to spot the tornado - just living dangerously.

Our time ended all too soon as usual. I didn't get to see Valecia which was a huge bummer but...

I'll be back. Til next Time CO!

busy bees

2010-06-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tom's mom came to town. Yes, again. :) Her friend has listed her as her "companion" and therefore she gets really good deals on flights. The flights sometimes get in really late or she has to wait for the next one but none the less, she gets to come and visit more than the average mom, which I think is pretty awesome.

We started Saturday morning up with the sun. After running a few errands, we settled in for breakfast on the Pier with Grey Goose Bloody Marys and some World Cup Soccer.

We then went on a little bike ride.. A 32 mile bike ride on our beach cruisers.

1st Stop - Venice Canals

I wanna boat - a paddle boat.

Venice Beach is known for the crazies.

takin a snooze.

Please read the sign. (click on it to enlarge)

I didn't leave a donation and I feel kinda bad.... but I'll get him next time.

And next time, I will bring a bunch of dollars - everyone here wants something if you take their picture.

Venice is also a one-stop shopping spot.

That is... depending on your shopping list.

This was absolutely hilarious. I walk by Julie and notice she is sitting next to these people with towels on their heads. She has a huge smile on her face - well aware that by not wearing a towel on her head she didn't quite fit in.

Our goal was Venice, but why stop at Venice.. so off to Santa Monica.

I really like Santa Monica Pier. It's full of people and things to do, although every time I have been to this pier, we leave right away. I will go on that roller coaster. I will. Some day.

One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures for people - Especially in California.

I feel like everyone is on vacation and they take all these photos with one person missing. So I always offer (sometimes they say no, which I find weird) but most of the time I get the opportunity to feel I have done something good for someone else. I feel good and hopefully they do too.

(apparently tom likes to take pictures of me taking pictures for people)

We made it home finally. We made cheeseburgers and passed out.

We were exhausted.

~ ~

Sunday Morn - Early risers yet again.

Breakfast in Hollywood at the BlueJam before heading to the La Brea Tar Pits.

I'm confused - It could possibly be because we didn't splurge for the $7 museum admission (that MUST be where all the action is) but there wasn't a whole lot to do here.

The tar pits are actually pools that have asphalt below and on the top. So all that black sludgy stuff is asphalt and then the water bubbles every once in awhile from gas coming up from inside the earth.

These are not real elephants. Simply models of what happened in the past. The story goes, "The Momma elephant is trapped in the tar pit while the Baby and Dad elephant look on and cry."

Hence one million bones found in the pits. sad.

Tom and I in a box at the Tar Pits.

Fun, right?

We got our Pinkberry fix and Julie to the airport twice (she was booted from her first flight) and we then went into relaxation mode.

Bedtime for Bonzos!

celebs cont.

2010-06-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Reba Mcentire in the Michael Kors Store across the street from work.

Recognized the voice, turned around and poof - Reba!

Reba Mcentire and John Michael Montegomery were my first concert when I was in the 8th grade (i think) at the Fargo Dome.

june gloom

2010-06-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

California is known for it's beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and warm temperatures with just a hint of a breeze...... but what they don't tell you is that for two months out of the year when others are experiencing the joys and smells of spring......

Enter Gray May and June Gloom.

Tom and I went on a hike in Runyon Park, bright and early.

It's where all the celebs work out (we didn't see any) and you don't have to have your dog on a leash (which would be cool if we had a dog). But a fun little park with trails winding through the fancy homes of the Hollywood Hills. We couldn't see the majority of the city or sights normally viewed but we could make out the Hollywood sign and found my Century City buildings - but only with my glasses on ;)

If you are ever planning on visiting during these months, never fear - - some days are better than others...

This day just so happened to not be one of them.

This just so happens to be a horrible picture of me... but it's up to prove a point.

Lizzie, do you believe me now?

thirty one - short and sweet.

2010-06-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had a birthday. I turned 31.

So did Kortney. So did Valecia.

So in keeping with tradition, V came out to California so we could all celebrate together.

