Month of August, 2006

Small, Small World

I was goofing around on Mirror Project today and did a search for Phoenix. I was shocked to find all these people I "know" who posted something in relation to Phoenix.

Ryan at SixFoot6

Christine at Big Pink Cookie

Chris at 730 / An Ounce of Hope

Comments

Quote of the Day

"Hey, I wanted to just fill you in on the resolution to my music search. Breathe on Me by Brittany Spears. Yes...Brittany Spears. Who knew?!?!?!?"
- Summer

Bentley Hogs the Pillows!

Last week I woke up with Bentley on my head. Or rather, his foot was on my head. He crawled up between the pillows on the not-my-side of the bed and still overflowed onto my side. I must have gotten enough sleep because I thought it was hilarious. He's so spoiled...sleeping with so many pillows!

Comments

Puppy Without a Name

Look at this adorable puppy. Isn't she cute?! But she is sad. She has no name. Will you help my parents name this pupppy?

* Update 9/1 - Mom is giving the name Mia a try. *

Comments

Weekend in Dallas

I spent the weekend in Dallas. Friday night Chris's parents had us over for dinner. His parents are so great. They are really neat to talk with - we had dinner and talked for hours. I get along almost as easily with Chris' parents as I do my own. Of course, it helps that they are very accepting of me.

On Saturday I attended Nora's baby shower. She and Chris are having a baby boy in October. Christy and Jon threw a fantastic party. It was really nice getting together with old friends who I certainly don't see enough.

Saturday night Chris and I had a quiet night at his house. We got Chinese take-out and watched Grosse Pointe Blank. (It's one of Chris' favorite movies.) It was a really nice night and it makes me wish we lived in the same city so we could often have nights like that.

On Sunday, we had lunch at my parents' house. Grandma Lucci's birthday is September 1st so we celebrated on Sunday. Grandma turns 95 on Friday so it's a pretty big birthday. Grandma is the oldest person in her church so they church made a big deal about it too. By lunch, Grandma was completely worn out. She got cake and roses and cards and presents! Mom made a lovely lunch for all of us.

After lunch we got to play with my parents' new Maltese puppy. She doesn't have a name yet because Mom and Dad can't quite decide. No hurry - she's only 9 weeks old and probably won't start responding to any specific name for a little while. She sure is cute! She's less than two pounds and just a bouncy little thing. Though she does get tired quickly and before you know it, she's sound asleep.

Just as Chris and I were leaving Mom and Dad's house, there was a huge rainstorm. So we decided to stay and do the dishes (Chris's idea, not mine...suck up). Despite living in the desert, I sure do enjoy a good rainstorm.

Sunday night Chris and I went out on a date - dinner and a movie. Dinner was Mexican food and the movie was Talladega Nights. Awhile ago Chris learned that I've never taken a shot of tequila. Yep, I'm 29 25 years old and I've never drank tequila straight. How I got out of college without a tequila shot will forever remain a mystery. But Sunday night Chris ordered me a shot of tequila and I had my very first shot!

Pictures from the weekend.

Comments

Scottsdale Clouds

We've been having some interesting weather in Phoenix - lots of clouds and some afternoon rainstorms. I took this photo a couple days ago on my way home from work. The clouds were just SO BEAUTIFUL.

Today it rained all morning. Though by 1pm, the sun was back out.

Comments

Mom and Dad's New Puppy

Mom and Dad got their new puppy last night. She's so tiny and cute!! She doesn't have a name yet, but hopefully they'll make a decision soon. I'm thrilled that I get to meet her this weekend when I'm in Dallas.

Comments

Last Week / Weekend

Last week I was in Maryland for work meetings. Things at work went great. My team is an awesome group of people and everyone works together quite well. I'm so pleased to be a part of the project we're working on and know I'm going to learn a lot. It's exciting. One night the whole team went to dinner at Buca Di Beppo, which in my opinion is a perfect place for a big group. All the food is served family style so ordering isn't an issue and the staff is used to large groups. Plus they have incredible chocolate cake!

I had one free night while I was there and was able to see Kristen, my sister. Her group at work was entertaining some clients at a minor league baseball game and were kind enough to let me crash the party. It was fun meeting Kristen's coworkers and of course it was great seeing her. It almost felt like we lived in the same place and I was just hanging out. It's unfortunately that we don't like as close as we used to. I miss the closeness Kristen and I used to have on a day to day basis. But I'm thankful for the little times like this that we're together.

Chris Visits Phoenix
I flew back to Phoenix on Friday night and Chris flew in at the same time. We met in the airport, which made me feel like we're such an urban, jet-set couple. (Really, it's not something to feel cool about...it's sad that we live in separate cities.) We spent a quiet Friday night at home since we both had very long days.

Saturday morning after breakfast, we went to a Mazda dealership and drove a couple Miatas. I have car fever again and thinking about getting a little convertible. I didn't fall in love with the Miata so I'll keep looking.

