Relaxation...Day 1

What a lovely day! Of course I woke up when my alarm clock was supposed to go off, so I laid in bed for awhile listening to the world wake up outside my window. I fell back to sleep about an hour later. When I finally crawled out of bed it was 10, it felt so nice just to be lazy.

I made pancakes, they were so yummy. They would have been better if my Dad had made them, I love his pancakes. 

I was then off to the Museum. After sitting through a lot traffic due to an nasty accident on the Bay Bridge, I finally arrived only to find out that the De Young is closed on Monday's.  Tip of the day: When looking online for directions take a gander at the days and times the Museum is open.

It wasn't a total loss, Golden Gate Park has plenty to see. As I was driving around I passed the Conservatory of Flowers and decided that would be a lovely excursion. Of course it to was closed for the day, however they had plenty of gardens to admire outside. The best part was the Dahlia garden. I LOVE Dahlia's, they are my favorite next to Peonies, Poppies and Daisies.

After spending a lovely time at the Conservatory I returned to Oakland and went to Cactus for my favorite Crispy Tacos.  

After dinner I felt the need to work out. It feels good to get the heart pumping again. I have topped the evening off with the Olympics. 

I am so glad that I took the day off, it was a perfect brain vacation. 

Oh yeah and there are Bison in the Golden Gate.

So Pretty

I saw these shoes in a shop window on Piedmont Ave and I fell in love. That was 3 weeks ago. Everytime I would walk by, I would dream that they would be mine one day. Well that day was yesterday. They were on sale and I couldn't resist any longer.

The color of dirty nickel is what drew me in, it is so pretty! They look fabulous on and are so comfy.

Ahhh...Relaxation

Today begins a 4 day weekend for me. Work has been insane and I needed a couple of mental health days to regroup. I have no major plans. I just want to relax and curl up with a good book. I will probably go to a couple of Museums, do a little shopping and enjoy what my neighborhood has to offer.

I did forget to do a couple of things at work, so I will run in for an hour. As an incentive I will stop on my way a go for a walk/run at Lafayette Reservoir. It has been so long since I really worked out my body is starting to crave it.

You Tube Frustration

A couple of weeks ago I wanted to post a few video's from You Tube. However they wouldn't post so I gave up and moved on. Well this morning I log on and the videos have posted and not just 1 of each.... several. In essence making me look obsessive or lame.

Below are videos I found either amusing or just plain cool. The video done for Radiohead's House of Cards is very innovative. Leave it to them to try something new.

We Are Scientists - Impatience - New Single

Kings Of Convenience - I'D Rather Dance With You

Radiohead - House of Cards

Pedicure

It has been a hectic summer with work. I have not had a break in a very long time. I have also been covering for others in my department, I feel like I will never catch up.

So tonight A-Gril and I went to get much needed pedicures.  I used to do my own when I lived in Utah but out here nail salons are everywhere. On Piedmont Avenue there are several, in fact we passed 3 in a 2 block stretch. I have no problem shelling over 20 bucks to have someone else do it for me.

To sit and relax with old trashy** magazines while getting a foot massage and soft feet, what a perfect end to a not so perfect day.

**Trashy Magazine - Star, US Weekly, In Touch etc.

I'm a fan

I wish the Olympics were aired a lot earlier in the evening. I can't stay up until 1 am to watch. I am Tivo'ing (is that a word?), however it isn't as much fun to watch when you know the results. 

The other day Gina at work sent me a link. She was bored and checking out all of the athletes.   

How hot is Rob Moore and to top it off he is British.  I am now a new fan of Field Hockey with a bit of a crush. Now if they would air it on T.V. so that I can actually say I watched a match.

Have you seen this yet?

I love The Office!!! OK that is an understatement...I LOVE THE OFFICE!!!!!!!!

I laughed so hard when I saw this promo for the new season. 

My older brother Brian and I use to engage in slap fights when we were teenagers. He always won, He had an unfair advantage due to his height. Ahh the memories.

Arrgh! I know that song...which one is it?

Do you ever have a moment when you hear a part of a song and you can't remember who it is by? When it happens to me I become crazed until I figure it out. 

Most recently it happened when watching this Coke Commercial. Instead of getting all choked up and desperately wanting to buy a Coke to support the Athletes, my mind was on the song.  I just knew that I at one time liked the song, I knew deep down that I knew the artist and name of the song and possibly it was in my iTunes, but I couldn't think of it. You know when you can't remember someone's name or can't remember that word, that is how it is with some songs for me.

After searching my mind and attempting to remember, I started a mad search. Stupidly I did not get up and get my computer. I instead started with my iPod, searching all of the names that it could possibly be. Because that was taking to much time, I finally got off my bum and started looking on the Internet. 

Of course I know it, I just couldn't recall it. It was this song and it was in my iTunes.  The relief of figuring it out. I only wish that my memory was better I could could of recalled it on my own. 

