Now I know Im Getting Old!

So the hubby and I decided to have Mexican food last night. This is not something we normally do. In fact, we have live in Las Vegas almost a year and had no idea where a mexican restaurant was.

We found a Macayo's and decided to just eat there. i have having a mad craving for chips and salsa and some alcohol. Being a CPS worker is really stressful and for some reason has brought me to drink...probably not a healthy new lifestyle for me.

Anyway, the waitress talked us into drinking our margarita's out of these ceramic glass/bowl type cups. This way they next time we go back (im sure in another year) we can get our drinks for half the price if we bring in our new fancy ceramic drink cups...My husbands has a Hispanic woman on it with a pretty huge rack, and mine is a jolly Hispanic man with a sweet mustache.

Well, I finally feel like an old lady. I had one drink and was pretty tipsy. My husband got his normal red face from drinking (I think its the Irish blood) and we were acting like teenagers. Im serious...giggling, spilling things, talking loud. Im now extremely embarrassed of myself...

I ate chips and salsa like it was my job and then when we got home, we tore through the cookies and candy my sister had care packaged to me...I woke up in the middle of the night with the worse headache and stomachache. Its a good thing that Im not running today, I actually don't know if I would be able to. Sooooo Laaaame!

Oh, we also watched the movie House Bunny, with Anna Faris...good flick...wicked cheesy, but when tipsy and drunk on cookies, anything becomes entertaining.

Anyway, I think I am going to spend the day on the couch. I am officially done with Christmas shopping...thank god! Happy Saturday!

Snow in the Desert

It snowed in Las Vegas and the people here went insane! He He! All of you who live is states where snow is an everyday thing would laugh. Schools here shut down and work was let out early, it was breaking news all night (interupting my stories, which was upsetting).

It's pretty cool though. I hated the snow when I lived in Colorado and thats why I wanted to leave, but I kindof liked when it snowed here the past couple of days. Something different, and it is really beautiful. I dont want this to happen all the time, but during the holiday its really nice. So for now I will just enjoy it cause I will be wishing for it when it is 120 degrees in the summer.

Routines and Frustration

Do you ever wake up and sort of dread your life?

I woke up this morning, began putting on my running clothes and realized that I do the exact same things every day.

Sunday's: My long runs, grocery shopping, church, baking

Monday-Thursday's (This same thing every day): Work, change into running clothes at 445 pm, get out of work at 5 on the dot, go to the gym, run, come home and make dinner, make lunch for the next day

Friday's: Same as Monday through Thursday but since this is my husbands night off I have to rush my run and get home for us to go to dinner.

Saturdays are my non running days, but those are pretty routine with shopping and a movie with the husband.

This is my routine every single week. And for some reason lately it has been driving me crazy. I even make the same exact lunch every single day. Can someone tell me if this is really pathetic or not?

Im sitting here watching people on tv roaming the streets of Venice and I am so envious of them. I want to just drop everything and fly to some other country right now and just roam the streets for days.

I of course don't have that luxury right now, I have a new job and don't have any vacation for the whole year of my probation period. Really, if you think about it, what life is that to live. I mean, I enjoy my job and it keeps me busy, but sometimes I just want a life where I just drop everything and go on adventures with no bills or loans to worry about.

My husband and I wanted to wait on having kids so we could have the freedom to travel and go on adventures before we cant because of kids. Look at us though, he works in the casino industry and hasn't have any time off for a whole year, and I am now starting a job where I wont be able to have any time off for a year.

Wow, for some reason I feel like some of my posts have been real debbie downers lately, but Im just kind of feeling blah right now...I'm sure it has to do with the holidays and how busy and hectic everything is, but I don't want to one day look back on my life and wish I had done more. I know I'm young, but I don't want to get stuck saying "someday we will travel when we have time" the more a person says that, the less time it seems they really have.

What a scary thought, but for now, I wish I could get out of my mundane routine, but I just don't know how.

Holiday Panic

My husbands birthday is January 4th...this creates a lot of anxiety for me.

I come from a family where no one has a birthday past October and before late February, which is perfect cause then we only have had to deal with Christmas presents during Christmas time. Now however, I have married a man whose whole family has their birthdays in November, December, and early January...What the F! This puts a lot of pressure on me, especially since I have made it my mission to be the best gift giver ever in his family.

So right now I'm in stress mode and since we don't live near either of our families, I need to have all shopping done A-SAP...

Of course with my running schedule, my Christmas baking, and work, I don't have much time....soooo, well, I should maybe get started, huh?

Well, here's to my next marathon, it starts on Saturday early morning and doesn't stop till i'm done! Wish me luck!

New PR for Me!

I know this is not going to sound too exciting to all you awesome runners out there, but I finally broke my 10 mile slump today and I ran 12 miles!

It felt really good to do so, and I am really proud of myself.

I also took a survey in my Runner's World magazine tonight and it said that I am a middle distance runner, which after reading everything about middle distance runner I fully agree. So, its good to know that I'm not a complete failure for not being able to run a Marathon, although, it is still my long term goal in life.

I read so many blogs of people who run Marathons all the time and it seems so effortless for them. I would love to one day feel the same way about myself.

One day I will be able to say I have run a marathon, and I cant wait for that day. For now however, I will just be really excited about my 12 miles today.

Um, do dogs go on diets?

Um, so this is the sweater that I had my dog wear last year for Christmas...and it was a huge struggle to fit him in to it yesterday...and he looks pretty miserable...so, do you think he needs to go on a diet?

Leaving Arizona

Just to clarify, all pictures that I took of the Arizona Scenery were taken while I was driving to and from Las Vegas, so don't judge my photo taking ability...and yes, in taking pictures while I was driving, I'm sure I not only put my life and the life of my dog in danger, but I probably put those around me in danger...my apologies...

