Ode to my Washer and Dryer

Can I just say that having a washer and dryer in my house is like Christmas every time I do laundry?

For those poor unfortunate souls who have had to go to a laundry matt or communal laundry facility, you know what I'm talking about.

We used to have to go to a laundry mat, and boy was it unpleasant. My parents would kindly let us do laundry over there, but it usually took about 4 hours to get all our loads done. We didn't usually have that much time, so off to the laundry mat we would go. Laundry mats are expensive; they smell funny and are full of truly strange people. Jimmy and I used to constantly battle about whose turn it was to do the laundry. He usually ended up doing it though, because he knew how much I hated the laundry mat.

One time we forgot our laundry for like 5 hours, and went back to the mat to find it in a big heap on a dryer. The idea that some stranger was poking though my laundry really freaks me out big time.

But now we live the life of luxury. When laundry needs to be done we don't have to go anywhere, and it's wonderful. I love you washing machine and dryer, don't ever leave me!!!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Ahh softball season is upon us! Since I started dating Jimmy he has played softball just about every year. I'm a baseball nut, so you'd think I'd be on the sidelines with signs and posters cheering at every game right!? Well no, I'm not. I do usually go to his games (depending on where he is playing), but despite absolutely loving going to baseball games, softball games are not my favorite thing for several reasons.

It's February! Baseball doesn't start until early April; I think softball should follow in the same suite. It is freezing outside at night right now.

Hot dog? Can I get a hot dog? Nope, I can't because there is no snack bar. It's bring your own food at softball games (which I did last night, a happy meal and boy did it make me happy). But it would be nice to be able to get a pretzel or something. Half the fun of watching sports is eating "sporting" food!

I think the bleachers are designed as a torcher device rather than something to sit on. They are hard, cold and offer no back support. By the 7th inning I end up hunched over like a 70 year old woman. Perhaps I should invest in one of those handy bleacher seats you can bring places.

I've had a good rotation of friends that would accompany me to Jimmy's softball games throughout our relationship. Audrey, Ashley, Tessa, Nicole to name a few. But now I have no one to bring with me. So I end up going and having to chew the fat with the other bleacher people. I'm really not much of a fat chewer. I can do it if I need to, but to be honest I really just don't like to.

However despite all this softball games can be fun, with enough blankets and the right attitude. So, last night I went with Jimmy and Robbie to watch them play.

Things started out well. Robbie hit a home run, Jimmy got several fly balls and our team was winning. Yay! But towards the end of the game things started to go south. I'm not sure what the deal was but we started sucking big time. And I realized perhaps riding in the same car with 2 Cuillards might not have been so smart. Sure if they win it's all fun and games, but if they lose...walking home might be a safe alternative.

Well, they did lose. They lost badly. And actually both of them took it pretty well. I had already told all my fellow bleacher people who I was there watching, so if things started getting ugly I was trying to figure out how to tell the bleacher people that I was just kidding and actually have no idea who those 2 men ranting and throwing bases were.

Although this week was just a practice game, so we'll see what next week brings. Everyone pray for a victory and warm weather on Tuesday nights!

Yep, We're one of Those Couples

Flakey. We have become just completely flakey when it comes to being invited to things. We don't RSVP to anything by the requested RSVP date, in fact we don't RSVP. We either show up or we don't. If we do show up, we will without a doubt be late. If it's an occasion in which presents are customary, we'll show up late, without RSVP ing, and empty handed. It's a wonder anyone even invites us anywhere anymore!

Can I just come right out and blame Jimmy for this (He is going to love this by the way)?

I used to be on the ball with things like this before I was married. I was never late anywhere, if anything I'd be early. I always RSVP'd by the requested date. Even now, if it's something that I'm attending by myself, I'm back on the ball. But when it comes to events involving both of us I revert to the flakey behavior I'm sure we've become known for by now.

Jimmy's cousin is getting married, and we received the invitation over a month ago. The RSVP date is fast approaching, and as you can imagine, we've yet to send in our reply card. It is however sitting on the counter, sealed and ready to be mailed in (where it has been sitting since the day we received the invitation).

