tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54767040305545128482024-03-05T18:57:36.318-08:00Calamity DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-32307816067084472152010-07-27T10:25:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:25:25.432-07:00Celebrating Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2-1EAAYNbrNxZirgcYIicrkJDDejrRXkTm78TTEOpYASWKyxWwjBOBhrHSSyIwScU05i7rm7QuCpeSJd07PaB7YhlfD3KF37i0rF9kJwkNNLOg8NrpsLBrjXQDzgmo9wqcuyJxo-RHM/s1600/party+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2-1EAAYNbrNxZirgcYIicrkJDDejrRXkTm78TTEOpYASWKyxWwjBOBhrHSSyIwScU05i7rm7QuCpeSJd07PaB7YhlfD3KF37i0rF9kJwkNNLOg8NrpsLBrjXQDzgmo9wqcuyJxo-RHM/s400/party+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My good friend is having a party tomorrow. I always like to look at his Facebook pictures of his celebrations because: <br />
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<ul><li> R is a super photographer and the images are always full of happiness.</li>
<li>My friend is a cancer survivor so I feel like every shot of his family represents a moment in time that he sees as a gift. It's always good to share a gift.</li>
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<div>R’s party tomorrow is to celebrate 20000 days of life. On October 31st I will have been alive for 15000 days. It’s scary and not just because it happens to coincide with Halloween! </div><div> </div><div>If you want to figure out your special days go to this <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/date/birthdayresult.html?m1=10&d1=6&y1=1969&h1=&i1=&s1=&type=0&gran=5">section</a> of the time and date website.</div><br />
<div> FYI I am so having a party on my celebration of 15000 days! I think it's always good to celebrate life and will seize any opportunity to do so. <br />
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Cheers mes amis!</div><br />
<div> </div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-35135921045249177262010-07-27T10:20:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:20:46.992-07:00Busy<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2NsI6aCQSwfZ4U7A8qyi8wbtQ7MzZxBvJDhQJOSDtc-B4hO6CXOec_6erA0bJsi5-9xB7yqUSCgdsW9z4O2zt9IpaHn-Jo7OjsnzQA9paXrCyTFKGxkldnv_LLvlfOHS6A7HZyOecqA/s1600/busy_bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2NsI6aCQSwfZ4U7A8qyi8wbtQ7MzZxBvJDhQJOSDtc-B4hO6CXOec_6erA0bJsi5-9xB7yqUSCgdsW9z4O2zt9IpaHn-Jo7OjsnzQA9paXrCyTFKGxkldnv_LLvlfOHS6A7HZyOecqA/s320/busy_bee.jpg" /></a>Hi Possums - I have been so busy that I fear this blog is turning into a weekend blog. Seriously, I have been busy like the proverbial bee! My apologies if you missed me! If only my projects keeping me busy were as delightful as this sunflower!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-66934485367162756962010-07-20T08:50:00.000-07:002010-07-20T08:50:38.730-07:00Busy So BusyGuys, I have been so busy this week and last. Sorry for the very sporadic updates. Tonight I go to a concert at a winery and tomorrow a baseball game. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9CVkUdoCadC0tFoFXtoqrAQqYQ54awPwJIn6Pqg6yms-T1APb4q-jDX6rgr_OeuwAfUT6bdqU_KhrIxcwWtTIJGt3vpIHw5y3xsPzib7383U5yDKQZNy5pVWtaojL_QT5e_Kskw2iKE/s1600/tumblr_l51mpjys8q1qzr6ooo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9CVkUdoCadC0tFoFXtoqrAQqYQ54awPwJIn6Pqg6yms-T1APb4q-jDX6rgr_OeuwAfUT6bdqU_KhrIxcwWtTIJGt3vpIHw5y3xsPzib7383U5yDKQZNy5pVWtaojL_QT5e_Kskw2iKE/s400/tumblr_l51mpjys8q1qzr6ooo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from <a href="http://sabino.tumblr.com/">Sabino</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I liked this picture and smiled when I came across it. I am sure some of you recognize this area!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-58664383809088531622010-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:002010-07-15T16:20:31.515-07:00Being a Great GuestWhat would make a good hostess gift? Sometimes I ponder this thought. I know – why bother of thinking about this stuff – just grab a reasonable bottle of wine off the rack and show up. But sometimes it’s nice to ponder something a little special that will bring up memories of you when your host sees it or looks at you. Also, my theory is that it should be something the host/hostess would like to have but not purchase for themselves.<br />
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Here are a few ideas:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD_PIQonjcCxPZldXFyfIA03-0LeaQ6nniUqLHS4DOyvyoQysrmmEVPEWiJP9oKtfT2rUzxRxdbF6PivPU7yPTVEvgPYrLNMilHRzqMF5e42A9m-5RUpp27zO5tVIquzaAOqu522Vhcg/s1600/Diptyque+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD_PIQonjcCxPZldXFyfIA03-0LeaQ6nniUqLHS4DOyvyoQysrmmEVPEWiJP9oKtfT2rUzxRxdbF6PivPU7yPTVEvgPYrLNMilHRzqMF5e42A9m-5RUpp27zO5tVIquzaAOqu522Vhcg/s320/Diptyque+candle.jpg" /></a></div>A really nice candle like this one from <a href="http://www.diptyqueparis.com/">Diptyque</a>. It helps if you know of a particular scent and brand that the host prefers. WARNING – unless you are sure it is one of their favorites do not go this route as an unwanted scent is just that – unwanted! And your role as a guest should never be related to the term unwanted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_lkT3Zke-AFLomEpaXxbelROsCk9lT2MG4biodfPbq7qiJLUuxDvDaYohTva1pYovUbVaXEB5WNpAeJrWK4YVUpn5enqGYv0Ryx9bDeZVYvrf9DHaPyQnVYz91-XUCQ9otPI53XYa1Q/s1600/JoyceBudVaseAV1S10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_lkT3Zke-AFLomEpaXxbelROsCk9lT2MG4biodfPbq7qiJLUuxDvDaYohTva1pYovUbVaXEB5WNpAeJrWK4YVUpn5enqGYv0Ryx9bDeZVYvrf9DHaPyQnVYz91-XUCQ9otPI53XYa1Q/s320/JoyceBudVaseAV1S10.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Flowers – try to go seasonal with these. Poinsettias for Christmas, tulips in the spring, sunflowers in the summer etc…. Even better a single, pretty flower in this cute <a href="http://www.cb2.com/">bud vase</a> – extremely affordable at $2.95. Snip the flower from your garden or better yet, your neighbour’s!