Back To Blond

Oh well, yes, I did try the dark hair for about 4-5 mos but I grew tired of it. It kept washing out and looking dingy so I went back to my old hairdresser in Ripon and she put me all back to normal. I love Gina cuz she just always knows what to do and what I like. So now I just have to drive an hour and a half to get my hair done every few months. That's perfectly fine though since my Mom, Dad, kids and grand kids all live in the area so I can visit too!

I really want to age with grace but it is so hard to see that I am not as young as I think I am. I am considering some botox or something and seriously considering a tummy tuck with a little breast lift to go with it. Ugh, what to do, what to do...

San Francisco Christmas

One of my favorite things to do is go to the City. In the summer I love going to Golden Gate Park, strolling along the bridge and whatever else catches our fancy. Union Square at Christmas time is a sight to see and I was fortunate enough to spend a few days with my very best friend this past week. Normally not much of a shopper, I went through Nordstroms, Macy's, and Victoria Secret looking and wishing that I was thinner. All the stores were decorated so beautifully giving me the much needed Christmas cheer. After all the shopping we went to the square and watched the ice skaters while we sipped on hot tea and waited for darkness to fall so we could really appreciate all the beautiful lights. We took a few pictures. Hope you enjoy them.

It's Been Awhile

I haven't blogged in quite some time. We've been busy - we took a impromptu trip to Las Vegas for our Anniversary a few weeks ago. We had a great time and as always I wasn't ready to go home. I've taken a few tests for the County along with one panel interview. I made it through on one and I am on that list and am still waiting on the results for the other job. And for the big news - if all goes according to plan we will be in our brand new home in January!
I won't even go into all the details of how but we ended up with the deal of the year on this beautiful (well, to me) new home. We are in a community of town homes and single family homes (ours is a single family home). I am going to upload some vids I took today that show the house pretty well - although I am too lazy to edit them together and I started out recording on the 2nd floor instead of the 1st floor. There are 3 floors in the home. Hopefully it will make sense! We're pretty psyched about the whole thing.

Next week we'll be going over to my Mom's to take her and Dad out to dinner along with Christina and maybe Michael too. I hope everyone has a blessed and lovely Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJimgzX6YRw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkqqByvIdVg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvqyvzDb6I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXSQMNANxYg

VICTORY!! YES WE CAN!!

I couldn't be happier. Finally we have a chance at peace and unity.

Help! Does this shoe go with this dress?

I already bought this dress and it's on the way. Now I have to still decide on a shoe. I love these but I am not sure. Give me some ideas if you don't think it will go with the dress. This is for Dave's company Christmas party (which I HAVE to attend, yuck).

History in The Making or My Date with Barack Obama

When Dave read that Obama would be in Reno on Saturday, I did not have to think twice about going to the rally. Hooray!! With much excitement we made our way to Nevada on Friday afternoon. There were no rooms available for us in Reno on Friday night so we made our first stop at Harvey's in Lake Tahoe. For those that know me well, you know I love my slot play, but since we've been diligent in our budgeting to purchase our first home I don't get much of a chance to play. So I was thrilled when Dave pulled out a big win within our first hour there.

Saturday morning we were up EARLY to pack it up and hit the road for the hour drive to Reno. The gates were scheduled to open at 7:30 a.m. with Obama appearing at 10 a.m. We had no idea that we were going to join a few thousand supporters already there by 7ish. We stood in the line and got the coveted 'colored sticker' to show that we had signed in and could indeed enter the stadium. Very exciting. We had nice, easy conversations with people in the line. Before we knew it there was a long line behind us. Everything was very organized and very well ran, although this gal really wanted some hot coffee - it was 39 degrees! We stood waiting for the hour and a half that we had left before the next president was to appear. It was a festive environment with music. The only time I have ever fought crowds to be a part of something was for my kids - once for a New Kids On The Block Concert and then for a Harry Potter cast event in Hollywood and I hated the experience but of course you do those things for your kid. This was so different - I felt like I would never have the opportunity to be a part of history and I was not disappointed. Barack Obama delivered. He was warm, relaxed, confident and definitely in charge. He spoke of all the things that I admire him for. I would stand for many more hours to have that opportunity. Dave and I were both emotional to be so near this man that represents all the things a leader embodies. There were no cheap shots made - I was proud to be an Obama supporter and proud to be an American. The only thing that would have made it better is if I had been able to shake his hand. Dave took lots of pictures and some video. I hope you enjoy them but I know it is just not the same if you're not there.