Valecia brought her boyfriend, Matt.

We bar hopped. We sushied.

We beached it and BBQed.

Below is Sarah, Joe, Chris and Christine at the BBQ.

Tom and I went to Mammoth with this group for New Year's Eve.

Kortney and Kai.

cake. with three candles and one candle.

31 might have over-cooked the carrot cake.

California Girls.

Our lovely hosts, Trish and Ryan.

Tom. Me.

I had a birthday. I turned 31.

And this was my party.

I love where I am right now in my life. I have a job. I have a great place to live, in part, because its pretty much on the beach. I have a fantastic support group (friends and family) even if they're many miles away.
I have an ah-mazing boyfriend who is ah-mazing.

I am healthy. I am happy. Really? What else could a girl ask for?

cari versus catalina

2010-05-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

In my life, I try not to focus on the negative and so I thought I would leave out this trip altogether. Instead, I decided I will say what I have learned and am now consciously thankful for after my weekend camping adventure on Catalina Island.

First. If you don’t know, I have a fear of water. Not of pools (I was a lifeguard for 8 years, that would be inappropriate) but of water which is home to creatures that can sting me, bite me, snap at me (darn turtle) or eat me. Water where I can not see the bottom or the shore/ending point - I have never been in one of those “forever pools” but I think I would be okay. Water that has currents, whether its the mighty one in the Missouri or a Rip current – let us also add white-capped waves in this category as well.

In conclusion, the entire idea of this trip terrified me.

So….. because Kortney is a dear friend, I decided to accept the invitation to her 31st birthday party on Catalina Island, 30 miles off the California shore. The plan was to take her boyfriend's boat on a two hour tour and camp on our very own private beach…..

~ ~ ~

I am thankful for ferry boats. Ferry boats are large boats that only allow the appropriate number of people to board. The motors of these boats are dependable, inspected on a regular basis and would not just stop running halfway through the journey to their destination. These motors also have the appropriate horse power to get the passengers to the island in a timely manner. A ferry can go faster than 7 miles per hour. I also believe ferry boats, or at least the kind I am thankful for, do not allow binge drinking or let passengers who may be intoxicated board.

In the event the ferry is not an option, I am thankful for starter fluid. This allows a boat to start under less than perfect conditions after it dies in the middle of the ocean. Starter fluid also comes in handy to start the motor for the return trip home. I am even more thankful for starter fluid when it is purchased in packs of two, so when one is empty, no one needs to swim a mile each way in the ocean to go find another can.

I am thankful for men who respect women. Men who would never just sit back and smoke cigarettes and drink beers while women were doing heavy lifting, hauling and loading. Men who do not call women bad names and who do not talk about their genitals at length (I do apologize that I even have to mention this, but I am thankful for it).

I am thankful for thermarests. Thermarests are thin, blow up mattresses that a person takes camping with them. A thermarest would have come in very handy if I knew we were to be sleeping on rocks instead of sand.

I am thankful for Fourth of July Fireworks shows. These events are done in a safe manner at an appropriate distance from spectators. People do not normally get shot in the face with fireworks because they are not sitting within arms distance away.

I am thankful for my music. I found that with music, I can turn my beat around and my frown upside down. I am thankful for Coors Light (in moderation) as it also helped with my beat.

I am thankful for the ocean. However frightened I am of it, it is a big, beautiful thing. I spent the entire weekend staring at it and not everyone has that view at their fingertips.

I am thankful for my friends. This is not a new discovery but only a reinforced one. I have been blessed with meeting many amazing people early on in my life and also during my extended stay in Utah. These friends are quality, caring, generous, thoughtful, funny and just all around good people. They work hard and they play hard. I love them and I miss them dearly.

I am thankful for my mother, who let me call her after this traumatizing episode and cry my eyes out. I was relieved to hear her voice, glad she could assure me it was over and that I had learned something from this experience. I am thankful she might have even let me swear a little. One thing I will not be thankful for, puffy eyes after crying… its bad. If you care about me, please don’t make me cry.

I am fortunate that things that don’t kill you, make you stronger.

