#93 - Baby V

At lunch today, my mom met me at Andrea's (brought us all Chipotle for lunch) and I got to meet baby V for the first time! I held him for a little while as I sat on the couch but I was SO nervous, he is SO small. I'm looking forward to him getting bigger and chasing him around!

#92 - The babies are here!

I've been joking with Lui that the babies (my niece's and his brother's) were going to be born on his birthday...and one of them was! Here is Vincent Lee Navarette III who wasn't due until 12/16 but was born 12/08 at 3:43PM weighing 7lb 1oz and a looong 22 1/2 inches:
Ironically, Lui's sister-in-law checked herself in to the SAME hospital on the same day but she didn't have her baby until 1:30AM the next morning. Here's Hazel Cruz born 12/09 weighing 8lbs 6oz - her momma didn't have time to get the epidural so she was born naturally (ouch!).

#91 - Double Vision

A couple of weeks ago I went to one of Andrea's birthing classes (her boyfriend had to work that evening). The topic was breathing and positioning during labor. Being the fully supportive aunt that I am, I stuffed my shirt with Andrea's sweater and played along as another preggo woman in the room. It was actually pretty educational - I also learned about being dialted vs effaced. Andrea is due 12/16/10...stay tuned for an update...

#90 - More wedding photos!

My co-worker took the photos (her side job) - they turned out SO AWESOME!

Here is our table at the reception - we sat with the best man (Kevin), his wife (Autumn) and Kevin's parents:

Look who caught the bouquet...AND the garder!! ;)

#89 - Mr. & Mrs. Zwetow!

Our good friends, Tony & Marissa were married on Friday! Here is Jill, Marissa and me toasting before she walked down the aisle (Marissa's new niece took this picture). I didn't take too many pics at the wedding because so many other people were so I'll post more photos when I get them. P.S. I caught the bouquet...and Lui caught the garder. ;)

#88 - Pumpkins!

Here we are (I still need to get the group shot - there was about 20 of us) carving pumpkins the Friday before Halloween. It's our good friend Tony (getting married to our good friend Marissa on Friday!!), Lui, Mike and me:
I found two things on-line that I wanted to do so I made mine double sided, here's the ghost:

And the other side was a silly face:

There was voting and a trophy for the winner (that gets passed aruond from year to year) which went to a guy who carved 2 pumpkins so it looked like something from Silence of the Lambs (where one pumpkin was eating the other's brains, yuk). Here is Lui's with a facial expression that Lui likes to make:

It was our first time at this annual carving event, thrown by friends of friends - can't wait to do it again next year! I should mention that I left them out on the patio and the 95+ degree heat ruined them and I ended up scooping the moldy, mushy mess into a trash bag - GROSS.

#87 - Snuggly doggies!

It is almost certain that if I can't find one or both of my dogs it's because they are snuggled up in a blanket or warm pile of laundry fresh out of the dryer! Here is Lola in the t-shirt quilt my mom made for me when I graduated high school (the yellow square is from my favorite blanket growing up). I keep the quilt folded on my couch and Lola loves to burrow herself right in it:
Here is Tobey in a fresh, warm load of clean laundry - note blankets, towels, washcloth...:

Tobey follows me with my basket of clean clothes and makes it a point to lay in it while I put things away.

#86 - When good feet go bad.

*WARNING* - photos are graphic!! I uploaded these pictures "small" so it wouldn't be in your face. I took these pics during "therapy" - they use electric waves and ultrasound to help patients heal quicker and lessen scarring. I've had ingrown toenails since I can remember. My mom use to cut them out for us and I've been keeping up with it as an adult until I recently decided: NO MORE! Part of my reason for taking action was that our copays go up next year. Here are my post-op toes 3 days after surgery:
I have been promised the toenails won't grow into the side of my toes again!! Here are my toes again exactly a week after surgery.

It's been over 2 weeks now, I got my stitches out on Friday. The toes are still ugly, though. Coming up are bunion surgeries - each foot a month apart. I've scheduled them for the Friday before Thanskgiving, the other the Friday before Christmas since I need to be off work for a week. Taking care of my feet this year!!

#85 - Day Trip to Balboa Island & Peninsula

It has been blazing HOT out for so long! Lui and I finally made it to the beach (neither of us worked last Sunday) and here's what we got - overcast sky, but we didn't mind. It was nice to finally have some cool, fall weather. We drove out to crowded, toursisty Balboa Island with lots of little shops but didn't stop; we decided to take the ferry across to the peninsula since Lui had never been on it. Here's a pic of one of the other two ferrys passing us:
Lui decided to get out of the ferry and sit on the side of the boat but I stayed in the car. Don't let that look on his face fool you - he was having fun! It only cost $1.50/person to cross and you don't have to back track your way through the crowded Balboa Island to experience all the good restaurants on the peninsula.

