Which end is which?!

I did some ironing yet again last night. I told the Big Guy, I think I'm addicted to ironing. Mind you, it's not my favorite chore to do. I just like doing it for now. For the past couple of nights, I've been ironing a couple of pants and shirts, etc.. and then I call it a night. I guess it's my winding down method. Call me weird. Anyway, last night the Big Guy noticed something weird about my ironing. He said I was ironing on the wrong end of the board. I had it with the long pointy part on my right. He said that when ironing, I should be putting the waist part of my pants on the pointy end and not the wide end of the board. So I tried to turn the board around like he said, but it wasn't comfortable. He started laughing and he said I'm weird. But really, is there a particular direction where the wide end and the pointy end should be? I'm so confused.

It's been too darn hot lately! Saturday was the pits! It was so hot my skin started hurting again. This isn't something OA people - my skin REALLY starts to hurt when it's hot. The Big Guy started laughing because by 3pm, my arms were red and HOT!!!

We went car shopping on Saturday but it wasn't too productive since it was too hot to be outdoors. I think it was the wrong weekend to head up to the inlaws - where it was about 15 degrees hotter than where we live. It would've been a great city day, that's for sure. Sorry Mickee - the weekend was a big blur I didn't even have time to call. I'm such a putz. Sorry. I only wanted to test drive one car: the Volvo! And I did and boy do I love that car!!! The Big Guy at first thought I was smoking crack because we walked around the lot and couldn't find the V50 - turns out it is SO brand new it hasn't rolled out to the market just yet. There was one in the lot that we were able to test drive and it was great. We're not quite at the XC90 level just yet (just like the FIL and Ana O) but my mission was just to find a "Mama Car" that wasn't quite screaming "I'm an MILF!" Ha! The thing is - we need a car soon and the V50 would've been good if it is available now. But if we customize it, the car we want won't be ready until December. Yikes! We could pre-order now, but it would take a while. Can we wait that long? After looking at the Volvo, everything else was so secondary. Looked at the Pilot - nah! Looked at the Element - DEFINITELY not! The Big Guy wants to go check the Nissan Murano. Maybe this weekend won't be too hot that we can resume our car search!

Absolute Highs:
- Scrabble bonding with SIL, MIL and the Big Guy. That was fun although the Big Guy is shady to play with! "I think I'll pull a Nelson...
- Beef Rendang from Es' nanny. Thanks Ai-yi. Indo food dinner last night with the rendang and our fave, Mi Goreng. Mom and Dad over for dinner.
- Family dinner last Friday.
- Jake learning to say "there you are!" when playing hide and seek and he finds you.
- Target shopping (even without discount - you suck Bullseye!)
- Jamba Juice and Starbucks treat from the Big Guy.
- Cha-ams dinner with the IL's. Lovin' the ice cream!
- Dad's "calendar project"
- Helping the Big Guy sort out MIL's pictures for her 60th birthday dvd.
- Crisp white shirts (can't live without them!!!)
- 3day weekend coming up!
- R giving birth to baby Marcelo Orlando Enriquez Alfonso. Mommy and Little One are doing great.

DO YOU THINK SO?!?!....READ ON....

Best and worst places to shop
Surveys: Wal-Mart, Target win customer service bragging rights; Amazon, Barnes & Noble score online.
CNN Money
August 31, 2004

"Shopping is a sensory experience. People are subconsciously recording things like the layout of the store, the lighting, whether the aisles are overflowing, whether the prices are clearly indicated and how easy or difficult it is to find a product every time you visit a store."

Wal-Mart, Target earn bragging rights
According to Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey, discounters Wal-mart and Target took the top two slots in a ranking of top 20 retailers with the most courteous employees. Home improvement leaders Home Depot and Lowe's followed at third and fourth, respectively. Some factors that annoyed people the most, even prompting them to switch to another store, were rude behavior, salespeople who were unfriendly or weren't around to help and staff that wasn't knowledgeable about the store or the products. However, high-end retailer Nordstrom and wholesale clubs Sam's Club and Costco scored in the bottom tier of the ranking.

In a separate survey, BIGresearch polled 9,252 consumers from July 1 to July 9, asking which stores they found to be the best and worst in merchandising their products and how they would describe the overall "look" of the store.
Nordstrom redeemed itself, taking the top slot in this survey, followed by Best Buy and Target. Among the laggards were Dollar General, Kmart , Sam's Club and Costco.
"You can't expect a store to look absolutely perfect, but the one that surprised me was Kmart," said Rist. "Kmart isn't a flee market-type store. It needs to do a much better job in making its store more attractive to customers."

Amazon reigns; Wal-Mart is asleep at the Web
With online shopping nibbling away at the overall $900 billion retail pie, market research recently came out with its first-ever annual ranking of 20 top online merchants, grading them on attributes such as customer experience, visual appeal of the Web site, efficiency of the Web site's search engine and overall ease of use.
The results of the survey, which polled 2,000 consumers from July 9 to July 16, awarded Amazon.com top honors as the best place to shop online.
Barnesandnoble.com, eBay and electronic retailer Circuit City online stores also scored high marks. However, Best Buy, JC Penney, Nordstrom and Costco missed the mark.
Wal-Mart also ranked in the bottom tier (14th on the list). The survey found the retail behemoth had one of the poorest buyer conversion rates. The study said consumers were particularly frustrated with the design and organization of Wal-Mart's Web site, as well as the ability to browse and search for products.

TGIF! Really!!!

Of all people, I am SO glad it's Friday. This week has been weird and crazy. Ugh! Can I grunt some more puhlease?!?!?!?

- The car thing still boggles my mind. Thanks M and M (whoever the 2nd M is) for your comments.
- Dinner with Mom and Dad, the Big Guy and Jake at Applebee's last night.
- Talking to Dad about the car we want to get - the Volvo :) just like our Dads!!!
- Just got back from the store and my 500TC sheets aren't there! Where the hell could they be?!?! My Back to School stuff look cute! Everyone's buying the boy colors - not the girls :(. No sales tax at Mervyns today people!!! And for all you scrapbooking fanatics --- everything for scrapbooking at Mervyns is 40% off!!! Mosey on around now!
- GAP called... must call back! Must call back!
- Still moseying on with the Safeway application. Nuts!
- Getting an email from AC all the way from NC. He's so funny! Miss working with him.

Should be an interesting weekend. Heading up to the inlaws! MICKEE - I'll call you! We'll be looking at cars so it should be fun!

Have a good weekend people. Toodles!

The sh*ttiest of all sh*ttiest days!!!

I know...it can't be THAT bad, you say! But trust me, if you were in my shoes at this very moment, you would've yanked off every hair on your head by now!! It seems like this day is out to get me. No, more like it seems like someONE is out there to get me. Like I'm being voodoo-ed or something. Dang it! Nothing about this day is working right for me. GRRRRRRR!

