4 days left

And I promise I won't sign up for another marathon. Justin and I run the half this Sunday at 6am. The good thing about this is I'll be done no later than 9am (at my slowest), back in bed by 10am. Awesome.

I got a spa gift certificate from the directors at work. At "thank you" gift for all the work I did on the conference in October. I think I may make an appointment after the marathon for a spa day. Well deserved I think.

Justin and I got back from our Cruise to central America on Sunday. Minus a few days of bad weather, 3rd world countries with "one dollar" kids, and running 10 miles on the boat, it was a good trip with my family.

Pictures to come as soon as my sister sends me the 517 she took compared to the 20 we took. She was able to capture classic Jessi and Justin moments. You won't be disappointed.

What's that smell? Monarail! Oh I mean Tuna!

I just made tuna casserole for lunch. Everyone loves me.

Blocked

Ok, so I don't have anything good to report regarding the chili cheese burrito, mostly because I had a mental block. Since I've finally noticed how chubby I am, I'm starting to use that nutrition minor I got back in college and eat a bit better. Before I left work I visited Taco Bell's website; 370 calories and 16g of fat for on chili cheese burrito. Oh my garage! I just couldn't do that to myself. Seriously. No really, I couldn't. So I came home and had some yummy vegetarian, fat-free refried beans. Less than 300 calories and only like 4g of fat! (I had 2 servings. Totally worth it.)

I'm glad I've got that mental block there to stop me. But I'm sure some day it'll feel like this:




I wanted to yell at him to move so I could get a chili cheese burrito, but his gigantic head stopped me from overloading...oh and from enjoying about half the show that night. From what I heard it wasn't all that great.

A Miracle Just Might Happen Today

Planning ahead for my dinner, I was thinking it'd be a good bean burrito night. I'm craving refried beans as usual. But then, and this could be seen as a miracle in itself, our friend Poodle called me today. He figured with my extensive background and love of bean burritos I would already know this information he was about to tell me.

I didn't.

Turns out, he had a chili cheese burrito last night. Not one, but three! And he's not in Canada right now. If he was, that'd be a very mean joke. He had them in Las Vegas! Due to one of their high calorie specialties out right now, chili cheese nachos, they've brought back the burrito. No f-ing way!

So, I will go tonight and ask for one with confidence. And when they look at me with the usual glazed look, I'll just ask for my usual "pintos and beans". (Long story short, I didn't know pintos were beans. Justin has laughed at me for 7 years and counting.)

Full report tomorrow!

People's Choice

Not a very flattering photo, but eh, I'm chubby from all angles. The annual Halloween party was great. Not too many embarrassing photos and no scandalise stories to report. Everyone was "smoking" candy cigarettes and gum cigars. My tray was handy for a drink and camera tray. Everyone was totally jealous of the convenience.

As usual was, surprise surprise, the same girl won sexiest costume with her standard short skirt and boobage all over the place. No shock really. But what was shocking, Batman won sexiest male! Heck ya! You know you can't resist this:


And yet another surprise: I won the people's choice award outdoing the boobage girl! After 4 years, Justin and I won something. We were pretty excited. Can't you tell:

I am a Marketing Specialist Specializing in Travel Arrangements

Maybe today is "write about your work" day because over at Writinggal, she wrote about her past experience in an office. Luckily, she doesn't have to deal with dressing up when clients come to the office anymore. Or dealing with car pick-up problems with said clients. Or make sure clients get their breakfast and lunch and then their ride back to the airport. That seems to be my job ever since my company had our annual conference 3 weeks ago. That explains my lack of posts over the last two months.

In August I was asked to help with the conference by making all the travel arrangements. I was super excited. Finally I was going to do the job I was paid for; Marketing. Well on the bottom end of it. I didn't have to do all the planning and marketing materials that my boss had to do. I just did the travel arrangements. Oh and this was for 160 people. So ya, I was busy for 2 months. Booking flights, hotel, car service which always seems to be a fiasco. But for some reason that's the easy part - booking it. When the time comes for it to all come together, that's when it'll fall apart.