So, anyway, i was in Arizona for Thanksgiving visiting my family. I had a pretty good time and was able to see my nieces and nephews and Perry was able to see all of his cousins as well.

I got to drive through Hoover Dam which I always really enjoy (If there is no traffic). On the way to AZ I was able to see some beautiful sites, but on my way home it was pitch black and took an hour and a half to drive through. Kind of wanted to kill myself. Not moving for 3o minutes at a time is the most horrible driving experience, especially if you also have just had a 40 oz. Diet Root Beer and you are about to pee out of your ears. (I hope you enjoyed that description.)

I really enjoy my visits to Arizona. Scottsdale is such a beautiful town and if you have never been, you should visit. the grass and the trees are still the brightest green. The sun shines all day, and the weather is so nice. Jeans, t-shirt and the occasional sweater are all you need.

I really do miss living in Arizona. I usually don't realize it until I go visit and then I feel a bit homesick for a few weeks after when I am back in Vegas.

Besides soaking up the lovely scenery, I was able to hang out with my mom and sisters when we went and saw Twilight. Yes, the book was 150 times better, but to my surprise, the movie was also pretty awesome. And as much as I was opposed to Robert Patterson being Edward, he was pretty great in that role, so I take back all the mean things I have ever said about him (although Im still freaked out that he doesn't watch his hair in real life and its always super greasy).

I of course made pies for Thanksgiving...because I left my husband on Thanksgiving, I made two pies and let him keep one. I also bought him a Capriotti's sandwich (just the best sandwich shop in Vegas) that was 20 inches long. It is called The Bobby and is turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, so that was his Thanksgiving feast.

These pies are Pumpkin Cream Cheese pies topped with a Chocolate Toffee/Brown Sugar mix. Its my favorite.

So, now that the Thanksgiving Holiday is over, I have to go back to the real world....work, work, work, and lots of running (although I still ran while I was on vacation). I'm also now going to freak out about getting all the Christmas shopping done ASAP cause I have to send everything... that's going to freak me out. Hopefully I can get my act together in order to do everything done, its time to go make some lists...have a good night!

Weekend in Arizona

Well, I drove down to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona on Thanksgiving day to visit my family. I had to leave the husband by himself in Las Vegas cause he had to work.

The weekend has been ok so far, a lot of family and too much food!!! I have eaten my parent out of house and home and I was just at my sisters house and found the apple pie she had brought over for Thanksgiving, I tore into it like a crazy person! I guess that's what happens when you watch what you eat all the time, and then you are suddenly surrounded by cakes and pies for four days and your will power just has to finally break. I'm keeping up with my running schedule though, so I don't feel too bad.

I took some pix which I will post when I get home. I got to see one of my nieces who just turned one and is so frickin cute I cant stand it. But I will show some pictures when I get home and can blog in peace and quiet.

I hope everyone had a good turkey day! Im off to stuff my face with Mexican food! I love Arizona!

Summing up the Weekend

Well, my Mother in Law has left Las Vegas. Surprisingly, the visit went without a hitch. No feelings were hurt and she even bought us lots of presents since we are stuck here for Christmas by ourselves.

On Thursday night we went and saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the MGM Grand. They have been around awhile, playing classical music and Christmas Music with a rocked out twist and a lot of pyro effects. It was pretty cool and because I suggested it and bought the tickets, I got brownie points from the In Law...so, yea for me.

So, now that my Hubby's mother is gone, I can hopefully get back to my normal schedule. I know most of you runners run in the morning, but I just cant do it. For some reason waking up an hour earlier in the mornings destroyed my day.

I also wanted to share with you today some things that I am excited about.

First of all, I made some goodies for Hubby's mom, she pretends to not like sweets, but I always catch her sneaky chocolate and desserts when no one is looking, so I knew she would like for me to have some in the house. I made cookies, banana-chocolate chip muffins and my Baklava. She went to college in Greece, so I was interested in knowing what she thought of my Baklava. Turns out she said its one of the best she has had.

Baklava Recipe:

7/8 lb. of almonds (ground)

1 cup Butter (Melted)

2 tsp. Cinnamon

1 pinch of ground clove to taste

1 lb. fillo pastry

A little lemon juice

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of honey

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cup water

Directions: Mix almonds, cinnamon and cloves; Butter a pan (9x13); lay 4 fillo sheets down and spread a thin layer of mix, then add 2 fillo sheets and continue on with the butter and mix, layer the fillo sheets in between. Top off with 4 fillo sheets.

Cut into squares before you bake in oven at 350 for 35 to 40 min.

Mix: sugar, honey, vanilla and lemon juice in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and Pour over Baklava. Let stand for a few hours before serving.

Trust me, its pretty Yummy.

And for you coffee lovers, I have some good holiday suggestions for you. If you have a Cost Plus World Market in your town, you should pick up some World Market Pumpkin Spice coffee. Im addicted and may need to go back and stock up before they stop selling it for the season. I also am glad that they have Cafe Du Monde Coffee and Chicory. I haven't been able to find this since I lived in New Orleans. I love it, it reminds me of the south. Its really strong and good for a wake up call in the mornings.

Before heading out for the gym, I would like to share with everyone how no matter how we torture my dog, he will let us get away with anything...

Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a good Monday!

My new stressful life

So, I wish I looked like this when I was stressed!

I had spent the last 6 weeks in an academy for my new job with child welfare, and now I am done and have been in the real world for a couple of days, and yeah, it has been the most hectic and stressful time of my life, and weirdly, I love it!

It is so nice to finally have a job where I'm not being paid to sit around and play Yahoo! games all day, cause, as fun as that might sound, I think in the long run it actually made me a little dumber.

I now go to work and by the time I look at the clock its like 1pm and I realize that I haven't used the restroom or eaten all day...in my last job I was so bored I made it a point to pee ever half hour just so I had a reason to get up and I ate every 5 seconds cause I had nothing else to do...