Ok so I mentioned that I'm having car issues and that I've been using Mom's Explorer for the past 2 weeks. Last Sunday, while C was moving, Dad had to use the Explorer to help load the bed mattress to take to Saratoga. He said he noticed that the license plate on the truck seemed odd but he couldn't put his finger on what was odd about it. That night, he and Mom took the truck home and I picked it up Monday am to take to work. All this week, I've had a nervous feeling about the truck. Tuesday night, I even had a dream that I rear-ended someone on 880 while driving the Explorer. I can even clearly see where it happened. It was odd but oh well. But I tell you, yesterday morning, I was cautiously watching how I was driving on the way to work, just in case! All this time that I had the truck, whenever we would go out, we used the Jetta. For the past couple of weeks, I haven't eaten lunch out, either just bringing baon or getting something at the caf. So basically, I used the truck just to and from work and straight home. Last night was the only time we used it when we went to Santana Row.

So anyway - this morning, the Big Guy got up first as usual and did his morning routine when he heard the doorbell. He was surprised to see Dad at 7:15am at our doorstep. He told the Big Guy, something's wrong with the Explorer. The Big Guy woke me up and said Dad was over and was talking about the Explorer ...blea blea...and the first thing that popped in my head was "did I get hit and didn't notice it? Was the truck keyed? What did I do?" And this is when things started to get weird...like weird ass weird! Dad said the license plates on the Explorer have been switched. I was like "HUH?" What does that mean? Someone took off the license plates on the Explorer and replaced it with another car's license plates. You following me? Dad came by because he said he had that nagging feeling since the weekend and this morning when he was putting together the DMV registration for the Explorer, he saw the license plate on the record and he knew it didn't match what was on the truck. And that's why he needed to drive by to our place asap. Mind you, this was early in the morning so none of it was registering in my head! He said that whoever did it obviously had something to hide. There are 2 screws that hold up the license plate and only one was there. So - Dad let me borrow his Volvo (yikes!) and he took the Explorer to the police department to file a report. The Big Guy waited for me to get ready and get Jake ready before he went to work. I told him, I was so paranoid and so scared. Who would do such a thing? Where could it have happened? At work? At our complex? Mom's work maybe? I don't know.

I told Dad I would check with Security here at work since we have surveillance all over the building. Also, we have security patrol the parking structure almost every hour so I'm hoping they would see something on tape or heard something suspicious or whatever. I was assured they will contact me if they see something upon reviewing the surveillance tapes. Dad called me after he left the police department and he was told that the license plates on the Explorer were from a stolen 2000 Mercedes and that the plates were registered under this Filipino lady's name who lives in Elk Grove - like 2.5 hrs away! What the ....?!?!??!?!? So the police confiscated the license plates and Dad had to go to DMV to get the truck re-registered and all.

I'm just so weirded out by this whole thing. Who would do this? And deliberately do this to hide something? I don't understand and it's so hard to comprehend! It's a scary, scary thought!!!

Oh well......so to make matters worse:
- My system at work is going so freakin' slow, I might as well handwrite and fax everything instead.
- Objectives STILL need to be sent.
- Mess! Mess! Mess! I can't stand my messy desk!
- My USB is busted.
- What else could go wrong? Be careful what I wish for...with my luck, it might just happen.

Anyways, last night my boys and I went to Santana Row. The Big Guy indulged me since I wanted to go to Anthropologie. Walked out with one pair of cargo pants, one shirt and one skirt - ALL on sale! Not bad. Not bad at all. We ended up at CPK for dinner, after much deliberation of "Kid Friendly" places around the area. Ran into RP, this guy I went to HS with. Weird! Jake was dead tired by the time we got home so he was asleep and couldn't be bothered :). The Big Guy and I watched a little bit of the Olympics Track and Field and capped on every single person we could cap on. It was quite funny actually. Maybe that's why I'm getting bad vibes? I think I need to start being nice and behave :).

Something to think about....

Ok so it's my second blog in a day... I just thought I'd jot down my interesting conversation with CT. CT is my 'fresh-out-of-college' coworker and taking into consideration the 6year gap, next to her I feel ancient. As I like to say, I live vicariously through CT. Us settled, married folks would just have to settle for her weekend recap every so often.

Anyways...she came up to me today to do our usual 2 minute chat and she asked me..."when did you know you were ready to settle down?" Nuts! I wasn't anticipating a deep conversation but I came up with the honest-to-goodness answer I could come up with: "It was when the right man walked in to my life at the right time." Does that sound cheesy or what? Stop snickering, Big Guy!

I was 26 when I got married.
I was 24 when the Big Guy and I met and started going out.
In less than a year of going out, we got engaged.
A year of engagement resulted in The Walk down the aisle.
1 month later, we were expecting the little monster.
So many things happened in the 2+ year span. Good things. Nothing but good things.

But then C wanted to know how, at 26, did I know I was ready to settle down. Honestly, I wasn't. When the Big Guy and I started dating, there was no pressure for "forever" nor was there any intentions. It was just going to be one big awesome ride. But we were lucky that we were both at the point in our lives where we thought "it's time I find the one I would want to wake up with forever." I think if I met the Big Guy earlier on, it might have not worked out this way. I was in a long (no - more like loooooooooooong) term relationship by the time I was 16, my first relationship ironically. Too young to be in a serious committed relationship? Not at that time. It was definitely a learning experience. The Sandwich Man (that's how the Big Guy refers to the ex) was (as I'm sure he still is) a great person but (un)fortunately, we grew in separate directions. Different interests. Feelings changed. Priorities revised. In the end, we both allowed the relationship to fall apart. Again, a definite learning experience. It was an ugly ending to a great beginning. Again, a definite learning experience. But really, if I didn't have that under my belt, would I have been ready to settle down with the Big Guy? I doubt it. I needed to learn how it is to love in order to be loved. I needed to learn to let go before I can "stake my claim." I needed to get hurt in order to feel good again. And I needed to lose something important in order to realize that what I have is all I need. After the Sandwich Man, I dated (quite a bit) but never really settled to one serious relationship. And after all of that, I told myself that the next guy I'll be with is the guy I'll marry. And this is where my Big Guy comes in :).

So I told CT...it may be worth to go through the ugly stuff so you can appreciate what you have in the end. She sighed and said "ugh! So complicated." So I just have to pat her on the back and say "welcome to the Big People's world!"

Stop snickering, Big Guy!

Oohhh....Baby!

My friend R is scheduled for her c-section today. She and L are having a baby boy they named Marcelo Leonardo. That baby will be a cutie. Jake will have another playmate soon. Pls keep her in your thoughts, that she has a safe delivery and a happy and healthy baby.

