Carolyn has been reminding me that I haven't 'blogged' in quite a while (20 days), but the major reason I blog other than to record our yearly events/thoughts, etc. is to let Ashley and Bryce know what we're doing, and since they have been back home with us for about two weeks, there seems little need. But what the heck ...
The month of December has been filled with all things holiday and/or Christmas including: a CBS Christmas party; tickets to the OC Performing Arts Center; a company holiday party up in Pomona where we stayed overnight and did some shopping the following day; welcoming Ashley and Bryce home on different days in order to save airfare on at least one flight; church at CBC, Coast and Redeemer; putting up lights that pale in comparison to our neighbors, the Bethkes; shopping in Carolyn's favorite type of store (jewelry); taking Jonathan and Jillian to church on Christmas eve and singing carols; taking most of our presents to the Hales and enjoying a day long event on Christmas, opening gifts, eating, and playing white elephant bingo; enjoying a little more time off than normal; and, watching an occasional football game.
Tomorrow marks the end of the work year and the last week or two has been somewhat quiet, even boring at times, but with my new iPod, I'm at least able to entertain myself with music. I expect that as the various bosses return next week, the level of activity will again ramp up. Meanwhile, I'm planning on watching more than a few bowl games and NFL contests over my three-day break.
Rain is being forecast for this upcoming week and I'm thankful that the work on the outside of our house, installing new drains and lowering the ground level and fixing some stucco issues, is proceeding in a timely fashion, if not a blistering one.
I hope for all my readers (and lurkers), a wonderful, prosperous, healthy, safe, transforming and dry (at least indoors) New Years. May you be pleasantly surprised with something serendipitous, do something you've never done before, and explore somewhere you've never been before.
Talk to you in '06!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Holiday Hazards
They are everywhere this time of year! They call out to you from every corner of the office or home.
Title companies dropping off candy, potluck dinners with excessive displays (and consumption) of desserts or seven-layer dips, free tamale lunches provided by one of our vendors, Christmas (or holiday) cookies, company parties and more. Sugar and calories call to me - eat me, eat me, eat me - it's just a small piece of Sees or just one plate of food. Tables and my belt groan from the pressure.
The thoughts of working out or going to the gym, rest in the deep recesses of my brain, just surfacing very briefly before the temptation of chocolate lures me to consume.
Pray for my deliverance!
Title companies dropping off candy, potluck dinners with excessive displays (and consumption) of desserts or seven-layer dips, free tamale lunches provided by one of our vendors, Christmas (or holiday) cookies, company parties and more. Sugar and calories call to me - eat me, eat me, eat me - it's just a small piece of Sees or just one plate of food. Tables and my belt groan from the pressure.
The thoughts of working out or going to the gym, rest in the deep recesses of my brain, just surfacing very briefly before the temptation of chocolate lures me to consume.
Pray for my deliverance!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Saturday Dawns Bright
Well, we had a fine dinner at the Beach House last night. Carolyn had salmon, I had filet mignon, and we shared a delicious chocolate creme brulee for dinner. Fabulous!
It was raining slightly as we hauled our gear (sleeping bags, pillows, clothes) down to the boat after dinner which made it a bit awkward to hold an umbrella as well as the stuff and unlock the gate the gangway, etc., but we managed and soon were setting up the forward berth. The forward berth is like a short double bed which is like a triangle, so your feet fight for dominance through the night. It's a good thing we're not very tall or our feet would have been in the anchor locker!
Carolyn had forgotten her night time medications so she made a quick drive home and we were finally able to get to sleep around midnight. I can't say I slept my best, but it was fun and when we awoke the skies were blue with fluffy clouds adding to the scene. We dressed and walked across the bridge and got our morning coffee and bagels at one of the shops around the harbor.
On our return, we took a chance and walked out to Lewis company's COO yacht, the Lady Katherine. Leon had just arrived and welcomed us with a tour of his 60' boat. Really, really nice with fine woods, leather couches, and all the bells and whistles! With the breeze picking up, we decided to take the boat out ourselves for a short sail.
The engine started quickly and we headed out into a stiffening breeze. Other sailboats were gathering for a race while we made an easy run out with a full jib and speeds over 4 mph, then tacked back to get back and buttoned up around 1 p.m. so I could spend the rest of the day watching USC beat the tar out UCLA (right now the score is 44-6 in the 3rd quarter).
All in all, a different but fun anniversary celebration.
It was raining slightly as we hauled our gear (sleeping bags, pillows, clothes) down to the boat after dinner which made it a bit awkward to hold an umbrella as well as the stuff and unlock the gate the gangway, etc., but we managed and soon were setting up the forward berth. The forward berth is like a short double bed which is like a triangle, so your feet fight for dominance through the night. It's a good thing we're not very tall or our feet would have been in the anchor locker!
Carolyn had forgotten her night time medications so she made a quick drive home and we were finally able to get to sleep around midnight. I can't say I slept my best, but it was fun and when we awoke the skies were blue with fluffy clouds adding to the scene. We dressed and walked across the bridge and got our morning coffee and bagels at one of the shops around the harbor.
On our return, we took a chance and walked out to Lewis company's COO yacht, the Lady Katherine. Leon had just arrived and welcomed us with a tour of his 60' boat. Really, really nice with fine woods, leather couches, and all the bells and whistles! With the breeze picking up, we decided to take the boat out ourselves for a short sail.
The engine started quickly and we headed out into a stiffening breeze. Other sailboats were gathering for a race while we made an easy run out with a full jib and speeds over 4 mph, then tacked back to get back and buttoned up around 1 p.m. so I could spend the rest of the day watching USC beat the tar out UCLA (right now the score is 44-6 in the 3rd quarter).
All in all, a different but fun anniversary celebration.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Anniversary Plus 1
Thursdays, we attend our couples Bible Study so we didn't break tradition even though December 1st was on 32nd wedding anniversary!! It sure doesn't seem that long although with a daughter who turns 26 next year, I'm glad that ratio is at least over 1.1.
Tonight, we're going to enjoy a fine dinner at the Beach House in Dana Point and then spend the night on our boat. Rain is forecast for today, but we're hoping that it won't dampen our spirits too much. Earlier this year we spent a night at the Blue Lantern Inn for my birthday, and this "may" be a let down in terms of comfort and amenities, but it's ours and will be our first experience onboard overnight. If things don't go well, we're just a short drive from home, but I hope we'll be able to wake in the morning to clear skies and enjoy a walk around the harbor for coffee and breakfast.
Tonight, we're going to enjoy a fine dinner at the Beach House in Dana Point and then spend the night on our boat. Rain is forecast for today, but we're hoping that it won't dampen our spirits too much. Earlier this year we spent a night at the Blue Lantern Inn for my birthday, and this "may" be a let down in terms of comfort and amenities, but it's ours and will be our first experience onboard overnight. If things don't go well, we're just a short drive from home, but I hope we'll be able to wake in the morning to clear skies and enjoy a walk around the harbor for coffee and breakfast.
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