Chris and I met a couple of my friends for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Then we went swimming. Before long it was time to think about dinner so we went grocery shopping. Chris made a fantastic lemon stir fry with saffron rice. We didn't have any plans for the night but just kinda ended up sitting around the kitchen table talking. It was seriously a wonderful evening. We just talked. It was the highlight of the weekend for me. Chris and I get along so well and are so comfortable together. I'm lucky that he is in my life and that despite living so far away, we get moments like these.

While we sat at the table, I got out some cheap wine and the wine glasses my aunt gave me. It's hard to tell, but they are TINY. They're more what we would consider sherry glasses. However, my aunt explained that they aren't for sherry but for wine. Back in the 30's or 40's (she wasn't entirely sure when they were purchased but she was living in Niagara Falls at the time so we can guess based on family history), the Lucci family used small wine glasses. Jennie said that was simply the style back then.

Sunday morning Chris and I made breakfast. Just as we were putting everything on the table, a piece of cantaloupe fell to the floor. Naturally, Bentley scooped it up. The sight of him with it in his mouth was so funny, we had to take a picture. (Please ignore my bedhead.)

Sunday afternoon we saw Who Killed the Electric Car? at the movies. It was a very good film and I'd highly recommend it. At the theater, there were huge lines for Little Miss Sunshine. I've heard it's a good film too. After some afternoon shopping, Chris and I met Jennifer and John for dinner. We celebrated Jennifer's completion of her comps. (Comprehensive exams for her PhD.) She had spent all weekend writing one of the most important papers / test of her life. It was so cool to be able to congratulate her on getting it done. I'm so very, very impressed with her accomplishment. We talked a lot about school since John is starting his first year as a professor. He's teaching a class on the classics in the honors college. It sounds like a fascinating class and I'm sure he'll be a great professor.

This Week
Monday morning I took Chris to the airport and he went back to Dallas. My week in Phoenix has been pretty focused on work. Though I went to an art opening on Monday night with my neighbor, Christy. Then last night Jennifer came over for dinner and some crafts. (We're making jewelry now.) Tomorrow night I head to Dallas for the weekend. I'm going to see Chris (of course) and to attend Nora's baby shower. What would I do without airplanes? My life would be so dull.

Comments

5 Things

Karen tagged me...

5 things in my refrigerator:
(it's mostly empty)
1. wilted spinach
2. diet dr pepper
3. old (and probably spoiled) milk
4. chicken breast
5. mango salsa

5 things in my closet:
1. flip-flops (at least a dozen pairs)
2. purses (at least a dozen)
3. box of swim suits
4. 4 briefcases - 2 black, 1 blue, 1 red
5. cigar box full of junk jewelry

5 things in my purse:
1. Blackberry
2. digital camera
3. $42 cash
4. ID & credit cards
5. keys

5 things in my car:
1. seven pairs of sunglasses - critical when I live in such a sunny place
2. XM radio
3. empty water bottles
4. windshield sun screen
5. map of Phoenix

5 people to tag...
1. Phil
2. Dave
3. Mihow
4. Erik Benson
5. Zach Braff

Quote of the Day

"Is pilgrimage essential for spiritual awakening? ... I don't know ... But if I had to answer, I would say that 'going somewhere' is not essential but that 'leaving something' is."

- Sol

Comments

Visit Aunt Jennie

Road trip! Friday afternoon I got in the car and headed west. I was on my way to California to visit my great aunt, Jennie. It was an uneventful, four hour drive. I really enjoy time in the car by myself - listening to music, talking on the phone, seeing the landscape roll by... Before I knew it (with a lot of distraction from Chris on the phone), I arrived in Palm Springs. Chris sat at the computer and talked me to my hotel. OK, I had a map, but it was too much fun letting him follow my progress/give instructions via maps on the internet. I got to the hotel room and rested for a short while before it was time to pick up Dad. Dad was flying into Palm Springs from Dallas. We grabbed dinner after I picked him up from the airport and then headed to bed.

Saturday morning we got up early and drove another hour to Jennie's house in Hemet, California. The visit started with her showing us all the little tasks around the house she had. Things like a slow sink, a broken toilet valve, and a digital clock that needed to be set. There was a trip to the hardware store and plenty of activity that morning. As the day progressed, we had lunch together and talked a lot. Jennie, who is 92, seems to be doing quite well. I think she's stronger and healthier than last time I visited her. Jennie sent me home with a car full of things she'd like to get rid of. (Jennie has been preparing to die for quite sometime now and always wants us to take her things.) This time I took home her Kirby vacuum cleaner, a set of silverware, half of her stamp collection, placemats, wine glasses, and cactus cuttings from her backyard. Overall, our time with Jennie was really nice. She was talkative and in good spirits. She is thankful for her health and at her age it is a gift.

One of the highlights of trip was *finally* opening the floor safe in Jennie's closet. Jennie moved into the house about 20 years ago but never had the combination to the safe which is imbedded in the foundation. We've discussed the safe a number of times, but it was Dad who finally got a hold of the combination. For a fee, the safe company provided the "default" combination to the safe. It turns out the previous owner didn't change the combo, because we got it open. And as we expected, it was empty. Someone should have at least left a cryptic note inside!

