We were due at Mom and Dad’s by eight Christmas morning, so after Christmas Eve dinner at my parents, Brock and I decided to have our present opening a little early. We got home, turned on all the twinkle lights, changed into our pajamas, and filled each other’s stockings.
This is when I walked out and found my new slippers on the stockings—such a surprise! We enjoyed our stockings (plenty of candy and useful little goodies) “’and then the presents?’ ‘and then the presents, after the Christmas box…’”
I had made Brock a quilt for Christmas. It was a golf fabrics patchwork quilt on both sides. Brock and I love to golf, so I thought it would be fitting for him, plus I wanted it to be a manly quilt. He loved it! I also got him his (and my) favorite cologne, Aqua de Gio. He had a bottle, but it was almost empty and he originally stole it from his brother Matt. I thought he should have one of his own.
Brock got me a blanket too. It’s fuzzy on one side and quilted on the other—it’s my favorite! The big gift, though, was a really beautiful, plenty big, jewelry box. I had mentioned that I wanted a big one and that I knew Edward’s Luggage had them. Brock, always quick to pick up a hint, immediately ran over and picked up the perfect one.
The rest of the numerous presents under the tree were “from Santa” for us. Mostly they were movies that we both wanted. No real surprises, but plenty of fun to unwrap them.
The next morning we had presents at Mom and Dad’s, complete with Mom in a Santa hat and everyone in their pajamas. We were completely spoiled and it was a cozy morning. After presents Brock and I had to run and pick up Nana for Christmas Brunch. We found a little pancake house and had a nice breakfast with her. All in all, it was a perfect first Christmas.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Nana for Christmas
Due to many factors, including work schedules and budget crunches, Brock and I spent all our holidays in California this last year. We’d have liked to split the holidays between our two families, but we soon realized that would have to wait until next time. Still, we didn’t mind. My family was here and Brock’s Grandma (Nana) lived just around the corner. We decided to see if we could bring the two families together.
Nana ended up in Reno for Thanksgiving and we spent it with my family (delightedly eating ourselves sick on Mom and Dad’s amazing cooking!) But for Christmas we got everyone there!
The Thomas family tradition for Christmas is for Dad (with helpers, of course) to cook an absolutely decadent meal for Christmas Eve dinner and then sit in front of the fire while Dad reads “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” It's been this way for years and I've always loved it. Now I got to bring my husband!
This year Nana was invited too and everyone was excited to have a grandma for Christmas again. Brock and I brought her some white wine (which she is used to drinking with her meals) and Mom and I carefully chose the most comfortable chair for her to use during story time.
Dinner was amazing, as always. Dad was sick, so he had the kids cook dinner, with his supervision. We had Mushroom and Leek Soup, Dad’s Prime Rib, and Trifle. Nana, who is very picky about what she likes to eat, loved every bite. She said she felt bad about having wine when no one else drank, but we all drank Martinelli’s and she should have seen Brock and Dad trying to figure out how best to serve chardonnay. They had a blast!
After dinner and English crackers, we al settled around the fire and Dad read his story. Brock loved it and had brought his own story to add to the traditions that night. He read and acted out “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Everyone laughed and laughed, he was so clever! Nana was very proud of him, as was I.
I think everyone had a good time that first Christmas combining two families. Nana talked about it for weeks and my family decided to adopt her as their grandma too. They just loved her. It was wonderful to be able to spend Christmas with everyone at once!
Nana ended up in Reno for Thanksgiving and we spent it with my family (delightedly eating ourselves sick on Mom and Dad’s amazing cooking!) But for Christmas we got everyone there!
The Thomas family tradition for Christmas is for Dad (with helpers, of course) to cook an absolutely decadent meal for Christmas Eve dinner and then sit in front of the fire while Dad reads “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” It's been this way for years and I've always loved it. Now I got to bring my husband!
This year Nana was invited too and everyone was excited to have a grandma for Christmas again. Brock and I brought her some white wine (which she is used to drinking with her meals) and Mom and I carefully chose the most comfortable chair for her to use during story time.
Dinner was amazing, as always. Dad was sick, so he had the kids cook dinner, with his supervision. We had Mushroom and Leek Soup, Dad’s Prime Rib, and Trifle. Nana, who is very picky about what she likes to eat, loved every bite. She said she felt bad about having wine when no one else drank, but we all drank Martinelli’s and she should have seen Brock and Dad trying to figure out how best to serve chardonnay. They had a blast!
After dinner and English crackers, we al settled around the fire and Dad read his story. Brock loved it and had brought his own story to add to the traditions that night. He read and acted out “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Everyone laughed and laughed, he was so clever! Nana was very proud of him, as was I.
I think everyone had a good time that first Christmas combining two families. Nana talked about it for weeks and my family decided to adopt her as their grandma too. They just loved her. It was wonderful to be able to spend Christmas with everyone at once!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Homemade Stockings
We had our first Christmas as a new family last year. It was so fun to have our own little house to decorate and our own new traditions to start. Our house is very small, so it didn’t take long to decorate. We got a fake tree (though, very life-like) and hung a wreath on the door. And I made stockings.
In my parents’ house we used wooden shoes for stockings and in Brock’s family they had stopped doing them long before I came around. I didn’t have my wooden shoes yet and we didn’t own any stockings to hang up-what were we to do? (Please disregard the fact that we didn’t have a fire-place either. That’s what window-panes are for. Anyway, everyone knows Santa doesn’t need a chimney to find your stockings!) So, the hunt began-the search for the stockings that would grace our first Christmas.
