Back to school, hopefully!!!!

Well, I guess summer is over cause I have to go back to school today!


I am still an open university student, but with the budget cuts I hope I will be able to add my class. Good thoughts!


Time to reflect on my summer! What are some of the things I did?

Spent some quality time with my other kitty, Seabass

Took my family to one of my favorite new hiking spots

Lots of hiking! In Morgan Hill here, and later in Oregon!

Took Connor to the park lots! Also tried out some new hair-dos on him!

Lots and lots of family breakfasts at CoCos!

My two nephews together! Connor and Aiden finally share something and no blood is shed!!

Celebrating changes with coworkers!

Beautiful Gerber Daisies from my honey : )

And the best part about my summer - working things out with my Matty-Cake!

And then going to Oregon together!

The rest of 2009 should be interesting!

Burnside Skate Park

Matthew is an avid skateboarder and wanted to check out the infamous Burnside skate park, which is located beneath one of the many bridges in downtown Portland. We lucked out by checking it out on a Sunday morning, and he was able to skate without having to deal with territorial local-types : )

Check out my man ; )

"Hot Dogs, Hot Bikes" Moto Galore party in Portland

Decided to break up my blog about my trip to Oregon into different parts, since we did so many different things while there.

Part one - the Biker party in Portland

Matthew's brother-in-law Justin's brother Casey (yes, I know . . . ) works at a bike shop in Portland, and they hold this party every year. This party is the reason we planned the trip actually, more of an excuse really.

Vintage Helmets

Some of the bikes on display

Casey's bike

Matthew and his sister Shannon

(look at those tall genes!!!)

Don't say you weren't warned!!!

Sign for the shop

Cake + Bear : )

Someone's vintage baby pram.

I am so getting one of these!!! (when it's time that is . . . )

Long day, taking a break along the side of the shop.

Justin on the right, his brother Casey on the left.

We signed the guest book. Can you find ours?

Towards the end of the night, the cops came and they had to bring the live

music inside. Oh well, it was still a blast!!

A salad worth blogging about!!

It was so friggin hot today! I had to work a party outside on the patio, so by the time I went to the store after work, all I could think about was whipping up a huge tasty salad for dinner. I went to the salad dressing aisle for inspiration. There I found a bottle of low-fat asiago balsamic dressing, which made me grab bacon bits and grilled chicken, some fresh cucumber and feta cheese. I tossed it all up with some fresh ground garlic sea salt and pepper and threw some garlic caesar dressing into the mix too, and viola!

The Glamour Shot:

I think I will add some dried cranberries and maybe some sunflower seeds or cashews tomorrow. Needs some crunchy/savory . . .

Keepin busy!!

I can't wait until I am done knitting the ruffled cap-sleeve cardigan I started last month, so I can get started on this! I bought some really cool soy yarn that is so soft! This pattern is so me! My first attempt at lace, but I'm not scared! I am getting bored with plain st st!!

Jenn got me into Ravelry.com a really cool online knitting facebook type website. Whenever i am interested in a pattern, i can find pictures of about 20 other people who have knitted the same thing. it's so cool!!!

Lots and lots of other stuff going on too! Getting ready for my trip to Oregon next month. Picking up lots of shifts and looking forward to taking a whole week off to go on a great road trip with Matthew and doing lots of hiking and exploring!

Been off the patches for a few days now. Once again, I was totally dreading it, but I am doing suprisingly well. No freak outs. Yet . . .

Also, very exciting project starting next week. Sarah got me involved in a research project at SJSU. I need some more experience to put on my grad school applications, also hopefully some more letters of recommendation, so I will be doing my first research assistant internship. I have no idea what I will be doing yet, but the topic is dual drug use. I was told it includes nicotine and tobacco, which is something I am interested in studying right now.

hope to post some pics soon of my finished cardigan! stay tuned!

The many faces of JR

Jr felt very photogenic yesterday and let me take these adorable photos of him. Take a look at his many faces . . .

The Angel

The Patriot

The Thinker

The Watchcat



The Sleepyhead

And the "Bitch, no you didn't!!!!"

Rest in peace Michael . . .

As everyone knows I am sure, Michael Jackson has passed away. Listening to everyone focus on the craziness of his last few years has made me think a lot about my childhood. Probably because there were two things my sister and I were obsessed with while growing up. One was Dirty Dancing, the other was MJ's Thriller.

I had a behind the scenes making of the music video tape of Thriller, and I swear we used to watch it atleast 3 times a day! We knew every dance move, and I would listen to the cassette tape over and over and over! Some of my happiest childhood memories involve his music and talent, and that is very sad considering he didn't really have a childhood of his own.

I will admit I have made jokes over the last few years, but when someone dies it's different. I know he lived a tourtured and troubled life and I just hope he will finally have some peace and happiness now.

Kelly Jeanne (also why Billie Jean is one of my favs)

Too itchy to post . . .

Got back from camping and had a blast. However I am covered in mosquito bites and too consumed fighting the urge to itch to post all the pics and do a good write up right now. Ugh!!!!

make it stop!!!

Hike w/ the fam

Invited the family along for a hike this week. I figured Connor would dig the animals at the farm and that my Dad would like the historic parts and cabins and such. Unfourtunately, I forgot that the farm is closed on Mondays. Oh ya, and it rained. oh well. got some cute pics out of the trip!

Married 32 years next month. Ya, I know. I'm one of those weird kids whose parents are still together . . .

He is just too frickin adorable!!!!

Saw this tree as we were leaving. I thought the way it framed that wooden arch was pretty cool.

Going camping tomorrow at Uvas County Park. Should do lots of hiking, will post when I get back! Here's hoping no mosquitos bite me or bears eat my food!!!

Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival

Ok, so I know it took place on June 6th, but I'm a little behind, jeez!!
Anyways, made it out to Murphy St. for the A&W festival again! Always have to go to this one! I don't live in walking distance anymore, but Matthew and Sarah do ; ) Andy came over early and we went to Rancho for a hike before we sought out our wine. She got me to try out the more challenging PG&E trail. I was so sore the next day, but it was fun and I have added it to my routine. We did encounter a rattle snake though . . .

Edgar from work made it out too!

I am in love with this car! The color was even better in person!!!!

Of course, the DeLorean . . .

I am still in shock over this car! It was a porsche with DeLorean-like doors. So cool!!

I also finally ended up buying one of those flattened wine bottle-cheese plates! This is the third year in a row I have seen them and I finally decided to do it! I chose the Silver Oak one because that is actually the first winery I ever tasted at. I forgot to take a pic of it, I will put it up later (maybe, knowing me ha)

It was a good day : )