We stayed with Jennie through the afternoon. When we had sufficiently worn her out, Dad and I headed back to Phoenix. He drove the 5 hours through the desert with me, because he loves me that much. (And he couldn't get a late enough flight out of Palm Springs.) When we got back to Phoenix, we unloaded the car, got a bite of dinner, and picked up Bentley. It had been a very, very full day so we both slept soundly.

Sunday morning I dropped Dad off at the airport. I spent the majority of the day at Jennifer's house where we completed our purses made out of ties. Since neither of us do a lot of sewing, we were both very pleased with our newfound skills. It was a fun and quick little project. We've decided we want to try our hand at making jewelry next. I'm so lucky to have a friend like Jennifer. Her friendship is a blessing.

Five Years

Today is my five year anniversary with my company. It has completely zoomed by! I can't believe how fast life moves. It has been a really good time. I have learned so much and been given so many wonderful opportunities. I'm blessed to celebrate this moment.

Comments

Craigslist

You never know what you'll find on Craigslist.

Comments

Weekend

Friday night after work I went to happy hour with coworkers. We agreed very early on not to talk about work and it was a success! All the conversation was fun and interesting. The beer was really good too.

Saturday I skipped hiking with friends because I had a little too much to drink the night before (shame on me). I went to Jennifer's and we had craft time. We're working on purses made out of neckties. We're not quite done yet, but pictures will follow completion.

Saturday afternoon, my neighbors Matt and Christy had a little get together. I was pleased to see how many neighbors showed up and enjoyed talking together. It was great! Since I was still nursing a bit of a hangover, I spent Saturday night lounging (mostly in bed). I watched a whole bunch of episodes of the Dog Whisperer. I finally understand why my parents were so excited about it when they seldom get excited about TV. The Dog Whisperer is very entertaining if you like dogs. Saturday night I was asleep before 9pm. Oh the glamorous life I lead!

Sunday morning started with a trip to the gym. I've been going in the mornings lately and I like how empty the gym is compared to the evenings. Plus, I like that it wakes me up for the day. A few hours later I met Wayne in downtown for brunch. We went to Drip, which is the hippest coffee shop lounge I've been to. Before we split ways, we made a trip to Petsmart for the dogs. Then I headed to the downtown library. It's a wonderful, wonderful five stories full of books. I was like a kid in the candy store and took home an armful of books. I spent the rest of Sunday lounging around the house, reading books, and talking to family and friends on the phone.

Comments

Compliment?

"Do you know that you take awesome and ridiculously detailed notes?" I think I was just told in a really nice way that I'm anal.

Friday

Thank goodness it is Friday. I'm exhausted. This week wasn't particularly bad in terms of the workplace, but today seemed to kick my butt. I'm tired and I still have a billion things to do. The to-do list is scary long. I'm looking forward to the weekend. What are you doing this weekend?

Comments

Refresh Phoenix

Last night I went to my first Refresh Phoenix meeting. Refresh Phoenix is basically a group of people who are working to improve the culture around web development in Phoenix. While web development is only a hobby for me, I thought it would be interesting. Last night's meeting was open to anyone who wanted to demo a new site, product, idea, etc. to the group and it ended up being a very, very interesting meeting to attend.

Desert Noise
A work in progress by Aaron Post, Dan Ritzenthaler, and James Britt. Desert Noise will be a directory of bloggers in Arizona. I'm so, so, so excited about this because I've wanted to read more bloggers in my area. Hopefully it will spark some socialization just like DFWBlogs did years ago. It sounds like they will be categorizing the blogs to make the directory easier to search. I'd like them to categorize by city too so you could easily pull up people in your area. Seeing as this was the first demo of the evening, I felt like it was fate. After being in Arizona for a whole year (oh yeah, July 17th was the one year anniversary of my move to Phoenix), I'm finally going to meet some people in the web world.

Prime Condition
Simon, whose last name I didn't catch (note to self, when presenting say my name over and over so people get it), has created a website which replaces the personal trainer. PrimeCondition.com creates an MP3 mix for the gym workout you choose for yourself. Basically, you put together a list of exercises like crunches, squats, and dumbbell curls indicating how many reps of each. Then it will build you an MP3 which has a person's voice telling you what to do then counting each rep for you all over a bed of nice workout music. If you keep to the beat of the music, you'll do the right speed for the workout. Awesome. This site was VERY impressive when demoed as Simon did all the work in his spare time (including the music). I wouldn't be surprised if he's able to make a nice bit of profit on this idea someday.

Best PartyEver
The business goal of BestPartyEver.com is to replace the yellow pages when it comes to being a directory of vendors needed for event planning. The site is currently up and in use, but what was demoed last night is a beta version. It was very, very impressive. While I certainly didn't understand all the technology and architecture talk, I was impressed. The team working on BestPartyEver is Joshua Strebel, Jason Ayers, and Dave Benjamin.

I only talked with a couple people at the meeting, but I certainly enjoyed the presentations. It was a wonderful night. On the way home from the meeting I rattled on and on to Chris about it. It made me realize how passionate about the web I am. Now if only I could work in it...a dream for the future.

Comments