First, I went shopping. I kind of had an idea that our first Christmas stockings should be special and memorable—something we could keep and enjoy forever. Unfortunately, all the really beautiful stockings I found were way outside our price-range. Discouraged, but not defeated, I went to my mother. She suggested I make some, and though I don’t know if she was totally serious at the time, I decided she was right. After all, what could be more memorable than homemade stockings?
Mom and I found some green fabric at the Happy Dragon and a few pretty trimmings (lace for me, and plaid for Brock), and then I spent the morning at my parents’ house cutting, sewing, and trimming a pair of very odd-looking stockings.
They turned out narrower than I had planned and the toes pointed too much, but they looked Christmasy enough and I thought it was fun making them. I wasn’t sure what Brock would think of them, but I knew he’d get a kick out of the fact that I’d tried. I figured if he really hated them, we could go out and buy a few reasonably nice stockings and I wouldn’t care.
He thought they were cute (and I was right, he laughed and laughed over them) and we hung them up right away. They were a little heavy for the wall, even empty, but I thought we’d lean them up against the wall when they were full, so that was all right.
On Christmas Eve, when we did stockings, I came in to find that he had bought me a pair of sheep-skin slippers and he had put them on our stockings for a surprise! With all the stuff we had put in them, they stood up like legs and I loved it!
So, the stockings were a hit and we had a lovely Christmas!
In my parents’ house we used wooden shoes for stockings and in Brock’s family they had stopped doing them long before I came around. I didn’t have my wooden shoes yet and we didn’t own any stockings to hang up-what were we to do? (Please disregard the fact that we didn’t have a fire-place either. That’s what window-panes are for. Anyway, everyone knows Santa doesn’t need a chimney to find your stockings!) So, the hunt began-the search for the stockings that would grace our first Christmas.
First, I went shopping. I kind of had an idea that our first Christmas stockings should be special and memorable—something we could keep and enjoy forever. Unfortunately, all the really beautiful stockings I found were way outside our price-range. Discouraged, but not defeated, I went to my mother. She suggested I make some, and though I don’t know if she was totally serious at the time, I decided she was right. After all, what could be more memorable than homemade stockings?
Mom and I found some green fabric at the Happy Dragon and a few pretty trimmings (lace for me, and plaid for Brock), and then I spent the morning at my parents’ house cutting, sewing, and trimming a pair of very odd-looking stockings.
They turned out narrower than I had planned and the toes pointed too much, but they looked Christmasy enough and I thought it was fun making them. I wasn’t sure what Brock would think of them, but I knew he’d get a kick out of the fact that I’d tried. I figured if he really hated them, we could go out and buy a few reasonably nice stockings and I wouldn’t care.
He thought they were cute (and I was right, he laughed and laughed over them) and we hung them up right away. They were a little heavy for the wall, even empty, but I thought we’d lean them up against the wall when they were full, so that was all right.
On Christmas Eve, when we did stockings, I came in to find that he had bought me a pair of sheep-skin slippers and he had put them on our stockings for a surprise! With all the stuff we had put in them, they stood up like legs and I loved it!
So, the stockings were a hit and we had a lovely Christmas!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Anniversary Weekend, Day 3
Our last day in San Francisco was actually a little more laid-back then we had originally planned. (My fault, of course. Brock has the energy of a two-year-old and could sight-see for days). The morning was pretty busy, though, because we had to be checked out of our hotel and at the Exploratorium by 10:15 am. We managed to eat breakfast (at the hotel cafe), pack, and get to the Exploratorium just in time for our reservation at the tactile room.
The tactile room was the coolest thing we did all morning. You take off your shoes, hats, and jewelry, and go climbing through a pitch black tunnel. You can't see a thing, and you make your way through by touch. (Not for claustrophobics or people afraid of the dark!) We went through twice and had a great time. The rest of the morning we wandered through the museum playing with gadgets and playing whatever games were offered (highlights: talking with Daisy (the computer with a mind of its own), Making bubbles the size of me, and the smoke-ring maker).
For lunch we went to Mel's Diner (is that right, Brock?) Anyway, it's the place they filmed American Graffiti. We sat outside and got burgers and fries. From there we drove down Lombard Street (One of Brock's wishes for the weekend) and then down to the old military fort under the Golden Gate Bridge. I can never remember names, so if Brock reminds me I'll fill in the name of the fort later.
The fort was very impressive! We saw a demonstration on how to load and fire an old cannon (Brock got to pretend to fire it). Then we wandered up to the very top level and looked out over the bay and the coast. It was the most beautiful day and you could see everything! They had a display of old tools in one of the dormitories that was very interesting. We saw old-style bullets that shattered bones, shaving kits, and any number of old cooking utensils.
At this point I got very tired and we had a few hours until our dinner reservation. We had orginally planned to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, but I was half-asleep on my feet and Brock fell back on plan-B. We headed to China Beach and spent the next few hours lazing about in the sand and waves. We had recently bought a sunshade/half-tent for trips to the beach and we happened to have it with us, though we hadn't thought we'd need it. I got to curl up inside with a book and listen to the waves. Brock played in the water for a while and then we both took naps. Not as adventurous as we had planned to be, but very nice and relaxing.
We changed in the bathrooms at China Beach (because they had showers and changing rooms) and drove to our Dinner reservation-a dinner cruise around the bay! The problem was we forgot that the cruise boarded at 6:30 and thought we had until 6:45. When Brock realized our mistake we had fifteen minutes to get across the city and get on the boat! Traffic wasn't too bad, but it was frustrating enough to drive Brock bonkers with worry that we'd miss our cruise. I think we were pushing the floor of the car with our feet the whole was there. We planned for Brock to drop me off at the pier and ask them to wait for him while he parked. We didn't get there until 6:40, but we lucked out because the cruise had its own, very reasonably priced, parking lot and the cruise didn't actually leave until 7. Whew!