The added bonus was that we called Lui's sister-in-law to RSVP for her baby shower and ironically her, her hubby and Lui's mom were all in the area. We met up for dinner at a seafood restaurant where I tried a salad with romaine lettuce which had been cooked on a grill - something new but very good!

#84 - Mr. Horton, DR - what do I call him?!

Yesterday we got an in-person visit from the founder of our company - Mr. D.R. Horton himself! We knew he was in town looking at land deals and it was rumored that he may come into our office (so we made sure to dress especially nice and clean up our spaces) but it was very exciting when he walked down the hall and made it a point to introduce himself to everyone individually. I have to admit I was star struck. We hang a picture of him with the "builder's story" in every sales office we open. His name is on our business cards. Heck, it's on our building/doormats/company van! He was a very nice man and I'm glad I got to meet him in person and am proud to be working for this great company.

Sidenote: Lorine (who I went to high school with - we both worked at the movie theater, too) is a D.R. Horton sales agent in Minnesota!

#83 - EXTREME Home Makeover

Here is my old "one butt kitchen" (as my aunt calls it).
Before I closed escrow, the water heater was enclosed in drywall so my realtor told me they'd cut a hole in it and I could install a vent - needless to say I was shocked to walk into my kitchen and find this!

Here is my kitchen today - still needs some work (I have to paint the ceiling, put on outlet covers and pick up my stainless steel range and figure out if I need to install a vent over the stove top; not sure what the codes are but I'll find out!). Bonus of working for a home builder is we get furniture and appliances cheap if they aren't purchased by the homeowner who buys our model homes - that's where I'm getting my range but it's currently out in Palm Desert...I'll get it soon!

Here's the corner where the open water heater use to be. The water heater was moved to the left and a cabinet was built around it with a vent on top and on bottom. This odd area was left where a cabinet couldn't be built (the door wouldn't have anywhere to swing) so I made the most of it after a trip to IKEA with some innovative storage options.

#82 - Threading vs. Waxing vs. Laser

It's the plight of every person who has unwanted hair - how do I get rid of it? I've been getting my eyebrows waxed for year but all that tugging on the skin can't be good...and if they have to re-do an area it seems to take some skin off leaving a red, tender spot. I've looked into laser hair removal but when done on the face it can cause hair to grow in patches on other areas of the face...no thanks! So I've been threading:
Here is an actual picture of someone having it done. It does hurt more than waxing (which is quick) but it seems to last longer and is cheaper (eyebrows and upper lip = $10). Most of all it amazes me how accurate they can get with just a piece of string! Best part is when it's over you get cool aloe applied and a temple/scalp massage.

#81 - Bingo!

Last night I joined Heather P. for a fun night playing bingo! She won $300 on a side game (called Shamrock - the side games are endless but quick and PAY $$$). Her friend, Dave, was along and would have won a game of bingo (a $250 pay out) but didn't see that he had the bingo until it was too late; someone else had already one and you can only win when the last ball played is the one that makes you the winner (learned that last night!). I...didn't win but came really close and had fun! Plus, they had a roach coach outside for most of the night which provided me the best bean burrito possibly ever.

#80 - Picnik.com

Here's a fun photo edit I did this morning on Picnik.com (recommended by our corporate IT department)! It only took a couple of minutes and it was fun. All of the edits I did were free but if you want to be a member it's only $2.08/mo. and the options are really endless.
Here's the before photo -

#79 - It's a dog's life.

Here are Tobey and Lola in the front seat of my car on the way to Petco yesterday for a toenail trim (look at those long nails!). They were so cute, just hopped in the car and laid down, up for any road trip I was going to take them on. Both love Petco because of all the great things to smell (other dogs!) but don't like being around other dogs which is sometimes embarassing... Relaxing afternoon running errands with my two co-pilots. :)

#78 - Santa Barbara

Suzanne Rogers returned to the west coast (from DC) and is living in Santa Barbara = ROAD TRIP!! Went up to see her last weekend and enjoy the 65 degree cool, coastal weather. Here is Suzanne, me and Marissa (her and Tony came up, too!) in Solvang - Scandanavian town about a 40 min. drive from SB.
We stayed at Suzanne's 2 bedroom, 2 bath beautiful apartment. Lots of college (grad and undergrad) students live there; reminded us of how we use to par-tay til all hours of the night and day AND how we can't hang like that anymore - which we all agreed was a good thing.