I am thankful I am stronger.

party people

2010-05-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

With two birthday parties to attend, Tom and I headed to the Heartland.

And were given a Soul… a Kia Soul – while being cute for a hamster (kia commercials), Tom and I were not as impressed......

but it did its job and got us from point A to B and back to A.

Three.

Mr. Jacob is now 3. The whole family headed down to the SuperSlide Park.

We went down the slide and we all took turns winning.. my brother (while looking innocent) cheats so don’t sit next to him.

Spectators -

We rode the bumper cars.

Tom clearly didn’t understand, he is not only 4 times as old as Kaylin, but also 4 times as large.. This did not stop him from going full force. (click on photo for full face)

And then there was an oddly positioned Pinocchio – is he in da’ club??

Grace and the Carousel

two happy campers

Family Tree…. or family in a tree...

It is clearly demonstrated by the below two photos, Scott and I are not as limber as we used to be....

b-day continued with cake and presents…

he loved his cake, but that darn tag - - :( :( :(

The tool set from Aunt Judy was a hit!

~ ~ ~

One Hundred.

On the other end of the timeline is my Dear Grandma Elyse.

We celebrated her 100 years! What an accomplishment!

My parents and Aunt Judy put together a great party for her and folks came in from all over the country. It was a great turnout. There were scrap books to stir up memories, good food and great family.

Judy brought crazy hats for the kids.

and maybe for Grandpa Jerry too...

Grandma loved her cake – clap clap clap –

G-ma's best friend, Martha's daughter, Sue got her a pink, shoulder wrap (a snuggie for just the shoulders, pictured below) and you could see her brain ticking. She put her hands in the pockets, looked at the sewn edges and with a shrug of the shoulders, would have said, "Ohhh, I could make this." and then she would have :)

She still loves to have her picture taken and is always ready with a smile.

Dad, Gram, Mom and Judy

And our little Nicholson clan.

The party was a success!

She seemed to recognize everyone and couldn't get enough of all of the cards. She stayed longer than expected but soon it came time to end the party. I think we tired out before she did -

She is one amazing woman and still continues to impress us all.
Go Grandma!

It was back to Fargo all too soon.

Amazingly in my years of existance and the countless trips through Jamestown, I have never stopped and visited the world's largest buffalo.. and just my luck - Tom hadn't either.. So we were "both super excited" to stop and see the buffalo.

And while he (he - being the big buffalo) was truly amazing in all his grandeur... they also have horses - that are alive and hungry.

(never mind that I look HUGE next to the horse)

Tom's had a business meeting in Moorhead so we stayed with his Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Jeff for the night.

Tom's friend, Andy Schneider came down from Grand Forks, Jeff (my college roommate) and his wife, Tara came over and we had a lovely evening on the golf course sitting beside a fire and enjoying our local company. This group proved how small the world is - turns out Andy threw a ball at Tara's head during a water polo match in college.

When we arrived back in LA, we were to find Tom's friend's car so we didn't have to take a taxi, but where was the car? We didn't know. It was raining, we were hungry, sleepy and bogged down with our carry on luggage. LAX is a slightly inappropriate airport for the "I think its parked over here" as it was not and the key faub car alarm only works within a certain range.

After more than a couple elevator rides in a couple of different parking structures, the car was located and our trip was officially over.

back to the grind :(

it's about time...

2010-05-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

My mother is calling it quits after 39 years of teaching. Finally, she gets what she deserves – an extended vacation to do things she wants to do….

Aka – spend time with the grandkids, volunteer, come visit me and finish my quilt :)

Let this be a reminder to all of us to appreciate those who 'teach your children well' and make impacts on their lives, year after year after year. Not because of the paycheck, but because they care about kids, and not only their education but their quality of life.

My Mom, Dr. Roth and Kathy Stahl are all retiring this year and taking over 100 years of experience with them. Pioneer held a big hoopla in the school gymnasium to celebrate all of their years of hard work and dedication to Bismarck's youth.

The local news even did a spotlight on the Pioneer Team.