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I-D3k6R1R3DE4qZmvmz5sxDFjhEwxmtQQyUzU4rqxc94P_KLgZ_PGP_GoJhlE25M1h25NRufu5BMfWPio4WfjRz8eZgZJAN0HOWAvQ3MlJG26BLYpefDNDxWJh6GcOhJC5FNeGD7U_0/s1600/bonbon+teatowel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I-D3k6R1R3DE4qZmvmz5sxDFjhEwxmtQQyUzU4rqxc94P_KLgZ_PGP_GoJhlE25M1h25NRufu5BMfWPio4WfjRz8eZgZJAN0HOWAvQ3MlJG26BLYpefDNDxWJh6GcOhJC5FNeGD7U_0/s320/bonbon+teatowel.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We can always use an extra dishcloth – and when it is as fabulous as this cupcake from <a href="http://www.todryfor.com/towel.asp?id=192">todryfor.com</a> it has to be appreciated!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2ZItnPmpSHpxRNt1u6yUUyGbRpXXekFE2f0GHel2XpHsWVOqw-mxERshAZvGnKoi7HmkMsXukSzLL5EOxxIIUkOpQZZv9WKkVA62s9YwyM2P79Bja-rWDElmy6AFUalJRryZC30U1Zs/s1600/himalayan_glass_jar_large1__09489.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2ZItnPmpSHpxRNt1u6yUUyGbRpXXekFE2f0GHel2XpHsWVOqw-mxERshAZvGnKoi7HmkMsXukSzLL5EOxxIIUkOpQZZv9WKkVA62s9YwyM2P79Bja-rWDElmy6AFUalJRryZC30U1Zs/s320/himalayan_glass_jar_large1__09489.gif" /></a></div>Is your host an aspiring gourmet? Then buy her some <a href="http://www.saltworks.us/himalayan-sea-salt-cork-jar.html">fancy salt</a>. Okay, I know what you are thinking salt is salt – but once you try some fleur de sel or Himalayan pink sea salt, you will be wondering what you have been doing with that blue and white box your whole life!<br />
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Of course the best hostess gift is a charming guest!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-63133842148824010572010-07-15T09:00:00.001-07:002010-07-15T09:00:55.346-07:00A Smooth Tune<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DptqlP9PYXc&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DptqlP9PYXc&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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I hope you will like this as much as I did. Cheers.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-11356920291758074852010-07-12T00:45:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:45:08.214-07:00A San Francisco Breakfast Adventure<div class="MsoNormal">A tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made of masa – a soft, tasty dough made from cornmeal. It’s filled with something yummy – usually some combination of meats, cheese, and chilies and then steamed in a cornhusk. There are sweet versions too but for the purpose of this educational post we will focus on the savory version. Tamales are generally considered comfort food and they are quite labor intensive to make – so I hear.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, let me tell you about tamales from a purely gringo point of view. If you are a really lucky white-girl gringoette who hasn’t had twenty years of tamale training you might know someone who knows someone and you can buy a dozen or so yummy tamales from the back of a truck and keep them frozen. When convenient you can pop them in the microwave and enjoy some warm, steamy masa loving. Unfortunately, like any pusher these people cannot always be relied upon to provide a fix whenever you feel like it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is reliable is the absolutely, mind-blowing delicious tamales that <a href="http://www.primaveratamales.com/index.php">Primavera</a> sells at the f<a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers_market.php">armers’ market</a> at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal on Saturday mornings. Nestled in the middle of an epicurean playground of gourmet coffee, organic produce, salumi vendors and more is the yummiest tamale you will find unless you have a Mexican grandma connection somewhere. (Not familiar with the term salumi? Check out these <a href="http://www.boccalone.com/Salumeria">guys</a>.)<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39kxwY-c4g3mGzz5mXEajhzNRpiOILLOdtulWSvvllJeNaShGjz3KsJ73rJX-glCnRfFvEZGWNSj76oOm6Nr7y40SKyakZVm_VcF_sIjEiuA2xHbgJHOspndKfFXnzl75JLkaeTaLvRs/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39kxwY-c4g3mGzz5mXEajhzNRpiOILLOdtulWSvvllJeNaShGjz3KsJ73rJX-glCnRfFvEZGWNSj76oOm6Nr7y40SKyakZVm_VcF_sIjEiuA2xHbgJHOspndKfFXnzl75JLkaeTaLvRs/s400/IMG_0238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">This first picture is the breakfast L and I enjoyed on Saturday. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJtvI99atvApRZCtX6QJ-fXv2sDmuyQsJZZb33kTaIcRVSglkd-sPOLqGJcnamx0IiXViMfQ3RKs5ssWcHSyYQQgPVC3IAZAcxBQB03eNsvdAwSWXaggA0wqpLM71JtRnYB-EdwhWMQs/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJtvI99atvApRZCtX6QJ-fXv2sDmuyQsJZZb33kTaIcRVSglkd-sPOLqGJcnamx0IiXViMfQ3RKs5ssWcHSyYQQgPVC3IAZAcxBQB03eNsvdAwSWXaggA0wqpLM71JtRnYB-EdwhWMQs/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is the gorgeous view of San Francisco bay we enjoyed while devouring them. </div><br />