The Cruise was the crowning event of the weekend. Brock had ordered the (non-alcoholic) celebration package, so we had complimentary champagne flutes (to be filled with martinelli's) and lovely chocolate truffles. The menu was wonderful-a four-course meal including appetizer, salad, entre (Brock got Filet Mignon and I had Roast Chicken), and fabulous desserts. We walked on the deck between courses (the meal was served inside), danced (they had a very good, live band), and chatted with the other couples around us, most of them celebrating Mother's Day. With candle-light and a marvelous view of the city lights, it couldn't have been more romantic.
At dinner Brock also gave me my anniversary present (he had already given me a lovely photo album and all of our pictures taken as a couple during our first year, so I was already pretty spoiled). He had found a beautiful, antique locket (gold with a carved cameo on the front) and had put our pictures in it. I love it! It is so ME!
I had given him his present a month or two early-a simple, gold wedding band for every day (he inherited his real one, but I had always wanted him to have him one from me). I also gave him a book called "1000 places to see before you die." It's just what he likes and he can't put it down!
Just before we drove home, Brock drove us up to Coit Tower and we looked out over the city. While we were there, we saw a young man proposing to his girl and we felt that seeing a marriage proposal kind of set the cap on a perfect anniversary weekend. We had a wonderful First Anniversary and spoiled each other shamelessly! We know we can't do it like this every year, but the first is supposed to be something special...and it was!
The tactile room was the coolest thing we did all morning. You take off your shoes, hats, and jewelry, and go climbing through a pitch black tunnel. You can't see a thing, and you make your way through by touch. (Not for claustrophobics or people afraid of the dark!) We went through twice and had a great time. The rest of the morning we wandered through the museum playing with gadgets and playing whatever games were offered (highlights: talking with Daisy (the computer with a mind of its own), Making bubbles the size of me, and the smoke-ring maker).
For lunch we went to Mel's Diner (is that right, Brock?) Anyway, it's the place they filmed American Graffiti. We sat outside and got burgers and fries. From there we drove down Lombard Street (One of Brock's wishes for the weekend) and then down to the old military fort under the Golden Gate Bridge. I can never remember names, so if Brock reminds me I'll fill in the name of the fort later.
The fort was very impressive! We saw a demonstration on how to load and fire an old cannon (Brock got to pretend to fire it). Then we wandered up to the very top level and looked out over the bay and the coast. It was the most beautiful day and you could see everything! They had a display of old tools in one of the dormitories that was very interesting. We saw old-style bullets that shattered bones, shaving kits, and any number of old cooking utensils.
At this point I got very tired and we had a few hours until our dinner reservation. We had orginally planned to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, but I was half-asleep on my feet and Brock fell back on plan-B. We headed to China Beach and spent the next few hours lazing about in the sand and waves. We had recently bought a sunshade/half-tent for trips to the beach and we happened to have it with us, though we hadn't thought we'd need it. I got to curl up inside with a book and listen to the waves. Brock played in the water for a while and then we both took naps. Not as adventurous as we had planned to be, but very nice and relaxing.
We changed in the bathrooms at China Beach (because they had showers and changing rooms) and drove to our Dinner reservation-a dinner cruise around the bay! The problem was we forgot that the cruise boarded at 6:30 and thought we had until 6:45. When Brock realized our mistake we had fifteen minutes to get across the city and get on the boat! Traffic wasn't too bad, but it was frustrating enough to drive Brock bonkers with worry that we'd miss our cruise. I think we were pushing the floor of the car with our feet the whole was there. We planned for Brock to drop me off at the pier and ask them to wait for him while he parked. We didn't get there until 6:40, but we lucked out because the cruise had its own, very reasonably priced, parking lot and the cruise didn't actually leave until 7. Whew!
The Cruise was the crowning event of the weekend. Brock had ordered the (non-alcoholic) celebration package, so we had complimentary champagne flutes (to be filled with martinelli's) and lovely chocolate truffles. The menu was wonderful-a four-course meal including appetizer, salad, entre (Brock got Filet Mignon and I had Roast Chicken), and fabulous desserts. We walked on the deck between courses (the meal was served inside), danced (they had a very good, live band), and chatted with the other couples around us, most of them celebrating Mother's Day. With candle-light and a marvelous view of the city lights, it couldn't have been more romantic.
At dinner Brock also gave me my anniversary present (he had already given me a lovely photo album and all of our pictures taken as a couple during our first year, so I was already pretty spoiled). He had found a beautiful, antique locket (gold with a carved cameo on the front) and had put our pictures in it. I love it! It is so ME!
I had given him his present a month or two early-a simple, gold wedding band for every day (he inherited his real one, but I had always wanted him to have him one from me). I also gave him a book called "1000 places to see before you die." It's just what he likes and he can't put it down!
Just before we drove home, Brock drove us up to Coit Tower and we looked out over the city. While we were there, we saw a young man proposing to his girl and we felt that seeing a marriage proposal kind of set the cap on a perfect anniversary weekend. We had a wonderful First Anniversary and spoiled each other shamelessly! We know we can't do it like this every year, but the first is supposed to be something special...and it was!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Anniversary Weekend, Day 2
The second day of our trip (Saturday) we got up at our own pace. The only place we had to be was our reservation for lunch on the pier, so we had the morning to do whatever we felt like.