Click on the link below to see the article and the video link to watch the spot.

http://www.kfyrtv.com/news_stories.asp?news=39858&yr=

My Mom, the celebrity!

I don’t think she is excited at all.

Thank you for being a great teacher in my life, one role you are not allowed to retire from :)

Well played and a job well done Mom!

Love you!

9 to 5, what a way to make a livin...

2010-05-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Due to a recent birthday gift, my manager suggested I start a blog for administrative assistants including shortcuts and tricks in various programs, examples of projects and procedures, but mostly, the fun things one can do with office supplies. My co-worker, Kristy and I are always using what is available at our desk or in the supply room to make gag gifts or otherwise.

Melinda snaps rubber bands at us from her desk as stress reliever, so for her birthday we thought we would give her some extra amo in the shape of a ball. A large rubber band ball.

Now, as she continues to snap rubber bands at us, we collect them and will start again. It’s the gift that keeps on giving for both parties, I think, because now I strangely have a hard time letting people borrow a rubber band…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am going to North Dakota next weekend and Tom is coming too. He gets to meet the whole Nicholson clan at the birthday bashes - My sweet grandmother will be 100 and lil Jacob will already be 3!

AND

The Belmonts (their boos and baby Asher included) are coming over my birthday!
And so starts the counting of clips - Much like the chains made of construction paper to help countdown to Christmas, but a bit more appropriate for the workplace and much more incognito to string up at my desk.

As many paperclips = as many days as I have to wait for both trips combined.

And being in the aviation industry, planes to represent take-off dates.

birthday and belmonts

2010-04-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Mike and Lizzie's lil man is already 1!!
and I needed an excuse to get to Utah :)

Apparently so did Valecia and Minor, and Mike’s Mom and his brother. We ALL also needed a place to stay. FULL HOUSE. Grandma Pat and Asher slept in his room. Doug on the couch, Mike and Lizzie on a blowup mattress in the dining room, and Valecia, Minor and I in the master bedroom.
We pulled late nights met with early mornings…. But the more time the merrier. We had a party to plan. What an exhausting adventure, but it was well worth it. We went for the Curious George theme but not sure if anyone noticed. Lizzie is quite the little Martha Stewart - she even made Asher's shirt.

and she may or may not have planned the entire family's outfits for the day... ;)

Asher didn’t really seem to get what was happening with the whole cake thing, present thing, people clapping, singing thing. He wouldn’t even dip into the cake until Lizzie cut out a piece and handed it to him. Maybe he is just going to be that well behaved and not ever make a mess…

And then there was Minor…. What a smart, little, wild man.. Singing at the top of his lungs, telling us stories, blowing bubbles, eating sweets galore, peeing on the playground..... Always keeping V on her toes while the rest of us laughed.

I love little humans.

Justin and his boy, Riot were in attendance.

And there was the quality time with two of my favorite people on this planet. The Belmonts, while we seem to be growing up.... our relationship stays amazingly the same.

home sweet home...

fa-la-la-la-la

2010-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

One thing about the big city livin (that I do not put to good use) is the amount of live music that comes to the area. But I try..

Monday, we went to the Infamous Stringdusters. Tom’s friend from high school plays the stand up bass. The group was playing in the first ever L.A. Bluegrass Situation hosted by Ed Helms from the Office and the Hangover movie. Yet another celebrity…. Really fun event and a good band.

And Tuesday, one of my personal favorites…. Rodrigo y Gabriela. These two are ah-mazing guitar players. They played at the Grammy Museum - a 200 people venue. There was a question and answer portion for about a half hour and then they played.

This is the video of the show they did earlier in the day for Jay Leno.

Another day in lovely L.A.

selebrity sightings

2010-03-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

So living in LA, among all of the celebs, I occasionally spot one - Kevin Costner, Niki Hilton, girl from Dirty Dancing, Kiefer Sutherland (at a dive-bar no less)….. but just recently I had two in two days right outside of my work (MGM Tower).