Tamales are eaten at both breakfast and dinner. We chose the single tamale option because – well look at it! Two of these yummy chicken stuffed treats smothered in that damn fine mole sauce might have induced a food coma and we needed to be alert for the farmers’ market exploration. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iSqTN21TEHQxrVsLsvIWjy-v2ehZUCgwz_cyLyk49SsdM4p_ls95zbw8aWhyCra6Vr37YE9Ilr10KajGlrH4qRc5bHmq_evXR7Io-tgDFkCAzJBenTrqJg_IaCmQ__e0EYZDb_dYqgE/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iSqTN21TEHQxrVsLsvIWjy-v2ehZUCgwz_cyLyk49SsdM4p_ls95zbw8aWhyCra6Vr37YE9Ilr10KajGlrH4qRc5bHmq_evXR7Io-tgDFkCAzJBenTrqJg_IaCmQ__e0EYZDb_dYqgE/s400/IMG_0228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">And once I had entered my partial food coma, this gorgeous <a href="http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/">Blue Bottle</a> latte helped keep me alert. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">All in this delightful breakfast experience set me back $7.95. FYI, these are all iPhone photos - hastily snapped. And that dear readers, was my Saturday morning. </span>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-23086245120464775432010-07-08T15:42:00.000-07:002010-07-08T15:42:14.589-07:00How To Do The Messy Pony<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="234" id="player_9053097" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://player.popsugar.com/player.swf?embedCode="V1MWdqMTpHmCR4Ff4epejB6IcE9i-Hf4" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="flashvars" value="embedType=directObjectTag&embedCode=V1MWdqMTpHmCR4Ff4epejB6IcE9i-Hf4"/><embed src="http://player.popsugar.com/player.swf?embedCode="V1MWdqMTpHmCR4Ff4epejB6IcE9i-Hf4" bgcolor="#000000" width="416" height="234" name="player_9053097" align="middle" play="true" loop="false" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="&embedCode=V1MWdqMTpHmCR4Ff4epejB6IcE9i-Hf4&width=416&height=234" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br />
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When your hair is as long as mine I am always looking for new ways to jazz up the plain jane ponytail. Remember the <a href="http://www.accessorybrainstorms.com/articles/topsytail.php">topsy tail?</a> Who would have thought that plastic loop would turn into a $100 million dollar business. While I did not buy into the topsy tail - I was able to manage the same look with my god given fingers, I do appreciate this primer on how to do the messy ponytail from <a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/">bellasugar</a>.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-64114945252042721902010-07-07T21:27:00.000-07:002010-07-07T21:30:02.240-07:00Treats to Make SweetsI have an affinity for things formed out of metal. I have this copper star my dad made for his mother when he was a student. It was his Christmas gift to her – I think he was 19 or 20. I can’t imagine how much patience and work it took to bend the metal to make such a pretty star but my dad did it. Since my mom gave it to me that star has always been on display in my home. He made some other sweet things including a copper box that my nephew uses to store special treasures. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5AZ0xGmgG_N_LU78m0AKwgFQUV-UEsJDHoKTUX_Hu-ccAgGBWLyp-oSsTg4P0Qeap8cCwrjBuLvoFa3kwCPCVOG7Xp-yrFk3qA1wTwRvsXUI1zhAORxFIluR58k0AhTT8ixHvfYyKM/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5AZ0xGmgG_N_LU78m0AKwgFQUV-UEsJDHoKTUX_Hu-ccAgGBWLyp-oSsTg4P0Qeap8cCwrjBuLvoFa3kwCPCVOG7Xp-yrFk3qA1wTwRvsXUI1zhAORxFIluR58k0AhTT8ixHvfYyKM/s200/flag.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HjwZ2fuY6KFUGeG-kqvSPOZqRGWP05RVpS6R0yiO5XUnRvOnLMx9PFXUSqa3d6dFkoCPdA5UyjBkrWHs2fKb9J-WZ3BWsP4ZpWlDbF3zu34vEdGGbvMp2BFJ2Z9zkH815ucmLUlMb0I/s1600/pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HjwZ2fuY6KFUGeG-kqvSPOZqRGWP05RVpS6R0yiO5XUnRvOnLMx9PFXUSqa3d6dFkoCPdA5UyjBkrWHs2fKb9J-WZ3BWsP4ZpWlDbF3zu34vEdGGbvMp2BFJ2Z9zkH815ucmLUlMb0I/s200/pig.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsKxetN0yApOLud3ZiWMcyaiPPbg_rrLHCaq_8IzK8sZzB5Ymna0Ioc7Ebs4VMIuFyhf0-fietktCfEYi9NWOZjmIIa4dFr2fUZiMmtibAkO8bCh7efJ9mJ2hrCKK0kPuDKt7mKbakLo/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsKxetN0yApOLud3ZiWMcyaiPPbg_rrLHCaq_8IzK8sZzB5Ymna0Ioc7Ebs4VMIuFyhf0-fietktCfEYi9NWOZjmIIa4dFr2fUZiMmtibAkO8bCh7efJ9mJ2hrCKK0kPuDKt7mKbakLo/s200/train.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I guess it’s sentiment that makes me take a second look when I see something shaped out of bent metal. And lately, since I am taking such an interest in baking these sweet little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinworks?ga_search_query=cookie+cutter&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">cookie cutters</a> from Etsy made me smile. The flag would have been perfect for a holiday like July 4th or Canada Day.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-85747637518534381282010-07-07T13:44:00.000-07:002010-07-07T13:44:10.628-07:00Hi MoGo – So Nice to Meet You.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5afgS-u0yY8rbME-fq7N9t-SGrxAnj5TBtwR6_5n2oXWvuBO5Qh3ivxuxhkigwVx8kETy_L8VkIupggxuCVcW7dxYrbt8Pys4YtahXdcarS4q_z5A5FdqgHQIuMIsSjXKfzBeLsl7eo/s1600/IMG_0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5afgS-u0yY8rbME-fq7N9t-SGrxAnj5TBtwR6_5n2oXWvuBO5Qh3ivxuxhkigwVx8kETy_L8VkIupggxuCVcW7dxYrbt8Pys4YtahXdcarS4q_z5A5FdqgHQIuMIsSjXKfzBeLsl7eo/s320/IMG_0205.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Today at last, I had MoGo. This cultural phenom has been cruising the bay area for some time now. Do you like Mexican food? Love Korean food? Then the MoGo BBQ truck will be for you! Every time the truck has been in my work neighborhood I have been busy but today the palm trees aligned in my favor. Finally, I was able to experience the love that is Korean barbecued short ribs with kimchi slaw rolled up in a soft, warm tortilla. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhAD5OfOQcYiSj36NQqouCeUtXkqPNYhXPioketAdczSWULrNBx6r_KMB56i3ETf-TmRd2JUmWtK4SuZUVALbrkxjwvvgQL6IRp559GZOA-2sxmCZtS1GrA0LL6kIxnucJT6L1ATwgTM/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhAD5OfOQcYiSj36NQqouCeUtXkqPNYhXPioketAdczSWULrNBx6r_KMB56i3ETf-TmRd2JUmWtK4SuZUVALbrkxjwvvgQL6IRp559GZOA-2sxmCZtS1GrA0LL6kIxnucJT6L1ATwgTM/s320/IMG_0207.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My colleague had mixed tacos – two short rib with one tofu – pictured here. They advise people about their location for that day via Twitter and Facebook. I knew when we met it would be love at first bite!