Why? Why did I fill out the card, stuff it in its envelope and put it on the counter rather than in the mailbox? And furthermore, why do I just look at it on the counter every time I pass it and leave it there rather than mail it in? Am I that lazy?

Yes. The truth is yes. Living in a condo, my mail box is not right outside my house. And while it is by no means far from my house, it is far enough away that I don't feel like walking the reply card to it.

Maybe it's time to turn over a new leaf, and wash our flakey tendencies down the toilet. I'll let you know how that goes.

Lastly, at the Oscar's last night, anti gay protesters rallied outside. While Mormons where targeted, singled out and in some cases attacked after the whole prop 8 thing, I'm happy to point out the LDS church did not join in the protesting last night.

After Prop 8, Mormons were accused of hating gay people and being a religion of closed minded bigots. If that where the case, wouldn’t the LDS church have encouraged its members to be part of the protest last night? However, we were not there shouting obscenities and sentencing gay and lesbian people to an eternity of burning in hell like the other people were.

It just confirms what I've been trying to say all along, it was the attempt to change the definition of marriage, not gay people that I had a problem with.

Back in Action

I hate being sick! Just thought I'd put that out there. I don't think anyone really likes being sick, but it really drives me crazy. I'm pretty patient, but after a few days of not being able to eat/breathe/sleep I get annoyed. I haven't had a cold since December of 2007, so maybe it was overdue.

I took a day and 1/2 off work, and basically stayed in bed the whole time. I am feeling much better today and am back in the office. However it would be nice to be home watching soap operas again.

I'm lucky enough to live with 2 people who are eager to help out a sickee in need. Robbie called to check on me on several occasions and repeatedly offered to get me medicine or anything else I may need. Jimmy made me food, got me medicine and pretty much did what I asked him to for the few days I was home. Ok so that part of being sick is kinda nice. :)

Now that I'm back in the office, I see I'm not the only one feeling under the weather. This place is like a illness breeding ground. I hear coughing and sneezing at every turn. Hopefully I've already served my time and won't get re infected ( if that is even possible?).

On a completely different topic, yesterday on my day home sick from work I had to go to the grocery store. Yes had to. Jimmy signed us up to bring a dessert to a Young Women’s fundraiser auction tonight, and as of yesterday at 12pm I didn't have anything to bring.

So I drug my self to the store (in my pj's, no make up and looking frightful if you must know) with Jimmy in tow to get the ingredients to make a dessert. We picked up a few things, and when we checked out they told us our total. It was like $30. $30 for dessert stuff?! I thought is sounded high, but was in a Day Quil haze so I didn't pay much attention to it.

After I got home, I started thinking about it and realized that amount just couldn't be right. So I looked at the receipt and saw I was charged the wrong amount for something, and charged twice for it when I only bought one. The error ending up charging me an extra $12 or so. Back to the store I went and got the manager to rectify the mistake. He was happy to do so, and was very apologetic but it made me wonder how many other times that happens. $12 here and there can add up! The moral of the story is, be sure to check your receipts!

Surprise, Suprise Part 2

Well, I'm not quite done ranting about my visit to the doctor. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I was surround by sick people (what else can I expect to find at doctor's office?). This one kid sitting next to me in the lobby was coughing up a lung, and I kept thinking "I better not get sick"!

Lo and behold I now have a cold. I slept horribly last night, my throat is on fire and I just want to put my head down and sleep. I'm stuck at work and feel like crap. Not to mention I look just about as good as I feel (which believe you me is NOT good).

Yet another great experience I can take from my appointment. Thanks again Kaiser!

Surprise, Surprise

Well here we go with another controversial post and me putting it all out there!

I hadn't been to the Doctor in like 4 years, mostly because I didn't have health insurance. Now that I do have it (and feel like I'm giving my right arm to pay for it) I thought I'd use it. So I made an appointment to get a physical done, just to be sure everything is working right.

A few days before I had my appointment I got a message from Kaiser telling me I was due for a pap smear. Yikes! I deleted that message real quick. Like most women I'm sure, Pap tests are not my favorite thing. In fact I dread them and want to avoid them at all costs. I'm sure after I have kids it will probably be a different story, but as of right now I'm a big baby about it.