It's Official. My beloved Jeep needs to be disposed of. Nuts! According to the Big Guy, it won't be worth it to get it fixed and dispose of it a couple of years later. I'm excited at the thought of buying a new car but I'm so going to miss my Jeep. :( Now the debate is what kind of car to get. I want something good size like the Jeep - I'm leaving the economical car to the Big Guy's Jetta (who has never let us down...loving it!). I really like Bubba's Nissan Armada (or as I called it for the longest time, Nissan Amanda) but that car costs an arm and a leg. The Big Guy and I are toying the idea of a Ford F150 - my dream truck for as long as I can remember. I'm just so confused. We go car shop this weekend. I just need a new car. I've been using Mom's truck for the last 2 weeks and I need to give it back since Dad's been driving her around town. Nuts! I'm even starting to love how I look in the Explorer. Ha!

So I got the Big Guy's approval!!! I'm having my engagement ring reset when Es goes home to Indo. It's cheaper that way! If you see her blings, you'd understand why I'd rather go with her than use any other jeweler (although if my jeweler hears this, we can't go in the Jewelry Mart anymore!!!). He said "I don't like it that you don't wear your rings"... but not that I don't. I still wear my eternity band plus my eye candy from Christmas...but I want my 'original' friend back on my finger :). Last night, as we were getting ready for bed, I was browsing through my jewelry catalog and when the Big Guy sat down next to me, I showed him my 2 choices for a new band - the cheap but cute or the expensive and gaudy...and I left him on the couch to ponder :). He just laughed and shooked his head.

I'm so hungry but I'm so busy I think I will eat lunch at my desk today.
Notice though that no matter how busy I am, I find time to blog? Ha! I'm so weird.

Is this day done yet?

It hasn't been a good day, for me, for Es, for L... ahhh... is this day almost done? I look at the stuff I still need to do and it makes me want to crawl under my desk and hide. If there are no goods in the stores, please be kind and not blame me, or Es or L.... we're having the crappiest day today and we are exhausted beyond belief.

I need to breathe.............

The diet starts today...

After all that food we ate at the Indo Food Fair, I really think it's high time to go on a diet.
Check out these pictures from my camera, these from Es. The kids had so much fun running around. We had a blast trying different Indo food from chicken satay, to beef rendang to the layer cakes. Yum Yum! Thanks Tante Es for inviting us. After the fair, we (along with Es & Co.) walked around Clement to walk off all that food we ate. The Big Guy wanted to buy fish at first but the place was so crowded - it was hard with the kids in their strollers. We didn't stay very long since the Big Guy had a headache but it was fun hanging out.

C moved in to her new place this weekend and we came by last night to help her move in. She is pretty much settled and the place is coming together real nice. It's a definitely bigger space for her and the girls, and a new start is such an understatement. Dad & the Big Guy were busy wiring and re-wiring the cable for the tv, and true to form, they weren't satisfied in putting it off till later. Off to Target we go to buy what they need to finish off the wiring. We had dinner there and then went home after. Jake was so tired that he fell asleep on the way home and didn't wake up until this morning, although he had a very rough night. My poor baby.

Believe it or not - I was in the mood to iron last night so I did. The Big Guy was shocked, and amused as usual. For him, watching me iron provides entertainment for him. As usual, one pair of pants caused me so much headache that I left it to him to iron for me :). I just did my skirts - they were a lot easier. I also did his shirt but that was a challenge as well. I didn't even dare tackle his chinos. I don't know why I'm in the mood to iron. I guess I'm tired of using the Downy Wrinkle Free spray - I actually would like crisp clothes to wear.

It's 5pm and I still have so much to do.

Busy...Busy...Busy Bee

Jake is with Nana and Grandpa E today. They called and wanted to spend the day with Jake today since MIL will start school next week, and since they've been away on their cruise, they haven't seen much of Jake lately. He was still asleep when I left the house, no matter how much I was moving him and kissing him all over. My sleepy head...just like his Mama.

The cutest thing yesterday - on our way to day care, Jake was in the carseat just looking outside the window, making little noises whenever he saw trucks driving by. Before we left, I had him hold his prayer picture book to keep him busy on the drive to Fremont. I was listening to the radio when all of a sudden, I heard him mumbling. I turned around to see him pretending to read his book, complete with sound :). It was the cutest thing in the world. Check it out!

- Working with Susie Coehlo on objectives. Drives me NUTS!!! The lady may be a celebrity designer but she can't spell jack sh*t.
- Unbelievable!! Carly Patterson winning the Gold for Gymnastics.
- STILL loving the Men's relay the other night with Phelps & Co. winning the Gold. He is HOT!!!
- Some issues with what I've been reading on posts....but I will just keep it to myself. In my heart, I have done the best for Jake and that's all that matters to me. If I had the luxury of a nanny - sure why not? But I don't so as a Mom, I can only do what I can. Ahh.. don't mind me. Just irked, that's all. Ahh...!
- Joint Spaghetti cooking with the Big Guy. He does all the work - I just add flavor to the sauce :).
- Telling the Big Guy why I thought yesterday was going to be a bad day...turns out I had another reason why my day wasn't going right. It's an inside joke between me and the hubs.

There are so many things I need to do:
- Finish up the darn laundry. I love doing laundry up to the point of folding the clothes. I am so anal about folding clothes that now, the Big Guy doesn't even know how to fold his own clothes :). It's the keeping of the clothes that I have an issue with. Nuts.
- I want to do some ironing. I have so many clothes that I haven't worn only because I haven't ironed in a while. No - actually, let me rephrase that. I don't know how to iron. The other night, while watching the Olympics, the Big Guy was sitting on the couch watching me iron my pants. He was thinking "Ok.. I see the logic behind what she's doing" whenI started ironing the legs sideways. But then when it got to the top by the waist, I was so baffled I didn't know how to continue. I got so frustrated and let out a big sigh and by the time I looked at him, he was looking at me with the same baffled look (as if "what are you planning on doing now?" kinda look). I even seriously thought of just picking another pants to wear the next day. Big Guy to the rescue - he finished the ironing :).
- Organize. I want so bad to organize my whole house. I have ideas of putting containers and bins and stuff everywhere, but I don't have the time (or the money) to go about it now. So I guess this I should put on the back-burner until I can do something to make this come to fruition.
- Hair. I need a trim/color/highlights BADLY. I'm just lazy to go. I get my hair done all the way to Alameda so just to get their is the pits. I don't want to go home at 10:30 at night anymore (although a sidetrip to Sushi House won't hurt). If you need to get your hair done though, Kinuko's is a great place. Hiromi does my hair (and her husband Yoshi does E's) but Kinoku brags about her "Japanese mineral water" which she handcarries with her every time she goes to Japan and supposedly the water gets rid of dry hair - it works though. Also, she uses sake for facials. Kinda cool.
- Lose weight. 'Nuff said.

This weekend C moves so the Big Guy and I would be babysitting the girls Friday night. What to do with a house-full of kids? We shall see. In the meantime, this is what happens when the girls come by and I need them to sit still :).