I really shouldn't judge myself so hard because everything actually went well. I was a mad woman for 3 days during this event. Everyone remembered me smiling, saying "hi," "what do you need," "I can do that for you," running around causing my bunions to hurt. But I got the job done no matter how hectic it was. It was almost like my days at Lone Star Steak House. But I didn't go home each night smelling like steak. The level of responsibility might have been too much for me. Because I got sick about a week later.

I thought I was done with it until today. Once again I was asked to take care of travel arrangements for about 10 people. Easy! But I should have known better. Actually the only thing that went wrong was the car was late picking up the guys. But they made it in time and all got fed and sent back home. One guy asked me what my official title was. "Marketing Specialist" I think he was looking for "Secretary" with all the arrangements I've been doing.

With our upcoming trip out of the country, I'm doing my own travel arrangements. Hotel, airfare, transportation but Justin will be my only client and I think I can smile at him all day long... but my bunions will still hurt.

Halloween Disappointment

Last night I wanted to finish my Halloween costume. I worked hard on making the top look like the costume I modeled it after - the Playboy cigarette girl. But once I started attaching the skirt I knew I should have just bought it. So with disappointment we went to the store to buy it. $60 later (so over priced!), I'm the owner of a costume that Justin says looks "to the tee" like the one I made. Well minus the skirt issue.

Had I known they used a swimsuit type fabric that would have made a HUGE difference. But I probably should have gone to the store to look at it first before tackling this project.

So now with mine out of the way, I'll be working on Justin's. I'll post pictures after the party since his is a secret. Need a hint? Last year the hot tub at the party was called "Justin's Cove" this year he's request it be called "Justin's Cave".

Halloween Party!

It's that time again for the annual Halloween Party! We've been working on our Halloween costumes since August. Ya ya, we know, we are crazy but we just get so excited for it! Shannyn and her husband Joe throw a great costume party so we have to take it seriously.

Justin's costume is a secret. He wants it to be a surprise. I say whatever. I don't want anyone showing up dressed like me so I've told anyone who's asked. I'm a "Cigar...Cigarette" girl. See the candy links on the right? Apparently they still sell candy cigarettes. I thought those were banned! So I bought them from Amazon. They smell so yummy. The cigars taste ok. It's gum and it's a lot of gum to chew. So I might be going home with a bunch of those.

I'm playing around with my hair to see if I can do it up 40's style. Since it's so long it might be hard. But I'll keep trying.

The fun part will be getting up at 5am after the party for our 11 mile run. I can't wait til the training is over and I can run when I want. It's true what they say - training's the hard part, running the marathon is easy. Glad I'm only doing the half!

Justin's foot is still bothering him so he won't be running 10 miles on Sunday. And I'm just bothered in general because I'll be running all 10.

I left my heart in Sam Franks Disco

This past weekend was our 6th wedding anniversary. Thank you to all who called and wished us a happy day. We actually celebrated it early by taking a trip to Northern California. We figured we should go before we move (not sure when that'll be, but it could be soon).

We had a weekend filled trip starting at Atwater California - my birthplace; Yosemite National Park - giant trees; San Francisco - where Justin mentioned he left his heart many times. I kept singing "be sure to wear sunflowers in your hair" (or is it "some flowers" in your hair?) It's an old song. If any one knows the song I'm mentioning, you're s-m-r-t!

Blink and you'll miss it - Atwater!

Learning about trees!

Big tree fell down!

I think Justin wasn't interested in the bridge when he took this picture. Nice dirt patch.

Not too bad for someone only 5 feet tall.

On our actual anniversary we went shopping, had a nice lunch and chilled for the rest of the day since we were running 9 miles on Sunday. Surprise to us they actually lowered the mileage to 7. But Justin and John ran the entire distance. Show-offs.

I know I'm slacking but there's a good reason!

After two weeks of craziness at work, I was finally able to relax somewhat this weekend. My mind was officially gone when I started to quote people flights from locations they weren't at. I knew it was time to go home on Friday.