So the day of my physical comes. I get there and the nurse asks me if I got the message saying I was due for a pap. I told her yes and I'd schedule one as soon as possible (lie, lie, lie). Well, long story short she basically talks me into doing one right then and there. With my MALE family practitioner. Ugh! I'm not the best liar, so maybe she saw right through me. I have to say that Robbie did warn me this might happen the night before my physical, but well I didn't believe him. I thought the doctor’s office might give me a heads up, say when I made the appointment if it was to entail any undressing and uncomfortable situations.

So, there I am sitting on the table, with my gown tied as tight as physically possible in the back wondering how this is going to work. There aren't even any little stirrup things! Surprise again, the little stirrups pop right out from under the table. Yay! I just closed my eyes and tried to find a happy place until the whole uncomfortable experience was over with.

After the exam, the Dr. wanted to talk to me about a few things. Another long story short, he wanted to prescribe me anti depressants. Huh? Sure I have some bad days (just like everyone else I thought) but that seemed a bit extreme (no offense to those who are on anti depressants, as apparently I may be joining you soon!). I pictured the sad little Zoloft bubble and couldn't help but think that is NOT me. So, I basically told him that I didn’t think I needed them, and he backed off. The whole idea of me telling the Doctor he is wrong and I don't need his medicine is almost laughable. I have no idea what I'm talking about. I'm just really hoping that I'm right and he's wrong about this one.

My BMI (body mass index for those who don't know) is a whole different story. They make you weigh yourself fully clothed (shoes and all) and then print it right up on paper with your BMI on it. In the quest to get an accurate number (and make me feel better) wouldn't it make more sense to get weighed with shoes off? I am a girl after all. I don't need the extra pounds shoes add, I've got enough of my own pounds thanks!

The good news is my blood pressure, cholesterol and all the others are just fine.

But I went in there thinking I was going to get on a scale, get my blood drawn and call it day.

Instead, I got violated and told that I need medical help. Hmm... Maybe staying away from the doctor was the right idea after all!

A Compromise, but is it a Good One?

Lack of things to do at work has left my mind to wander today. I started thinking about marriage and compromising. The two seem to be completely intertwined.

As I've said before, Jimmy and I are fairly different in the way we think and the things we like to do. So, we learned early on that always doing stuff together wasn't going to work. We just like to do different things. We are going on your 4th year of marriage, and are past the stage of needing to be together every waking moment. In fact, I'm not sure we were ever there. We are independent people, and that luckily is one thing we have in common.

We've reached this unspoken agreement that if I want to go somewhere and Jimmy doesn't I go and he stays home. If Jimmy wants to do something that I don't, he does it and I do something else. So we are compromising. But instead of compromising to do stuff together, we've compromised to just do what we want even if it's without the other person.

Jimmy does seem more willing than I am to do things he doesn't want to do. He's watched Sex and the City with me countless times when there was most definitely something else he wanted to do. But I wouldn't say him doing what I want is a normal occurence.

So it's not that we never do anything together, because we do. We just do stuff apart quite regularly. While this way of thinking/doing seems to work for us, it seems to back fire at times.

I know there are occasions where Jimmy really wants me to go to his friends house with him, and I don't because watching them play video games is not my idea of a fun night. But I think he would really like it if I were there. I know this bothers him sometimes because the reverse of the situation (if I'm going somewhere and I really want him to go and he won't) bothers me once in a while.

In the end I'm left to wonder how other couples get around stuff like this. Do they just drag each other all over the place?

We tried that. It didn't go very well. I always tell Jimmy that I'd rather him not go somewhere then come and be in a bad mood. I know he feels the same way about me.

So what can we do? We will never be one of those couples who can't function being apart for more than an hour, because that is not who we are.

But since we seem to be the only couple I know that thinks like this, our compromise is either genious or insane. I'm just not sure which one!

Girl Time

I always think it's funny when you here women say that most of their friends are guys, and they don't like girls.

I'm so the complete opposite. Ever since I can remember I've had a strong central group of girlfriends, and just a few guy friends on the perimeters.

I think I just like being friends with girls better! I know they can be jealous and catty and all that but I love having girlfriends. Girl's nights are one of my absolute favorite things.