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-54865082429944616922010-07-06T07:49:00.000-07:002010-07-06T07:50:39.368-07:00Post Holiday Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo5M00nhNX3M32NCXYibjscPwQgluAMWMu58S7DaX03MXhy2hmms9t9Ax4JKRYK2sSNkFGtTSCm8lnql8vINKO7j05QD_brAsAqjhhMIEUhSES__a2Kst35D6bry7yLxZXmM3KP0Pdq4/s1600/Muir-Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo5M00nhNX3M32NCXYibjscPwQgluAMWMu58S7DaX03MXhy2hmms9t9Ax4JKRYK2sSNkFGtTSCm8lnql8vINKO7j05QD_brAsAqjhhMIEUhSES__a2Kst35D6bry7yLxZXmM3KP0Pdq4/s400/Muir-Woods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hello my dears. It’s the Tuesday after a long weekend and for me it’s the Tuesday after an extra-long long weekend. That has to beat just about any Monday on the calendar, no? I hope you enjoyed sun, fun and reveling this weekend. I know that I did.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My good friend G was here for a visit and one of the highpoints of our trip was a hike among the majestic redwoods at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/index.htm">Muir Wood</a>s yesterday. I kept expecting a hobbit or elf to pop out of one of the caves formed in the bases of these giants. It was so sad to leave G at the train station this morning but alas work will not disappear for anyone.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A “to do” list for this week for me will include:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Work – which sadly will have a number of sublists of its own.</li>
<li>Getting back to using the treadmill.</li>
<li>Summer cherries – now is the time to get them at the farmers’ market.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.idinamenzel.com/">Idina Menzel</a>! Hurray! I am going to see her on Friday with the San Francisco Symphony. She originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked and Maureen in Rent – both on Broadway. But you might know her better from Glee!</span></li>
</ul><div>I hope you all have a super week. </div><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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</span></span></div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-34344868145331455822010-07-04T17:21:00.000-07:002010-07-04T17:21:52.423-07:00A Long Holiday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DO89AghSAqhFO00kX-qgv9tFfv2O5uXKU24NpGxUpNmjKUKMciLhl5W2lvbxQ0ywIsDWHS-xOkrVVxvY8lG4SAskWP7izW0lWYuPWoVso-DsxY_GokQd2yBOSnIWrkMdWDkdoHiWUAE/s1600/July+4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DO89AghSAqhFO00kX-qgv9tFfv2O5uXKU24NpGxUpNmjKUKMciLhl5W2lvbxQ0ywIsDWHS-xOkrVVxvY8lG4SAskWP7izW0lWYuPWoVso-DsxY_GokQd2yBOSnIWrkMdWDkdoHiWUAE/s320/July+4th.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><div class="MsoNormal">I am having an extra long holiday weekend. It started when I took a half-day for Canada Day and we have Monday off for the Fourth of July. That makes for 4.5 days of freedom and I say let freedom ring!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also have a very good friend visiting – is there anything better? Here are a few of the things keeping us occupied while he is here.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We went to what I think is possibly the best spa – <a href="http://burkewilliamsspa.com/">Burke Williams</a> where I had the most divine facial. Basically, once I am inside this place I want to move in.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
I started to read <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Tales-City-Novel-Armistead-Maupin/dp/0061358304/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278288378&sr=8-1">Tales of the City </a>by Armistead Maupin – so good. It will make you want to move to San Francisco.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Listening to <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/">Glee </a>in the car – yet another guilty pleasure! I just bought Volume 3.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/">http://www.fox.com/glee/</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We went to the <a href="http://sfopera.com/o/290.asp">opera</a> – the original musical theatre – and I loved it. Perhaps because I identify with the devil in the story of Faust?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And of course what would a friend’s visit be without sharing some yummy <a href="http://www.leftbank.com/">grub</a>? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a great week possums!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></span></span></div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-38570599109199659892010-07-04T16:39:00.000-07:002010-07-04T16:39:42.410-07:00Of Course My Horse<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t8N4r9UM43Cqfmy3fAXdX6P3vZkwSiM8VdiqrW_m8hD8q1-ld7P8QdPsehWAZKsGJ29dSTs3xiMXmIpdljCO4ZBmTwZWrpZtlSXi1xIfSgKMXSweiKC6-0shkG5i855LoSWZho22DSY/s1600/of+course+my+horse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t8N4r9UM43Cqfmy3fAXdX6P3vZkwSiM8VdiqrW_m8hD8q1-ld7P8QdPsehWAZKsGJ29dSTs3xiMXmIpdljCO4ZBmTwZWrpZtlSXi1xIfSgKMXSweiKC6-0shkG5i855LoSWZho22DSY/s320/of+course+my+horse.bmp" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">I like <a href="http://www.cb2.com/">CB2</a> because they are hip and cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They describe themselves as a “modern destination from Crate and Barrel” and as “affordable modern” for apartments and lofts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect for a gal such as myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">I like this <a href="http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=595&f=5851&fromLocation=search">pillow</a> because one of my favourite sayings – which I learned from a cheesy horror film – is: Of course my horse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also really like that this pillow was created by someone from <a href="http://www.creativityexplored.org/">Creatively Explored</a> – a nonprofit visual arts center for artists with developmental disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A percentage of the CB2 sales goes to Creatively Explored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Hip, cool and doing something good all wrapped in one cute pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I love it? Of course my horse!