Even though I'm really stressed and don't feel like there is enough time in the day, I finally feel like there is meaning in my life and that I am actually contributing to society. I now have a reason to have a business card (I was always so jealous of those who had them) and I actually have so much to do that I can never get it all done...it actually feels GREAT!

I'm sure in about 2.5 I'm going to be wishing I had never said all this, but for the time being I am finally happy in a job I am actually using my degree and people actually have a reason to respect me, so, yea for my self esteem!

I now have to go pass out because I'm too exhausted to wait till 9pm to go to sleep. Lame!

My Mother-in-law is coming into town this next week...I am in panic mode.

My Mother-in-law is different. She is from Belgium, so she has a lot of old school European thoughts and ways. When she comes I feel a lot of pressure and anxiety and I turn into this emotional wreak (inside my own head, I try not to show her my weakness).

She comes from the old school thought of "taking care of her husband and family." Now most women feel this way, but she takes it to the extreme. Like, I've never seen her husband lift a finger, sort of thing.

Perfectly lovely woman, very nice and helpful (overly helpful). When she comes I feel like my house has to be immaculate, I have to have baked goods around (well, we all know that I always do anyway) and I feel like nothing I do is right. Like she buys cleaning supplies for my house, and insists on taking us grocery shopping and getting food that my husband may have like once in his life (when he was like 5 ).

I like to cook pretty healthy, but for some reason she insists that I make her son Chinese food every time she takes us to the store, (even though he has never in our relationship asked me to make Chinese food or even hinted at the fact that he would enjoy that).

I finally had to tell her that she should stop buying things just because she thinks they are a good idea because it will go to waste and I think that is ridiculous. (Apparently that comment did not go over well, and I have had to be SUPER NICE ever since to make up for it).

Anyway, so right now I am in panic mode and its Saturday and I have been up since 6 am cause I feel like I have to clean my house spotless and bake and grocery shop (so she understands that I do feed her son). AHHHHHH! STRESS!!!!

And I know that this is selfish, but my running schedule is going to be thrown off (I like to run at night and I have to switch to mornings, I HATE THAT!). So right now I am just a HOT MESS!

Well, Back to ripping my house apart in an attempt to have it spotless...Wish me luck!

Oh God!!!

So, just realized Sunday while looking at super cute Christmas Tree ornaments at Joannes that I CAN'T GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!! I am 28 years old, and this will be the first time in my life that I am not going to be at my parents home for the holiday...I got extremely depressed and stormed out of the store...

My new job gives me only Christmas day off...not the day after as well, and because I am on probation for the first year, I cant ask for it off. Im really depressed about this. Granted I will for the first time in my life be able to buy a tree and decorate it (which actually really excites me), and I will be able to make all the cookies and candies I want. Although these things are activities I will enjoy, I really am going to be freaked out on Christmas day.

I will miss X-mas eve with the fam. Going to church with everyone is great. This is also a good time to see friends from high school that I haven't seen in years. After church my family eats a big Italian dinner (we are an Irish Catholic Family, dont ask why our X-mas eve tradition is an Italian feast).

On Christmas day my mom always makes a really great egg casserole, and pecan sticky buns. This is my favorite. I think Im going to need her to some how overnight these things to my house. I may not be able to deal.

My husband has to work on Christmas eve, of course, so once again I will be going to church alone.

Wow, I know, I am feeling quite sorry for myself right now, but Im just going to be like this for a second till I get use to the idea. So, im gonna go eat the apple pie I just made and pout...Ho hum!

Those Silly Teenage Years

Last night my husband and I went and saw Role Models, with Paul Rudd, Sean Patrick Scott and that kid from Super Bad (McLovin'). This movie was wicked funny. It was offensive, crude, and shocking! But I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

This movie for some reason sent my brain into this mode where I just started remembering all the silly things I did as a teenager. It may have to do with Paul Rudd (Clueless) and Sean Patrick Scott (Stiffler, American Pie).

So, I have always had this thing for Paul Rudd. When Clueless came out I fell head over heals for him. Anytime I would see his pic in a magazine I would hang it on my wall in my bedroom. (at the same time I also had a thing for Pete Sampras, the tennis player, that was a

weird stage in life for me).

I may get off the subject now, but I was reminded as I talked about putting pictures on my wall of all the pictures I use to wallpaper with. I had a whole wall dedicated to "hot guys" in my room. I distinctly remember some of them. I had a couple of Nicolas Cage, circa The Rock, Con Air and Face Off (apparently I liked receding hairlines and bad acting at that time in my life). I totally had a pic of him in my locker too...so sad for me.

I also remember a lot of GQ pictures of Tyson Beckford. I thought he was the hottest guy to ever walk the face of the earth. My Grandfather use to subscribe to GQ. Wow, for a boy crazy teenage girl, that magazine was a dream come true. I had all sorts of models hung in my room. He use to get mad at me if I was ripping pages out before he read the issue. Actually I recently bought a GQ for my husband, it had Seth Rogan on the front of it. I was looking through, and all the advertising had these little skinny boys that could possibly pass for pre-pubescent girls. I guess I am dating myself, but I really hate the look of guys today. They seem a bit too feminine for my taste. I like a man with substance, maybe one that can grow facial hair even. Some of these guys don't look as if they are even able to shave yet.

Sometimes I miss those teenage days. The days when I use to just talk on the phone with my girlfriends for hours gossipping and talking about nothing. Being obsessed with the latest teen throb, and confessing my deepest darkest thoughts in my diary. I just recently got a package from my parents with some of my things from my old bedroom. I had old diaries in there. Wow, the topics I use to write about. It all seems so foreign to me know. I can barely remember those thoughts and feelings. It was like reading the pages out of a strangers memoir. Kind of disturbing.