#77 - In da club

I have a love/hate relationship with the gym - mostly hate but last week it was love. On Thursday after work I was walking up to the front door of my Bally's and the music coming from inside was loud but the bass made it even louder. Inside, there were two DJs spinning dance music and I liked it! Most of the time I just listen to the music they provide (which is anything from top 40 to adult contemporary) so it was nice to have some really upbeat, loud music - I stayed on the ellipical for 60 min!!

On a side note, my hate for the gym was recently fueled by a physical trainer. They occassionally come around and try to get people to sign up for private sessions (I took them up on my free one but it kicked my butt so bad - I'm happy just to get there a couple times a week for some cardio). So one day, I was proud I got myself there and was on the elliptical after a looong day of work when a physical trainer tried to talk me into getting off the machine that very second and join him in some mat exercises because I could "burn so many more calories." I politely refused then he persisted telling me that I had "too much fat on (my) stomach." OH NO HE DIDN'T! I said, "Excuse me? I have too much fat on my stomach?" Then I ignored him and sent an email the next day to Bally's which resulted in an automated, canned response.

#76 - I'm 31 today, ouch.

I'm 31 today. Not sure what is good about turning 31 (all I keep thinking is "one more year closer to 40...") but I'm hopeful for a good upcoming year! Started off the day right with super fresh bagels & cream cheese from my mom - she brought them in to my office. Going to an Angels game (work event) tonight and we're suppose to win. I'll be in Imperial for work tomorrow (map that out - it's pretty much where AZ and Mexico meet!). Here's to the next 12 mo. being 31...CHEERS!

#75 - Angels Dugout Seats

Not the best pic of us but you should see the others we took! ;) Media Nation invited us to their dugout suite on 07/09/10 - we had no idea how great the seats would be when we accepted!!
They also had lots for us to eat and drink - yum! The dessert cart came around, too (and though we were full there is always room for dessert). We didn't know it at the time but whenever a left handed batter went up we were on TV - Lui got lots of calls and texts from his friends the next day, 15 minutes of fame!

We played Kansas City and lost by 1 in overtime but it was still really fun! BIG BANG FRIDAY at the stadium so we also got a great fireworks show.

#74 - Girlfriends!

There's nothing like getting together with a couple girlfriends, talking openly and honestly, giving and receiving sage advice without anyone getting their feelings hurt or taking offense - that has to be one of the best gifts that comes from having great girlfriends. Last night Mia (don't ask what I am doing to that poor soul in this pic), Tiffany and I met up for dinner at Banderas in Corona Del Mar which doesn't happen nearly enough! It was so refreshing to talk with these beautiful women, I am so happy to have them in my life.

#73 - Rancho Las Palmas & Splashtopia

Last weekend I had to work in Indio so Lui invited his neice and nephew and we stayed at a resort w/ a water park. Here is Alex outside our room, he yelled, "Sara, come look at this - there are a bunch of ducks!" He was feeding them our stale, leftover popcorn and said next time he'll bring a lot more popcorn for them - "When will we come back here again?" :)
Here's the lazy river and water slides. We spent a lot of time in those intertubes (110F degrees!). They also had a pool for families as well as one for adults only. Was a really fun weekend!

#72 - Celebrity Spotting...well, kinda.

Anyone who watches The Real Housewives series will appreciate this. Last night, I saw Uncle Richie from the OC series at Gulfstream in Newport Beach. The whole time I was there, I never saw him sit down for dinner, he was just hanging out at the bar - possibly trying to spot his future wife(?).

Previously, I saw Vicki and her husband at The Cannery (also in Newport Beach). They, also, stationed themselves at the bar. I bet I could sell this stuff to TMZ! LOL.

#71 - Papusas, yum!

Yesterday, my neighbor brought over papusas as a thank you for having her over last week Sunday. I had never tried this Salvadorian food but it was delicious! Masa on the outside and inside we had cheese, chicken & cheese and one with bean & cheese. It came with a coleslaw type topping and spicy salsa for on top. Even though she picked them up in another city, they were piping hot! Watch out - they're really filling!! Wish I could have eaten more...mmm!

#70 - Bring Your Dog to Work Day

Before I had Lola, it absolutely killed me to have to leave Tobey at home on a weekend day (since he was home alone all week). Here's a pic I took of him one Saturday that I had to go into the office and brought him along. He can make himself cozy just about anywhere! I just ran across this photo though it's about a year old. Made me smile. :)

#69 - I left my heart in San Francisco!