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 9.6pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-48790791963694547092010-07-01T11:34:00.000-07:002010-07-01T11:34:20.152-07:00Happy Canada Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4KUfwrtjvF9PBcLTLv5GeP9J7lAWqljoUAEfiQD7tWNQGFFYZea4XM-SLIsHmDHXsI2JiUE-9-RI66ISS_2u0o_winlwwV9Lu2bS63JnkNMSnYJgDD5cN3uc3OdeIosEbUqFTzFR9TE/s1600/Oh+Canada.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4KUfwrtjvF9PBcLTLv5GeP9J7lAWqljoUAEfiQD7tWNQGFFYZea4XM-SLIsHmDHXsI2JiUE-9-RI66ISS_2u0o_winlwwV9Lu2bS63JnkNMSnYJgDD5cN3uc3OdeIosEbUqFTzFR9TE/s320/Oh+Canada.gif" /></a></div>Oh Canada, you are delicious and I do miss you. Happy Canada Day to you all! I hope you are all celebrating joyously and having fun. In honor of my homeland I am taking a half day off work.<br />
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Cheers!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-62356779616591539922010-06-29T21:06:00.000-07:002010-06-29T21:06:07.829-07:00Guilty Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE9ADTO-4iHMQtj6plKBs44L3VHec2Kyb2Dc_cCZJdb8IvkTkKrbc01yxiSGVzEE6MBpG8TwtK8h4tFknI-fPm4w85RAIJnS7RWN-bXJ7WKuK_Kebu7rE0hSpD7YHZzx0ylNs41sP6JA/s1600/Michael_Jackson_number_ones(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE9ADTO-4iHMQtj6plKBs44L3VHec2Kyb2Dc_cCZJdb8IvkTkKrbc01yxiSGVzEE6MBpG8TwtK8h4tFknI-fPm4w85RAIJnS7RWN-bXJ7WKuK_Kebu7rE0hSpD7YHZzx0ylNs41sP6JA/s320/Michael_Jackson_number_ones(2).jpg" /></a></div><br />
On the anniversary week of Michael Jackson’s death I am engaging in a guilty pleasure. I spent $9.99 and bought his number one hits CD. You see Steve Jobs really got me. I buy my songs one at a time for a small pittance apiece and stick them on my phone. Spending a whole ten bucks on a CD so I can sing along in the car is pure decadence for me. It’s not like I think I am doing something morally bereft but I am not sure I would want the rest of the world to judge me based on it.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of my other guilty pleasures:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Habitual napping – Sunday afternoons, a catnap after dinner – now I understand why my dad loved them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Manicure, pedicure, massage – any service where I pay someone to get into my private space feels oh so good but is oh so worth it!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sexy undies like the ones from this <span id="goog_886754785"></span><a href="http://www.arabesque-lingerie.com/">place</a><span id="goog_886754786"></span>. Double guilty pleasure if you wear them under boring everyday clothes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A root beer float. I don’t often deviate from my coffee/water/alcohol rule for beverages but a root beer float is more like dessert and as you know, dessert is always a guilty pleasure!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-14543586695484142552010-06-29T10:44:00.000-07:002010-06-29T10:45:13.090-07:00A Little Dress for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww8exkOI_xgaOeWnZ7t-HNliA5M18sBOV_AdAv2bA6dzEUkJcaEsuHn8m6TJMrzsTD3rSygiC9wqstljGrtfoABkr3k9t9OGyQN3NDVVl5-SJqVdU91UCDrB9oVnmlvR4FOciU0yzDhI/s1600/cropped+dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww8exkOI_xgaOeWnZ7t-HNliA5M18sBOV_AdAv2bA6dzEUkJcaEsuHn8m6TJMrzsTD3rSygiC9wqstljGrtfoABkr3k9t9OGyQN3NDVVl5-SJqVdU91UCDrB9oVnmlvR4FOciU0yzDhI/s400/cropped+dress.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br />
I love wearing a dress to work. I find it so much easier than two pieces - its the ultimate in laziness. Why did we ever start wearing pants anyway? (Just kidding.)<br />
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I was really pleased to find <a href="http://asos.com/">Asos.com</a> through another <a href="http://www.lakejane.com/">blog</a> because this UK online fashion retailer will ship to "the Americas" for just $6.00. That is about what it costs to ship within the USA from most retailers - maybe even less! Also, British styles just have a different edge which I like. I ordered this cute dress and I will be sitting patiently by my door waiting for it to arrive!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-52276336663957077952010-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:002010-06-22T21:27:03.306-07:00Word ArtIf I was a 15 year old girl I would probably have a wardrobe full of message tees – you know the kind that gets thrown away in the first five seconds of <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/what-not-to-wear/">What Not to Wear</a>. Since it’s not appropriate for a forty year old woman to send any message from the breastal area I am going to indulge myself in the idea that I can plaster my home office with word art – like these beauties from Etsy.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFt7x37MDIgKGtPHRlOt3bKB_yjD89-tP-G6N99W4q7iLW3TKz_LU5vki53gdAWIevDuUsxUSXj6F6mJ3xnr3zi8Onb18acCuv1OrMEn0S1phXpLhebQrk0PGYfIVU1yzD3AjIYk_BsY/s1600/red+umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFt7x37MDIgKGtPHRlOt3bKB_yjD89-tP-G6N99W4q7iLW3TKz_LU5vki53gdAWIevDuUsxUSXj6F6mJ3xnr3zi8Onb18acCuv1OrMEn0S1phXpLhebQrk0PGYfIVU1yzD3AjIYk_BsY/s320/red+umbrella.