let's eat!!

A year or two ago, we were at church one Sunday, and they were talking up the dinner groups. You sign up with a group of people and rotate having dinner at each other's houses. The pastor talked about how the best/easiest way to welcome people into your life and form friendships is to welcome them into your home. It really stuck with me. Wow. And I started thinking about it. And, it made sense to me. But here's the thing, I'm not a neatnick. I don't keep my home as neat as I should. My Chris is a neatnick, but I have a feeling he gets overwhelmed and just doesn't even try. And so, I'm embarrassed and don't want to invite people over.

When we lived in the condo, we simply didn't have people over. Easy as that. We had too much stuff and not enough room to put in it's place. Now, we have enough room, but we'd rather sit on the couch. Last night, I had some friends from work over. Mom always said you should have people over at least once a quarter so you make sure to clean up your house. I have to say, the house looks awesome!! And, we had a fabulous time last night! It reminds me of how I want to live. Now, I just have to remember that every night at 11:00 when I'm heading to bed and should really pick up after myself!

I am the voice inside his head

Chris and I were walking the dogs around the block recently, and I asked if he grabbed baggies to pick up after them 'cuz I forgot. He forgot too. He walks the dogs almost every morning (they can no longer be trusted in the backyard. that's a whole different story) so I figured grabbing the baggies was part of the ritual. I was duly informed that we were lucky he in fact got out the door with the dogs. That early in the morning, pre-coffee, he very well could take off and leave the puppies at home. And that's when he said it, "And every time, I think Jamie would say, 'Chris! That's so rude!' but at least they're not pooping in the house." And so, I've become the voice inside my husband's head. But I'm not just terribly sure that's it's making any difference!

Doing the happy dance

I can hardly contain myself!! On the way home from work the other day, I noticed that they're putting in a Chipotle restaurant less than a mile from my house. I can't wait! I've been saying for years that we needed one here. And now it's coming! Yay!! They can't get it done fast enough for me! And by the looks of it, they've just only started. Oh well!

Norv Turner? Seriously.

As previously mentioned, I bleed pigskin. After the SuperBowl, I pine for September. Sure, the pre-season gets me my fix, but it's just not the same. So last night, the Chargers vs. Rams game is on. No question, we're watching it (with a brief interlude for me to buy a new Mac). Now I'm a serious Bolts fan. From back in the early 80s when we lived in San Diego. Always have been, always will be. But I am currently questioning the sanity of the front office. They fired Marty Schottenheimer with a 10-2 record last year and brought in Norv Turner. Okay, first of all, his name is Norv. Hello? So, you go from Marty Ball (which worked, by the way) to a guy with a marginal record. The Chargers lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs last year after a first round bye week. So, apparantly a fabulous season and getting the team into the playoffs isn't enough. They want to WIN the SuperBowl. And they chose Norv as they guy to do it. Hmmmm....questionable. Thank goodness the team has skads of talent!

I bought a Mac!!

So, since I didn't spend that much money in NYC I decided to reward myself. With a computer. yep, that's right, Chris and I went back up to the store tonight after I got off work and we had dinner, and I bought a Mac. Holy Cow! I had to order it in back and it will be shipped to me. When I came back out, Chris asked if I was excited. I told him I needed a stiff drink and was going to throw up. That's a lot of money, especially since he just got a new quad-core Dell with a 22-inch monitor. But then again, I have been waiting since last December! yay!!! I got the white Macbook with the 2.16 processor and 2 gig of ram. I even paid the extra $$ to have it shipped faster 'cuz I'm like Alvin at Christmas and can't hardly stand the wait!!! (and yes, that innapropriate over-use of exclamations points was necessary)

What's that Willie Nelson song?

On the road again? Well, I'm off the road again! Or something like that. NYC was great. Seriously whirlwind, but great. We spent quite a bit of time at the Millionaire studio. All day Tuesday, and half the day Wednesday. We really wanted to be done Tues. so we could play Wed., but it just wasn't in the cards. Actually, I think it was better for CJ, my cousin. (well, actually my mom's cousin's son, but whatever, that's cousin to me) Because he was able to watch everyone the first day and cogitate everything over night, he was much more relaxed. I would have been exactly the opposite. The longer they made me wait, the more nervous I would have been. I was incredibly proud of CJ. He came across so calm, cool, collected, and most impressively, articulate. The people who are supposed to come across well, the doctors and lawyers, and what not seem to crumble, but not my CJ. He totally rose to the occasion. And, i thought he played the game perfectly. His episode will air the third week (ish) of December. Oh, but he goes by Cole.

And I can't say enough good about Meredith Viera. Mom's always liked her, so I've know who she was and followed her and have to say respected her for keeping her politics out of her reporting. Now, I'm totally in love with her! She was incredibly kind to everyone. Just lovely, and seemed 100% genuine. As my awesome Apple co-worker would say, she's Flaw-Less!