Anyway, I think I have gotten off to subject. My point I guess is just to remember those simple days where the most one had to worry about was which party they should go to that weekend, or who was taking who to the school dance. I really want to go back to high school sometimes, I actually had a pretty good time. Not enough drama to ruin the rest of my life, but just enough to keep things interesting.

Well, Happy Saturday, and hope others have some good past memories that make them smile when they think back.

Randomness

Thank you again for all of you who sent your good wishes to me over the past days.

In order to keep myself busy I did some baking over the weekend. I also did something I don't thing I have ever done. I rode my bike 4.3 miles to the gym on Saturday, ran 4 miles and then rode my bike back home. Im not much of a bike rider, but for my birthday last year my hubby got me a bike, so I guess I should start using it. My butt hurt really badly when I was done, but it was a nice day and it helped me get my mind off of things.

I took Perry to the dog park. I have never done this before, Walter had some bad habits having to do with other dogs messes, so I avoided going. Perry seemed to not care about the other dogs and instead decided to be the official dog park greater. He went up to every human that walked in the gate and got himself some love. Im sure they thought he was a poor little neglected boy. Little do they know that he gets more love (especially now) than most children by their parents.

So, I mentioned that I baked this weekend. one of the kinds I made weren't that great. The second set were pretty good. They were like a double Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Craisens in them. I am not one to put anything other than candies in my cookies, but I thought these might be a good Thanksgiving cookie. I got the recipe from the Cookie Bible.




Double Chocolate Cranberry Chunkies
1 3/4 cups flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip chunks

3/4 dried cranberries (I just used craisens)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl; set aside. Beat butter and sugars in a large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until blended. Stir in chocolate chunks and cranberries.

Drop dough on cookie sheets. Sprinkle some extra sugar on top of the dough. Bake 11 to 12 min or until cookies are set.

These are really good, and seem to be keeping really moist. So, happy baking!

Thank you to those who sent their good wishes to me this week. It has been really hard since losing Walter my pug, but my husband and I are trying to keep our spirits up.

I think I have also become an overprotective mom to Perry. I have been watching him like a hawk and getting freaky if he doesn't eat his breakfast or dinner. I am worry he is going to get depressed, but, he is also one of those dogs who always seems depressed. So I don't know what to look for.

I have been taking him on longer walks and today took him on a special "mommy, doggy" day. We went to the dog park and then I took him to Petco for some shopping. Walter had a habit of peeing on the displays when we would go, so I could never take them. Perry seemed really excited to sniff around. At the dog park he met up with two other puggles. One was a little girl and Im pretty sure he quite fancied her.

We are just going to be low key on this Halloween night. Hit up some Italian food and maybe do some gambling at the casino near our home. Not really feeling like I need to party.

Anyway, happy Halloween to all of you!

In loving Memory of Walter

Sad News

Thank you to all who sent good thoughts for my puppy who had surgery, but I am sad to report that my puppy Walter passed away yesterday due to complications. It's probably one of the worse things my husband and I have had to go through. Walter was only two, but he touched our lives deeply. His brother Perry has been sad and we are just trying to give him a lot of love and attention. Walter will be missed terribly.

My Crazy Saturday

This morning I ran the Four Seasons Halloween Run for Cancer Research 5k at the Nevada Cancer Research Institute. My Grandfather with whom I was really close died last year of lung cancer and my husband's sister in law is in remission. So this was a fundraiser that I did not want to miss.

I haven't run a 5k race in about 6 months. The last one I ran was a disaster and ever since I had been a little wary about running another one. Today my time (unofficial) was 27:28. Not the greatest, but it was about 75% uphill. I really need to work on my speed work. I have been a bit lazy in that area.

After the Four Seasons had a buffet spread for us. Of course it was all pastries and food a running should not be stuffing their face with at the end of a race. Well, thinking of my husband always, I grabbed a few fruit kabobs for myself and loaded up on all the pastries I could for him. You should have seen the crazy looks I was getting...

So that was my early morning. My mid morning was spent taking my little baby pug Walter for tummy surgery. He has been throwing up for about a week and not eating or going to the bathroom. At first the doc just gave him a shot to stop his throwing up but that didn't work. After more x-rays they determined that there was a blockage in his stomach so they did surgery. Let me tell you, I am either crazy or love my pup A LOT cause that surgery set us waaaaay back!

Now, I am really trying not to gross anyone out, but they kept what was taken from his stomach for us to see...IT WAS CRAZY!!!!!!! totally gross! Like a huge, huge, huge hair ball from a cat. (sorry, i will stop with the gross details)

Well, he is now sleeping and I feel so bad for him. My puggle Perry is cute and is being really gentle with him and trying to give Walter space. Its pretty precious.

Anyway, have a good rest of the weekend I will be taking care of my pup and hopefully will find time to bake.

Maybe a little Mean

So, my new Besties and I at work have made up nick-names for some of our fellow new employees. There are about 40 of us, so there of course are going to be those in the training class that may have some quirks and may be a bit annoying. Now I know this may sound mean, but when you are listening to lectures for 8 hours a day you tend to use nick naming as a mechanism to stay some what sane in an insane environment.

First of all we have who we like to call "Starbucks." He is a middle aged man who likes to make as many comments as possible in class. We call him "Starbucks" because in the morning, at every break, and lunch, this man get Starbucks Iced Coffees (Vente, of Course). He doesn't just get one at a time either, he gets two. We kept a tally, added it up and totalled the cost of his addiction. He spends roughly $125 a week...That my friends is quite ridiculous!

Next we have Ms. Los Angeles. This woman is probably in her 60's and has just moved from LA. I think she said she has been here about 4 weeks. LA had the same job in California and every single speaker that comes in gets a lecture about how she is from Los Angeles and how things were done in their county department. She also says "uh, huh," under her breath with every comment the instructors make. At the end of a long day, I want to pull my hair out!