No offense to my husband or any other guys out there. But girls think differently, and I really enjoy being with my own kind. Being with guys is fun too, but all that talk about butts and boobs gets old real quick.

So, last night Carla, Chloe and I went to see "He's Just Not That Into You". It was so much fun! Chloe and I went to eat before hand, and just had a really good time.

I loved the movie too. I thought it would be cute, but it exceeded my expectations. I laughed, I cried and I left the theater feeling that the $11 I had to pay to see it was well worth it. Actually I'd probably see it again.

I've read some reviews of it, a lot of people didn't like it because of one story line. I don't want to give too much away, but I think I took something different away from the movie. The story line in question was terrible, but I think unfortunately realistic. And it all ended well (including that story line in my opinion), so 2 thumbs up from me!

Ah girl time. What a great way to spend a Tuesday night! :)

Feeling the Burn

Well I drug my lazy rump to the gym last night, and now I'm paying the price. My legs are on fire! Literally. I can't even walk normal, I have to stumble along.

See this is why you shouldn't work out! :)

I have to admit it does feel kinda good though. To know that I pushed myself last night enough to be feeling it today.

Now if I can just go to the gym more than once a week I might see some results...

Lastly, I finished another book. This one is called "Mr. Maybe" by Jane Green:

Wow this book was RACY! I mean it made for good reading, but if I had to rate it on the movie rating system it would be R for sure. Maybe even NC-17! But it sure was good. And funny. So so funny. I would just start cracking up reading it. I even read Jimmy an excerpt and he laughed so that says something.

It is written by an English author, so lots of swearing though.

I would recommend it for girls who like funny books with happy endings. Probably not best for those who are offended by blatant sexuality!

Our First Valentines Day

Jimmy and I have been married just over 3 years and this Valentine's Day will be our 4th one.

Our first Valentine's Day together Jimmy tried to do something really special. We both had class that night (and a test none the less, heartless teacher!)so we couldn't go out or anything.

But Jimmy invited me over to his house before we went to class. I was driving over there, and he called me and asked me to stop at the store and get some toilet paper because they were out.

I did not react well to this. I didn't want to stop at the store and get them toilet paper! Is that my job? Why can't you (or one of the 4 people you live with for that matter) stop at the store and get toilet paper?

Typical of me, I did it but I was not happy about it. I went over there fuming mad that I had to go out of my way to get toilet paper for a house that wasn't even mine because other people are too lazy to get it.

When I got to his house, he had been trying to make me dinner. He had the table all set with a nice table cloth, candles and everything. He sent me to the store because dinner wasn't ready yet, and he wanted it to be a surprise when I walked in. They didn't really need the toilet paper; he just needed to get rid of me for a little while.

How did I respond to all this? Like a complete and total brat. I was still mad about the toilet paper. I pouted all through dinner and completely ruined the night. He had worked so hard to cook a full meal and set everything up. I acted like a spoiled ungrateful jerk. The only thing I can say in my defense is that I was having a really bad day. Maybe I was PMS ing or something.

And after all that he still married me! That is one of those events I really wish I could go back and redo.

As of right now we don't have any grand plans for this year. I've never been big into Valentines Day. I mean I like candy as much as the next person, but if I want candy I can just go buy it. And summer is coming, so do I really need candy? No, I don't. We don't have any dinner reservations, or play tickets or huge surprises. But we will be together and that's good enough for me!

Movin On

Tomorrow is my friend Audrey's 25th b day! Audrey and I have been friends since elementary school, and the fact that we're turning 25 this year really boggles my mind. Jeez time does fly. Anyway, Audrey moved to Utah in 2005 where she is now blissfully happy. Married with a house and a dog and a baby on the way.

Unfortunately a friend moving away is nothing new to me. It seems like just about every good friend I've had has moved away (with the exception of 1, but she is MIA recently...). I get why people move, but it still doesn't mean I have to like it!

I think part of me wants to stay here in Simi Valley and hope that one day they'll all move back and things will be like they used to again. I'm not going to hold my breath for that one though.

Even if they were to move back, it would never be the same. We are all married now (some with kids) and just different people than we used to be. But I'll always cherish those fun times we had and recall them fondly.

I have to say, all the friends that have moved do seem happier where they are, and that makes me happy for them. I do wish they'd come and visit more though.