I was able to do just a smidge of shopping in Soho (Crumpler and Kate's) and visited the 5th Ave. Apple store. Wow! Also, we did a bit of site seeing. Took him to Soho with me, then on to the Empire State Building (where we ran into a guy working there who just moved to NYC from Tulsa. I didn't believe him at first, but when he started telling me about where all the Wal-Mart neighboorhood markets were, I did!) and Times Sq. We did quite a bit of walking so CJ could see more of the city. Were it up to me, it would have been subways all the way, but that way he got to see a little more than just the tunnels and the studio. Lest we forget, I also introduced CJ to Chipotle. I eat there whenever I can, so that's where we had dinner Tues. nite. YUM, YUM, YUM!!!

We barely made it home that night. And by barely, I mean by the skin of our collective chinny chin chin. We got to the airport really early. And by really, I mean several hours. It was either that, or hang around Manhattan for an hour and then hope that the traffic wasn't too bad. We chose the former (and on the way, CJ got his first glimpse of Harlem. I think his eyes were a big as saucers when i told him we were there. I didn't tell him that it's going through a renaissance/gentrification.) and thus had tons of time at the airport.

Anyway, we're sitting there forever. I drop a wad in the gift shops. Hats, tees, mags, books. Couldn't resist. We eat awesome Au Bon Pain sandwiches, make phone calls, and hang. CJ decides to check the boards just to check on our flight. He comes back, "Um Jamie, our 5:45 flight is delayed untl 7:25." Now, mind you, we had a 7-something flight out of Chicago. Even with the time change, there was no way we'd make it. Off I went to the ticket counter to get us rerouted. Somehow, I managed to get us two of the last seats on the plane to Dallas, and they were together no less!!! The counter agent was a goddess! That plane was delayed a while too, but we had plenty of time in Dallas. Which was great, seeing as we had to run through DFW to make our connecting flight on the way out. All's I'm sayin' is we didn't need a repeat! On the plane was a guy I'd done a personal shopping session with at the Apple Store. I even remembered his name. Too crazy, huh?

We finally make it home well after 11, and wouldn't ya know, no bags. I didn't really expect it. But, the bag lady (heh!) wouldn't do a claim ticket for us because it was possible that our bags made it through on the original flight (the second leg out of Chicago was delayed by 2 hours) and we could come back out (or wait) at 12 after midnight to see. Um yeah, not so much. I was in dire need of beauty sleep, plus I had an Outlook class at 8:30 the next morning. So, she gave me a 1-800 number to call. Needless to say, when I called the next day, it was a bit of a mess. but, the lovely lady on the other end of the phone was able to tell me that both of our bags where there. When I got there, the new bag lady said that they had only just gotten there a bit before! Good thing I didn't wait. Luckily, we live in the land of the Okies where noone really checks things like baggage claim tix, and I took both bags and was on my merry way into the 103 degree heat. Did I mention that? No? And we took almost the entire top off the Jeep. Oh my! It's hot.

giving it another go

the air travel, that is. One of my friends sent me an email today that said, "don't miss your flight!" Egads! I would have to sit right down on the floor and cry. I asked if she was trying to jinx me. She laughed at me.

I'm off to NYC this afternoon. Yay! Look up whirlwind trip in the dictionary, and this would be it. I'll be home at 11 Wed. nite!! Holy cow. Better not miss that flight either, as I have a class Thurs. morning.

So now we're here at the airport. Hopefully we9e suffered our only snafus of the day. CJ (that's my cousin who now goes by Cole, but he'll always be CJ to me) ot a little off track on hs way to our house, but that was no biggie. I got him turned back around. Once at the airport, we both got tripped up at security. Oops. I didn't realize my water bottle I always bring with me still had water in it. I was totally apologetic, and the guy was super nice! He just dumped the water out and gave me back the bottle. Yay! Then CJ forot to take off his belt and got the requisite ensuing pat- down. Now we're just waiting for our delayed flight. We connect through Dallas. Thank goodness we had an hour & a half layover to begin with.

I have way to much money to put up with this

Those words were said to lowly, peon me today. Let's just say I was taken aback. Literally. Apparently, the guy, who was part of this event, wanted to be sure I knew how important he was after talking to me for a bit. Guess I didn't bow down at his greatness enought. Or maybe I just didn't get IT. How would I know him? Duh. I bleed pigskin. Hello! Yes, his name is indeed on that list - above the cut line even - but, I thought maybe it would be beneath me to actually say who it was....and no, you've never heard of him. Or at least I hadn't. Before the fatal phrases were uttered (yes, there was actually more to it than that), I was super sympathetic. In that moment, though, I was done. D.O.N.E! Not rude, mind you, but done. His problem was solved, but not by me. My question is, who do these people think they are? In our own lives, we are all busy and need to get things done ASAP at times. So some money and a career put him ahead of everyone else? Hmmmmm.....Funny thing is, I was trying to really do that....till he busted out with that phrase. And then, as I may have mentioned, I was done. What are people thinking? And again, who do they think they are. I'm just sayin's all.

why yes, Mr. Williams...I am 100% ready

for some footbal!!!! Chris and I have been waiting for football season since the superbowl ended. We pine for it. Those lazy Sundays at home (honestly, there aren't that many) would be that much better with some football in the background. Monday nights feel empty. Thursday nights could use a little boost. Seriously. And while we're on the topic of Thursday night football, didn't there used to always be a Thursday night game? Now, they wait until after Thanksgiving or some fool thing to have Thursday night games. Makes no darn sense to me.