We got some rolls and fruit for breakfast at a little coffee shop in Union Square and then window shopped. We peeked in Tiffany's, Armani, Cartier, and Dior. I got to try on furs and gold watches and Brock even tried on a really nice watch. It was all very beautiful, very expensive, and a lot of fun to look at!
We then took the cable car down to the pier and had a marvelous lunch at the Boudin Bakery. Brock had Macaroni and Cheese with crab for a twist, and I had the classic clam chowder in a bread bowl. We took our time over lunch and then watched the seals bark at people until it was time for the Alcatraz tour.
Alcatraz was really very creepy, but fascinating. The scariest thing about it is that it's a bird sanctuary and they poo everywhere! You have to watch your head and don't ever look up. We did it all! We saw the movie telling the history of the island, walked the path up to the prison, took the headset tour, and then wandered around the island on our own. Some of the stories they tell in the headset tour were horrible, some were funny, and some were very touching. I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I even got a beanie in the gift shop, which was good, because it was freezing out there!
When we got off the boat back at the pier, we headed directly to Ghiraidelli Square for ice cream. Brock got a sunday and I got a banana split. Wow, it was so good! This was kind of our early meal, because from there we took the cable car back to the hotel and changed just in time to get to the musical, Peter Pan. We didn't eat again until ten-thirty, so ice cream was great!
Peter Pan was absolutely fantastic! Kathy Rigby was hysterical and perfect in the role of Peter. The music was fun and well done, the cast was very professional, and the whole show was magic. That was probably one of the highlights of the weekend. I don't know what I expected from Peter Pan, probably that it would be geared toward very small children, but I was blown away by the quality of the show. I highly recommend it to anyone!
After the show we headed to the little pub Brock had hoped would be our late dinner, but they had already closed the kitchens and we had to head out and find some 24 hour diner. It was easy enough. There were three in a row about a block from the pub! We just ate at the one nearest to us and it was fine (we were pretty hungry, so it was all great to us!)
After dinner, as a little surprise, Brock took me over to the Sir Francis Hotel (is that right, Brock?) and we went up the elevator. Sounds boring, but it wasn't! That elevator is made windows and above a certain level, you can see all over the city! We went all the way to the top! I'll admit it was a little scary going up and knowing we were going to have to drop back down again, but what a fantastic view! And a great way to end the evening!
We got some rolls and fruit for breakfast at a little coffee shop in Union Square and then window shopped. We peeked in Tiffany's, Armani, Cartier, and Dior. I got to try on furs and gold watches and Brock even tried on a really nice watch. It was all very beautiful, very expensive, and a lot of fun to look at!
We then took the cable car down to the pier and had a marvelous lunch at the Boudin Bakery. Brock had Macaroni and Cheese with crab for a twist, and I had the classic clam chowder in a bread bowl. We took our time over lunch and then watched the seals bark at people until it was time for the Alcatraz tour.
Alcatraz was really very creepy, but fascinating. The scariest thing about it is that it's a bird sanctuary and they poo everywhere! You have to watch your head and don't ever look up. We did it all! We saw the movie telling the history of the island, walked the path up to the prison, took the headset tour, and then wandered around the island on our own. Some of the stories they tell in the headset tour were horrible, some were funny, and some were very touching. I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I even got a beanie in the gift shop, which was good, because it was freezing out there!
When we got off the boat back at the pier, we headed directly to Ghiraidelli Square for ice cream. Brock got a sunday and I got a banana split. Wow, it was so good! This was kind of our early meal, because from there we took the cable car back to the hotel and changed just in time to get to the musical, Peter Pan. We didn't eat again until ten-thirty, so ice cream was great!
Peter Pan was absolutely fantastic! Kathy Rigby was hysterical and perfect in the role of Peter. The music was fun and well done, the cast was very professional, and the whole show was magic. That was probably one of the highlights of the weekend. I don't know what I expected from Peter Pan, probably that it would be geared toward very small children, but I was blown away by the quality of the show. I highly recommend it to anyone!
After the show we headed to the little pub Brock had hoped would be our late dinner, but they had already closed the kitchens and we had to head out and find some 24 hour diner. It was easy enough. There were three in a row about a block from the pub! We just ate at the one nearest to us and it was fine (we were pretty hungry, so it was all great to us!)
After dinner, as a little surprise, Brock took me over to the Sir Francis Hotel (is that right, Brock?) and we went up the elevator. Sounds boring, but it wasn't! That elevator is made windows and above a certain level, you can see all over the city! We went all the way to the top! I'll admit it was a little scary going up and knowing we were going to have to drop back down again, but what a fantastic view! And a great way to end the evening!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Anniversary Weekend, Day 1
This last weekend was our first anniversary (well, Sunday, specifically, but we celebrated the whole weekend). Amazing that it has been a year. The first year of forever, as we like to say.
We decided to spend the weekend in San Francisco and play tourist. We only had the weekend and we didn't want to fly, but we did want to take a "trip." So, on the first day, we drove a half an hour, had dinner at the Cliff House, and stayed at the Warwick Regis Hotel.
The Cliff House seated us just before sunset hit the ocean. We got a nice table in a smaller, more private room, right next to the window overlooking the waves. As the sun set, candles were lit and the lights were dimmed. The atmosphere was marvelous and romantic. We had crab cakes for starters (we had never had them before, but I think we should have them more often!) and then Brock had swordfish and I had halibut. The food was beautifully presented and came in small enough portions that you had enough to fill you, but not enough to gorge yourself. Finally, for dessert, we shared a banana/chocolate cheese cake. What a decadent meal! We took a few pictures and then it was off to the hotel.