March 16th - Eugene Levey

March 17th - Al Pacino

and he was looking haaaagard…

I am thinking about doubling as a paparazzi for a little extra income. I was reading that just one picture can be worth thousands and who knows maybe I will get the million dollar shot and live happily ever… but for now google images will have to do..

wine not

2010-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

take a limo and go wine tasting in Malibu??

Tom's friend Kyle, his girlfriend and Mom and I were greeted at the Cornell Tasting Room (http://www.cornellwindery.com/) by two peacocks.

This place gave a sampling of eight wines - which is a lot. :)

then we climbed up into the Malibu mountains headed to the Malibu Family Wines. (http://www.malibufamilywines.com/)

I really liked this place. It had a ton of outdoor seating (but not enough heaters) and live entertainment. The perfect place for a get together. You even can bring in your own food. We, not knowing about this option, were very jealous of the other tables and tried to mastermind a way to get a small snack to no avail....

we then went to lunch and then off to one more winery where the boys got their moneys worth.

Thank goodness for the limo driver.

yes sir, i love the big sur

2010-02-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

Tom and I have talked about going camping since we met and have never really found the time. So we made time for the Valentines holiday. Big Sur!!! We had sooo much fun. It is so beautiful up there and quiet and clean air and no traffic.. never mind the curvy roads that made my head pound so hard I thought I would vomit…

It was all worth it.

I made us a little travel guide including things to see along the way, all of the parks and hikes – their distances, prices and fun facts. I reminded myself of Lizzie.

Our first stop was to see the Elephant Seals. It is actually their mating season now (do you think they know its valentines?) but this guy in the middle would not leave this poor gal (screaming) alone.. And his buddies were waving their heads cheering him on….

These two just barked at each other.. My favorite is the white-wrinkly one to the right..

sound asleep. and every once in awhile he would just clap. :) If you're happy and you know it....

And this is our neighborhood.

Tom sent tulips to my work on Thursday and I couldn’t bare to leave them home alone – so they got strapped in the back seat and made the journey. (I know its blurry but I like it anyways….)

Day Two

Our first stop was the super secret beach, Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand!

A view from the top.. funny how boys differ from girls. I would never have thought to climb up the hill because it might have been against the rules.. but I sure did like it up there.

Then on to Pfeiffer Falls

big waterfall and even bigger trees

One of our favorite places was McWay Falls.

but you can't get down to the beach - which I guess I understand.. protecting nature and the whole bit.

The waves were huge!!!! This one reminded me of the fourth of July via sight and sound.

We tried to find a good place to set up chairs and watch the sun set but the fog rolled in and wind blew..

So we went home and ate hot dogs and cheese quesadillas around our little campfire.

OH!! And SMORES - I have never been a fan of smores ever, but maybe it was my marshmellow roaster (Tom) or my palate has yet again changed but mm mm good.. give me s'more!

Day Three

We headed north in hopes of ending in Carmel. We did a couple of quick hikes and stopped by the Point Lobos State Park. It was super cool here. First, you walk along side rock cliffs surrounded by super blue water and then you go into a little forest.

It is actually one of two remaining Cypress groves left on Earth!

The orange is actually a green algae thats orange.... if that makes sense.

We didn't have much time to get a couple photo because we were being followed by a family of 15 from Ohio. I do love the midwest but the whole traveling in a pack thing really threw us off.

These lilacs were everywhere in the Big Sur region and Tom stopped and smelled every one of them.

We went to Carmel, sat on the beach and then had a little romantic late lunch

at a cute little restaurant. I <3 Valentine’s Day.

On the way home, we found the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

It even had a bench that took pictures.

best valentines day ever.

like the wind

2010-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Tom and I started off our Super Bowl Sunday with the Redondo Beach 5k. It was fun! A bunch of people in costumes and two free beers.. But really after running 3 miles and at 8 in the morning a beer isn't really what I am looking for. So Tom drank mine. :)

(you can click on the below so you can actually read the print...)

If my memory serves me right, Tom was totally behind me at the finish line

so I am not at all sure how he has a better time than me.

Next time, Tom, next time!