The day of love.

Someone once told me I "love to love."  As if that's a bad thing.  I DO love to love and therefore I have a soft spot in my heart for Valentines Day.  A day to let your loved ones know how much you love them!  But why stop there, shouldn't you do this everyday anyways?  I happen to think so.  

I'm having myself a perfect little day... a simple and relaxing Saturday with Ryan and then a fancy dinner out to finish it all off.  Ryan, I am so proud to call you my husband.  I love you more and more each day!

Wishing all my loved ones near and far a wonderful Valentines Day!  May your day be soft and sweet and filled with lots of love and if your lucky.... chocolate!!

Love to all!

Fortunate Fridays.

Alrighty.  It's time for some good around here.  My last 5 (or 15) posts have been kind of a cop out.  I haven't really had anything exciting to say, so I've just found something interesting and passed it along to you.  BUT, that wasn't really my intention here with this little old blog.  SO.  With so much negativity swirling all around me and this world, I am feeling a little lost, overwhelmed, confused, all of the above.  All this chaos has really made me lose focus.  I've been trying really really hard to live with my heart wide open--open to new people, experiences and thoughts.  But lately all I want is consistency.  Even if that consistency is with my heart closed tight for fear of stepping into some land of the great unknown.

With that, I bring you a new and exciting blog feature.  One in which I may or may not be consistent, but at least it's me trying to bring light to the abundance of good in my life.  I'm hoping it helps me see that the bad isn't so bad, but just a side effect of really living.  And now I present to you.... FORTUNATE FRIDAYS!  A top ten of sorts.  A time to reflect on the good in the past week, let go of the bad, and move into the weekend with a peaceful and thankful soul.  And this week, I was blessed with many a fortunes.... (drum roll please)... 

1.  We started going to church on Sunday.  It was enlightening, powerful and heartfelt.  More to come on this.

2.  Brunch with the in-laws on Sunday.  What a treat!

3.  I hopped on an early flight to Chicago on Monday.  Less time at the airport is always a good thing.

4.  Even better, got on an early flight HOME on Wednesday night.  Getting home from a business trip even an hour early is hands down the best thing ever.

5.  My Daddy-O celebrated a birthday on Wednesday!  56 years young and quite the man.  As my husband said last weekend, "YOUR DAD IS SO AWESOME!"  I agree.  Tenfold.  Happy Birthday Dad!  

6.  I achieved my goal of working out 4x per week.  Yay!

7.  I got to catch up with one of my BFFs Megs this week.  LONG overdue.  We had a great chat and I so enjoyed hearing all about Mommyhood and her precious baby girl.  Awesome.

8.  I have many rocks in my life.  This week has been a lot of venting (too much really, I hate that), and my Mom, Dad and Husband are great listeners and supporters.  Lucky I am.

9.  Due to some issues with my work computer today, I was actually done working at 5 today!  A rare occurrence, but such a luxury these days!

10.  Dinner out with just me and Ryan tonight was just what we needed.  Just realized, that's the plan for tomorrow night too!  What luck!

Bonus:  I had time to blog tonight.  Nice to have time to just think and write.

Whew, that was actually kind of hard.  Can you tell?  But, I'm pretty sure this is a good exercise for me.  It will also be rather constructive for reflections sake.  And off I go into the weekend-- And a 3-day weekend at that!  Happy Valentine's Day to all!  Love, Love, Love to all!

Sweet sounds

I dabbled in it just a tad bit maybe a year or so ago... liked it, but didn't love it.  Still stuck to my trusty iTunes playlists.  But holy moly I must have missed the point.  I'm majorly lusting over Pandora.  I just might be telling you old news, but I'm willing to bet there are a few of you out there still in the dark.  Just maybe.

So, here's the deal.  Point your nifty little web browser on over to www.pandora.com.  You certainly won't regret it.  Go ahead, tell sweet Pandora your favorite artists and waaaaaaaa-laaaaaaa you get a station that plays not just your favorite artists, but all similar music and I'll be willing to bet you just might find some new favorite artists and you'll fill your home with some pretty groovy tunes.  It's magic to your ears I tell ya.

Today I'm loving on my Jack Johnson and station.  Sweet sweet Pandora you are rockin my living room right now.

Your welcome! :)

Back to it...

It's been quite a month week.  Oh has it been a month week.  It's 5 till 6 and I have so much I could be doing right now... but I can't.  Dear in headlights, can't.  I should be enjoying myself on a Friday night but I'm stuck feeling worn thin from the past month or so.  Not pleased, need change.  So here I sit, but at least one thing is back to business as usual and that is this computer.

Worst blog post.  Ever.  Period.  The end.

My oh my.

It touched my heart.  It pulled at my heartstrings.

Days with my father.

What an amazing way to honor a loved one.  And so lucky I am to have so many loved ones around me.

Love and thanks to all,

And to finish off the weekend right...

Jack is back!!!

I'll be back in a few days, when I get off the edge of my seat.  

Love, Love.

Breaking News!

Ryan vacuumed today.