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45309840/my-red-umbrella-print?ref=cat2_list_1">Red Umbrella</a> to brighten a gloomy day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeQLIs0CUCmgEFL8D7td9rYa4NF0VQO6fVBRYqdjHI1yHGVnWnEFPYzxDpTdmyE_ni5QOObOaZLUcEW-uVbKelB8cfE-GN9OBwwLv1gvMaqNvHzk9yzHZaAZ6lupfH3JG9ET79kVa7A/s1600/pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeQLIs0CUCmgEFL8D7td9rYa4NF0VQO6fVBRYqdjHI1yHGVnWnEFPYzxDpTdmyE_ni5QOObOaZLUcEW-uVbKelB8cfE-GN9OBwwLv1gvMaqNvHzk9yzHZaAZ6lupfH3JG9ET79kVa7A/s320/pink.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">good words to live by from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47815992/i-believe-in-pink-11x14?ref=cat2_list_7">Audrey Hepburn</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_8DoSofCgug5JUI84R5c00fcFxuAWeRx86exhz3liagbMIMMQXSgfvwgagXs1LquNbigiPLAPHc2pBeqLZXjVburiiv7EOUDrx1DwAgGWkPs4mIysv4xuEnOoi6gyzlHPe19lfE8Byk/s1600/petnames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_8DoSofCgug5JUI84R5c00fcFxuAWeRx86exhz3liagbMIMMQXSgfvwgagXs1LquNbigiPLAPHc2pBeqLZXjVburiiv7EOUDrx1DwAgGWkPs4mIysv4xuEnOoi6gyzlHPe19lfE8Byk/s320/petnames.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">this cute <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45769261/petnames-print">Petnames</a> print</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCUY4n3dM6yZYibNYQ2HVj8koUPoaEZnB4qUzCnKi5pZbdHh-OS0ey3YUrYSb-4rrQuHIeHh3aMfaa-frC4W9ggRFZ8kIHKwcPDHrW9YUhR70nHp7ZaHdnppbfeIkgPWWHWA6QhIw15A/s1600/keep+calm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCUY4n3dM6yZYibNYQ2HVj8koUPoaEZnB4qUzCnKi5pZbdHh-OS0ey3YUrYSb-4rrQuHIeHh3aMfaa-frC4W9ggRFZ8kIHKwcPDHrW9YUhR70nHp7ZaHdnppbfeIkgPWWHWA6QhIw15A/s320/keep+calm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and the always popular <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49220548/keep-calm-and-carry-on-old-paper-13-x-19?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=%22keep+calm+and+carry+on%22+old+paper&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Keep Calm and Carry On</a></div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-16894165089292079182010-06-21T14:05:00.000-07:002010-06-21T14:05:18.690-07:00Days for Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvFbaEkWdqx2a_WpTfGXISwa0PvLgTEhccftEXO4PtXRmcIBLhyqt47RW-p8hti8KQVhHerABUAFirbdluBBDuqlZOacM-cFVj7cYNopvZ84l4PKlIBZmcADMip7VCOxMz2DYu92xJu0/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvFbaEkWdqx2a_WpTfGXISwa0PvLgTEhccftEXO4PtXRmcIBLhyqt47RW-p8hti8KQVhHerABUAFirbdluBBDuqlZOacM-cFVj7cYNopvZ84l4PKlIBZmcADMip7VCOxMz2DYu92xJu0/s320/tshirt.jpg" /></a></div>Happy belated Father’s Day! Today is my dear departed Papa’s birthday and Summer Solstice too. My summer holiday madness is commencing as this week will also be St. Jean Baptiste in Quebec and Discovery Day in Newfoundland. Then it will be Canada Day followed quickly by July 4th. It kind of creeps up on you.<br />
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My dad’s birthday was always in the same week as Father’s Day and I seem to recall we would always have two celebration parties. Let’s be honest – in late June any excuse to have a barbecue with cake is reason enough for a celebration. His birthday and Father’s day also had the fortune of happening around the same time as the close of the school year.<br />
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I don’t think of these days with sadness. I remember barbecues, camping, eating on our back deck, sitting in the swing we had in the backyard and my dad picking flowers on the side of the road for his sister when she visited. Those are good memories.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-28669699063790554292010-06-19T00:34:00.000-07:002010-06-19T00:34:05.079-07:00Hello Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMydhLPn3u-p8ZhhQxgk58G3lnCw3jaJ1hoZbSRp9Kd9xHLlSvr1h0z77NPvrW1MIWM45gQJ039UYq1OIXiuvlPo7wRRoRtB4ELNYM2IXl6q0B0uW7K9SkHt_Z-vq9dm7NzNi7KJX8cew/s1600/E3-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMydhLPn3u-p8ZhhQxgk58G3lnCw3jaJ1hoZbSRp9Kd9xHLlSvr1h0z77NPvrW1MIWM45gQJ039UYq1OIXiuvlPo7wRRoRtB4ELNYM2IXl6q0B0uW7K9SkHt_Z-vq9dm7NzNi7KJX8cew/s320/E3-logo.png" /></a></div><br />
Hi Possums! I was having a “moment” and it turned into a four day stretch of Internet abstinence. I went to the Electronic Entertainment Expo in LA – also known as E3. I got to experience a little <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/06/18/GA2010061802454.html">NBA final</a> madness around game six but made it out of town before the madness of game seven. E3 was the opportunity I needed to really geek out with some cool game developers. Really – I geeked and it was grand. <br />
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This weekend I have a good friend’s wedding to get to and I plan on enjoying summertime. Is the living really “easy” in summertime? I don’t know but I know in the summertime my thoughts turn to my home up north. And , here are some random thoughts I have had this week:<br />
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The best bagels in the world – yes I know it to be a bold statement but it is true – come from <a href="http://www.stviateurbagel.com/">this joint</a><br />
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And wouldn’t a bagel sandwich be yummy with some of this <a href="http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/index_eng.html">stuff</a>?<br />
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Icebergs are in my head for some reason and I saw this cool Newfoundland <a href="http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/Icebergs/IcebergFinder/IcebergFinder.aspx">berg tracker</a> linked off a Time Magazine blog<br />
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We all need to have emergency ballet flats like <a href="http://www.prettyballerinas.com/index.php?mod=product&id=SES4c1c6f41bb17f&productID=44&colourID=778&lang=en">these</a><br />