So, in honor of Audrey's 25th B Day I'm going to list a few of my favorite Audrey memories:

1. 2003 ish, when we stole cones from a construction site and blocked off part off Fitzgerald. Watching people drive up to the cones, look around in confusion and then finally turn their cars around was so hilarious. That is still one of most fun things I've ever done.

2. 2005 ish, when we had a girl's night at Carla's house. We did shots of red bull and some kind of pure sugar non alcoholic drink mix. Needless to say we were bouncing off the walls. And later that night we stole election signs, wrote all over them and put them in people yards.

3. 2006 ish, when Megan and I got up at 3am to do your hair for your wedding. We were going on like 5 hours of sleep and had no idea what kind of hairstyle we were going to do. But, it did turn out pretty well If I do say so myself! ( Meg, I think we missed our calling as a hairstylist team!)

4. 2003-2005 ish, when we would dress up crazy and go out in public. Particularly in Las Vegas when I wore my "golf" themed attire, and you were a yellow and green sarong over hot pink pants. We got all kinds of attention that night, but I'm not sure it was the good kind.

5. 2003 ish, our road trip to Arizona. We spent way too much time in the car and ate nothing but crap for 4 solid days. But it was awesome and I'd do it again in heartbeat. The Grand Canyon was amazing!

There are so so many more. People come and go, but if you are lucky enough good friends and the times you share last forever.

Happy Birthday Audrey! I hope it's a great one!

It Says " DO NOT ROCK" !

Jimmy and I went down to Newport Beach to celebrate our belated anniversary on Friday. I had a free hotel coupon so we thought we'd put it to good use. We went to dinner on Friday, and had a gift card but actually ended up getting the meal completely free because our waitress was not so good. Yay I love free food!

Then on Saturday we went to the Balboa Pier and walked around for a while enjoying the absolutely perfect sunny day. There is a Ferris wheel there, and we decided to take a ride. I, like most other people am not very comfortable with heights.

I have this traumatizing memory of me and my Dad on a Ferris Wheel at a carnival when I was little. We were stopped at the top, and my Dad starting rocking the car. Of course, the car in front of you says in big capital letters "Do not rock". I never told my Dad I was scared. I'm not sure why either. But he never knew (until now) how completely terrified I was as we swung back and forth.

So, before we went on the Ferris wheel on Saturday I told Jimmy I don't like it when people rock the car. What does he do? He starts to rock it, right when we are at the top. I clutched on to the bar with white knuckles and told him I wasn't kidding when I said I don't like it when people do that. He started laughing and continued to do it until I think he saw the sheer horror in my eyes.

He finally stopped, but asked me what I was so afraid of. Well, how about the car breaking off and me plummeting to my death for one? But he made me realize that him making the car slightly sway will probably not lead to that. So, why was I so scared?

I think it has to do with rules. I'm a follower, always have been. If you give me a rule, I'll follow it. Even if it's completely dumb and unfounded. But, when I'm suspended above the ground on this giant metal wheel, I really like to follow the rules. They are saying "Do Not Rock" for a reason right?

I couldn't help but wonder why I'm like that. What am I so afraid of anyways? In the Ferris wheel case, death obviously. But with other things that are so stupid I'll follow the rules even if no one else does. I guess it just comes to the fact that some are leaders (Jimmy) and some are followers (Me). Maybe us being married actually does make some sense. I mean it would be disastrous if you had two leaders. Or two followers.

Lastly, I finished another book. This one's called " LOVE THE ONE YOUR WITH" by Emily Giffin.

Likes: I love Emily Giffin. She hasn't written a whole lot, but I've read everyone of her books (all 4 of them). She writes in a way that grabs you and keeps you from start to finish. She also manages to continually surprise me, despite the fact that I think I have her stories all figured out. This one is no exception. This story did not go at all the way I expected it to. There isn't a lot of cussing in this one either.

Dislikes: I don't really have any. It's not my favorite of her books, but I still really liked it. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It was good, but almost too realistic. I expected it to end in the story book way, and it didn't. So I have mixed feelings.

So, I would recommend this book for women who want a nice easy read that leaves you thinking about your life and some of its most important decisions.