E is inviting us to go to the city for the Indo fair this Saturday. We'll see. The food should be soooooo good!!!! If we do end up going, I'll make sure to take tons of pictures.

Enough said everyone - gotta go back to my meetings....
Half day comp shopping with E tomorrow should be tons of fun!!!

Happy Birthday, C!!!

Today is my bestest friend C's birthday. Happy Birthday, C! More happy birthdays to come.

As promised, here are Jake's pictures taken last Sunday at Penitencia Creek Park.

Only in San Francisco...

- Pictures from J&R's wedding last Sunday (taken by E since I wasn't in the mood to take pictures).
It was a nice party, although the Big Guy and I missed the ceremony since we got there late. We love going to the city and driving around, but the Haight is one place we've never ventured to, so we were lost, thus making us late to the ceremony. No - we missed the ceremony all together. Not to mention we got rear ended by this BMW. No damage to the car which was amazing but weird all together. There was complimentary valet (how posh!) and their house is just gorgeous. The party was at their house - this 3 story Victorian in the middle of Haight. The decor was just amazing. There was the formal dining that can fit 15 people seated. There was the Red Room which the husbands think would be a perfect media room. There was the mahogany-lined Library. The ceilings. The oriental rugs. Oh wow!!! Their kitchen made the Big Guy salivate - the subzero fridge, the viking range... too cool! The 'toasting' was done at the backyard - a sprawling one in the middle of the city. The food was good - a little too froufrou if you ask me, but good. The mini-cakes were to die for: I had the chocolate and the Big Guy had the white cake. Over all, it was a good party. Congratulations, J&R. More years to come!!!

- Mom's party last Saturday. I didn't really have time to take pictures since I was busy running around. It was great. So many people came - easily about 120. Friends. Family. Almost everyone in Hawaiian. Too cute! She was happy. She feels so overwhelmed that everyone came to celebrate with her. P&R came with Baby M. A was there as well. Nice to see family. J&D came. J is now 5mos pregnant (same time as bestfriend C). Too cute. J&C came in matching Hawaiian outfits. Too cute. My inlaws came eventhough they literally just docked hours before the party. That was nice of them. Jake was cranky...only survived on a 15min nap the whole day. My poor baby. End of the night tapioca drink run with the Big Guy, R and Y.

- Confirming my Seattle trip in September. Nuts. Nights away from my boys are no fun.

- The boys came to pick me up at work on Friday and Jake was running around work, showing off to my coworkers. In my head "that's my boy!!!"

- The Big Guy cooking a bunch of Spam Musubi for us, E&S and J&C.

- World's Largest Pink Ribbon. Click and participate!!!

***********

Yesterday after the wedding, the Big Guy and I decided to spend time with Jake so we took him to the park (pictures to come). Saturday, we weren't really able to pay too much attention to him because of the party, and Sunday, we were busy getting ready for the wedding (which we didn't bring him to). So after we got changed and all, we headed out to Penitencia Creek Park to let him run around. He was so cute, walking on his own, staying on the trail but every so often turning around to make sure Mama and Daddy were still behind him. He walked the entire trail on his own, but towards the end, asked to be carried. Looking at Jake yesterday made me realize how much he has grown. My little boy is now this independent, care-free, lovable toddler. Some things have never changed though: he still loves to sleep on the nook of my arm. For some reason, he sleeps better when resting his head on my armpit :). He is quick to give you a hug or a kiss if you ask. He is not shy of strangers - he even stops to say "hi" or "bye". I look at him with envy sometimes - so much innocence, curiosity and amazement in his eyes. My baby Jake. Sometimes I wish time would stand still so he wouldn't grow too fast.

A Letter to Jake's Future Girlfriend

Dear (insert the name of a wonderful, loving, intelligent, funny, charming, beautiful girl deserving of my son),

Today, Jake is 17mos and 9 days old and I thought I'd share with you what he was like at this age. If you are reading this, it's because I've seen by the way you look at my son that you love him as much as I do. It's a simple thing, really, but it's all a mother can hope for. Before we begin, let's take a little look back at Jake 17mos ago. Jake was special from the minute his father and I discovered we were pregnant. We sort of invaded his privacy when at 39 weeks, the doctor advised that it's time to introduce the little one to the world. I guess you can call us old-fashioned for our time, but we decided not to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. It was the element of surprise more than anything :). The minute the doctor told us that we had a boy, my heart fell in love instantly. And when he was brought to me squealing, the first time I looked at him, I fell in love all over again. You see, Jake and I are like 2 peas in a pod. Though very much like his dad in so many ways, Jake and I have quirks that are all our own. Jake loves to sleep, just like his Mama. I'm sure you are aware of it by now. Does he still squirm all over the bed until he finds his comfortable spot, even if that means half of your body is hanging off the bed? But then, of course, you wouldn't worry about this until you get married, right ;p? Does he still watch wrestling? Blame his dad. When he was still in my tummy, the only times he would be really active and start moving around is on Mondays and Thursday while I sat and watched wrestling with his dad. As Nelson would say then "we're having a boy, indeed!" At 17mos, he is pretty independent. He loves to sing and dance and Twinkle Twinkle is his favorite right now. He is still fascinated by Jojo Circus and Stanley, but I'm sure (or I hope) that by the time you read this, he has outgrown that. His is very curious about airplanes. He stops whatever he is doing to look up whenever he hears a plane fly by. You can thank me if he turns out to be a great dresser. When he was an infant, I never dressed him in cutesee outfits. I wanted him to look like a little man, in miniature chinos and polos. There are so many little things I could probably tell you about Jake, but on the other hand, I think I will keep some of them to myself. It's a mother's prerogative after all :). I only have one request from you - pls take good care of my boy. I love him more than anything.

Love,
Jake's Mom

Ahh...Friday

It's Finally Friday!

- My boys took me to work today. That was nice. The Jeep was acting up last night and the Big Guy wasn't thrilled that I have to drive it so he took the day off and will take the jeep to have it looked at. Nuts. He just called me from the shop and said that it's nothing major so we should be ok - although I won't have the jeep until Monday afternoon.
- Went shopping at Nordstroms with the boys last night. Got me a skirt for Mom's party tomorrow, an Adidas duffle for the Big Guy, 1 Elefanten sandals and 1 K-Swiss tennis for Jake, a Caslon denim jacket (I just love this brand! Finally my JCrew Denim can retire), a pair of khaki capris. Not bad :). Not a major damage but significant enough!
- Doing a working lunch today. Sucks! It's Friday. Gimme a break!
- Busy night doing Mom's last minute details.
- R's last day at work ... one more week and he'll be joining M in IL.
- I miss M :<
- Come Monday, L starts working with us. That should be a hoot.

I really don't have anything else to write about so I'm going to put Jake's favorite bedtime song - I've been singing this to him since he was a baby and until now, without fail, when I'm the one who puts him down for a nap or for the night, this is my song for him....