The Warwick Regis has been around since 1913 or so and it was done in the style of the times, meaning small-scale opulence. The lobby was tiny and might have been able to hold twenty people, if they squished. The rooms in our suite were smaller than the more modern hotels, but how much room do two people need? Anyway, they were beautiful rooms! The bed was draped and had a kind of half-canopy. The chairs were plushy and brocade. The lamps were old style and the closet was actually a wardrobe! Thankfully, everything was modern (TV, pluming, lighting), and the bed was extremely comfortable.
We took a bath and then settled down to watch a little TV and listen to the crazy drunks outside as we fell asleep. Very nice for the first evening!
We decided to spend the weekend in San Francisco and play tourist. We only had the weekend and we didn't want to fly, but we did want to take a "trip." So, on the first day, we drove a half an hour, had dinner at the Cliff House, and stayed at the Warwick Regis Hotel.
The Cliff House seated us just before sunset hit the ocean. We got a nice table in a smaller, more private room, right next to the window overlooking the waves. As the sun set, candles were lit and the lights were dimmed. The atmosphere was marvelous and romantic. We had crab cakes for starters (we had never had them before, but I think we should have them more often!) and then Brock had swordfish and I had halibut. The food was beautifully presented and came in small enough portions that you had enough to fill you, but not enough to gorge yourself. Finally, for dessert, we shared a banana/chocolate cheese cake. What a decadent meal! We took a few pictures and then it was off to the hotel.
The Warwick Regis has been around since 1913 or so and it was done in the style of the times, meaning small-scale opulence. The lobby was tiny and might have been able to hold twenty people, if they squished. The rooms in our suite were smaller than the more modern hotels, but how much room do two people need? Anyway, they were beautiful rooms! The bed was draped and had a kind of half-canopy. The chairs were plushy and brocade. The lamps were old style and the closet was actually a wardrobe! Thankfully, everything was modern (TV, pluming, lighting), and the bed was extremely comfortable.
We took a bath and then settled down to watch a little TV and listen to the crazy drunks outside as we fell asleep. Very nice for the first evening!
Friday, May 12, 2006
Yosemite 2005
One weekend, in the fall of 2005, Brock and I decided to go camping in Yosemite. I had never been there and we thought it was about time for a little vacation. It was very last minute, but that was half the fun, really. We got a reservation for a campsite a week ahead of time and when Friday came around, off we went.
It was eleven o’clock and pitch black when we got there, but, nothing daunted, we built a fire and set up our tent. I’d never put up a tent like this one and Brock hadn’t done it in years, but somehow we figured it out. When all was ready, we sat by the fire (dying at this point) and looked around.
The redwoods were so tall we could just see a patch of starlight peeking through. It was so still, yet we could hear critters rustling through the trees and wind. It felt so big, and yet the next morning I surprised at how very big it all was. That night we almost froze! Brock says he woke up half uncovered because I had stolen most of the blankets. That’s probably true, but so not my fault!
The next day we spent hiking around a little and driving to see all the sights. We also went over the hill to play golf and have lunch at the Wawona Hotel and resort. It was the first time I’d played on a professional-sized course. What a beautiful place Yosemite is! It’s just too big to be real. We took countless pictures (to prove we really went, of course) and they are now snug in a photo album at home.
On our last day there we had arranged to take a mule ride through the park. We expected to be part of a large group—maybe 30 or 35 people, but we found out that we were the only ones signed up for the day. Normally they charged people hundreds of dollars to get a private ride through the park, but we got one accidentally for the regular price (I think it was $50 each) just because no one else wanted to go this late in the year. We had a marvelous time with just the two of us and our guide, though there were some tricky parts when our mules went faster than we wanted to. Brock rode a slow-paced muled named Jeep, and my down-hill-happy mule was called Alice.
That night we headed home relaxed and refreshed. It was such a short weekend and we decided we have to go back again later (and in the summer when it’s a little warmer!) We both kind of needed that weekend and now I can say I’ve seen Yosemite!
It was eleven o’clock and pitch black when we got there, but, nothing daunted, we built a fire and set up our tent. I’d never put up a tent like this one and Brock hadn’t done it in years, but somehow we figured it out. When all was ready, we sat by the fire (dying at this point) and looked around.
The redwoods were so tall we could just see a patch of starlight peeking through. It was so still, yet we could hear critters rustling through the trees and wind. It felt so big, and yet the next morning I surprised at how very big it all was. That night we almost froze! Brock says he woke up half uncovered because I had stolen most of the blankets. That’s probably true, but so not my fault!
The next day we spent hiking around a little and driving to see all the sights. We also went over the hill to play golf and have lunch at the Wawona Hotel and resort. It was the first time I’d played on a professional-sized course. What a beautiful place Yosemite is! It’s just too big to be real. We took countless pictures (to prove we really went, of course) and they are now snug in a photo album at home.
On our last day there we had arranged to take a mule ride through the park. We expected to be part of a large group—maybe 30 or 35 people, but we found out that we were the only ones signed up for the day. Normally they charged people hundreds of dollars to get a private ride through the park, but we got one accidentally for the regular price (I think it was $50 each) just because no one else wanted to go this late in the year. We had a marvelous time with just the two of us and our guide, though there were some tricky parts when our mules went faster than we wanted to. Brock rode a slow-paced muled named Jeep, and my down-hill-happy mule was called Alice.
That night we headed home relaxed and refreshed. It was such a short weekend and we decided we have to go back again later (and in the summer when it’s a little warmer!) We both kind of needed that weekend and now I can say I’ve seen Yosemite!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Ropers, the Good Sport
I don't think it ever really occurred to me that Brock wouldn't pass the Bar the first time. I just knew he would.