At the table next to us is whom we like to refer to as "Puerto Rico." For obvious reasons we call him this because he is from Puerto Rico. He also just recently retired from being a New York Police officer. He likes interrogations and making false accusations. He also talks really loud and makes a lot of inappropriate comments. He has formed a liking to me and calls me by my last name as if I was one of his "bros" on his softball team.

My favorite is "Olympic Gardens." This is the name of an "exotic dancing establishment" in Las Vegas. The poor girl really fits the part, and in order to not be too mean, I will leave it at that.

Handle Bar J, is a man from Louisiana. He actually makes me laugh a lot. He likes to impulsively yell out silly comments in his gentile southern drawl. He has a great mustache and wears a kick ass members only leather jacket to class...Oh, and he is a bowlegged cowboy.

Lastly, a boy that is near and dear to our hearts. We just call him by his real name. He is a sweet boy, soft spoken and walks with a limp. He told us his best quality is that he loves people and can get along with everyone. On his breaks he listens to rock music on his i-pod and moves along to the beat. I would like to put him in my pocket. He is great. (So, I am not mean about everyone).

I am an observer by nature. It can really be considered one of my downfalls. I have spent countless hours in my life just watching those around me and trying to figure them out. I should probably be concentrating more in class, but I get distracted easily. Don't judge me, I don't mean to be harsh, but without my observations, I would be way to bored out of my mind.

Computer Issues!

Oh thank god! My Internet has been down for 3 days and i have felt such anxiety over it. I felt so disconnected from the world. Everyday wondering what was going on in the word, especially the blog world. It has been ridiculous.

Today for work I had to drive to a different site for training. I didn't have access to google last night so I tried a map...Wow! I am sooooo dependant on the Internet! I thought I had figured out how to get to this site by looking at the map (so old school, right?). I was certainly wrong. I got so lost and was late. You also know what goes along with starting a day like that, the rest of your day just seems so off.

My morning made me think. How lame am I that I can no longer properly read a map. I need google map to give me the precise directions, right down to the miles in between each turn. I think there was a time in my life when I could read a map, but I actually cant remember. I think being one of the first generations to do everything on the computer may have had some downfalls. One of those downfalls is that I cant spell to save my life...I don't have to, I just use spell check. I certainly never really had to go to the library when I was in college and grad school, all I had to do was connect to the school library online and download all the info I needed. And of course obviously I cant read a simple map.

So, not having the Internet for 3 days really made me think about the way I live my life. Don't get me wrong though, I am certainly glad I have it back, and will go back to my obsessing over reading my favorite blogs and constantly checking my email. Its just the way things are now, and I'm just really going to have to make sure that I have my Internet before I have to go anywhere next time. Ho hum...

A Busy Sunday

Well, I felt very crafty today, so I baked some of my favorite Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Bread and made a cute little tote bag to bring my lunches in to work.

I found these cute Day of the Dead patches on Esty, they were made by Liz Miera. I thought they would look perfect on a tote bag.

I made my pumpkin bread, and this time I baked the batter in muffin tins just to shake things up a bit. They are really good. Many, Many years ago, when I worked for the Gap, a friend of mine, Barbie, use to bring me this bread during the holidays. I loved it so much. Here is the recipe for them.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

3 cups of white sugar

1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree

1 cup of Vegetable Oil

2/3 cup water

4 eggs

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

grease and flour 3 9x5 inch loaf pans (or muffin tins)

Bake for 1 hr.

In large bowl combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water and eggs. Beat until smooth. Blend in flour, Cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.

Bake for 1 hour

I like that this makes a lot. Its nice to be able to freeze some of the loaves and have them for later.

Well, hope everyone had a good weekend and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Personal Goal

I finally did it...this week I ran 40 miles. I have been having issues with hitting the wall for awhile and i finally broke through, so I'm super excited about that!

I have been irritated though. At work we sit at these tables with about 6 people for 8 hours a day, just sitting and listening to various people give lectures (yeah, wicked boring). Anyway, all the girls at my table think its a good idea to bring in like 5 different bags of chips, trail mix, and other crap everyday. Its really frustrating. I just got done reading a book on the importance of good nutrition for runners and here I am eating my face off everyday. I try and bring protein bars and whey powder drinks and fruits to work, but once I see the cheddar popcorn, or the m&m trail mix I just cant help myself. It makes me want to scream! Apparently though, it didn't ruin any of my running this week since I hit my 40 mile goal...Interesting!

I have to go to the "Lady Doctor" today. Not looking forward to it...especially since its the weekend...But, I will spare everyone and not go into details.

So Halloween is coming up. I was excited for about 5 minutes cause Nevada Day falls on the same day and apparently everything closes down for the day here...but, then of course we found out that my husband has to work. Its too bad, this is his favorite holiday. So that's sad for him. I might just humor myself and dress the dogs up, that should keep me entertained.

Anyway, off the run errands and do some doctors stuff...Good Times...Happy Saturday...

P.S. No return from Cat Woman at work, but we did have an interesting speaker who talked about 7 miles a minute and almost gave me an anxiety attack with her fast hand jesters and even more fast moving mouth. Jeeze!

The Cat Woman...

So I was at work today and was given a presentation. This is a professional place of business and the subject we were learning about is really serious and a delicate.

So, who is in charge of teaching us and guiding us in our new important jobs...the CAT WOMAN!

Picture this, ked tennis shoes with cats on them, to match, a pair of black cat socks. she then thought it was a good idea to wear a black button down sweater with cats embroidered on it, the kicker...the cats lined the bottom of the sweater and had tails hanging off like fringe!!!! Can you believe it?

And just when you think she has run out of crazy, she throws in a pair of cat earrings and a HUGE cat hair clip...

Is this woman for real!?!??!

She even incorporated her 7 real household cats into her slide show, and told us that she just rescued a special needs cat...cause apparently that had anything to do with her presentation.

I really want to become this woman's friend, and then have Stacy and Clinton from WHAT NOT TO WEAR give her a makeover.