We have one week to go to elect our next President. Please vote and vote early if you can. We CAN make a difference.

A little obsessed...maybe?

A typical weekday evening lately in the Weeks household goes something like this: Dave coming home from work, kisses wife, glances at the mail (damn, still no absentee ballot!), makes way to the couch, fires up his laptop (wife's is already fired up), then puts on news channel - this could be one of 4 or 5 channels but they are all news and specifically political. "Blue, blue, blue, oh look, another state just went to blue! Between following every poll known to the internet and watching all the news channels just to make sure we see the latest McCain or Palin-ism and of course to hear our view validated followed by some sprinkling of what Fox news has to say and then proclaiming Bill O to be one of the biggest idiots on TV. Oh, and let's not forget Jon Stewart's show so we can laugh our asses off, then before I know it, it is bedtime. The cycle begins again the following day at 5:30 pm until the weekend when it is sporadically done throughout the day.
We eat, sleep and breathe the election. I have had two dreams of Obama in recent days -one where I was running against him and then dropped out because I wanted him to win and ecstatic when he chose me to be his running mate! Dave also has had a dream or two about the election.

I think it's fantastic that so many people are so involved in the election but it does bother me that there are many people voting for one candidate based on fear. Fear should not have a place in determining how we shall live our lives - yes, to the extent of common sense such as not crossing a crowded freeway but not of irrational fear such as the fear instilled in us when we went into Iraq. That situation was portrayed to us as a defensive action - that we were going there to get Al Qaeda and stop the weapons of mass destruction that Saddam supposedly harbored and planned to use on the U.S. Now fears are raised because of the rhetoric that Obama is some kind of terrorist and 'not one of us'. For crap's sake people - use your brain!
Honestly I believe everyone has the right to vote for who they believe in but vote for the candidate that most closely follows your personal values and priorities please, not out of fear.
I am voting for Obama because I want less $ put into wars and intruding where we are not welcome and scattering our political agendas; I want health care so that everyone can afford to get the necessary health care for their families; I want alternative energy so that it is more efficient, cleaner and a commodity that we as a nation can export; I want affordable housing, top notch education, and a cleaner environment. If we took the money that is poured into Iraq and instead invest it in fuel alternatives, a new healthcare system it would keep the money here and create jobs and finally enough already of giving the rich tax breaks. The middle class needs an effing break already. 5% percent of the people control 95% of the wealth in this country. You tell me - does that seem fair?

So as you can see we are obsessed with this election. I joke with Dave that I'm not sure what we're going to talk about once the election is over. Hopefully Beauty and The Geek will be back on TV. Don't forget to VOTE!

Busy weekend = tired Linda

I was up and running at 6:30 yesterday morning to go to my women's meeting and following that I went out to breakfast with a group of gals from AA. It was 'take your sponsor to brunch' day. Funny thing is, my sponsor paid for my breakfast! Hey, I like that. So I finally got home a little after 12:30 and had a massage appt at 1:45. Unfortunately I have been suffering quite a bit from my Rheumatoid arthritis - lots more involvement of my joints all over. It is very painful and has limited me from doing certain things without pain. I am seeing my Dr first thing in the morning but in the meantime Dave and I joined up over at the Easter Seals pool so that we could both use the indoor 92 degree pool plus they have therapeutic massages for only $36 per 1/2 hour or $56 per hour! The massage was nice. Then we went up to Redwood City and looked around the neighborhoods for homes. There are some really cute areas.