When he didn't I was furious-really mad. I ranted and raved about how the computer was wrong, and the committee who graded it was evil, and so on. He was calmer about it, though he was a little scared. The day after the scores came out I came home to find him staring at the wall: "This is the first time I've failed anything. I failed!" I told him he hadn't failed because he was going to take it again. The first try was just practice. We talked it out and he felt a little better.
Still, he was very nervous to go back to work at Ropers on Monday. They told him when he first came to work that he would probably have two chances to pass the bar, though no promises. I don't think he really believed they would fire him for not passing the first time-but it was a possibility and it scared him.
On Monday night I came home hoping he was okay, that they hadn't been too hard on him at work. I found him smiling. We went out to dinner and he told me about his day.
Every lawyer in the firm had come by his office and told him that they had failed the first time too. Todd, his boss, sat him down and said, "So, what's the plan? How are we going to tackle this?" Todd even asked him, "Is your wife being supportive about this? If she's not, I'll have to have a talk with her!" (Brock assured him I was being very loving and supportive.) One of the higher level bosses even came in and told Brock that Ropers "wanted him there as an attorney."
Basically, he was told and shown in every way that he had the full support of the firm, no matter what. What a great group! Brock said a huge burden had been lifted. He definitely works for the right firm, that's what!
When he didn't I was furious-really mad. I ranted and raved about how the computer was wrong, and the committee who graded it was evil, and so on. He was calmer about it, though he was a little scared. The day after the scores came out I came home to find him staring at the wall: "This is the first time I've failed anything. I failed!" I told him he hadn't failed because he was going to take it again. The first try was just practice. We talked it out and he felt a little better.
Still, he was very nervous to go back to work at Ropers on Monday. They told him when he first came to work that he would probably have two chances to pass the bar, though no promises. I don't think he really believed they would fire him for not passing the first time-but it was a possibility and it scared him.
On Monday night I came home hoping he was okay, that they hadn't been too hard on him at work. I found him smiling. We went out to dinner and he told me about his day.
Every lawyer in the firm had come by his office and told him that they had failed the first time too. Todd, his boss, sat him down and said, "So, what's the plan? How are we going to tackle this?" Todd even asked him, "Is your wife being supportive about this? If she's not, I'll have to have a talk with her!" (Brock assured him I was being very loving and supportive.) One of the higher level bosses even came in and told Brock that Ropers "wanted him there as an attorney."
Basically, he was told and shown in every way that he had the full support of the firm, no matter what. What a great group! Brock said a huge burden had been lifted. He definitely works for the right firm, that's what!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Shopped at Brighton
At Brighton Collectibles, as I suppose at most retail shops, they hire people to come in and “shop” the employees. This means people pretend they’re customers and test our selling technique. They latch on to one salesperson and review her efforts. We never know who they are and we only find out at the end of the month how we did. My first six months at Brighton we never got better than an 80% shop. This isn’t bad, but we really wanted the 100%.
One night in October I got a call from the store. Christina, one of the managers, told me that I was the one who got shopped. She sounded very serious and I panicked. I thought she was calling to warn me that I’d done badly so I’d be prepared if I got chewed out. I’m sure Brock was kind of worried about my depressed reaction to the call.
I asked her if it was bad, and she said, “Pretty bad…you got 100%!!!” Much to Brock’s surprise, I fell to my knees laughing. (I don’t think it’s healthy to shock people like that.) I remember hearing Christina laugh as Brock helped me get up, but I couldn’t walk. Before I could say anything, Christina said, “So, guess what we get?”
I was so surprised. “We get something?!”
She said, of course. Each month a diferent prize was offered. This month the prize was our choice between a sterling silver necklace and bracelet. They were special editions, hand-made in Bali. Each was worth $250.00 and we weren’t even selling them to customers yet. Everyone at the store got to choose one or the other (I ended up choosing the bracelet). Once again, I almost fell over. By this time Brock was completely confused and trying very hard to wait for me to tell him what was going on. He escorted me to a bench and was very patient.
When I got off the phone I told Brock all about it. He was as excited as I was. The rest of the night I kept laughing and clapping my hands. The next day at work my boss gave me flowers and everyone hugged each other. It turned out this was the first time our store had won the 100% prize. It was kind of a mile-stone for us and it was great for morale.
I was so pleased and proud to be the first one to get the 100%. Everyone wins when we get it because it reflects on how well we’ve been trained. Since then, we have had one more 100% and it was one of the managers, Theresa. Well done, us!
One night in October I got a call from the store. Christina, one of the managers, told me that I was the one who got shopped. She sounded very serious and I panicked. I thought she was calling to warn me that I’d done badly so I’d be prepared if I got chewed out. I’m sure Brock was kind of worried about my depressed reaction to the call.
I asked her if it was bad, and she said, “Pretty bad…you got 100%!!!” Much to Brock’s surprise, I fell to my knees laughing. (I don’t think it’s healthy to shock people like that.) I remember hearing Christina laugh as Brock helped me get up, but I couldn’t walk. Before I could say anything, Christina said, “So, guess what we get?”
I was so surprised. “We get something?!”
She said, of course. Each month a diferent prize was offered. This month the prize was our choice between a sterling silver necklace and bracelet. They were special editions, hand-made in Bali. Each was worth $250.00 and we weren’t even selling them to customers yet. Everyone at the store got to choose one or the other (I ended up choosing the bracelet). Once again, I almost fell over. By this time Brock was completely confused and trying very hard to wait for me to tell him what was going on. He escorted me to a bench and was very patient.
When I got off the phone I told Brock all about it. He was as excited as I was. The rest of the night I kept laughing and clapping my hands. The next day at work my boss gave me flowers and everyone hugged each other. It turned out this was the first time our store had won the 100% prize. It was kind of a mile-stone for us and it was great for morale.