Leaving on a jetplane

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.
But the dawn is breaking it's early morning
The taxi is waiting, he is blowing his horn
Already I'm so lonesome, I could cry
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for me

Hold me like you never let me go
I'm leaving on a jetplane,

I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go
There is so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now they don't mean a thing.
Every place I go I think of you
Every song I sing I sing for you.
When I come back I wear your wedding-ring
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for me

Hold me like you never let me go
I'm leaving on a jetplane,

I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes, and I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to comeI wont have to leave alone, and I
wont have to say:
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for me

Hold me like you never let me go
I'm leaving on a jetplane,

I don't know when I'll be back again.
Oh babe I hate to go.

To L: I am so proud of your dedication to Baby J and his accomplishment, no matter how simple, are due to your patience and love for him. Keep up the good work!

Have a good weekend people! Take care of each other. Toodles.

Sunshine...

"I can call you my baby boy. You can call me your baby girl. Maybe we can spend sometime. I can be your sunshine." Why this song is in my head... don't ask me. I don't even know who sings it. But it's cute. So high school - but cute.

I'm so tired today. Maybe because I keep thinking "this time last week, it was my last working day of the week and then I get to spend time with the monster." Ahh...! Sucks. I feel like an airhead today... like nothing is in my head except for air. So I think that makes me an airhead. Huh?!

- The Big Guy's doctor's appointment was good news. Yipee!
- Finally got me one of them chatterboxes on my blog. I'm such a nerd.
- Jake loving Daddy's sinigang last night for dinner.
- Sleeping in the middle of the bed, with the Big Guy on my left, and the monster on my right. I was Sandwich Mama for the night.
- Watching "Clean House" for the show's entirety... loved it!
- Watching Martha Stewart talk about organization. I was loving it, I must've salivated.
- Finishing up the nightly chores by 10 so the Big Guy and I can watch his Netflix movies...turned out to be a disappointment so I fell asleep halfway through. Not even worth mentioning.
- Finishing up details for Mom's birthday.
- Picking Jake up at daycare.
- Peanut Butter Sandwich.

My lips are sealed...

My last blog of the day - long but worth the read ... read on fellow shopaholics...

What did it all cost? Her lips are sealed.

Like many young professional women, Hilary, a public relations manager in New York, loves fashion. But to keep her boyfriend and her parents from knowing what she spends on her wardrobe, she murmurs three little words to sales clerks: "Is cash OK?" Presto! No monthly credit-card statement, no paper trail.

"I love beautiful clothes and accessories," explains Hilary, who is too embarrassed by her sartorial secret to use her last name.

Despite women's growing economic power and independence, the cost of their wardrobes remains one of the best-kept secrets in many homes. Even wives who earn money and need to dress well for work and social events often don't want their husbands to see the bills. As a result, this "Shh-h-h, don't tell" accounting is surprisingly common at all economic levels, according to fashion retailers and wardrobe consultants.

The secrecy stems in part from women's guilt about spending money on themselves. But it can also reflect deeper issues in a couple's relationship.

"Money is very tricky stuff," says B.J. Gallagher, an author and social psychologist in Los Angeles. "It's interwoven with power, control, and questions such as, Whose money is it? How much is your money? How much is our money? With couples, money is often the arena in which they act out their tugs of war."

Some women, like Hilary, pay cash for nearly everything in their closets. Others charge one item at a store and pay cash for the rest. Still others use a separate credit card that their husbands don't see. Some enlist a friend to buy the items, and then repay her. Other shoppers cut off the tags when they get home and tuck away purchases. A Boston hairstylist who has a penchant for shoes throws away the boxes before walking in the door.

"They don't want their husband questioning them like [they are] a schoolgirl," says Debbie Mandel of Lawrence, N.Y., who counsels women about relationships and stress management. "They don't want him asking, 'Why did you buy this, and for how much? What were you thinking?' "

A woman who identifies herself only as Leona explains that her boyfriend criticizes her for spending too much on clothes. But, she says, "I don't pass judgment on his golf club purchases."

Part of the challenge stems from a gender gap in the price of men's and women's clothes. For women, being well dressed requires a greater selection. They must also keep up with changing styles. "A man can get a really great suit for $700 custom-made in New York, or one off the rack for $400," says Waheeda Ali-Salaam, co-owner of OKW, a boutique in Boston. "A guy keeps a suit for 20 years. A woman is going to buy a suit every year."

In addition, a man might own only black shoes, brown shoes, and loafers, all of which he gets resoled. Women need more variety, and their footwear costs more. If women themselves wonder how a few straps stitched to a stiletto heel can set a budget back by several hundred dollars, how can men not be even more puzzled? "Manufacturers really get you for shoes," Ms. Ali-Salaam observes.

Gender differences take other forms as well. "A guy thinks it's crazy for his wife to buy another black skirt," says Ali-Salaam. "She tells him, 'No, dear, this one's a different shape and weight.' "

Because men traditionally earn the money, they feel they deserve to spend it, Ali-Salaam adds. But, she notes, "I've not met any women who don't feel somewhat guilty when they spend more than they perceive they should. It doesn't matter how wealthy they are." Attitudes, like styles, change.

One shop owner who requests anonymity tells of a customer who lives in a multimillion-dollar house and earns a good salary. Even so, when she bought four items during one visit to the store, she went to the bank and withdrew money to pay for them. As the owner explains, "Her husband wouldn't disapprove of it, but he would see it as frivolous."

The same owner also meets couples with the opposite attitude. "I have husbands come in here all the time and say to their wives, 'Get that and that.' The women will say, 'Oh, let me think about it.' They feel guilty spending. He will have just come from Louis [an upscale clothing store in Boston] and spent something, but she can't do it."

Some of that reluctance may be rooted in cultural changes. Prior to the 1960s, when most women were homemakers, a notion of entitlement prevailed, says Samantha von Sperling, director of Polished Social Image Consultants in Boston. "You got married and took care of your husband, the children, the house. Your husband took care of you. The understanding was that he paid the bills and provided for the family. The wife was expected to represent the husband, so he would make an investment in her. His wife was a reflection of him and his ability to provide."

By the 1970s, as legions of women embarked on careers, domestic roles and expectations shifted. Now, Ms. von Sperling says, even though women have more power, their sense of self-worth and entitlement sometimes appears to have diminished. "They'll spend money on themselves, but they'll still feel guilty."

Motherhood can pose another obstacle. "Many women who are home with kids don't think they deserve to spend money on themselves," says Mary Lou Andre, author of "Ready to Wear" and a wardrobe consultant. "They're not working, not bringing money into the house. But taking care of children is tremendously taxing, and you need to feel good about yourself."

Another guilt-producer is the bathroom scale. "A lot of women don't feel good about spending money on clothes when they're not at the perfect weight," Ms. Andre says.
They feel hemmed in. Still, for every anxious underspender, there are plenty of guilt-ridden overspenders. Ms. Mandel sees many "notorious shopaholics" among younger women, who like to have the latest trends and styles.