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The wedding means it's <a href="http://www.pinkiesnailsalons.com/blog/">mani pedi</a> time tomorrow<br />
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Happy weekend possums! Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-74108906320739468942010-06-14T22:02:00.000-07:002010-06-14T22:02:25.893-07:00It's a Damn Big Drop of Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxukJI9ztko8hcK7O1PKzc2nglGq_TLFyyMjzH0WKJGms-gOh1w6f8KSe8jj2Nr-6IlxEZC2Bob3Pt5tlpcXkOkIM5S_uU05yHb5socC2_GOp_OxAmVT_yP20ccj8e0AHKBiv3qMEHPw/s320/oil_poster.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Any of my friends will tell you that I have a phobia about putting things on my walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes me forever to decide what should be installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, let’s be honest, I have lived in some apartments and moved out without ever putting anything on the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I was more courageous with decorating my walls – but that is why I have my friend W!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes care of guiding my decorating whims.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I do love poster art though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny that I have no issue plastering my cube at work with posters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In particular I like – and am kind of terrified by – the simple but evocative message of this poster regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s especially poignant how small the US looks here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For each poster that <a href="http://headofstate.com/">headofstate.com</a> sells they will donate $20 to <a href="http://na.oceana.org/">Oceana</a>, an organization focused solely on protecting the world’s oceans.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-14616723108466625942010-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:002010-06-14T14:37:26.379-07:00Ghosts of Footwear Past - Part DeuxLast week I talked about the return of the desert boot. This week I was cruising some fashiony type blogs I like and I notice that boat shoes are coming back in style?! Stop the presses! The boat shoe might be making a comeback? I do have a colleague who never stopped wearing them but he is a 50 plus man who may very well hang out on a boat. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGtcnP0WpaOlyDN5lTfNgG6M-FuAWH70JW8GM9spMe4idvV2ViyY62KYsOzOpLd_owB8ABxkE3ZF4UsC9KeRNXUMqRyK7Mz4VYHQyZmL0enmf0eCp8ep7hUH7kUyQaWJ3xIPzpAg_UA/s1600/topsider.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGtcnP0WpaOlyDN5lTfNgG6M-FuAWH70JW8GM9spMe4idvV2ViyY62KYsOzOpLd_owB8ABxkE3ZF4UsC9KeRNXUMqRyK7Mz4VYHQyZmL0enmf0eCp8ep7hUH7kUyQaWJ3xIPzpAg_UA/s320/topsider.bmp" /></a></div><br />
If you are this <a href="http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/">company </a> you are probably thrilled with the potential return of this fad. Although I have to say, I wouldn’t mind this little sneaker they have. But beware; these guys are also still selling the infamous duck boot! (Okay, maybe it makes sense in cold, wet climates.)<br />
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It’s weird. These two types of footwear, which apparently are unisex apparel, may have played too big a role in my wardrobe in the eighties. If I go back to wearing them I might start putting bows in my hair and playing Madonna 24/7 and I am not talking the new stuff ladies – I mean Borderline!.<br />
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But personally I don’t trust the footwear that requires two words to describe it – boat shoe, desert boot, cement overshoe…etc. Ballerina flats might be my one exception.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-89993844484331443822010-06-13T15:27:00.000-07:002010-06-14T14:37:55.610-07:00Summer is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNscfoIAQizilhxcmp9NE18SbWa9UZueFCYNdtohwhhlw8BtLgiFSvWDRtNtfBwrAoH6QLtjTvxUBP8WvUuVYjIbukA6IREceEGopBtiVFjhjx0lgXN3Tca355mWMnf_jNggQrT0zdzgk/s1600/sprinkler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNscfoIAQizilhxcmp9NE18SbWa9UZueFCYNdtohwhhlw8BtLgiFSvWDRtNtfBwrAoH6QLtjTvxUBP8WvUuVYjIbukA6IREceEGopBtiVFjhjx0lgXN3Tca355mWMnf_jNggQrT0zdzgk/s320/sprinkler.jpg" /></a></div>Hello, my dearios! Why haven’t I been posting more frequently? Well, summer finally hit the bay area and it’s getting hot in here. Too hot to sit in my home office without air conditioning and definitely too hot to sit with a heat emitting notebook on my lap! I wish I could be one of those little girls in that picture, running through a sprinkler. I think it’s frowned upon for adults – unless you are holding the hand of a little kid.<br />
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I can’t tell if it is hotter than normal for the bay area or if it just feels like that because of our extended winter this year. Here are a few things I have been up to as I get used to the heat:<br />
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I took advantage of California’s berry bounty and made these <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/09/raspberry-breakfast-bars/">beauties</a> when it cooled down at night <br />
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I am grilling on my patio – I make <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/barbecued-pork-shoulder-chops?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/barbecue-recipes#slide_7">these guys</a> for guests when we barbeque <br />
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Watched movies in the dark and learned a lot about Anna Wintour and one of my <a href="http://www.theseptemberissue.com/">favorite magazines</a> <br />