I was so pleased and proud to be the first one to get the 100%. Everyone wins when we get it because it reflects on how well we’ve been trained. Since then, we have had one more 100% and it was one of the managers, Theresa. Well done, us!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
The Garden once again
About a week ago I got a marvelous early birthday present! Knowing that I was struggling to understand where to put what plants in our garden, Nana gave me a gardening present. She sent her professional landscape artist to plant a few new flowers and help us organize our garden. What a perfect gift.
So, what happened? I had to work. It just happened that the one afternoon Max could come work in our garden, was the one afternoon that week I had to work. I couldn't get out of it, so I called Brock. He was the sweetest husband in the world and came straight home. He asked what I had planned for the garden and he made sure it all got done.
When I got home that night it was dark, but I could still see such a difference! Max got rid of the most hideous dead bush in the front yard, told Brock which plants were weeds and which should be kept and groomed, and planted the lovely flowers Nana sent us from her garden. The final step was for me to go through to weed and water what was left. Now the garden looks beautiful. I walked into the garden last night coming in from work and stopped for a minute just to enjoy the scent.
Thanks a million times over to Nana and her sweet gift. It's exactly what I wanted and needed!
So, what happened? I had to work. It just happened that the one afternoon Max could come work in our garden, was the one afternoon that week I had to work. I couldn't get out of it, so I called Brock. He was the sweetest husband in the world and came straight home. He asked what I had planned for the garden and he made sure it all got done.
When I got home that night it was dark, but I could still see such a difference! Max got rid of the most hideous dead bush in the front yard, told Brock which plants were weeds and which should be kept and groomed, and planted the lovely flowers Nana sent us from her garden. The final step was for me to go through to weed and water what was left. Now the garden looks beautiful. I walked into the garden last night coming in from work and stopped for a minute just to enjoy the scent.
Thanks a million times over to Nana and her sweet gift. It's exactly what I wanted and needed!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Dinner with Nana
We don't have a lot of family in the area, so we spend as much time as possible at my parent’s house and with Nana, Brock’s Grandma, Virginia King. About once a week we go to dinner with Nana. Either she cooks or we try one of the many kinds of restaurants in the area.
Nana really spoils us when she cooks. She sets the table beautifully, with candles and beautiful dishware. When we arrive she sits us down with ginger-ale and we chat for while. When the food is ready we have salad (my favorite is the shrimp/bleu cheese salad) and then the main course. Usually we have pot-roast, pork, or chicken. She did make ravioli once and we had fresh crab another time. She’s so sweet to cook for us and she’s very patient with our picky eating habits.
When we go out Nana favorites include Chili’s, Sizzler, and Chevy’s. Now and then we try something new. We’ve been to University Café in on University Ave, Mandarin Gourmet, and countless other multicultural places. Our next adventure in dining will be Milagros, a Mexican Chic restaurant in Redwood City.
Dinner with Nana is something we look forward to every week and it’s such a pleasure spending time with her. I love having a new grandma and I love getting to know her!
Nana really spoils us when she cooks. She sets the table beautifully, with candles and beautiful dishware. When we arrive she sits us down with ginger-ale and we chat for while. When the food is ready we have salad (my favorite is the shrimp/bleu cheese salad) and then the main course. Usually we have pot-roast, pork, or chicken. She did make ravioli once and we had fresh crab another time. She’s so sweet to cook for us and she’s very patient with our picky eating habits.
When we go out Nana favorites include Chili’s, Sizzler, and Chevy’s. Now and then we try something new. We’ve been to University Café in on University Ave, Mandarin Gourmet, and countless other multicultural places. Our next adventure in dining will be Milagros, a Mexican Chic restaurant in Redwood City.
Dinner with Nana is something we look forward to every week and it’s such a pleasure spending time with her. I love having a new grandma and I love getting to know her!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
New Golf Clubs for Me
When we first met, Brock’s pick-up line was “Can I be your golf instructor?” Really, isn’t he darling? Of course I accepted. He was as good as his word, though I only got one lesson before we got married.
After we settled into our new home, Brock decided it was time to pick up my lessons again, but we were hampered by my lack of clubs. I borrowed Brock’s of course, but it was a little limiting. Anyway, his clubs were a little big for me. Still, I collected a pair of golf gloves (I like to use two), a green and white golf shirt, and a charming golf bracelet.
Dad knew about my increasing interest in golf and he kept his eyes open. One day he called me and told me he had found a full set of ladies golf clubs for $45! They were reasonably nice and they came with a golf bag (a rather unfortunate shade of turquoise, lined with white leather—not attractive, but in very good shape), a towel and a set of golf balls and tees. What a deal! He found them at the family’s favorite thrift shop, “The Happy Dragon.” I told him to buy them quick, before anyone else could steal them away, and within twenty-four hours I was the proud owner of a lovely set of golf clubs!
Since that time I have learned to love and get the most out of my bargain clubs. Dad has also found me a much nicer golf bag, two “woods,” and a little white cart to haul my bag around in. Brock and I golf as often as time and weather allow. Hurrah for Dad and his great Bargain Karma! (This must be somehow related to Parking Karma.)
After we settled into our new home, Brock decided it was time to pick up my lessons again, but we were hampered by my lack of clubs. I borrowed Brock’s of course, but it was a little limiting. Anyway, his clubs were a little big for me. Still, I collected a pair of golf gloves (I like to use two), a green and white golf shirt, and a charming golf bracelet.