I kid you not, in the 8 years I've known my husband, I have NEVER once seen him operate a vacuum cleaner.  I'll be honest, I'm not sure he has seen me do the same.  But still.  His response to my shock?  "I'm pretending I'm a homeowner."

Thank you to my sweetie for providing endless laughter to our marriage.  On the bright side, at least we know one of us is capable.

A sad goodbye to 2008 and a great big welcome to 2009.

I'm always sad to see a year chock full of memories come to an end.  Particularly when so many of them are wonderfully soft, sweet and precious to my dear little heart.  2008 was filled with a lot of family, which living so far from them for the past several years in San Diego, we appreciate more than I could ever imagine.

Pardon mua for just a moment, while I reflect on the year:

We spent a night in Newport Beach and went to our first and probably last Ducks hockey game.  Super fun times with super fun friends.

The year quickly unfolded into the ultimate plan.... We officially decided to pack up our flip flops and move back to Colorado!  Memorial Day weekend, Denver we come.  Much preparation was put into this move, both professionally and personally, for both Ryan and I.  The stars aligned and off we go in just a few short months.

We spent Easter weekend in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  Golfing, Hiking and Relaxing.

The month before we moved to Colorado, there was a wildfire in Penasquitos Canyon (our backyard).  Absolutely frightening and surely a sign the move was a good one.

We celebrated our ONE YEAR wedding anniversary!  Our first year of marriage was a good one, filled with precious moments, happy times and excitement for one another and our future together.  It's official, we make a good team and we're thrilled for this adventure that is our lives to unfold right in front of us.

We FINALLY did it.  We moved back to Colorado Memorial Day weekend.  Second to getting married, it might be the best decision we've ever made.  Period.

The house hunt began.

My Dad surprised ME and came out to Colorado for Father's Day.  More like shocked me!  I was speechless!

We spent 4th of July in Colorado with my lovely parents.

Liza came out for Mile High Music Festival.  Ridiculous fun ensued. 

We made a few trips up to the ranch to visit the in-laws.

My sweet Mere's health deteriorated and she is now our sweet angel above.  She is with us in spirit more than I ever could have imagined, but is one reason it's sad to see this year come to an end.  The memories of her will only become more and more distant and that tugs at my heartstrings.  She was the sweetest most kind person I have ever known.  Awe-inspiring.

Ryan and I went to Newport Beach, CA for a charity golf tournament.  Fun, fun.

Mom and Dad came out for another Colorado visit.  They can't get enough of this place!!  Golfing, antiquing, and my Birthday celebration and fun.

A surprise Birthday trip to the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.  My husband is ridiculously amazing, dreamy really.  What can I say, he obviously loves me very much!  We had the most amazing weekend and as usual, packed it in.  Golf, Hiking, Mtn Zoo, Dinner at the Penrose Room.

We cheered on the Buffs at the CU Homecoming game in Boulder!  Outlandish fun in our old stomping grounds.  Such an amazing city!

Wii Rock Band.  I'm now married to a drummer.

Annual Jimmy Buffett Concert in Vegas.  Great group this year and a wonderful time as always!!  Tahiti?  Hawaii?

Annual early Thanksgiving at the Gertz' (our 1st annual.  see, so glad we moved back.)  This is a couple that knows how to entertain!  Seriously, amazing.

Spent a week in MN over Thanksgiving.  So nice to spend time with my family and be home for a low-key break.

Met my dear friends' new baby.  Precious.  Are we really here already?

Quick trip back to San Diego for Ryan's corporate Holiday Party.  He might possibly work for the most amazing people I've ever met.

Christmas in Florida with the in-laws.  Fun in the sun and a much needed break from the freezing cold.  A simple Christmas this year.... enjoying each others "presence" instead of presents this year.  What a concept!  Cards are my favorite part of the season anyhow.  :)

Wii Rock Band II.  I'm now married to a world touring drummer.

We found a house.  Maybe THE house.  December 30th, 2008, we are officially under contract on our first home.  Fingers crossed.

And tonight, we are getting ready to ring in the New Year with all of our Wonderful Friends!

Whew, what a year.  Sad to see it go, but truly looking forward to what 2009 will bring.

Wishing you health and happiness in the new year!  All my love!

Bargainista strikes again.

I may have jumped the gun just a tad bit here, but I cannot and will not resist a bargain.  Nope.  Not at all.  It is pretty typical for me to buy things I do not need in the least bit, just because it is a deal.  Ryan teases me endlessly because I often walk in the door and greet him with, "You'll never believe how much I money I saved us!!!"  The question that typically follows is, "But, how much did you SPEND?"  I suppose if you save $300 and spend $200 on things you don't really need in the first place... well, I see his point, but I have scored some pretty great finds in my days.

Soooooo.  With the house under contract and the structural inspection all clear.... I made our first house purchase today.  And oooooh boy was it a deal!  Check it out...