The NFL Channel says they're airing 52 games in 29 days during preseason. I almost fell off my chair with giddiness when I heard that. Yes, I know that preseason games are different than regular season games, but no matter. It's football. Makes me happy.

This week, Chris and I have been discussing the possiblity of going to an NFL game this season (preferably the Chargers - at home, of course). It's been a dream of mine for a loooooooong time. I know he would get a kick out of it to. Hopefully it'll work out. I might just pee my pants in excitement when I walk in the stadium.

it's a love-hate relationship

as of right now, that would be me and Southwest. I just booked a flight with them. I couldn't find my rewards card, so I called in, and the guy seriously annoyed the c.r.a.p. out of me. I try to be patient with folks on the phone. I know they have to deal with all kinds of stuff, but this guy started off on me from the get-go and it quickly spiraled downhill. Let's just say that it ended with me saying to him four times, "It's a yes or no question. Just tell me is that possible, yes or no." He was slightly less than helpful. I think Herb may have rolled over in his grave (oops...just noticed on Wikipedia that he's alive and kicking. I thought he died last year! So, maybe he would have croaked!...and yes, I was a little less gracious than normal. But still....I'm just sayin's all). Oh, and thanks to Bob for the Southwest Gift Card. That was the BEST EVAH!

Just as I start griping to Chris, I go to actually pay for my flight (my third one I've purchased in the last 2 weeks...all on different carriers, of course) and notice that you can pay with PayPal. I love that. Love, love, love companies that offer PayPal as an option. There are a couple of scrapping sites I won't use b/c they don't accept PayPal. We don't use credit cards, and it makes me feel a lot safer.

Speaking of the credit card usage, tonight we attended the orientation for Dave Ramsey's program, Financial Peace University. (wow! his website is REALLY busy. He obviously hasn't been through my web design theory class) It's something I've wanted to do for a while, but haven't wanted to actually be adult enough to do it. It's about spending wisely and saving and budgeting, and honestly it's just been easier to not tackle everything I know we should. So, here we go on a 14 week journey (with a couple of bye weeks thrown in) toward financial freedom. Before we start, though, I'm buying an iPhone, an Apple bluetooth earpiece, a laptop, and I really want one of these Coach bags. And, if we're honest about it, I really want this one too (in another color, that one's fairly hideous)....but I'm gonna be good. We won't even mention my impending trip to NYC (next week) or Chris' purchase of a new computer today. Yikes! I think we need Dave worse than we thought!

And lest anyone wonder about the title of my last post, yes, I did end up with a whole pile of sand in my pants..and so did my mom! We went boogie boarding my last day in SD and had the absolute best time. Boogie boarding does have some inherent flaws such as the aforementioned sand in the pants and great big mouthfuls of super salty Pacific Ocean water. I can't imagine what the water in the Dead Sea or Salt Lake is like. Yikes! No matter, we had the most fun! And, we got fab pictures of each other. I'm still working on those. I'll share soon.

Did I mention that we went to not one, but two Padres games? It was outstandingly fabulous (or as my 100% awesome Apple co-worker would say, "it was Flawless." I mean just perfect. The first night, we sat up high behind home plate. Perfect view of everything. The second night, we sat on the third base line just a few rows off the field. So stinking close to the action! We took cabs to the park and rode the city bus fun. Seriously felt like locals. I REALLY want to be a local again. REALLY. If we were, we would 100% have season tickets to both the Padres and the Chargers. Seriously.

sunshine, cracker jacks & just a little sand in my pants

So I've returned from the Golden State. I totally missed Chris, but I 100 per cent (no symbol on my phone's keypad...just another reason I need an iPhone) didn't want to come home. I never feel like I have enough time there. I'm not really sure I ever could...short of living there. It feels like home. I feel like I belong there. Like my mindset fits there - and yes, my politics do fit in parts of San Diego...but it's so much more than that. It's a whole attitude. And honestly, I feel like I lose - or forget - that part of myself here in the land of Okies. Something to work on, I suppose. But it's sooooo much easier to be an outdoorsy type there. Whenever I'm there, I feel like the real me. The person I'm supposed to be. Again...somehting to explore more. But it's so easy to fall into those old habits.

Wow! Deep...especially for me.