Hilary knows all about it. She recently placed her name on a waiting list for a Michael Kors rabbit vest, even though the purchase, like others before it, will strain her budget and require yet another cash payment to cover her tracks. "I'm pretty on top with the other aspects of my life," Hilary says. "I volunteer, I'm successful at my job, I'm politically active. But I must look chic while doing all of that! And honestly, I don't lie about other stuff."

Lying, fibbing, hiding purchases - it's all behavior that Ms. Gallagher, author of "Everything I Know I Learned From Other Women," sees as ultimately self-defeating. She offers the example of women who store a new outfit in the back of the closet, and then pull it out much later. If a husband asks, "Is that new?" they'll say, 'Oh, this old thing?' "

Says Gallagher, "She makes her own money, but she's still not brave enough to say, 'Yes, it is new. Thank you for noticing.' That would be her way of claiming her own power. But by hiding the purchase, or fibbing about it, she's still submitting to him as, 'Well, you're the boss, whatever you say goes, dear.' "

Even so, Gallagher is quick to empathize. This kind of behavior "doesn't make women bad," she
says. "It's what we resort to so we feel we have a little more power than we would otherwise."
Whatever the dynamics of a relationship, von Sperling says, "It's important for women to invest in themselves, whether it's a foreign-language class, a cooking class, or a new suit. Anything that enhances you in a positive way is worth it. Then you have more power to go out and invest in other people around you."

Today - it sucks to be me.

I believe I'm a very assertive person - borderline aggressive actually, if I need to be. My mom always said that if there is one thing she is proud of, is that her girls (me and my sister) can speak up for ourselves no matter what. Certain instances, I have been outspoken about and gotten results in the end. And that makes me believe that if I scream loud enough, someone will listen and not just hear me.

So that's what I have done lately. Here at work. There are certain issues I felt I had to scream about. And scream was exactly what I did. I screamed until the veins on my neck became visible. One of the two issues I was screaming about came to fruition last week when I got the news. Was I elated? In normal circumstances, maybe I would be. Heck, actually I should be. But then I started to think "if I didn't scream loud enough, would this be happening right now?" I highly doubt it. So am I proud of what I did? You better believe I am. The second issue - again, I screamed (up to the point of bitching actually) and did I get results? YES...indirectly, but yes I did. Are the results going to benefit me? Not exactly this moment...but maybe eventually it would. Am I disappointed? Right now - today - it sucks to be me. But then I guess it's true - your luck comes when it feels like it, not when you want it to. You have to be at the right time at the right place.

If it's any consolation, my screaming was not unrecognized. And as I was told, it was because I didn't think twice about briging up the issue, that results are coming to light. I'm not going to lie. I wish the results were applicable to me. Right now. But they are not so I just have to eat it and wish that next time, I will be the first one in line.

So for now ... I better get pashminas for dirt cheap :). It's an inside joke.

Yesterday, M&D flew back home from Maui. They look so tan and so relaxed. Made me think I need a vacation REAL bad. The Big Guy picked them up early in the morning and we went to the house after work to see them. Jake was elated to see Papa and Grammy. We ended up going out for Chinese since no one was in the mood to get dinner ready. We also got to see their video. Too cool. Love Maui. Gotta love it.

Mom turned 60 on August 9.
Her 60th birthday party is this Saturday, complete with a luau theme for Meile (her Hawaiian name). It should be exciting - her friends from as far as Las Vegas are coming in to celebrate with her. For the longest time, Mom was the honorable party planner among her friends. Now, it's her moment to be celebrated and everyone is more than willing to join in and party with her. It should be a fun, fun day and something worth celebrating.

Back to work again

I spent Friday and Monday at home with Jake, and the thought of going back to work today sucked big time. Spending time with Jake was too much fun. We didn't really go anywhere the 2 days that I stayed home. We stayed home. Slept in until 9:30 or so...played...ate...took a nap and waited for the Big Guy to come home. Ah...to have the opportunity to do that everyday.

The weekend was fun - busy but in a good way.

Thursday - the Big Guy finally indulged my craving for sushi and we headed to San Jose Japan Town. He figured, we couldn't get any more authentic than Japan Town sushi. I went home late since I had to finish up some stuff here at work before I take my 4day weekend and by the time I pulled up at 7:30pm, my boys were all ready to go. We drove around the block trying to pick one restaurant and we finally settled on Sushi Maru on Jackson. This is the same chain that R&Y loved so much in Sunnyvale. Their sushi was good - and A LOT!! We spent quite an amount for the 3 of us but with plenty of leftovers. Jake was loving the miso soup and the edamame. The Big Guy had katsu curry and I had tonkatsu. So good! That place is a must go again :).

Friday - Jake and I stayed home the whole day. I started reading Angels and Demons. It was a good book but the writing was a bit choppy. It was intriguing nonetheless. The Big Guy and I were saying, now we feel like we must go to Italy to take a look for ourselves. It took me two day to read the book. I feel like I accomplished something in a long time. Dinner was at J&C's in San Jose. We brought sansrival for dessert - that was sinful but so good!!! We ate and hung out for a while and then watched The Sixth Sense. We ended up just watching halfway through since everyone was getting sleep and it was still a long drive home. Jake was also getting antsy so we left around 11pm. The little one was fast asleep by the time we got home, and the Big Guy and I decided to finish the movie. Now I remember why I was freaked out the first time I watched it - I could barely sleep that night :).

Saturday - we were supposed to go the city to take Jake around since it was a nice day. But we decided on it a bit too late and by noon, Jake was ready for his nap. We couldn't figure out where to go: Gilroy, Bay Street, Berkeley, Burlingame...finally we decided on 3rd Avenue in San Mateo. While Jake was sleeping, the Big Guy and I were busy reading our books. He's into Lee Child's novels right now. We stopped by to see if C was home and invited her to come have dinner with us. We ended up in San Mateo - walked around and stopped by Inchiban to get some goodies. I just love that store. We then had dinner at Sushi Sam. We love Sushi Sam's :).

Sunday - we were supposed to go up to AC so R can fix the brakes in my jeep but he never got back to us if he can do it so we didn't head up. But finally we got to do what we wanted to do: go to the city and take Jake to the aquarium. He had so much fun. Check out the pictures here. Jake loved the sourdough and the Big Guy was in heaven with their seafood sampler. I could only have the clam chowder - I happen to be allergic to shell fish and I can only eat one specie at a time. The last time we went over the hill and ordered everything in sight, I broke out in hives and had to be rushed to the hospital. The doctor warned me that the next time that happens, my throat might close up and not be able to breathe. So to make it short, I stayed clear of anything else other than clams. We walked around the rest of the wharf and headed home around 5pm since the fog started creeping in. The Big Guy asked if I wanted to walk around Union Square but since Jake didn't have a blanket with him, I didn't want to risk it. It was such a fun day!