I feel bad cause if I was blind and just listened to her presentation (when she wasn't babbling about her cats) she would actually sound pretty put together. But wow, talk about inappropriate. I feel a little bad for being so freaked out by here ensemble, but...yeah, super weird.

Anyway, It takes all kinds... I guess.

Chocolate/Pumpkin Brownies

I am really into baking fall goodies right now. I found a recipe on http://www.recipegirl.com/ and tried it out. They are called Chocolate/Pumpkin Brownies and they are FABULOUS! I love going on this website. There are all sorts of fall yummies and I think I have printed out about 6 recipes and am trying to bake one of them a week.

Here is the recipe:

Pumpkin Batter

1 tbs unsalted butter, softened

3 oz cream cheese, softened ( I used fat free cream cheese and couldn't taste the difference)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tbs all-purpose flour

Chocolate Batter

5 1/2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 3/4 unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter 13x9 inch baking dish

2. Prepare pumpkin batter: In a small bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with cream cheese until smooth. Beat in sugar, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, then add pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Stir in flour.

3. Prepare chocolate batter: Combine semisweet chocolate and butter in a medium bowl. Set bowl over saucepan with 1-inch of simmering water and stir occasionally until melted. Remove from hear. In a separate bowl, combine eggs with sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat at low speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Using a large rubber spatula, fold in melted chocolate. Sift flour over the batter and fold it in just until combined.

4. Spread chocolate batter evenly in prepared pan. Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the pumpkin batter all over the top. Using the back of a butter knife, swirl the pumpkin batter slightly into the chocolate.

5. Bake for 30 -4- minutes (start checking on Brownies at 30 minutes to see if they're done)

Hopefully if you try these you will enjoy them. I loved them and so did the hubby. I have more to try today. I'm excited.

Well, she did it, I was a little nervous about Bette Midler last night, and her being able to captivate my husband in any way what so ever, and guess what...Ms. Midler did it...my husband walked out of the Caesar's Palace with a huge smile on his face and some new favorite songs (i.e. The Rose, Wind Beneath My Wing).

It was a great show, she still has a foul mouth and great legs and can sing like no tomorrow. I'm glad we went. Now we are saving up for Elton John. I love living here and being able to see these stars that we would otherwise never have the opportunity to see.

I also have an issue that of course involves my dog. I am getting frustrated because I am always trying to buy him new toys and bones and such, and he has this tendency to only play with his old rubber chicken (I bought him a new one that he wont touch) and an some rags left over from his pink french poodle (we named her Tina). Its really pathetic and kind of gross.

I don't know, it grosses me out, but they are his babies, so what can I say...

Well, I hope all have a good weekend. Chow.

RUnning Troubles

I have been having some issues lately with my running. It seems that every time I get close to 40 miles a week, my body starts to sputter out on me.

I have been training for a 10k that I want to run in November. Its a pretty cool run. Its called the left overs race and they use all t-shirts, medals, and goodies that are left over from previous races. I thought that was kind of a cute idea.

Anyway, I go through this issue all the time...I start hitting 40 miles a week and my legs get really sore, like right now I can barely walk up stairs without wanting to stop and rest. Its pretty embarrassing too since I have been a runner all my life and I can barely walk up stairs.

I was told I need to eat more and take more vitamins, but nothing seems to really be working. Does this happen to anyone else out there, or have you ever heard of this happening? I just don't know what I need to do, and I don't want to cut back and then have to build back up again. Its really frustrating. So, if anyone has any advise, please let me know...

I also just remembered today that I HAVE BETTE MIDLER TICKETS FOR TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!! I'm really excited, my husband got me the tix for my birthday (even though I know he doesn't really want to go). It should be fun though, he did have a blast when we went to Kathy Griffin.

Being able to go to shows, no matter how cheesy and "Las Vegas" they are, is still the great thing about living here in Vegas. I complain about living here a lot, but I do really enjoy it. Where esle can I gorge myself on a different buffet every weekend, and gamble while Im grocery shopping. Its pretty awesome. Well, time to go watch The Office, YEA!

Worst Ever!

I feel like the worse blogger ever! Now that I have a job where I actually am expected to do work, I don't have much time to blog, or to even read my favorite blogs...Boooo! That makes me super sad.

New job is going well, it's pretty awesome. Only issue...I now get up at 5am (I know, I know, I'm sure many of you already do this) and go run, then get ready and sit in a classroom all day (its not that bad). Its tiring.

My Pug does NOT like this routine, so he has been repeatedly going number 2 in the kitchen while I'm gone and my husband is sleeping...AWESOME! I am ready to choke him...but then i look at his little face, and love him all over again.

I am hoping that I'm not too tired for this weekend. First Fridays in the art district is going on and I am really looking forward to it...we will just have to see. Anyway, got to go relax and prepare for another crazy day.

So Releaved

So, today went really well. There are about 40 other people training with me and they all seem to be really great. I think this is actually going to be a job that I enjoy. That has never happened to me before. Thank you to all those who gave me words of encouragement!

Although everyone was really great, I am still keeping my eye on some of them. When working for the government, there are always the crazies that sneak their way in. You know, the ones...the crazy single middle aged woman with 6 cats or the weirdo 40 year old man that hits on you (after you told the whole class you are married during the personal sharing hour). I think a woman actually told me her whole life story today while we stood in line to get our personnel badges. It actually made me really uncomfortable.

The cafeteria food was okay. I had Lentil soup for the first time in my life (not bad) and I was able to hit up a pretty sweet salad bar. So that's always good. I also got to try out the new 24 hour fitness downtown, its pretty nice. So all in all it was a good day.

Im looking forward to tomorrow. I have 6 weeks of child welfare training, its going to be long, but I think it will be worth it.

P.S. with all my new outfits, I think Im totally going to be the cutest...Yea, me!

Ack! So Nervous!