I was determined NOT to think about work. (fyi: I'm planning this huge convention/show/event whatever you want to call it. Booking airfare, scheduling shuttles and anything else that goes along with it for 150 people.) It's all waiting for me today. Yeah!

I actually sewed on Saturday and Sunday. It was relaxed until I f-'d up my serger. Finally realizing I just needed new needles. I'm an idiot. I made 1 top and started on another one (hope to have it finished tonight). I still suck somewhat at sewing clothes but I'm learning. And the serger makes things look nicer. If I can only thread it faster.

Justin and I went out to eat on Friday. We read on our Thailand guide book to leave some food on our plate since it's a sign to the host that you were well taken care of. But it was mentally hard to leave any amount of a $20 piece of fish on my plate. But we managed to do it.

Oh and we are going to Thailand :) Justin's friend in Minnesota is getting married. So we are heading to Bangkok in January the day after my birthday for his wedding. But I still get to go to London for my birthday. Just a week later. We'll make it around the world. I think that's cool!

Well here's to a week that less hectic and idiotic. Oh and to a 3-day weekend on Friday!

It's Finals Week

2007 DCI season is coming to a close this week and I like to predict my top 12. Last year I was actually right with top 5. But it was easy to tell about half way thru who was going to place what.

This year, it's different. Honestly, I have no idea. The last show I saw was Phoenix where it was almost rained out right when the Colts came on. They stopped playing their opener and called it quits. We on the other hand went under the stadium hoping they weren't going to cancel it. I didn't drive 5 hours and pay $80 for 47+ plans to fly over every single corps then for it to rain.

At last, the rain let up and the Colts came back on...then it started again. This time, drizzling. They continued and did great on wet grass. Same with Crown (who's guard is awesome!), Regiment and Cavaliers. I zoned out after the 47th airplane passed over which says a lot for the last 4 shows. Not even an airplane could distract me. Great shows.

I can't predict this year and I'm not going to try. My opinion is just that and I'm not going to have people say, "Your crazy to think Regiment will be Cavies!"

I don't think I am. See some of you in Pasadena!

Whoppers vs. Maltesers

In 6 months, I'll be heading over to London for my 30th birthday. To get started with the celebrations, Justin and I have been reading about London, Great Britain, England and any other books on the area. It's really all the same isn't it my British friends? Just kidding.

Anyway, we visited our local British food store over the weekend. Justin's been on the hunt for these things called Maltesers. Apparently, they are the British version of whoppers. I like whoppers only at Halloween. They aren't an everyday type sweet for me. I don't even consider them a treat. Just another chocolate sweet in the sea of chocolate sweets.

But Maltesers are a bit different. Like all chocolates in Europe, they know what's up. Our chocolate can't even compare to this rich treat (yes, Maltesers are a treat). It takes this somewhat boring sweet to the next level. I actually like Maltesers and it's not even close to Halloween.

So if you have a British store in town, pick some up. They are also available on line.

Farming Life in Idaho

We can't afford them kids. We sprung for these fancy farming tools.

No, You Da-Hoe

Lesson learned: Don't take your heart rate monitor up to Idaho. It'll end up in a shoe bin in a camper of a cousin you haven't seen in 5+ years.

Oh, bring your fly swatter.

It's On

Full strength - baby fever that is. Going to a double baby shower probably didn't help my situation out at all. Justin and I drove up to Utah to see my sister and attend a shower for my Aunt and a Cousin. It was good to see everyone but the talk was babies. "When are you going to have one?" "Your mom is waiting." FYI - I doubt that. She's got four to play with.

Or my Grandma Dot saying, "I've got too many. I don't need anymore at my age." Phew, we're off the hook with her at least.

Speaking of Grandma Dot - While Justin, Heather and my Grandma (Dot's daughter) sat back laughing, I was trying to cram her into the van after the shower. She was laughing and teasing me the whole time. "Ouch that hurts! Just kidding." According to Justin, it was the funniest thing he's seen in a long time. I'm glad someone was having a good time.