Soon after I applied for a job at Alameda County the job was pulled off the website. I am guessing it has something to do with California's new budget that was finally passed. There were some cuts to Public Services of course. So I was super surprised and happy when I opened my email on Friday morning and there was another job posting for San Mateo County for a Court clerk. It's a great job and I have enough background to do it so I'm going to go for it - even though my hands are killing me. There is an informational meeting for it tomorrow evening in Redwood City so today we went back up there so that I could see exactly where I am going tomorrow at 6pm (think traffic). It's pretty cool how the County buildings are set up and we saw the infamous courthouse where Scott Petersen was tried and convicted. Then we scooted back here to go shop for our kitties - $185 later we were happily heading to the movie theater to see Bill Maher's 'Religulous'. We've been looking forward to seeing it. It was good. Very informative and funny of course. Finally got home late this afternoon - set up the toys for the kitties and made dinner. I'm ready to go to bed! I must be getting old, huh?

We bought a kitty tower and scratcher for the 'kids' so that they don't continue scratching and climbing on other things as above picture illustrates. They also got a cool new kitty drinking fountain - which they already love. Eeegads - I've turned into 'one of those people.'

The Maltese Falcon swoops in to SF Bay (Spectacular Pics)

The Maltese Falcon, one of the worlds largest privately owned yachts sailed into the SF bay this Saturday and we were there to see the show. Dave and I saw a news report about this ship coming in under the Golden Gate today and the masts are so high that it had to be timed for low tide. So we decided on a whim to check it out. (Yes, it IS nice to be free of kiddos to be able to pick up and go whenever and wherever we wish). So off we went at about 11ish today - beautiful, warm, clear day and we said how we were always so lucky when it came to visiting the city. As we're nearing the city we spot a huge fog bank and yes, it was right up against the GG bridge. Luckily the sun began shining halfway across the bridge and once on the other side we were greeted with lovely warm, clear weather and a 'boatload' of sail boats all over the bay. It was a spectacular sight. Dave took all the pics today for your viewing pleasure. Just click on the pictures to see a full view.
From Vista Point


The fog rolling in.




The Maltese Falcon (there were hundreds of boats)




Finally here is the video of the ship coming in under the Golden Gate.

Politics, Insanity, Happiness and Namaste to You!

I realized that it had been awhile since I've posted anything. Life does have a way of just moving along whether we give it our permission or not. I can't believe it is a mere weeks away until the election and of course I am not even entertaining the possibility that McSame & Palin(aka pales in comparison) will be in the White House come January 2009. One thing for sure though - January 20, 2009 - an end of an ERROR.
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Insanity is running rampant in my home and I am honestly grateful for the opportunity to see how far I have come by seeing it in front of me. I am continuing to concentrate on changing me and being the best person that I can be today. Tomorrow evening I am starting a 9 week weekly class at the Spiritual Center titled 'Eight Steps for Spiritual Realization and Personal Empowerment' from the class description - The teachings offered in this course are drawn from the time tested ancient Vedic philosophy of Self- and God-realization. The practices are appropriate for people of all religious backgrounds who want to explore spiritual truth and discover for themselves a way of spiritually conscious living.
I am really looking forward to the series. The next step is to start Yoga classes at the Center next Monday. I recently came across this video

and it matches my newfound beliefs so closely and those of the Center that I want to share it with you. The words go kind of fast so you may want to watch it a few times. It is beautiful.

On another note -recently I received a notice from Alameda County for an available job opening that at some point I had put in an interest card. It is the same position that I had gotten down South and had to quit due to our move. Eligibility Specialist aka 'Welfare Lady'. I was so excited because Dave and I had recently decided on purchasing our home in Fremont or Newark in Alameda County. Currently we live in Santa Clara County. So of course I applied ASAP. I have done this drill before having had and quit two County jobs before I know that it is a long process but that's quite alright as I have time. In the meantime I will continue with indwelling in my Spiritual journey and working on my 50 yr old body so I'll be fit and ready to go to work. Yay! I need to work - I need to use my brain and mix with adults. If not that job then another one.