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Getting ready for one of the biggest electronic entertainment <a href="http://www.e3expo.com/">tradeshows</a> – it will be loud, noisy and kind of exciting<br />
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Eating <a href="http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2072/2">watermelon</a> – it may not be the most healthy fruit but is anything better when the weather is hot?Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-34066188464247635462010-06-09T16:20:00.000-07:002010-06-12T12:37:19.146-07:00Love Me If You Dare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtr8XVaZKAbKao_eIUmtm5Me6B73LfcGloO4V9T_Q0tHI_YLGfC-d-mYUKgZJcebRfoe7CNw4G_DS4c_Ed76q4ABim7o6Atfbtzy3WMVK45kb6uMYOVdp7CF9iENRkdUF4j4-rMq2NDBw/s1600/jeux-d-enfants-2003-08-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtr8XVaZKAbKao_eIUmtm5Me6B73LfcGloO4V9T_Q0tHI_YLGfC-d-mYUKgZJcebRfoe7CNw4G_DS4c_Ed76q4ABim7o6Atfbtzy3WMVK45kb6uMYOVdp7CF9iENRkdUF4j4-rMq2NDBw/s320/jeux-d-enfants-2003-08-g.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I watched a movie in French last night. Well, in French with English subtitles. The subtitles come in handy since I can only follow about 60% of what is being said – especially if it is French that is not the same as the Quebec French of my youth.<br />
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Above is a pic of the two main characters as children – they start off as best friends and then it escalates into love and craziness! If you want to check it out it’s called Jeux d’Enfants or Love Me If You Dare in English.<br />
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Normally I don’t write too much about the movies I watch but I think there is something kind of interesting, intimate and special about taking in a story that is presented in a different language. It’s kind of like exchanging a very knowing glance with someone – could be a stranger or it could be someone close to you – but you know exactly what they are thinking just from the message the eyes give you.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-25337406362682256232010-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:002010-06-09T09:55:20.102-07:00The Desert Boot Makes a Comeback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsruRi-Ex-AXshxUMCQWEMlOx21oYx16DNIe1WbFo50ysFNdOYGDByWghpu33PMSt81s2VcDzg19S0oh3T6z4yOw4YKnD5L4REP015bJhRR_NSu6DErGJmPteubi3C2TrH85_npGL3L5k/s1600/desert+boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsruRi-Ex-AXshxUMCQWEMlOx21oYx16DNIe1WbFo50ysFNdOYGDByWghpu33PMSt81s2VcDzg19S0oh3T6z4yOw4YKnD5L4REP015bJhRR_NSu6DErGJmPteubi3C2TrH85_npGL3L5k/s320/desert+boot.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=323480&productGroup=1251">Cole Haan</a> calls it a “Chukka handcrafted of heavy weight Italian vegetable tanned leather on upper and sock.” I call it a desert boot and you know that you all had a pair. Your boyfriend in 1985 probably did too. I guess everything really does make a comeback? I am not sure I am ready to revisit this fad - especially at $279.95 a pair.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-54993324402934631602010-06-07T16:44:00.000-07:002010-06-07T16:44:44.464-07:00Yum, Yum, Yum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8rmrMmA1TjVP89X-yfF1w1veZt_esai5H-IB5bex8yaTDu7zSN-WmItGQmc2wbjKFxvzjQFvQX2nvuYvC4_bJIi65nd6ufmCu4F4m-oJYDiTlf_t18ZjDjI1bmKHEqBGpW7KVjF1GWk/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8rmrMmA1TjVP89X-yfF1w1veZt_esai5H-IB5bex8yaTDu7zSN-WmItGQmc2wbjKFxvzjQFvQX2nvuYvC4_bJIi65nd6ufmCu4F4m-oJYDiTlf_t18ZjDjI1bmKHEqBGpW7KVjF1GWk/s320/photo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I know what you are thinking – those look really good – right? They are not suspiciously orange french fries – they are sweet potato oven fries! I slice up my sweet potato in fry like shapes, toss them in salt, pepper, garlic salt and a little olive oil and then bake on a sheet pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Yummy and good for you. I love sweet potato fries because it takes me back to the first time I tried them in Montreal.Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476704030554512848.post-73721857962162940762010-06-03T21:25:00.000-07:002010-06-03T21:25:28.250-07:00Musical Memories<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLTo1yIZ3CrvhoIYa5Tq28Q-LkrwMZ1UYD7fRf2DRo-shiSSQA_8OHsgicxBGDfxGNK1s0KmbjtaJ2vJAOS6FjLpJTc4LwflcHFzW_uj8SJktaf9boNx-vhZVTk7k6uJfwiDqaNK7d_k/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLTo1yIZ3CrvhoIYa5Tq28Q-LkrwMZ1UYD7fRf2DRo-shiSSQA_8OHsgicxBGDfxGNK1s0KmbjtaJ2vJAOS6FjLpJTc4LwflcHFzW_uj8SJktaf9boNx-vhZVTk7k6uJfwiDqaNK7d_k/s320/c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I might have written about this before but there are certain songs that always make me think of certain people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not just talking about broken hearted memories but just something that always bring back a memory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a song for my dad, a song for my mom, a song for my best friend and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Believe it or not one of my musical memories is “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something about Steve Perry and his hair always brings to mind my sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hope she doesn’t mind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to have that song on my iPod for every workout, no matter what. Maybe to switch it up I will buy the Glee version on iTunes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It’s four minutes and nine seconds of sweating I try to dedicate to her three times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s to you sis!</span><!--EndFragment-->Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00337439023621575260noreply@blogger.com0