Dad knew about my increasing interest in golf and he kept his eyes open. One day he called me and told me he had found a full set of ladies golf clubs for $45! They were reasonably nice and they came with a golf bag (a rather unfortunate shade of turquoise, lined with white leather—not attractive, but in very good shape), a towel and a set of golf balls and tees. What a deal! He found them at the family’s favorite thrift shop, “The Happy Dragon.” I told him to buy them quick, before anyone else could steal them away, and within twenty-four hours I was the proud owner of a lovely set of golf clubs!
Since that time I have learned to love and get the most out of my bargain clubs. Dad has also found me a much nicer golf bag, two “woods,” and a little white cart to haul my bag around in. Brock and I golf as often as time and weather allow. Hurrah for Dad and his great Bargain Karma! (This must be somehow related to Parking Karma.)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
May 6, 2006
I am going break order here and tell about today.
Today Brock and I walked (or hiked, I should say) a beautiful 5k in the Los Altos Hills. Many of the participants today ran the entire way, but we came to speed-walk it. The run had a theme: “pajamas and robes,” which we took advantage of, but not many did. We didn’t worry about how fast anyone else was going and we enjoyed the absolutely beautiful day at our own pace. I cannot believe how beautiful California is!
The hike was lovely until the last mile. Boy, that about killed me off! Most of it was uphill and I was unprepared. Brock was sweet though. He kept me in front of him and encouraged me through the tough parts. We didn’t finish anywhere near first, but we finished. Overall, a marvelous morning.
We then went to Walmart on the hunt for an umbrella to protect us from the sun, since we wanted to go to the beach. We ended up with a sun-tent, which, we have decided, is our new favorite toy. With it, we went to Pomponio Beach, just South of Half Moon Bay and enjoyed an overcast, but lovely beach afternoon. The ocean was dark and foamy and it was little chilly, but our tent was a great wind-shelter and I was warm anyway. Brock (for the first time ever) was actually colder than I was. Brock brought his work and I read and dozed. So relaxing!
We went directly from there to Togos for salad and sandwiches, and then to Brock’s office. He finished his work and I worked on a little project I now have time to play with. It was really quite cozy sitting there together. Now we are home and after a hot shower we are cuddling and watching bits of movies and historical specials on TV.
On paper the day doesn’t seem to be all that special, but I keep thinking how amazing it is that we could walk in the woods in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach, and then the evening in the city.
Today Brock and I walked (or hiked, I should say) a beautiful 5k in the Los Altos Hills. Many of the participants today ran the entire way, but we came to speed-walk it. The run had a theme: “pajamas and robes,” which we took advantage of, but not many did. We didn’t worry about how fast anyone else was going and we enjoyed the absolutely beautiful day at our own pace. I cannot believe how beautiful California is!
The hike was lovely until the last mile. Boy, that about killed me off! Most of it was uphill and I was unprepared. Brock was sweet though. He kept me in front of him and encouraged me through the tough parts. We didn’t finish anywhere near first, but we finished. Overall, a marvelous morning.
We then went to Walmart on the hunt for an umbrella to protect us from the sun, since we wanted to go to the beach. We ended up with a sun-tent, which, we have decided, is our new favorite toy. With it, we went to Pomponio Beach, just South of Half Moon Bay and enjoyed an overcast, but lovely beach afternoon. The ocean was dark and foamy and it was little chilly, but our tent was a great wind-shelter and I was warm anyway. Brock (for the first time ever) was actually colder than I was. Brock brought his work and I read and dozed. So relaxing!
We went directly from there to Togos for salad and sandwiches, and then to Brock’s office. He finished his work and I worked on a little project I now have time to play with. It was really quite cozy sitting there together. Now we are home and after a hot shower we are cuddling and watching bits of movies and historical specials on TV.
On paper the day doesn’t seem to be all that special, but I keep thinking how amazing it is that we could walk in the woods in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach, and then the evening in the city.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Haircuts for Brock
Brock used to feel that any haircut that cost more than ten or fifteen dollars was a rip-off. Outrageous, in fact. It came, therefore, as a bit of a shock to him that I paid sixty dollars or so for my haircuts. He didn’t ban my extravagance, but he refused, point blank, to waste so much money on his own haircuts.
When we got married my hair stylist gave us each a free haircut. Being that this haircut counted as “less than fifteen dollars” Brock accepted it and went to see Sheri. He came back, to utter my surprise, completely converted. He raved about the straight razor cut. It was perfect! She massaged his shoulders and cut and styled his hair just right. He couldn’t get over the fact that the cut was so good, it didn’t matter how he styled it, it always looked good. And that was how my husband became addicted to expensive haircuts. Still, he said, since his haircuts happened more often than mine he would only go to Sheri every other time.
So, the moral of the story is: a good haircut is worth the money…now and then. Well, but I suspect that once the Bar is behind us and Brock is more settled in his career, with a little more income, the fabulous haircuts will occur a little more often. We’ll see.
When we got married my hair stylist gave us each a free haircut. Being that this haircut counted as “less than fifteen dollars” Brock accepted it and went to see Sheri. He came back, to utter my surprise, completely converted. He raved about the straight razor cut. It was perfect! She massaged his shoulders and cut and styled his hair just right. He couldn’t get over the fact that the cut was so good, it didn’t matter how he styled it, it always looked good. And that was how my husband became addicted to expensive haircuts. Still, he said, since his haircuts happened more often than mine he would only go to Sheri every other time.
So, the moral of the story is: a good haircut is worth the money…now and then. Well, but I suspect that once the Bar is behind us and Brock is more settled in his career, with a little more income, the fabulous haircuts will occur a little more often. We’ll see.
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