I have a trip planned next month for So Cal. I'm going to stay with a friend and play bunco with the old gang. I'm super excited about that. My 3 year wedding anniversary is in November and as of now we don't have concrete plans - only that Dave is taking a few days off. We'll go somewhere just not sure where. I've never been Hot Air Ballooning so I'm thinking maybe beautiful Napa Valley. I'll keep you posted.
I guess I've caught up now. Hope everyone has a wonderful Fall. Namaste my friends.

Saturday at the Beach

It was the Kite Festival at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - I've never seen anything like this before. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I took these with my cell phone. We went over to Santa Cruz to take the train from the beach to the redwoods and back . It was a fun day.

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What I made for my sponsor's birthday

I found this prayer online and loved it so I printed out one for me and one for my friend, Vicky. Then I went to Michael's and found a frame, special paper and some sunflowers. She loves Italy and I think Tuscany so I'm hoping she'll like the decor and the prayer. I have used this idea before for special occasions like a wedding with a special poem for the couple and their wedding date. It's a great personalized gift that is inexpensive.

My brand new car has a boo-boo

There I was driving in a parking lot looking for a spot and then I felt a small bump - I wasn't even sure what it was - I thought I ran over something and then I looked in my rear view mirror and saw someone backing out. I stopped and got out and sure enough the BMW hit my right rear fender! I looked over at the driver and said 'dude, you hit my car' - turns out it was an older lady. Poor thing - she was so sorry and visibly upset. I ended up consoling her. 'It was an accident' I say, 'don't worry it will be fine, that's what insurance is for.' I was only a little upset because I was going to be late for my marriage counseling appt but that didn't matter anyway since Dave was running late. So we exchanged our info and then she asked me if I would be willing to not turn it in to my insurance if she pays for the damage! 'Well, I don't know, I'll have to speak to my husband' but I have to admit that took me aback a little bit. Maybe she has a record of doing this? I called my agent today and will get my car taken care of. The insurance companies can work it out. Funny thing - she never called me today like she said she would. Hmmmmm.

So now when they put on the new fender/bumper (because it's all one piece) I'll have them put on my new license plates too! Isn't that sad?

Wordle - cool

Check it out.

And this one..

Happy Birthday Baby

Yesterday was my baby girl's 19th birthday. She worked until 4pm so we drove over to Stockton to meet up with Christina (birthday girl) her b/f Joe, Stephanie & her family and my parents for a birthday dinner at Outback. I brought a cake over and we surprised her with a GPS for her car. It was fun - not enough time to visit with everyone but hopefully we'll get together again soon. Michael, my son, couldn't make it because he was working. Both Christina and Michael now are living with their Dad and both have two jobs. I managed to get in a few pictures of the festivities.



Cutting the cake - Joe, moi, Christina and Leah.
Mother and birthday girl cutting the cake.

Granddaughter Leah and her Daddy, Jimmy.

Joe and Christina

Leah helping Aunt Tina open her cards and presents.

GPS for my lost girl - and half of Jared's head.

Son in law, Jimmy and daughter Stephanie.

Stephanie, my Dad and Mom

My afternoon at the beach (Capitola)

So after a short 30 min drive I brought my chair, blanket, snacks, drinks and my book and this was my view.


Wouldn't it be nice to live in this house???
My company for the afternoon - they kept a respectful distance however.


Ahh, this is the life....



It was really great to enjoy the sun and the water. The only thing that would have been better if it wasn't quite so windy. I ended up leaving my zip up sweat shirt over my swim-suit. But it was OK - um, better than OK. I might go back tomorrow ;)