Overall, everyone seems to be doing well up there. All of my little cousins are grown up, married and/or having babies. These are kids I knew when they were born. Some I didn't get to see because they aren't around anymore. Sarah and her big sister Angel whom I miss, are off working at Disney World. Their dad, my Uncle, likes to read my blog. This is my shout-out to you Doug! And I forgot to give you that playbill for Avenue Q again. It'll eventually end up in your hands.

I'll be heading up there again over the 4th of July week for a secret surprise party for the Dot-ster. She's turning 90 and doesn't know everyone's coming up. As I said good-bye to her yesterday, she said to me, "Should I cry because you're leaving?"
"Only if you want to." The Dot-ster is quite the jokester.

2 years later and I said yes again

Actually it was around the fourth of July when I agreed to run the Las Vegas Marathon. This year, two months earlier. I was talking to my friend and co-worker John about the marathon. He's now big into fitness (which is great and it's showing on him) so while discussing it, I mentioned I'd never do a full again but maybe a half. So he said, "Wanna sign up?"

"NO!"

But after many people talking me into it, including Justin, I agreed. This time around will be different. I'll have people I know training with me; John, his wife Chris, Matthew (husband of a friend at work), Nita and Justin! I had a friend the first time but we all know how that ended-sorry Poodle. I'll actually strength-train and cross-train this time and not be a sissy. Obviously that's why I was so weak when I did the full.

Not that I'm going for a competitive finish time, I would like my training to be easier and yet still challenging. I went into the first one weak and dumb. I'll just go into this one dumb but stronger!

So our first run is this Sunday...for 20 minutes...or so I've been told. But honestly, I could build up 13 miles in 28 weeks. I'll keep everyone posted.

Kitchen Update!

Justin and I always have big plans for our house, but it usually takes forever to actually get it done. So we set aside Saturday to finally put up our stainless steal back splashes and I have to say...I love the finished look!

Before: This is right before we started installing. So normally my espresso machine and other kitchen gadgets are around.


Installing the first panel!


So far so good.

Almost Done!


Ta-Da!



We think it turned out great! This was a big job and Justin did a great job. Up next: our under cabinet lights (that have been sitting boxed up for almost a year). We also put up a bar but our bar stools won't be in for about 5 weeks. So I'll post pics when that's complete.

Becausing Helping is Good

Justin and I are participating in the Race for the Cure - Las Vegas in May. And since we both haven't done any running since my marathon, we are sticking with the 5k walk. A bunch of friends from work are doing it too so it'll be a great time. I told Justin he should bring his yo-yo so he can practice walking and yo-yoing. Cause that's a trick that most can't do. (Ask him about the Wee Willy Wonka trick--my favorite)

So this gives me about 2 weeks for us to do some fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We both pledged $150-easy with your help.

You can go to my page or Justin's page and see our progress and make a donation.

Thanks friends! See you May 5th!

I Wasn't Expecting That.

(click on picture to play)

Can't Wait til Next Weeked

Sunday night, I told Justin "I can't wait til next weekend!" He yelled "Why?"

"So I can do nothing!"

Actually, I had a very restful weekend and yet I got a lot done. I sewed up a new purse (which I'm going to put in my shop) along with a bunch of fabric. I organized my fabric closet and found some that I just have no use for. So off to sell them.

I also altered a pair of co-workers slacks. It was interesting because I had never altered a waistband. But I think they turned out great. I rule! Except I forgot to bring them in. I kinda rule.

Justin and I saw some movies. It was weird to rent them, something we haven't done in a long time. We watched Children of Men on Saturday night. Overall a great movie but much too deep for me on a casual Saturday night. Then to continue the trend of dramatic entertainment, Sunday we watched Babel. Again, great movie, drama all around but this one I could handle. I recommend both movies.

And if I haven't mentioned this to every person I've seen over the last month or two, my braces come off today. I'm excited mostly cause I'll be able to eat an apple whole. Oh ya, and that they'll be straight and purty. That too.

Of course I don't have pictures of anything listed above. But I figured after the beautiful photo of the El Bomba for a week, I'd spare you any imagery. My mom thanked me for posting something to move it down. So you're all welcome!