Pottery Barn Somerson Brushed Nickel Double and Triple Sconce

Regular Retail Price $169.00 and $129.00, respectively

Now here is the fun part, I purchased them for $15 and $10, respectively.  That is a grand total savings of $263!  I told you I'm good.  Not to mention we have gobs of Pottery Barn gift certificates from our wedding, for moments just like this.  Sooooo, with that in mind.  They were actually a very nice gift from one of our very lovely wedding guests and didn't cost us a pretty penny!  Aren't they pretty?

Dear Husband,

You don't know what I've bought yet, but you just promised not to be mad.  Then I remembered you don't really GET mad.  Ever.  You are a peach.  We could very well have five, count 'em FIVE, bathrooms to remodel in our near future.  As we've discussed, penny saving is going to be important my dear.  Aren't you proud of me?  Don't worry, I've not gone off the deep end.  Not yet anyways.  I understand 110% this house we'd like to call our home is not even close to being ours yet.  We have many a serious discussions ahead of us and several more inspections to clear before we can pop the cork on that bottle of Dom Perigon and toast to our humble abode.  You know you love me and my thrifty ways.

Love, Your Penny-Pinching Wifey

UPDATE:  Dear Hubs is super happy about my purchase!  Yay!  And if we don't find use for them, there is always C-Bay!!  Right Mummy?

A new house ANNNND a new puppy?

So, the house hunting has come to a halt, but the house purchase is far from over.  There is good news however!  We are officially UNDER CONTRACT on our first home!  A series of inspections start tomorrow, so it's not official by any means, but exciting nonetheless.  The house is beautiful, cozy and more than I ever dreamed of, or need for our first home, but some day we hope to fill it with a bustling family of four.  :)  With the economy and housing market in shambles, we weren't exactly planning to buy until 2009, but a series of special circumstances led us to a home we feel is just perfect for us in so many ways.  Location, style, price, lot size, bones, potential, curb appeal, neighborhood, proximity to our favorite places.... the list goes on and on.  Not to mention, we could live in it forever if we so choose.  Details to follow.

On a somewhat related note.  Sit down people, this is big.  Something about being a homeowner makes me want to be a pet-owner too.  I know, you feel faint.  I know, you are shaking your head.  I know, you are rolling your eyes.

I'll be the first to admit, and rightly so, this young lady hasn't exactly been fond of your four-legged furry friends in the past, but here is the deal.  I'm horribly allergic.  You wouldn't want to be around dogs and cats either if after a couple of hours your eyes are streaming down tears, your nose is so stuffy you can hardly speak, you sneeze 10 times in a row every 5 minutes and your eyes are so itchy you debate scratching them with a fork.  Dramatic?  Yes.  But very true?  Yes.  It's rather debilitating actually.  I've been known to avoid precious friends homes with allergy inducing dogs and cats for my hatred of the above referenced symptoms.  It's rather miserable and lingers long after leaving these friendly furry friends, sometimes even lingering into the next day.  Awful.

But, my attitude has changed my friends.  If not for my horrible allergies, deep down, I actually enjoy dogs and can't resist playing fetch with them, petting their cute little mugs and giving them treats.  They are lovable and oh so loving in return.  It is just a short while later that I am kicking myself for laying a single finger on them.  SO.  Why the change in attitude you ask?  Well, I always pondered the thought of a hypo-allergenic dog.  But, I quickly dismissed this idea because the only dogs on that list are the tiny-little-fluff-ball-yapper-dogs.

Then came tonight.  I spent the evening with not one, but two of the sweetest most gentle and loving dogs I've ever met.  After 5 hours of petting them (LIKE A LOT), not a single sneeze, not a single watery eye and not a single sniffly nose.  For good measure, I put my hands all over my eyes and nose just to be sure.  It's about as official as going to an Allergist, right?  And this, my friends is no wimpy yapper dog.  This particular dog is ready to be the true protector and walking companion I've been dreaming of.   Not to mention, 40-60 pounds of the most affectionate, friendly, teddy bear of a dog I've ever met! 

Isn't she just the cutest, most cuddly little thing you've ever seen!!!  

Now lets meet the beautiful Samoyed:

-Dander-Free, Hypo-Allergenic and Odorless coat!  Check!

-Average lifespan of 12-16 years

-A working breed with excellent stamina

-Males weigh 44-60lbs and Females 37-55lbs

-Shedding occurs once per year, but with weekly brushing is minimal year round

-Very good at self grooming, therefore bathing and cleaning is minimal

-Hailing from Siberia, a true winter dog, they often self bath by rolling in fresh snow

-No smell or "doggy odor" about them, making them extremely suitable for indoor living

-Very friendly disposition; An aggressive Samoyed is extremely rare

-Diligent watch dogs with a tendency to bark when someone or something enters their territory, however they are so friendly that they are not an ideal guard dog

-Soft and playful disposition and excellent companions for small children

-A youthful and energetic spirit well into their senior years

-Characterized by an alert and happy expression, otherwise called "Smiley Sammy" due to their permanent smiley face

Now if only we could teach her to use a pooper scooper, this deal would be sealed.