MEOW

I know this looks totally fake, but it is a real cat. Google "Verismo". There is a man that breeds massive Maine Coons and his website has plenty of pictures. In fact, Leo, the world's largest cat is one of his and Leo even has his own web page with pictures and stats. Can you imagine if he wanted to curl up in your lap? I'd seriously be afraid this cat would kill me in my sleep. So, until I find our elusive camera cord, check back for more of my random blogs...

Please, have mercy

I was browsing online "Romantic dinner for two" recipes and came across this horrifying picture. When I came to the realization a few years ago that lobster were boiled alive, I stopped eating the little guys. I never really like them in the first place because you dip them in butter and I hate the flavor of butter, but now I don't eat them based on principle. I eat meat. And I am well aware all animals must die in order for us to eat them. I'm sure none of it's pretty. But, I am fairly certain that a chicken or cow are not BOILED ALIVE in order to kill them. What? Can you imagine being boiled alive? And, even better, this romantic recipe specifically tells you to put the LIVE lobster in the pot, HEADFIRST. Yeah right. In 12 minutes, presto, you have dinner. No, I am not Tom Hanks in Castaway and therefore have choices about my food. I prefer to think we can do this in a more civilized manner. And I've heard this nonsense about lobsters not having feelings. That rumor was probably started by someone who eats at Red Lobster so often he has his own embroidered bib. So, for any of you who feel like having a homicidal romantic dinner for two tomorrow night, here's the link to the recipe. http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/steamed-lobster-seafood-recipes

Apology

I'm sorry our blog is so boring! We actually have been doing things and have pictures to post, but we can't find Aaron's camera cord to download them to my computer. You think we'd be able to manage what little space we have, but no. I'm pretty sure it's my fault because I used it last, but I'm still deflecting the blame. I'm going to our storage unit tonight for some other stuff, so I'll see if it happened to make it's way over there. Stay tuned...

Remembering Dr. King

I know Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't until Monday, but I won't be by my computer then, so I'll remember him now. After doing a year of black studies in college from an amazing professor, my eyes were further opened to what an incredible person Dr. King was and the tremendous service he did for all mankind. Be thankful on Monday, and every day, for people who are willing to stand up and do something for the injustices they see. And then be one of those people! Below are two photos (of many photos) of events in Dr. King's life. Click on the link below to read, hear, and see his magnificent, "I have a dream" speech.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Firemen turned high-powered hoses against peaceful demonstrators, who were knocked down in Kelly Ingram Park. By coming together and holding on to one another, they were able to stand up to the fire hoses, 1963.
© Bob Adelman / Magnum Photos

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At the climax of his "I Have a Dream" speech, King, the final speaker at the March on Washington, raises his arm on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and calls out for deliverance with the electrifying words of an old Negro spiritual hymn: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!" 1963.
© Bob Adelman / Magnum Photos

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

Neti Pot

Has anyone ever used one of these before? It's a Neti Pot and it clears out your nasal passage! Aaron and I have been sick and my poor nose won't stop running, so we decided to buy one last night. Oh heavens. I was so scared to use it because the concept pretty much disgusts me, but I did it anyway. It was amazing! It totally works. I've only had to blow my nose about 3 times today versus about every 5 minutes in days past. I'm still grossed out by it, but will a repeat customer of this bad boy. Click here for more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation

Apple Hill!

I absolutely love Apple Hill. If there is anywhere that feels like home to me, this is the place. When Aaron and I had one of our receptions in Folsom, I planned an extra day up north just to go to Apple Hill. My friend, Jen, joined us and my sister and parents came out from Utah. We're sitting on a HUGE pumpkin. Shelly said the inside might be rotten and we'd fall through. Luckily it held up long enough for our picture.

I had to post this picture because notice the difference in my hair from the first pumpkin picture and this picture. I just sit next to people who live in Utah and, voila!, I have oversized Utah hair! Amazing!

Ok, this is like the cutest dog ever. You have to see it in person. Of course I had to pose with it like a celebrity. No, I do not know who owns it and, yes, I just posed with a random dog. Here is me giving the dog love.

And the sweet dog gave me love back! This picture does not show the lick that just happened.

Spencer's Baptism

Note: I'm going backwards in these posts to catch up on old stuff. This is actually from last September.

Aaron and I joined the family in Northern California for my nephew, Spencer's, baptism. I can't believe he's so old! I was at an after game dance with Angela the night he was born. Time flies!

My nephew, Ryan (Spencer's brother), LOVES to sing, so he sang a solo. I think he became a little shy once he saw all the cameras flashing and wanted back up from his mom. So cute!

During the refreshments after the baptism, Aaron became the hit of the children's table. He had every child's attention and was keeping them all entertained. He's like the pied piper of children.

Birthday in New York

Aaron spent last summer working in New York and I flew out for his birthday. He lived in a tiny town on Long Island, but we went into the city for a day and had lots of fun. It was the weekend the Sex and the City movie opened. I could tell you stories about the hysteria we witnessed that day.

We also went to Coney Island one afternoon. I am scared to death of ferris wheels (I know, lame), but I put on a brave face to try their famous wheel of death. That's my nickname for it cause I was so sure I was going to die. Why else would they strap you into a metal cage if they thought the ride was safe? I will not be doing that again.
A boardwalk picture with the aforementioned wheel of death in the background. I was amazed at how many people were there! I love seeing other cultures and this was a mix of a million cultures. That's why I love New York.

We, meaning Aaron, had to get a famous Nathan's hot dog. I had a bite of the hot dog, another brave thing I seriously regret, and promptly wanted to throw up. I'm not a hot dog fan. Aaron loved it. I couldn't even get one bite down, so I can't imagine eating 30 something in minutes. Yikes.

I also made Aaron go to the Hampton's with me. It actually wasn't too far from his house on Long Island and was a nice drive. Of course, it's totally cute, complete with charming windmills and country kitchen farm equipment scattered about on lush lawns. I loved it.

Love and Basketball

Isn't that the name of a movie? Well, that could pretty much be the name of my life now. All Aaron ever wants to do is play or watch basketball. Like every day. Oh boy. I used to like the sport. Anyway, he is now a ref for basketball which I am happy about because it's easy extra money. I thought it might be an outlet and lessen his basketball obsession. Silly me, it hasn't. He is modeling a fashionable apron and oven mitt combo his mom gave him for Christmas. It's for a hockey team, the Calgary Flames. Yea, another sport!

Beach Day in JANUARY!

Aaron and I had an extremely rare chunk of daylight hours together and we decided to go to the beach and play frisbee and have lunch. We went to Coronado beach and it was beautiful! I can't believe we get to live here and have such awesome weather in January. While we may live in a tiny studio and pay a ton of rent, we love the San Diego and are in no rush to leave!

He loves that picture. I think it's kind of gross that you can see his tonsils, but moving on...

Side note about the plane picture. I know I live near like 5 airports and most of them are military so they can fly wherever the heck they want, but I am still not used to planes flying so low! They seriously get so close. Ever since 9/11, I still get a wee bit panicked when I see a huge plane flying right at me.