Was in SF for work the past two days, I had never been and LOVED every second of it! Here is a lunch Lui and I had. He had oysters on the half shell and we shared fondue.
Here we are on Powell Street - lots of shopping and dining everywhere you look!!

Here is the harbor where we had lunch yesterday and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Freshest seafood ever! I don't eat seafood but Lui was in heaven.

Here is a shot I took in the BART - for public transportation it was pretty quick and inexpensive.

#68 - Tustin Chili Cook-off & Street Fair

I actually didn't take this, swiped it from another blogger - but I really did try the chili in the small bread bowl and it was fabulous! Ton's of chili to be had and the weather couldn't have been any better, 76 degrees and sunny!! It only comes once a year but it is a fun, fun event.

#67 - I did it!

I brought in my recyclables to Albertson's this morning and there was no one to pass my goodies off to so I went for it! The process was extremely easy - you put your items in the machine (which has motion sensor) and it moves the items in on a conveyor belt. I put in all of my items, one at a time, closed end first and got...$7.30; the receipt popped out once I pushed a green button to notify the machine that I was done recycling. I can take the receipt into Albertson's w/in 30 days to redeem for cash or use towards my grocery purchase. Very exciting!

Note: Crushed cans or bottles are not accepted.

#66 - Memorial Weekend Traffic

It started with a stack of black smoke outside my office window - found out a tanker had tipped over on the freeway and caught fire, no one got hurt. BOTH sides of the I-91 were shut down for 6 hours. We were suppose to get out of work at 1PM on Friday but I left at 12:30PM and didn't get home until 2:30PM (usually a less than 30 min commute) - took an alternative/creative, out-of-the-way route but as you can see there was really no good freeway to take (so much RED which is 15 MPH or less).
I had my kitchen cabinet guys waiting for me to do their install - I was suppose to be home by 1:30PM. Was thinking about everyone else with their weekend holiday plans...salt in the wound! Holiday traffic is never good anyway.

BUT, the weekend turned out to be a good one! Went to the Zwetow's on Saturday to lay out by the pool, BBQ and watch Cloverfield. Sunday, Lui and I went to brunch with the Zwetow's followed by shopping (Tony picked his tux for their wedding). Monday, I did laundry and Lui took apart and hauled out my stackable washer/dryer that was hogging up room in the master bath. Not the most exciting but definitely productive!

#65 - Recession 101

There are a few billboards out in the desert (near Palm Springs) that have Recesssion 101 ads (http://www.oaaa.org/recession101.aspx) I find them interesting, here's what they say -

Recession 101: Experience and talent are recession proof.

Recession 101: This will end long before those who caused it are paroled.

Recession 101: Interesting fact about recessions...they end.

Recession 101: Bill Gates started Microsoft in a recession.

I like these because I find them uplifting. Some would argue that we are even in a recession, others would say once the word "recession" was uttered we were already on the road to recovery. Regardless, it's food for thought.

#64 - FrEeBiE!

So, a lot of blogs give away items (I'm assuming it's so they can track their followers??) and I usually don't have anything to give away but today I do - it's 2 pairs of skidnees, courtesy of Soni (thanks!!), and they are going to Brynn - my "only" blog follower! Brynn, your girls are going to LOVE these in pink & purple "have a heart" style. They are fashionable and functional - for the arms or legs. Let me know what you think once you get them, they're getting mailed out to you today!

Sidenote: I am a diehard fan of The Housewives (New Jersey/New York/Atlanta/Orange County - love them all equally) and Bethany of THNJ recently had a baby girl and named her Bryn. :)

#63 - The Albrights

Sunday afternoon, I was invited up to Sierra Madre for brunch with the Albrights! Soni (formerly Culver) is my sorority sister from UND and we hadn't seen each other in 8 years. Since then, she's gotten married, lived all over and started a family - here's her hubby, Matt, and (almost 4 y/o) daughter big S:

V is the youngest at 6 mo. old, super smiley (wish I would have caught one of those smiles on camera!). V lovin' his mama in the beautiful outdoor weather we enjoyed in their back yard shaded by beautiful large trees:

Here's little S right after a nap, still found a smile for the camera:

And a picture of Soni, me and big S. Those are skidnees that big S is wearing on her arms and legs, a signature item from Soni's company collection - Stringbean Company (http://www.stringbeancompany.com/):

Was great to see Soni and meet her family! Brunch was delicious, too - quiche w/ carrots, zucchini and feta cheese, salad, breakfast potatoes and for desert was cake with aprums (an apricot/plumb hybrid). MMM!