Monday - I finished reading The DaVinci Code. I decided to read Angels and Demons first since it was supposed to be the prequel to The DaVinci Code. I really liked A&D. I'm not a big mystery fan but I was so caught up in his writing that it was so hard to put the book down. The DaVinci Code however, I'm a bit confused about, and franky, I'm disturbed. As usual, the chase, the run around the old cities, relics and paintings mentioned...etc... but one disturbing fact for me is that Dan Brown includes references to the Opus Dei. Why does this bother me? For one, my family has strong ties with the Opus Dei and for as long as I can remember, Msgr. Escriva is someone we turned to for help through daily novenas. Close family members are part of Opus Dei, and these are my favorite relatives. They speak highly of Opus Dei. I have numerous family members who went to the Vatican City a couple of years ago to attend Monsignor Escriva's beatification and canonization. One lola always told me "in times of need, don't fail to turn to Msgr. Escriva. You and him share the same birth date." I will never forget it. Every birthday card I received contain a stampita with Msgr. Escriva's prayer. So to read Dan Brown make references to the Opus Dei in a less than admirable manner, confuses and bothers me so. The Big Guy reminded me "don't forget. This is fiction." That I know...but why can't he make up another organization of some other name? Why use the Opus Dei? The Opus Dei the way I know has done so much for the needy and the less fortunate. But just like any other religious organization, there are faults found and negativity attached. Believe you want to believe...but I believe what I believe. In all, the book was good. It made me think of things that otherwise I wouldn't have considered. But the Opus Dei reference will something that will never sit well with me.

The Keeper of 'Em All...

Suddenly I feel like the Keeper of Them All...

Last night, Mom and Dad left for Hawaii. Jake and I drove them to SJC and as I dropped them off the airport, I felt like a mom dropping off her children. On the way to the airport, I told Dad to be careful driving from Kahului Airport to Kaanapali because of the 2-lane freeways and the cliffs, etc... I had to stop and think "I'm giving directions to my dad?" How odd was that? Then I kept asking Mom "did you buy sunscreen like I told you to?... isn't your bag too heavy ... you sure you brought comfy shoes?"...aahh!! Then when I dropped them off the curb (since anal security won't let you in anymore) - I kissed them goodbye, wished them tons of fun AND to not forget to call me when they get in the hotel. Yikes - I'm turning in to my mother! When Dad called at 7:30 to let me know their flight is delayed until 8pm, but not sure yet, etc... I started to worry. I took it upon myself to call the hotel to make sure their room is reserved since they're flying in to Maui late. I kept calling Dad to check in on them - the Big Guy said I might be irritating him already. At 9pm, when I haven't heard from him, I decided to call and got his voicemail - so I figured they probably got on board and he had to turn off his phone. Finally, I get a voicemail at home at 8:10 with Dad saying they were boarding already. You would think my worry-head would calm down then? Of course not. I left him a message to text me or leave me a voicemail when they get in the hotel just so I know they got in safe. I woke up with no text message. I told the Big Guy. He said Dad probably didn't get my message.

I get a text message at 10:30am - they got in ok but really late at night. They will go sight-seeing today and he is even thinking of going parasailing! Ayayayayay! You let your parents lose and look at what they want to do :). I'm sure they'll have a grand time.

Today C had to make a court appearance. I was worried about her too because when we drove by at 9:30, no one was home. I asked the Big Guy "should I worry?" Anyways, she called me today to let me know how it went. It breaks my heart because I know it breaks hers. Ugh....the urge to kill... I tell you! I have never felt so much anger in my heart before - it scares the hell out of me if you must know. Inspite of it all, as Mom says, God provides. In due time this will all make sense. In due time the pain will go away. In due time C will make light of all of this. In due time.

Last night, the Big Guy, the monster and I drove around town aimlessly - looking for nothing in particular. Actually, we were going to get the Big Guy's tv at Target but the one we went to only had the store display so we didn't get that one. We drove back home to get Jake's diaper bag which we forgot to bring, thinking we were going to have sushi nearby. But by the time the Big Guy got in the car, I didn't want sushi anymore. I couldn't make up my mind. He decided to drive all the way to Santa Clara to this one sushi place he used to go to. When we pulled up, the wait was so long we decided not to go there. We drove and drove and drove...and finally at 8:45pm, decided it was time to eat just anything and we ended up at El Pollo Loco. Loco? Yup that's us! Jake loved his rice and corn. I was so full I felt like throwing up. The Big Guy got his fix. That my friends, is how we spend the night in my household :). It was fun though. Jake was wide awake the whole time. By the time we got home around 10pm, got him ready for bed and he was out in no time.

There was a special on tv last night about Jesus, Mary and Da Vinci. It was so interesting. The Big Guy read the book a year ago and he was engrossed in it. He said it's worth the read. I think I will. My curiosity has been poked, even after the whole world has already read and talked about it. The Big Guy and I talked about movies that poked our curiosities and sometimes mess with our belief systems - my all time favorite Devil's Advocate, Seventh Sign, Stigmata and the likes. Ughh...goosebumps!!! I think it's time to add more to the dvd collection.

Anyways, this blog thing is TOO cool. My N@W buddies are now online too - loving reading everyone's rants. Too cool! Now, if I can only figure out how they got them message boards and linking others' blogs and stuff. Ladies... care to help me?! Check these girls out....M, L, S's Mama and CG. Of course I cannot NOT mention The Big Guy's weird rantings online :) - those are his opinions people, not mine :).

I have to write my review. Nuts.
I have so many production issues today. Nuts.
...and I didn't have time to dry my hair. Nutty Nutty Nuts!

Oh what a beautiful day...

Waking up with a text message with bestfriend C telling me that she felt her baby move for the first time brought tears to my eyes. It was such a wonderful way to wake up. And it was such a great thing to hear, considering how testing this pregnancy has been for her. Being a certified mallrat that she is, it is A LOT to ask from her not to go to the mall and stay home. But after one miscarriage, and another blessed chance of having another baby, she took the doctor's advise to heart. She's been bored to death, she says, but she is doing this for the baby. She doesn't leave the house unless it is to go to the doctor's appointments or to church on Sundays. Other than that, she's at home. I can't wait for this baby to come - who will for sure be my godchild. We have been friends for SO long and I know she will be a wonderful mom and I can't wait to share stories of parenting together.

Mom and Dad leave for Maui today. I'm so glad they have been taking vacations here and there - it's high time they enjoy themselves. Mom turns 60 while in Hawaii - and The Big Guy and I both agree that they are going to have so much fun!! Because of their Hawaiian trip, Mom decided she wanted a luau for her 60th birthday. Last night, instead of packing, she wanted to sit down with me and make sure everything is perfect for her party :). That's Mom. Gotta love her for it. Everyone was home for dinner. It was nice to be at home like that...even when the kids were all running around screaming their heads off (yes, including my monster). I'm sure Mom was loving it that we were all home. We are trying to convince C for a sushi run at Japan Town on Saturday with R & Y. We'll see. We haven't done a brother/sisters sushi run in a long time. R is talking about this place in Sunnyvale...but we want to go to Sushi House in Alameda. We just want to go out for sushi period :).