Happy Birthday Naomi!!!

Hip Hip Hooray, Naomi is 3 today!

She may be the youngest but never gets lost in the brood. She loves hanging out with her big brother Noah. Fiercely independent yet always willing to cuddle. I love talking to her on the phone, she is a great talker. 

Happy Birthday, Naomi! I Love You!

List Maker

I love music! With that said, I love discovering new music. I usually have several post-it notes and scraps of paper with band names scribbled on it.

My sources usually consist of podcasts, friends, family, and others blogs. I rarely listen to the radio unless it is NPR and the local classical station.

Today's list consist of the following bands and other things to check out:

Blind Pilot

American Princess

De Novo Dahl

In Cadeo

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Computer vs Banjo

The Old Believers

Mugison

Mass Solo Revolt

Sound Opinions.org

Watch Harry Potter Trailer

Check out Radiohead's New video

mixed in with cleaners, yogurt and paper towels.

I am hoping in today's list there is a new favorite.

So Excited!

CB2's San Francisco location is opening tomorrow. Yippee! Now I can peruse all of the cool stuff.

Anyone want to go shopping?

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

Today is Lauren's 11th Birthday. I can hardley believe it.

I adore her. I affectionately call her "Bug". She is the blonde hair, bubbly, tumbler in the family. She gives the best hugs and is always willing to share her room when I come to town.

She excelled in gymnastics and just started playing soccer, which she is a natural.

I love you Bug! I wish I could be closer to celebrate with you.

Band Links

Lovely Marielle asked that I add more Band links to my "Ahh Music to my Ears" section. 

Have fun perusing....

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Those of you who know me well, know that I don't like Baseball. I prefer Cycling, Soccer and Hockey. Baseball bores me, unless I am up close and even then I am done after an hour or two.

However my Company has pretty decent seats at the Giants Stadium and it is worth going every once in awhile. I get excited for the Hot Dog and Garlic fries. The fact that it is July and you have to wear a parka. Oh and don't forget some of the cute guys around (not the baseball players, some of them are just plain chunky.)

Chris, Masha and A-gril joined me last night as we watched the Giants beat the Nationals. It was actually a pretty good game with a couple of out of the park Home Runs. Chris is a pretty big baseball fan so we stayed for the whole game. We had a grand time. I am happy we went.

How comfortable are you with your masculinity? Would you be willing to wear a pastel heart beanie?

My camera sucks (a post on that later). The Bay Bridge looked lovely last night. Soon this bridge will be no longer. It will be torn down when the new "safer" bridge is complete.  So sad, it is an icon. Anyway this is my attempt to get a decent picture.

iPod Check

At little frivolous fun.
What were the last 15 songs played on your iPod, computer, or MP3 player?
My iPod is currently on shuffle so here is the list:
Try Me Bicycle - My History Bore a Knife
The Veils-Pan
Sufjan Stevens- The Avalanche
Okkerville River- John Allyn Smith Sails
Fiest-How My Heart Behaves
The Long Winters- Bride and Bridle
Arcade Fire- My Body is a Cage
Coldplay- Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love
Snow Patrol- You Could be Happy
Margot & The Nuclear So and So's- Skeleton Key
Elbow-Some Riot
Mellowdrone- Madison
Once Soundtrack- All the Way Down
Ludovico Einaudi-Giorni Dispari
Muse-City of Delusion

It is interesting to see it all typed out. If you want to play, leave your recently played songs in the comments (it doesn't have to be 15). It would be fun to check out some new music.

Obsess

1. To dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires; beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally.

2. To think about something unceasingly or persistently; dwell obsessively upon something.

So I'm not proud to say that I have been obsessed lately. I have not been able to blog, do anything productive, get my chores done. My oil needs to be changed, the bathroom needs cleaning, I desperately need to exercise, I ignore most phone calls, and a pedicure would be nice.

Since there is nothing on prime time TV, A-Gril suggested watching Roswell. I had never seen this show. I can't remember what I watched in 1999 but I know this wasn't it. 

I can't stop! No matter how cheesy it gets, I can't wait until the next episode. I rush home after work, I am reluctant to make plans.

The only saving grace is that I am totally not opposed to doing "Mystery Science Theater 3000" with it. Oh the many laughs I have had.

There is a light however, only 1 more season to watch and the trance will be broken. I will become a contributing member of society again.

Dr. Horrible

My Brother in Law Brian sent my sisters and I this message.  I really am a nerd and love Joss Whedon's humor.

"This is some bizarre little thing done by Joss Whedon, the creator of Firefly. It's free to watch until Sunday night, though you could probably find it on You Tube. Kinda Funny..."

Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

With Characters like Dr. Horrible, Captain Hammer and Moisture Man, how can you go wrong. If you are a fan I highly recommend it. 

Thanks Brian, you are awesome!