Well, I had Friday off, so I decided to go shopping before my big day tomorrow at my new job. I will be working for the City of Las Vagas in the Family Services Department. I am really nervous.

I went to H&M on Friday, I swear, it was like my frickin Birthday! Everything I tried on looked so awesome, I wanted it all. I decided to limit myself and just bought a few staple items. I will be working for the state, so I have no idea what I am supposed to wear.

H&M is a bit far from my house, its pretty much on the Las Vegas Strip, so my Hubs came and met me for a movie. We saw Eagle Eye. I am not a fan of Shia Labeouf. I use to watch him back in the day on Even Stevens, ya know, that Disney Channel show; it was when he had that fro. He was really annoying, but his brother on the show was hot. Anyway, the movie was actually okay. I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised.

We ate a the Yard House. Its this bar/restaurant that all of my husbands friends go to after work. I pretty much found out this weekend what an old lady I am. My husband and I could barely hold a conversation because it was soooo loud. The food was awesome, but I couldn't even hear my waitress. (Yes, I am an old lady!)

The rest of my weekend was pretty Blah. Yesterday the Hubs and I spent 5 hours watching the Top 100 Hip Hop songs. I swear we were almost in a comma, we couldn't change the channel though, we had to see the number one song, which of course was Public Enemy's Fight the Power. My husband totally called it I bet him it would be Rappers Delight. That was number two.

This was a pretty do nothing weekend. Not only did we watch 5 straight hours of the Hip Hop Countdown, but we saw that Major Payne was on, and had to watch. I totally remembered almost every line. That's pretty embarrassing...but secretly I love that movie.

So, now I'm just sitting around thinking about my first day of work, watching the Birdcage (another one of my favorites) and freaking out a little. I hope everything goes well, I'm so nervous. Ack! anyway, wish me luck!

Since I start my job on Monday, and today is my last job, I have decided that with that extra day, I would like to buy some new work outfits. This is not something I usually do since the Hubs and I don't have money. But, since I will me making more money, I feel that a shopping spree is in order.

I will be working for the state, so I don't need to get too fancy, just business casual. These are my favorite outfits so far...

This is from Ann Taylor Loft. I do look good in brown.

(p.s. why does the girl on the right have the scariest look on her face?)

Really wish I could afford DKNY!!! "Why, god, why can't I!?!??!!"

I can totally see myself in this cute Banana Republic Outfit. Looove It!

Also from Banana, Super cute...

I'm sure I will just end up at H&M, they have a pretty cut work section...one day I will make enough to buy awesome outfits...Ho, Hum! One day....

LAST DAY

Today is my last day at work and I start my new job on Monday!!! Peace out!!!!

I am so excited I can't stand it.

No more moody and unstable boss, No more freezing office, and no more boring work.

I finally get to use my Masters Degree, and I no longer have to pretty much be a secretary (not that there is anything wrong with that job).

I am nervous though, but I can not wait! Wish me Luck!!!

Not so Puppy Love

It's official, my pug has a girlfriend!!!! Her name is Gabby and she is a short, fat, fawn colored pug. She is old, so I think now a days that puts Gabby in the category of a Cougar.





Walter looooooves Gabby and in the mornings Gabby and her mom sit on their porch and read. Walter always knows when we are close and runs as fast as he can (while snorting loudly) and meets her at her porch gate. My dog does a lot of face punching and licking so I know he is really in to her.





In the meantime Perry of course wants nothing to do with this situation, he meanders around, sniffing pushes and eating cat poop. His allegiances are with his mom (me) and he loves me too much to care about another woman.




Sad, isn't it...

I do feel bad though. I am a bit cranky and gross looking in the mornings. Lately, I have been waking up really sore (from my runs) in the mornings and have been feeling extra hatred for all who roam the earth...soooooo, I've kind of been avoiding Gabby and her mom. Walter pulls me towards her apartment in the mornings and I pull him the other way. I feel really bad, but the thought of idle chatter with this (perfectly lovely) woman in the mornings makes me cringe.

Does this make me a bad dog owner. Am I being selfish? I have to confess, this is not the first time I have ruined my dogs love life. In Colorado Walter was in love with a pug name Grace. I of course have no tolerance for other dog owners (They all seem a bit off to me) so I again would begin avoiding all areas where I might run into Grace and her mom. I know, I know, I sound horrible, but I just feel so awkward trying to find something in common with these people. I don't want to become friends just cause our dogs are in love.

I also have this problem with the gym, which is a whole other issue. I don't like making friends at the gym. I'm there to run, do weights and go home, I don't feel the need to chit chat with the other regulars. (wow, I'm beginning to sound like a Seinfeld episode.)

I'm actually beginning to scare myself. After reading through this, I am realizing that I'm an old cranky woman. Kind of like the character Shirley Maclaine (one of my favorite actresses) played in Steel Magnolias, the cranky Ouiser Bourdeaux. If you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you do, its really funny (and sad). Shirley Maclaines charter says a lot of things like "You are a pig from hell," "Eat shit and die," and "take your Bible and shove it where the sun doesn't shine." I enjoy old ladies like this. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I became one. People would certainly leave me alone then.

Well, I am actually feeling a little guilty now, so maybe tomorrow morning I will take Walter to see his Lady. I would hate to be the one who always ruins his relationships.

I have a Complaint

Ok, so I almost karate kicked someone in the head today...

Let me back it up and tell you why....

I HATE living in an apartment. They are a rip off, and they make me depressed. First of all, as the months have gone by I have noticed these stains coming out of my carpet. I don't know what they are or where they are coming from, but they are these mysterious big black stains...It literally makes me want to kill myself. I am a person that has recently (in the last few years) become sort of a clean freak...so these stains are killing me, no matter what I do, they will not go away.

One day I opened my refrigerator, and the bar keeping the condiments safe on the side door shelf just broke and all the condiments fell out (and of course broke) all over the kitchen.