The Big Guy was able to put Jake down in no time last night (how does he do that? I have no idea..). We were rushing so we can watch The Sixth Sense...but when we put it on, we decided to watch the deleted scenes and by the time we were done, we were both so sleepy we didn't even get to watch the movie. We're such dorks :>. And we're acting like we've never scene the movie before.

The Big Guy also got me a card reader - finally :). I'm so stoked. Yes, we were ghetto that way. A digital camera with no card reader so everytime I had to download pictures, I had to go use Dad's computer. Now, I just need a new printer and I'm ready to go. I have all of these creative "thoughts" in my head - and when we were in Japan Town, I was showing the Big Guy what I wanted to do and he was giving me the nod of approval. I can't wait to get started!!! I CAN be Martha Stewart if I want to. And on Friday, when E and I were at Williams-Sonoma, in my head I started thinking "I think I want to start baking." I know...even I have to agree that's a stretch :) - but eventually.

On the way home on Sunday, I was talking to the Big Guy about 'revamping' myself. What the hell am I talking about? Well - for the longest time and for anyone who truly knows me, I have 4 staples in my wardrobe: White, Black, Khaki, Denim. Once in a while there will be a blue top (oooohhh!!) - but that's it. Just recently, I started to 'venture out' of my comfort zone by wearing pink. I didn't think I look good in pink - but as I started to wear more pink, I felt good about it and started buying more. I even went as far as getting a pink shawl in NY. As I told him, I think it's time I start looking like a girl :). And it's not even like I'm not girly...that's the thing. The Big Guy said I'm an odd individual; as much as I love to shop, I am boring when it comes to buying clothes for myself. I have 3 staple stores: JCrew, Gap, Ann Taylor, not counting my ultimate store Sephora (ok if that's not girly, I don't know what is). I don't shop anywhere else. But lately, I've been venturing back to Anthropologie and buying cute pieces here and there. The Big Guy loves it that I shop at Anthropologie. It's a slowly but surely ongoing process...but I'll get there. Not to say I won't shop at my favorite stores anymore :).

The Good, The Bad and The Butt Ugly

After being out of the office for 3 days, I came to work with my system about ready to crash and burn. I guess it's "business as usual" now that the announcement has been made. For me, there are still a lot of uncertainties that need to be answered...but we'll get those soon enough I'm sure.

Friday's comp shop was fun but Walnut Creek was too frikkin' hot. Lunch at PF Changs was not bad, considering we got free desserts. Can't beat that! The manager came out apologizing that our food came too late. Honestly, we didn't even notice. The lettuce wraps came out and between that and chatting, we didn't realize our food hasn't come out yet. The mango chicken sucked big time but the honey shrimps were good. The free desserts were the Great Wall of Chocolate and the Banana Spring Rolls. Yum! We hit every store we had to go to (not bad!): Eddie Bauer Home, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma, Bombay, Bombay Kids, Z Gallerie. By the end of the day, we were SO pooped but mission accomplished. We didn't even have time to shop for ourselves! Pretty darn good, if you ask me. We didn't leave Broadway Plaza until 7pm. We walked and walked that by the time we were done, we were so pooped. It was a good, productive day.

Saturday was a good weekend - it was MIL's town had a fiesta up in South City which we ended up going to. The Big Guy's relatives from Alaska are in town so he wanted to go see them at the fiesta. It was so cold up in the city, it was no fun! We had to stop by Target to get me a sweatshirt since I didn't come prepared. Hey - it was sunny when we left the house! I should've known better. After the fiesta, the 3 of us headed out to Japan Town. We had SO much fun! The Big Guy was just elated - brought back too many memories of Yokusaka. We went to Ichiban and went crazy with the little gadgets and the food. I love Japanese food, their candy and the chips. Yummy yum! We walked around the center for a good hour or so, then headed out to AC. We were just going to meet M&D E at home but since they changed the front door, we didn't have a key to the new lock. We took the long (and cheap) way home through Golden Gate. Jake was fast asleep in the car and I was busy with Sam. Oh yeah, she's finally up and running :). Too cute! Dinner out for some carnitos with the MIL and FIL. Jake had a blast. Cheap but good dinner. SIL and the family came by later that night and Jake and Joseph had fun polishing MIL's hardwood floor.

So then this is when it gets Bad...
Jake is weird like me. When he gets exposed to cold air, he comes down with asthma (just like his Dadddy). So as expected, I saw the symptoms slowly creeping in Saturday night. By early morning Sunday, he was down with a low grade fever. I told the Big Guy, this is it! He didn't have any appetite either. We didn't want to take him out so we figured we'll stay in until we go home. Turns out that SIL was going to meet the neices and nephews in Valley Fair so we thought "ok, we will go too." Everyone came by for pizza dinner before heading out to Vacaville. R and S were going to stay there with the SIL until today. Anyways...when Jake started throwing up, I knew the inevitable came. My poor Jake.

Monday, Mama and Jakey stayed home. It was fun. He didn't get much sleep the night before so we decided to keep him at home and I didn't go to work. M&D came by to bring lunch. It was a fun day. Did some housework - finished the laundry, finally tackled the nightmare of a closet, and wrote some cards out.

So here's when it gets BUTT UGLY...
- The stuff we shopped for on Friday were supposed to be for my Hotel Collection, objectives which have been sent out a week ago. I come back to work with trend directions changed and updated, which means change in directions to the vendors and overseas offices. Can't these people get their act together and get it straight the first time? Ugh!
- The vendors have been screwing us over with the ugliest samples I have ever seen in my life! Nuts!
- Don't even get me started with our Big Boss

R will be doing his cheeseball rationing this week. How exciting.

- M&D leave for Maui tomorrow. How fun!!!
- M&D E also leave for the Alaskan cruise tomorrow.
- The Big Guy and I are thinking of going to San Diego to take the monster to Sea World and San Diego Zoo. Probably sometime in Sept.
- Heard from best friend C ... she and Baby V are doing well. Glad to know.
- My pink shirt ROCKS!!!!
- J baked me a whole loaf of banana nut bread. Thanks J.
- Finally bought The Sixth Sense dvd. I was too chicken to watch it by myself so I'm still waiting for the Big Guy to get to bed early enough so we can scare ourselves to death.
- I'm loving my Z Gallerie ring :>. L got the 3 of us matching rings on Friday. Too cute!
- The Big Guy talking about getting my engagement ring re-set. Ahhhhhh! I miss wearing my ring.

Toodles people. Have a good week!