My husband went to get a towel off the towel rack in the bathroom and the whole rack broke from the wall.

The guest bathroom sink leaks from time to time with no warning and water floods the bathroom.

And to top it all off.....The kitchen sink disposal broke and the sink will not drain. We cant even use the dishwasher!!!! I have plates piled up everywhere and I am about to have a heart attack.

And what do the awesome apartment managers say to us..."we had a lot of issues come up this weekend and can't get to yours now, you will have to wait." I want to punch someone in the eye I am so annoyed.

The worse part is, this is a nice apartment building that is costing us an arm and a leg. These things should not be happening. Why is it that these places can pretend to put nice products in their buildings and then the second you move in (after you were dazzled with the stainless steal refrigerator) everything goes to hell in a hand basket. I mean really, its pretty ridiculous.

Fall Blues

I'm sorry, but I am getting a little sick (well, actually jealous) of all you out there that are talking about how great fall is and how you love to see the leaves turn beautiful colors, blah, blah, blah!!!!

For all of you out there (Southern California, Nevada, and my birthplace Arizona) you understand what I'm saying when I say, it's not fair that we don't get to partake in the wonders of seasons....I mean, trust me, I fake it as much as I can...I bake pies, drink apple cider, and adorn as many scarves as I can (paired with t-shirts and tank tops, but I still wear them), but we go from Hot ass weather to (in my opinion) freezing weather without any preparation.

Don't get me wrong, I am certainly not jealous of those who live in the East or Midwest. If I had to live there I would not be able to handle the snow. I lived in Colorado for 6 months and almost lost my mind because of the snow. My dogs wouldn't go to the bathroom cause they were freezing so there were a lot of accidents in the house, Denver didn't think it was necessary to plow the streets (thanks to them I almost died 5 times), and I am a desert rat, so I just didn't have the tolerance for the freezing cold.

Growing up in Arizona, this was our fall...

This is what it looks like all year round, beautiful, but can get a bit boring...

I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm getting sick of summer fashion and all the stores are out with fall, but I sadly can't wear any of it yet. Ho hum!

New Book, New Attitude

So, this weekend was pretty uneventful. I did a little shopping and a little baking. My husband and I went to an Excellent movie Saturday night. It was Miracle at St. Anna...Here is the description from Fandango...

The story of four black American soldiers who are members of the US Army as part of the all-black 92nd “Buffalo Soldier” Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy.

Anyway, this was such a good movie...I definitely recommend it...I don't watch movies that have potential of making me cry, well, this one snuck by me and I cried like a friggin baby!

Anyway, I found a new book at B&N this weekend and it's a pretty good one. For all you runners out there, you know how it's hard sometimes to balance good nutrition and good workouts. Well, I am reading Fast Track: Training and Nutrition Secrets from America's Top Female Runner, by Suzy Favor Hamilton and Jose Antonio, PH.D.

This book explains all the mistakes Suzy (who is a middle distance runner) has made in her career with her training and nutrition and everything she did to correct her eating and running habits and make her a better, stronger runner. This book hit on everything I am doing wrong right now. She explains that not eating enough and not eating the right foods can really making it harder to train and run on a day to day basis.

I am halfway through the book right now, and I love it. It has really opened my eyes to why I have hit my running wall. I really recommend it.

Sweeet!

I got a new J-O-B!!!

I am so excited and these are the reasons why:

1) I have my masters degree and have never been able to use it. I thought I had wasted to many years and money on this degree...but turns out my masters degree wont be a waste...!!!!

2) I have applied for this job 3 times in 3 different states...Patience is a virtue I guess.

3) I work for a boss who is mentally unstable. She may be borderline psychotic and its a good thing I'm leaving because I may have killed myself if I had to stay here any longer!

Seriously, I almost pooped my pants trying to figure out how to tell this woman I was leaving without her killing me. I could only give her a weeks notice due to the new job not giving me much time. I finally told her and braced myself for the freak out, but instead she was really happy for me and gave me a hug...I swear, mentally unstable people ALWAYS do the opposite of what you expect.

After telling her though, I realized she was a little too happy and that pissed me off. I would have rather she ranted and raved and groveled at my feet in order to convince me to stay...hmmm, interesting...I think I need to keep an eye on her for the next week...

Oh, well, I got the job I wanted. Now I have to go take a pee test...Fun, Fun!

P.S. The Office started again last night...That makes me happy!

Birthday Shinanigans

So yesterday was my birthday. Every year I get extremely depressed and cranky on the B-day and I have no idea why. It's like this once a year sickness I have and it lasts one day and involves me getting really old. I hate it.

My poor husband tries so hard every year to get me out of the funk, and I fight him the whole way.

Last night however, I broke, and finally had a good birthday, one that I allowed myself to just sit back and enjoy, I don't know what came over me, but I have to say, it felt good to not pout on my birthday.

When I got home from work my husband gave me my presents, I got a charm bracelet from Tiffany's and my first charm, its a cupcake because I love to bake.



He also got me Bette Midler Tickets!!!!! I know this makes me seem extremely old and a bit off, but she plays at Caesar's Palace, and really she is a legend, and we might as well go see her...Besides the fact that I think she is FABULOUS!!! I mean come on, Beaches alone was one of the best movies ever, and I hate sappy, sad movies...




The Hubby then took me to The Paris Casino to a French Restaurant called Mon Ami Gabi. Its really frickin good, and all fancy and stuff...I had an awesome steak and frites and we had the Banana Fosters for dessert. We had a table that looked out over the strip at Ballagio and every 15 minutes we got to see their water show. It was quite romantical, even though I am the most un-romanitical person ever.




All in All it was a great night, and I would like to say Kudos to the Hubby for making it special (and it smart of him to get me nice a liquored up). But I also want all to know that I did not turn 28 last night, I am now counting backwards, so I am 26. Thank you very much!